bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Value of Conjunctival Allergen Challenge in Diagnosing Allergic Conjunctivitis Related to Latex
Authors: Chelminska Marta , Niedoszytko Marek , Jassem Ewa
Published: August 2010

Background: The clinical value of conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) with latex allergen in patients with allergic conjunctivitis remains undefined. The aim of this study was to assess the value of conjunctival allergen challenge with latex extract in a group of patients with latex sensitization and a history of conjunctivitis after contact with latex products. Methods: Fifty patients who had symptoms of conjunctivitis following contact with latex were studied. The control group consisted of 30 subjects without any symptoms of conjunctivitis, negative skin prick test and sIgE <0.35 kU/l for latex. Questionnaires on signs and symptoms, skin prick tests with latex, sIgE and CAC with latex extract were administered. The study was performed at the Department of Allergology of the Medical University of Gdansk in Poland. Results: CAC with latex was positive in 46 patients (92%) and in none of the control group. CAC was the most sensitive diagnostic method (92% sensitivity and 100% specificity). The sensitivity of other methods (skin prick test and sIgE) was lower: 84 and 88%, respectively. Provocation did not induce any serious adverse events. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the high sensitivity and safety of CAC with the extract of latex allergens in the diagnosis of patients with latex allergy. This method may be considered a diagnostic option in cases with uncertain diagnosis.
Prevalence of Chronic Nasal Symptoms in West Sweden: Risk Factors and Relation to Self-Reported Allergic Rhinitis and Lower Respiratory Symptoms
Authors: Eriksson Jonas , Ekerljung Linda , Pullerits Teet , Holmberg Kenneth , Rönmark Eva , Lötvall Jan , Lundbäck Bo
Published: August 2010

Background: There are few population-based studies on chronic nasal symptoms and little is known about their prevalence and determinants, or their association with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Methods: A questionnaire focused on respiratory symptoms and conditions was mailed in 2008 to 30,000 randomly selected subjects aged 16–75 years in West Sweden, 29,218 could be traced and 18,087 (62%) responded. The questionnaire included questions on self-reported allergic rhinitis, asthma, lower respiratory and nasal symptoms and possible determinants. Results: Nasal congestion was reported by 14.9% and runny nose by 13.1% of subjects. In total, 19.8% had chronic nasal symptoms. Subjects with chronic nasal symptoms had considerably more symptoms from the lower airways compared with nonrhinitic subjects and vice versa. Forty-seven percent of the subjects with chronic nasal symptoms had concurrent self-reported allergic rhinitis. Several hereditary and environmental factors were associated with chronic rhinitis, including family history of asthma [odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.50], family history of allergy (OR 1.74; 1.57–1.92) and current smoking (OR 1.39; 1.25–1.54). Further, chronic nasal symptoms were increasingly prevalent with an increasing degree of urbanization. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic nasal symptoms in West Sweden was found to be high and strongly associated both with self-reported allergic rhinitis and symptoms from the lower airways. Moreover, several risk factors were identified for chronic nasal symptoms, including family history of allergy and asthma and smoking.
The Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Belgium
Authors: Simoens Steven
Published: August 2010

Background: In light of the limited supply of intravenous immunoglobulins, it is important to strive for their appropriate use. Off-label use needs to be discouraged because of the limited supply of intravenous immunoglobulins, their unproven effectiveness in many conditions, their high costs, and the risk of adverse effects. This study aims to document the use of intravenous immunoglobulins in registered and off-label conditions in Belgian hospitals. Methods: Data were derived from the IMS Health hospital disease database. For each condition, this database generated figures about the number of patients and the reimbursement value in 2007. Data were provided at the level of individual products. Results: In 2007, intravenous immunoglobulins were administered to 9,629 patients, amounting to a reimbursement value of EUR 33.5 million (or 17% of Belgian hospital drug expenditure). Around 50–60% of intravenous immunoglobulin use was associated with registered conditions and around 40–50% with off-label use, depending on how use was measured. Off-label use occurred in unspecified conditions, surgery, orthopedics and oncology. There was limited use in myasthenia gravis. The market was dominated by Multigam and Sandoglobuline, each of which made up 45–50% of intravenous immunoglobulin use. Conclusions: In addition to their use in registered conditions, intravenous immunoglobulins are used off-label in other conditions in Belgium. A number of options are proposed to discourage off-label use in light of the limited supply of intravenous immunoglobulins, their unproven effectiveness in many conditions, their high cost, and the risk of adverse effects.
Helmut Rennert’s Universal Genesis of Endogenