bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prefecture-level Statistics as a Source of Data for Research into China's Regional Development
Authors: Herrmann-Pillath Carsten , Kirchert Daniel , Jiancheng Pan
Published: July 2008

Analyses of regional economic disparities in China mostly refer to the level of the province. The report provides a survey of the prospects and limitations of using prefecture-level data in order to understand the spatial dynamics of growth. A new database has been built that is based on the original data available in the provincial yearbooks. The data are in the GIS framework. A large set of maps is accessible via www.on-China.de.
Preliminary observations on possible new insights include, amongst others, a more complex picture of rural development.
Hong Kong's Stunted Political Party System
Authors: Siu-kai Lau , Hsin-chi Kuan
Published: July 2008

Hong Kong's political parties are now in decline after the return of the former British colony to China. The decline of political parties stands out in stark relief in a context featuring “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong” and gradual democratization. A major reason for the decline is the stunted political party system of Hong Kong. Prominent in that stunted system is the absence of a ruling party. The stunted party system is primarily the result of Beijing's antipathy towards party politics in Hong Kong, which in turn discourages party formation by the Hong Kong government and the conservative elites. The lack of incentives for the business elites to organize political parties to protect their interests is another major reason. The stunted party system has produced serious adverse consequences for the governance of Hong Kong, representation of interests, public attitudes towards the political class and the further democratization of the territory.
The Great Wall at Sea: China's Navy Enters the Twenty-First Century. By Bernard D. Cole. [Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2001. x+288 pp. $34.95. ISBN 1-55750-239-0.]
Authors: Hattendorf John B.
Published: July 2008

Those who speculate on the course of future events have given much attention to the role that China's navy might play as a future rival to American naval power in the distant reaches of the new century. Some popular attention has been given to the idea that China, a country with the world's largest population and a rapidly growing economy and military, will soon put the next superpower navy to sea. Bernard Cole, a retired naval officer, now a dean and professor of international history at the National War College, presents quite a different picture.
The Remaking of the Chinese Character and Identity in the 21st Century: The Chinese Face Practices. By Wenshan Jia. [Westport, CT and London: Ablex Publishing, 2001. xv+196 pp. £24.95. ISBN 1-56750-555-4.]
Authors: Kipnis Andrew
Published: July 2008

Many of the faults of this book may be intuited from the title. The author too often writes as if there is a singular entity called “the Chinese Character” whose cornerstone are “the Chinese Face Practices.” Though claiming that his use of a “social constructionist” approach allows him to rise above ahistorical and orientalist approaches, the author rarely does so. For example, his history of the Chinese face practices consists of ten pages that cover the Shang dynasty to the present.
Kinetics of alkaline phosphatase and lactoperoxidase inactivation, and of β-lactoglobulin denaturation in milk with different fat content
Authors: CLAEYS WENDIE L. , VAN LOEY ANN M. , HENDRICKX MARC E.
Published: July 2008

In the context of identifying intrinsic time temperature integrators (TTIs) for evaluating heat processing of milk, the extent to which milk fat content has an effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactoperoxidase (Lpo) inactivation and on β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) denaturation kinetics was studied. Inactivation and denaturation kinetics were analysed in whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk. In previous experiments (isothermal and non-isothermal heating conditions), heat inactivation of ALP and Lpo and heat denaturation of β-lg were found to follow first order kinetics. This allowed experimental design to be simplified. Data analysis was performed by non-linear regression and results were evaluated by construction of joint confidence regions. The possible effect of milk fat was illustrated by temperature time tolerance (TTT-) diagrams. Although initial ALP activity was lower in skimmed milk compared with semi-skimmed or whole milk, kinetics were comparable and fat content did not seem to substantially affect the ALP test result for pasteurized milk. Unlike ALP, Lpo inactivation and β-lg denaturation kinetics differed significantly in milk with different fat content. Differences between Lpo inactivation kinetics were relatively small and acceptable in the context of quantifying the process impact. Denaturation of β-lg, on the other hand, seemed to be enhanced at higher milk fat content (>72 °C).
Addition of fish oil to diets for dairy cows. II. Effects on milk fat and gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes
Authors: AHNADI CHARAF E. , BESWICK NAOMI , DELBECCHI LOUIS , KENNELLY JOHN J. , LACASSE PIERRE
Published: July 2008

Sixteen Holstein cows in mid-lactation were used to determine whether alterations of mammary fatty acid metabolism are responsible for the milk fat depression associated with consumption of fish oil. Cows were given a total mixed ration with no added fish oil (control), unprotected fish oil (3.7% of dry matter), or glutaraldehyde-protected microcapsules of fish oil (1.5% or 3.0% of dry matter) for 4 weeks. Milk samples were taken once a week and a mammary biopsy was taken from a rear quarter at the end of the treatment period. Milk fat content was lower in cows given unprotected fish oil (26.0 g/kg), 1.5% protected fish oil (24.6 g/kg) and 3% protected fish oil (20.4 g/kg) than in cows fed the control diet (36.0 g/kg). This was mainly due to a decrease in the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids. Consumption of protected fish oil decreased the abundance of lipogenic enzymes mRNA in the mammary gland. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNAs for cows given 3% protected fish oil averaged only 30%, 25% and 25% of control values, respectively. Dietary addition of unprotected fish oil slightly decreased mRNA abundance of these enzymes but markedly reduced the amount of lipoprotein lipase mRNA. Milk fat content was significantly correlated with gene expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase but not lipoprotein lipase. These results suggest that fish oil reduces milk fat percentage by inhibiting gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes.
Volatile fraction and sensory characteristics of Manchego cheese. 2. Seasonal variation
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA ESTRELLA , SERRANO CARMEN , NUÑEZ MANUEL
Published: July 2008

An automatic purge and trap apparatus, coupled to a GC-MS was used to study the seasonal variability of the volatile fraction of raw milk Manchego cheese. Both season and dairy significantly affected abundance of most volatile compounds. Most aldehydes, methyl ketones, n-alcohols, and secondary alcohols reached significantly higher concentrations in spring cheeses. Branched chain alcohols showed significantly higher concentrations in autumn and winter cheeses, while significantly higher amounts of diketones were found in summer cheeses. Most ethyl esters reached higher concentrations in spring and winter cheeses and lower in autumn cheeses. Lower concentrations of α-pinene were found in spring cheeses, and higher amounts of limonene were observed in winter cheeses. Heptane and octane were significantly more abundant in summer cheeses. No significant seasonal differences were found either for quality or intensity scores.
Law and love: the Jewish family in early modern Italy
Authors: TZVI ADELMAN HOWARD
Published: July 2008

In legal texts, women, acting on their own volition, are actually described as individuals in negative terms. This study examines clandestine betrothals and marriages; adultery, especially the treatment of adulterous women; the abused wife and her ability to initiate divorce proceedings against her husband; and testaments left with Christian notaries by Jewish women.

While they were limited by various laws and customs, individuals managed to use laws and social structures for their own advantage, negotiated space for themselves, and devised strategies to fulfil their wishes, which could be described as the pursuit of love, by circumventing obstacles placed in their way by communities, families, and the law. These practices raise questions about familial control, rabbinic authority, and communal power.
Regional blow-up for a higher-order semilinear parabolic equation
Authors: CHAVES MANUELA , GALAKTIONOV VICTOR A.
Published: July 2008

We study the blow-up behaviour of solutions of a 2mth order semilinear parabolic equation

[formula here]

with a superlinear function q(u) for |u| Gt; 1. We prove some estimates on the asymptotic blow-up behaviour. Such estimates apply to general integral evolution equations. We answer the following question: find a continuous function q(u) with a superlinear growth as u → ∞ such that the parabolic equation exhibits regional blow-up in a domain of finite non-zero measure. We show that such a regional blow-up can occur for q(u) = u|ln|u‖2m. We present a formal asymptotic theory explaining that the stable (generic) blow-up behaviour as t → T− is described by the self-similar solution

[formula here]

of the complex Hamilton–Jacobi equation

[formula here].
THE CONTRIBUTION OF FLORISTIC AND MONOGRAPHIC STUDIES TO A COMPREHENSIVE WORLD UMBELLIFER DATA SET
Authors: WATSON M. F.
Published: July 2008

Recent trends in compilation of world consensus family classifications from existing floristic and monographic data, and demands for alpha-taxonomic and other traditional phenetic data for analysis with phylogenetic reconstructions derived from DNA sequences are discussed. Obstacles hindering the production of a meaningful, comprehensive data set for Apiaceae include: (1) the lack of comparable non-molecular phenetic data; (2) incomplete coverage of family accounts in recent Floras, particularly in the southern hemisphere; (3) large, artificial genera awaiting monographic treatment; and (4) the lack of database systems that handle differences in taxonomic opinion (alternative classifications). The use of electronic communication, particularly the Internet, can help to accelerate progress in these areas through promoting collaboration and information exchange. The contribution of the Apiales Resource Centre website (especially the umbellifer areas: www.umbellifers.com) is highlighted.
A NEW SUBSPECIES OF SENECIO MOHAVENSIS (COMPOSITAE) REVEALS OLD–NEW WORLD SPECIES DISJUNCTION
Authors: COLEMAN M. , FORBES D. G. , ABBOTT R. J.
Published: July 2008

Examination of morphology, ploidy and interfertility in the two subspecies of the Old World Senecio flavus (Decne.) Sch. Bip. (Compositae) and the closely related New World S. mohavensis A. Gray does not support the subspecific taxonomy of S. flavus. On the basis of our results S. flavus subsp. breviflorus Kadereit is transferred to S. mohavensis as a new subspecies: S. mohavensis subsp. breviflorus (Kadereit) M. Coleman comb. nov. The new subspecies has a distribution that includes Arabia, the Middle East, Sinai, Iran, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and the Thar Desert of Pakistan. The type subspecies of S. mohavensis occurs in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of North America, providing an unusual disjunct distribution at the species level. Separation from S. flavus is based upon differences in morphology and chromosome number. Senecio flavus is diploid (2n = 20), while both subspecies of S. mohavensis are tetraploid (2n = 40). Further support for the new taxonomic treatment is provided by the results of controlled crosses. No artificial hybrids have been generated from crosses made between the previously recognized subspecies of S. flavus, while crosses between the newly recognized subspecies of S. mohavensis have produced fertile hybrids. The fertility of the hybrids is significantly lower than the parental taxa (P<0.001), indicating partial genetic divergence since isolation. Previous studies of isozyme and cpDNA variation in all three taxa also support the new treatment. The similarity of the S. mohavensis subspecies suggests a relatively recent separation, although the amount of genetic divergence does not support a post-Colombian introduction. Given that land bridges to North America via Beringia and the North Atlantic last existed in the Oligocene, long-distance dispersal seems the most likely explanation. Natural dispersal to rather than from the New World is supported, but whether this took place in an easterly or westerly direction is unclear. The evolution of S. mohavensis remains equivocal.
JASIONE (CAMPANULACEAE) ANATOMY IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA AND ITS TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: BOKHARI M. H. , SALES F.
Published: July 2008

The stem and leaf anatomy of the ten species of Jasione L. (Campanulaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula were investigated; their infra-specific taxa were also studied. The species differ from each other anatomically and can be identified by their anatomical characters. The anatomical evidence supports the taxonomic treatment that will be published in the forthcoming Flora iberica Volume 14. The possible relations between the anatomy and the ecology of these plants are discussed. Specialized small multicellular structures (trichoids) present on the leaf surface, whose interest has not previously been recognized, are described and their possible function discussed.
Science under Socialism in the USSR and Beyond
Authors: Pollock Ethan
Published: July 2008

Vera Tolz, Russian Academicians and the Revolution: Combining Professionalism and Politics (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997), 236 pp., £40.00, ISBN 0-333-71239-0.

Nikolai Krementsov, Stalinist Science (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997), 371 pp., hb, £40, ISBN 0-691-02877-X.

Paul R. Josephson, New Atlantis Revisited: Akademgorodok, the Siberian City of Science (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997), 351 pp., £27.50, ISBN 0-691-04454-6.

Kristie Macrakis and Dieter Hoffmann, eds., Science under Socialism: East Germany in Comparative Perspective (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999), 380 pp., hb, £41.50, ISBN 0-674-79477-X.

Loren Graham, What Have We Learned About Science and Technology from the Russian Experience? (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1998), 177 pp., hb, $42.00, ISBN 0-804-73276-0.

Is the position of a citizen in the country to be determined only by his political weight?
There was a time when alongside the emperor stood the patriarch: the church was then the
bearer of culture. The church is becoming obsolete, the patriarchs have had their day, but
the country cannot manage without leaders in the sphere of ideas …

Only science and scientists can move our technology, economy and state order forward
…Sooner or later we will have to raise scientists to the rank of patriarch. That will be
necessary because without that you will not make scientists always serve the country with
enthusiasm … Without that patriarchal position for the scientists the country cannot grow
culturally on its own, just as Bacon noted in his ‘New Atlantis’. It is time, therefore, for
comrades of Comrade [Lavrenty] Beria's type to begin to learn respect for scientists.

Letter from Peter Leonidovich Kapitsa to Joseph Stalin, 3 October 1945
Weakly Saturated Hypergraphs and Exterior Algebra
Authors: PIKHURKO OLEG
Published: July 2008

Given an r-graph F, an r-graph G is called weakly F-saturated if the edges missing from G
can be added, one at a time, in some order, each extra edge creating a new copy of F. Let
w-sat(n, F) be the minimal size of a weakly F-saturated graph of order n. We compute the
w-sat function for a wide class of r-graphs called pyramids: these include many examples
for which the w-sat function was known, as well as many new examples, such as the
computation of w-sat(n,Ks + Kt), and enable us to prove a conjecture of Tuza.

Our main technique, developed from ideas of Kalai, is based on matroids derived from
exterior algebra. We prove that if it succeeds for some graphs then the same is true for the
‘cones’ and ‘joins’ of such graphs, so that the w-sat function can be computed for many
graphs that are built up from certain elementary graphs by these operations.
A Note on Counting Very Different Sequences
Authors: FACHINI EMANUELA , KÖRNER JÁNOS
Published: July 2008

We strengthen the Cohen–Körner–Simonyi upper bound on counting ‘very different sequences’.
Maximum-Sized Matroids with No Minors Isomorphic to U2,5, F7, F−7 or P7
Authors: MECAY STEFAN T.
Published: July 2008

Let [Mscr ] be the class of simple matroids which do not contain the 5-point line U2,5, the
Fano plane F7, the non-Fano plane F−7, or the matroid P7 as minors. Let h(n) be the
maximum number of points in a rank-n matroid in [Mscr ]. We show that h(2) = 4, h(3) = 7,
and h(n) = (n+12)
for n [ges ] 4, and we also find all the maximum-sized matroids for each rank.
Spanning Trees in Dense Graphs
Authors: KOMLÓS JÁNOS , SÁRKÓZY GÁBOR N. , SZEMERÉDI ENDRE
Published: July 2008

In this paper we prove the following almost optimal theorem. For any δ > 0, there exist
constants c and n0 such that, if n [ges ] n0, T is a tree of order n and maximum degree at most
cn/log n, and G is a graph of order n and minimum degree at least (1/2 + δ)n, then T is a
subgraph of G.
Atlantic history: what and why?
Authors: CANNY NICHOLAS
Published: July 2008

One of the discernible trends in the historiography of recent decades – especially in that which concerns the early modern centuries – has been the emergence of a literature that describes itself as Atlantic History. This paper seeks to identify positive and negative reasons why the once-popular history of exploration and discovery has given way to this new subject, it identifies some fresh meanings that may be drawn from some well-known sources when they are reappraised in an Atlantic context, and it suggests some possibly fruitful lines of enquiry that would lead to a better understanding of how an Atlantic world was fashioned and functioned during the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Finally, the paper draws a distinction between Atlantic history and Global history and suggests that the latter is a subject that belongs more properly to the nineteenth and subsequent centuries.
Well-being and health from age 70 to 100: findings from the Berlin Aging Study
Authors: SMITH JACQUI
Published: July 2008

An individual's personal sense of well-being (SWB) is an indicator of psychological adjustment and successful ageing. Health and functional capacity are viewed as important sources of life quality in old age but very little is known about their effects on SWB over time. Can older individuals maintain SWB despite declining health? Longitudinal data from the Berlin Aging Study, a locally representative sample of men and women aged 70 to 100+, indicate that cumulative health-related chronic life strains that characterize the Fourth Age set a constraint on the potential of the older individual to experience the positive side of life.
Prescribing Practices of Child Psychiatrists in the UK
Authors: McNicholas Fiona
Published: July 2008

This study reports on a nation-wide survey of a randomly selected group of child psychiatrists and examines their prescribing practices for a wide range of psychotropic medication in a wide range of disorders. Despite 98% of the sample valuing medication as a treatment modality, one third of clinicians prescribed rarely or not at all. More than three-quarters felt insufficiently competent in this area, a finding which was significantly associated with less frequent or no prescribing. Half of the sample believed that if they were better informed they would prescribe more and 91% requested regular psychopharmacology seminars.
The Social Competence of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Nixon Elizabeth
Published: July 2008

This article reviews research conducted over the past 20 years on the social competence of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A substantial body of research suggests that children with ADHD experience significant interpersonal difficulties. The social competence of ADHD children is considered using three indices: typical social behaviours or social functioning, internal cognitive structures relating to the behaviours, and the products or outcomes of their social functioning. Possible mechanisms underlying their interpersonal difficulties are discussed. The article concludes by outlining the significance of these difficulties for later life outcomes, and emphasising the importance of uncovering the mechanisms by which these difficulties arise.
The meaning of quality of life: Narrations by patients with incurable cancer in palliative home care
Authors: Melin-Johansson Christina , Ödling Gunvor , Axelsson Bertil , Danielson Ella
Published: July 2008

Objective:

The objective of this qualitative study was to elucidate the meaning of quality of life as narrated by patients with incurable cancer approaching death in palliative home care in Sweden.

Methods:

To gain a deeper understanding of what quality of life means for dying patients, data were collected from narrative interviews with eight patients in their homes in 2004–2006. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the meaning regarding quality of life.

Results:

Three main themes were found: being in intense suffering, having breathing space in suffering, and being at home. Living with incurable cancer at the end of life was experienced as living in physical distress as the body became incapacitated by unexpected physical complications. This incapacity had consequences on patients’ psychological, social, and existential well-being. As the complication phase abated, the patients experienced that they regained hopefulness and had time to reflect on existential issues. Patients were provided affirmative care at home from family caregivers and the palliative home care team.

Significance of results:

This study shows that it is feasible to perform individual interviews with patients approaching death and elucidate the meaning of patients’ quality of life in palliative home care. Patients oscillate between being in intense suffering and having breathing space in this suffering, which somewhat opposes the traditional picture of a continuous linear deterioration. Being cared for at home by family caregivers and health care professionals provided a sense of independency and security. Being at home safeguards patients’ entire life situation and increases quality of life.
The conjoint use of music therapy and reflexology with hospitalized advanced stage cancer patients and their families
Authors: Magill Lucanne , Berenson Susan
Published: July 2008

Advanced stage cancer patients experience debilitating physical symptoms as well as profound emotional and spiritual struggles. Advanced disease is accompanied by multiple changes and losses for the patient and the family. Palliative care focuses on the relief of overall suffering of patients and families, including symptom control, psychosocial support, and the meeting of spiritual needs. Music therapy and reflexology are complementary therapies that can soothe and provide comfort. When used conjointly, they provide a multifaceted experience that can aid in the reduction of anxiety, pain, and isolation; facilitate communication between patients, family members, and staff; and provide the potential for a more peaceful dying experience for all involved. This article addresses the benefits of the combined use of music therapy and reflexology. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the application and benefits of this dual approach for patients and their families regarding adjustment to the end of life in the presence of anxiety and cognitive impairment.
Factors controlling sea salt modification and dry deposition of nonsea‐salt components to the ocean
Authors: Kawakami N. , Osada K. , Nishita C. , Yabuki M. , Kobayashi H. , Hara K. , Shiobara M.
Published: July 2008

Modification of sea salt aerosol particles (SSA particles) by HNO3 and SO2 is an important process for changing phase partitioning of acidic gases from industrial regions to the ocean. During 12–29 September 2005, size‐segregated aerosol particles and acidic gases were sampled around the western part of the Japanese Islands to elucidate controlling factors of modification of SSA particles by acidic gases and to estimate dry deposition flux over the ocean. For coarse (>2 μm diameter) SSA particles, the amount of Cl− deficiency from the seawater ratio was comparable to the sum of the equivalent concentrations of NO3− and nonsea‐salt (nss) SO42−, suggesting Cl− displacement of SSA particles by acidic gases such as HNO3 and SO2. The Cl− deficiency of SSA particles varied according to the size range and wind speed. Decreasing modification occurred with increasing wind speed for particles of 2–8 μm. Under high (low) wind conditions, the NO3− concentration per unit surface area of coarse SSA particles was lower (higher) for particles >8 μm than for those of 2–8 μm diameter. The respective dry deposition fluxes (Fdry) of NO3−, nss‐SO42−, HNO3, and SO2 were estimated according to the wind speed and size of aerosol particles. On average, the Fdry of particulate NO3− was 10 times larger than that of HNO3, but Fdry of nss‐SO42− was almost equal to that of SO2. Phase partitioning of dry deposition for NO3− and nss‐SO42− over the ocean differs from that of coastal marine areas.
Aerosol optical thicknesses over North Africa: 1. Development of a product for model validation using Ozone Monitoring Instrument, Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer, and Aerosol Robotic Network
Authors: Christopher Sundar A. , Gupta Pawan , Haywood James , Greed Glenn
Published: July 2008

Daily aerosol optical thickness (AOT) at 0.55 μm over the desert regions is needed as a source of validation for numerical models such as the United Kingdom's Numerical Weather Prediction Unified Model. We examined the relationship between monthly mean ultraviolet (UV) absorbing aerosol index (AI) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) that is available on a daily basis with the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) AOT that is available once every nine days over North Africa. We then developed spatiotemporal AI‐AOT relationships on a monthly mean basis that can be used to convert the daily AI to AOT during months when dust concentrations are high (June–August) to compare against months when a mixture of dust and biomass burning aerosols are present (January–March). We further examined the AOT data from the ground to validate our methods and results. While previous studies have examined the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer AI with limited ground‐based Sun photometer data, our study extends this to the OMI over 2 years (2005–2006) and for the entire north African region (20°W–40°E and 0–30°N). Our results confirm that the MISR is an excellent sensor for retrieving AOT over desert regions. Comparisons between MISR and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) data over multiple locations indicate that the linear correlation coefficient is 0.89. The AI‐AOT relationship is region specific and is robust over locations where AI and AOT are high during June–August especially when the predominant aerosol is dust. This relationship breaks down closer to the equator when aerosol loading is small especially when biomass‐burning aerosols are prevalent during January–March. Our analysis indicates that the estimated AOT (EAOT) from the AI‐AOT relationship is within 28% of the MISR AOT for optical depths between 0.2 and 2.0 with large uncertainties (75%) for smaller optical depths (<0.2). The EAOT for January–March 2006 is well correlated with the AERONET AOT with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.83 with a relative mean error of 23%. The methods and products developed here can be used as a first proxy for validating model‐derived AOT that is shown by Greed et al. (2008).
Late Oligocene to early Miocene lateral extrusion at the eastern border of the Lepontine dome of the central Alps (Bergell and Insubric areas, eastern central Alps)
Authors: Ciancaleoni Laurent , Marquer Didier
Published: July 2008

How the internal domain of the central Alps deformed during late stages of the continental collision remains poorly understood. To fill this gap in knowledge, we present new data constraining the late Alpine brittle and brittle‐ductile tectonics in Oligocene intrusions of the Bergell Alps (eastern central Alps). Syncollisional late normal faulting is widespread at all investigated scales, but part of the deformation observed is also associated with oblique‐slip and transcurrent displacements. The faults are explained by stress permutations in space and time implying the three principal stress axes and correspond to different homoaxial states of stress of one single transtensive tectonic event. Motion on these faults accommodated coeval orogen‐parallel extension and orogen‐perpendicular contraction, during oblique indentation by the Southern alpine crust. Extensional and transcurrent structures likely formed by lateral extrusion of the Bergell Alps via distributed eastward extrusion of imbricated wedge‐shaped crustal blocks, during the late Oligocene and lower Miocene. A first‐order wedge‐shaped crustal block in the Bergell Alps is represented by three coeval segments of the Periadriatic Fault System (namely the Tonale, Engadine, and Forcola faults). The eastern central segment of the Alpine belt appears to have deformed during the late Oligocene and lower Miocene in a similar way to its extremities where lateral escape tectonics occurred at least until the upper Miocene, according to free boundary availabilities.
Electron trapping around a magnetic null
Authors: He J.‐S. , Zong Q.‐G. , Deng X.‐H. , Tu C.‐Y. , Xiao C.‐J. , Wang X.‐G. , Ma Z.‐W. , Pu Z.‐Y. , Lucek E. , Pedersen A. , Fazakerley A. , Cornilleau‐Wehrlin N. , Dunlop M. W. , Tian H. , Yao S. , Tan B. , Fu S.‐Y. , Glassmeier K.‐H. , Reme H. , Dandouras I. , Escoubet C. P.
Published: July 2008

Magnetic reconnection is an important process in astrophysical, space and laboratory plasmas. The magnetic null pair structure is theoretically suggested to be a crucial feature of the three‐dimensional magnetic reconnection. The physics around the null pair, however, has not been explored in combination with the magnetic field configuration deduced from in situ observations. Here, we report the identification of the configuration around a null pair and simultaneous electron dynamics near one null of the pair, observed by four Cluster spacecraft in the geo‐magnetotail. Further, we propose a new scenario of electron dynamics in the null region, suggesting that electrons are temporarily trapped in the central reconnection region including electron diffusion region resulting in an electron density peak, accelerated possibly by parallel electric field and electron pressure gradient, and reflected from the magnetic cusp mirrors leading to the bi‐directional energetic electron beams, which excite the observed high frequency electrostatic waves.
Can the anti‐inflammatory potential of PDE4 inhibitors be realized: guarded optimism or wishful thinking?
Authors: Giembycz M A
Published: July 2008

PDE4 inhibitors have been in development as a novel anti‐inflammatory therapy since the 1980s with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being primary indications. Despite initial optimism, none have yet reached the market. In most cases, the development of PDE4 inhibitors of various structural classes, including cilomilast, filaminast, lirimilast, piclamilast, tofimilast, AWD‐12‐281 (aka GSK 842470), CDP840, CI‐1018, D‐4418, IC485, L‐826,141, SCH 351391 and V11294A has been discontinued due to lack of efficacy. A primary problem is the low therapeutic ratio of these compounds, which severely limits the dose that can be given. Indeed, for many of these compounds it is likely that the maximum tolerated dose is either sub‐therapeutic or at the very bottom of the efficacy dose‐response curve. Therefore, the challenge is to overcome this limitation. It is, therefore, encouraging that many ‘new(er)’ PDE4 inhibitors in development are reported to have an improved therapeutic window including tetomilast, oglemilast, apremilast, ONO 6126, IPL‐512602 and IPL‐455903 (aka HT‐0712), although the basis for their superior tolerability has not been disclosed. In addition, other approaches are possible that may allow the anti‐inflammatory activity of PDE inhibitors to be realized. Accordingly, this Commentary endorses the view of Spina (2008), published in the current issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, that the therapeutic utility of PDE4 inhibitors to suppress inflammation still remains a viable concept.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 288–290; doi:fn1; published online 28 July 2008
Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on Speech Production in Children With Autism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schlosser Ralf W. , Wendt Oliver
Published: July 2008

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on speech production in children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.

Method

A systematic review methodology was utilized to limit bias in searching, selecting, coding, and synthesizing relevant treatment studies. This involved a multifaceted search for studies written between 1975 and May 2007 using various bibliographic databases, dissertation databases, hand searches of selected journals and published compilations of AAC theses and dissertations, and ancestry searches. To be included, studies had to meet stringent criteria. A coding manual and form facilitated data extraction in terms of participant characteristics, treatment characteristics, design and measurement, and outcomes.

Results

Nine single-subject experimental design (27 participants) and 2 group studies (98 participants) were included. Results indicated that AAC interventions do not impede speech production. In fact, most studies reported an increase in speech production. However, in-depth analyses revealed that the gains were rather modest.

Conclusions

Although AAC interventions do not appear to impede speech production and may result in increased speech production, the modest gains observed require realistic expectations among clinicians and other stakeholders. Future research should be more hypothesis driven and aim to identify predictive child characteristics, such as prior speech imitation and object exploration skills.
Multicultural/Multilingual Instruction in Educational Programs: A Survey of Perceived Faculty Practices and Outcomes
Authors: Stockman Ida J. , Boult Johanna , Robinson Gregory C.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

To describe the instructional strategies reported for multicultural/multilingual issues (MMI) education at programs in speech-language pathology and audiology and the perceived ease and effectiveness of doing so.

Method

A 49-item questionnaire elicited anonymous responses from administrators, faculty, and teaching clinical supervisors at educational programs accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the United States. The data were provided by 731 respondents from 79.6% of 231 accredited U.S. programs. They included instructors who taught courses dedicated to MMI and those who did not.

Results

Respondents were generally committed to multicultural instruction, but they varied in their reported instructional practices and perceived levels of preparedness, effectiveness, and needs. General curricular infusion without an MMI-dedicated course was the most common instructional model used. Students were judged to be at least modestly prepared to deal with diversity issues as a result of their multicultural instruction, although current instructional approaches were not viewed as optimal. More positive outcomes were reported by instructors of MMI-dedicated than MMI-nondedicated courses.

Conclusion

The instructional models and strategies used for MMI education vary, and programs are challenged by multiple issues in complying with the mandate for MMI curricular infusion.
Bilingual Aphasia: A Theoretical and Clinical Review
Authors: Lorenzen Bonnie , Murray Laura L.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

To provide an overview of the potential bilingual client population in the United States, present current neurolinguistic and psycholinguistic views of bilingualism in adults with and without aphasia, review related bilingual aphasia recovery patterns and the factors that might influence these recovery patterns, and provide insight into diagnostic and therapy procedures for addressing the needs of bilingual clients with aphasia.

Method

A review of the literature was conducted to summarize and synthesize previously published research in the area of bilingual aphasia, highlight unique aspects of aphasia recovery, assessment, and treatment, and identify areas in need of future research.

Conclusions

Despite a growing understanding of bilingualism and the various recovery patterns identified with bilingual aphasia, there remains a dire need for empirically validated management techniques, particularly in terms of determining which language to target, identifying which aspects of various languages are most vulnerable to insult as well as most responsive to treatment, and establishing how to exploit language similarities to maximize treatment efficiency.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Current Progress and Management
Authors: Glatter Kathy , Liem L. Bing
Published: July 2008

With greater technologic advances during the past decade, use of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has increased to more than 200,000 implants worldwide to date. Indications for ICD implant have expanded to include both patients who have survived sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention of cardiac arrest) and those who are at high risk for experiencing lethal arrhythmias (primary prevention of cardiac ar rest). Thus, it is likely that physicians will encounter defibrillators in their clinical practice and must be familiar with their indications for implant, basic opera tion, and long-term management of devices. Several prospective clinical trials have recently shown the long- term efficacy of ICD therapy at aborting sudden death in the high-risk patient population. Although still evolving, general guidelines and indications for ICD implant have been put forth and are discussed in this review. From the first defibrillation in humans during surgery in 1947 to the sophisticated dual-chamber pacing and memory functions of the modern device, ICD development has led to ever smaller devices with more complex technol ogy. The implant procedure of current ICDs parallels that used to place pacemakers. However, the anesthe sia team plays a vital role in initial ICD implantation by monitoring cardiopulmonary status during defibrilla tion threshold (DFT) testing. Additionally, long-term management of ICDs often requires repeat DFT testing with anesthesia involvement. Finally, possible electro magnetic (environmental) interactions with the ICD of which physicians should be aware are described in this article.
Anesthetic Implications of the Fontan Procedure for Single Ventricle Physiology
Authors: Gaca Julie A. , Douglas William I. , Barnes Steve D.
Published: July 2008

The Fontan procedure is the operation of choice for patients considered to be candidates for definitive palliation of single ventricle physiology. Anesthetic technique for the Fontan procedure is not well described in the literature, and the medical and surgical treatment of these patients is rapidly evolving. With an understanding of the anatomy and phys iology of the Fontan patient, a safe and effective anesthetic can be executed. An understanding of the changes that occur during the perioperative period is critical. This article focuses on a review of single ventricle physiology and Fon tan physiology, preoperative assessment and risk factors for the Fontan procedure, intraoperative management, and management of low cardiac output in the postbypass period.
Anesthesia for Noncardiac Surgery in Pediatric Patients Following Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Mason Linda J. , Applegate Richard L. , Thompson Teresa L.
Published: July 2008

Pediatric cardiac transplantation has been performed with increasing frequency to treat hypoplastic left heart syn drome and other types of congenital heart disease. A large number of these patients will require anesthesia posttrans plantation for noncardiac surgery. A review of our series of 92 anesthetics in 46 patients has better defined periopera tive risk factors, anesthetic management, common surgical procedures, and complications associated with noncardiac surgery in posttransplantation patients. Anesthetic manage ment concerns include allograft coronary artery disease, graft rejection, denervation, cardiac dysrhythmias, immuno suppression, cyclosporine-induced hypertension, drug inter actions, renal dysfunction, and intravenous access prob lems. Preoperative evaluation must include the possibility and definition of these problems. Medically stable patients undergoing noncardiac/nonthoracic surgery after cardiac transplantation undergo the same surgical procedures as similarly aged nontransplantation patients. Similar induc tion techniques can be used as in nontransplantation pa tients. These patients may also be scheduled for same-day surgery if other significant medical problems are not present and the difficulty of the surgery is compatible with an out patient setting. Patients with more complex medical prob lems, including chronic rejection, significant coronary artery disease, or a history of congestive failure may need over night monitoring in a hospital setting despite that only a minor surgical procedure is being performed.
Innovations and Future Directions in Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia and Surgery
Authors: Black Michael D. , Pike Nancy , Koransky Mark , Humel Michelle , McCarthy Patrick J. , Smith Robert , Boltz Gail M. , Wellis Vinit , Uezono Shoichi , Hammer Gregory B.
Published: July 2008

Minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery, although still evolving, lacks much of the corporate "thunder" directed to wards the adult patient. Because the majority of pediatric procedures remain "open" requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, innovations and/or modifications of already established tech niques might have important adult medical applications. The care of children born with congenital heart disease at our institution presently incorporates cardioscopy, active venous suction, epidural/spinal anesthesia, and, most recently, robotic video assistance. This mufti-disciplinary combination has not only optimized the cosmetics of the operation and use of hospital resources but also has maintained the safety and reproducibility of the surgical interventions.
Monitoring the Hematologic Complications of Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Shore-Lesserson Linda
Published: July 2008

Patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures have a variety of hemostatic defects that lead to bleeding and the frequent need for transfusion of allogeneic blood products. Dilution of the patient's blood volume by the extracorporeal circuit priming so lution causes depletion of platelets and coagulation factor levels. Contact of blood with the extracorporeal circuit induces a hemorrhagic diathesis through a vari ety of mechanisms. Contact activation causes the for mation of kallikrein, bradykinin, and complement acti vation, leading to a whole-body inflammatory reaction. Intrinsic coagulation is stimulated, leading to subse quent activation of the fibrinolytic system. Platelet dys function caused by the effects of the extracorporeal circuit on platelet membrane integrity and the effects of circulating platelet inhibitors have also been described. The use of high-dose heparin for CPB mitigates these effects but does not completely eliminate them. Prota mine, administered to antagonize heparin's effects, has antiplatelet properties and anticoagulant effects when given in excess. Because of the numerous hemostatic insults incurred during and after CPB, complex moni toring techniques are necessary to ensure adequate anticoagulation, adequate heparin neutralization, and normal platelet function. Coagulation monitoring has allowed more specific identification of particular distur bances of hemostasis and has been linked with a reduc tion in hemorrhagic complications after CPB. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Inflammation After Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Therapy for the Postpump Syndrome
Authors: Hennein Hani A.
Published: July 2008

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used in most, but not all, complex heart operations. CPB is associated with a systemic inflammatory response in adults and children. Many materials-dependent (exposure of blood to non- physiologic surfaces and conditions) and materials-in dependent (surgical trauma, ischemia-perfusion to the organs, changes in body temperature, and release of endotoxin) factors during CPB have been implicated in the etiology of this complex response. The mechanisms involved may include complement activation, release of cytokines, leukocyte activation with expression of ad hesion molecules, and production of various vasoactive and immunoactive substances. Postpump inflamma tion may lead to postoperative complications and may result in respiratory failure, renal dysfunction, bleeding disorders, neurologic dysfunction, altered liver func tion, and ultimately multiple organ failure. Significant efforts are being made to decrease the generation and effects of postpump inflammation. Interventions to this end have included avoiding CPB when possible, im proving the biocompatibility of the involved mechani cal devices, and administering medications that main tain cellular integrity. This article provides an overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of postpump inflammation. Perhaps with additional in sight into this syndrome, CPB can be made a safer and more efficacious modality of cardiorespiratory support. Copyright© 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Bypass Techniques for Descending Thoracic Aortic Surgery
Authors: Hessel Eugene A.
Published: July 2008

The conduct of partial left heart bypass or partial car diopulmonary bypass (CPB) during surgery involving the descending thoracic aorta or thoracoabdominal aorta is one of the most unappreciated and misunder stood extracorporeal circulation procedures in cardio vascular surgery. It is different from conventional CPB, and although some uninitiated practitioners consider it simpler, it is in fact more complicated than conven tional CPB and involves different concepts. It requires expertise and skill in regulating the flow, pressure, and oxygenation of blood going to both the proximal and distal parts of the body and management of the special bypass or shunt procedures used, specialized monitor ing, and knowledge about the protection and preserva tion of organs both proximal and distal to the aortic clamping. It demands exquisite communication and un derstanding of the unique problems faced by the sur geon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist.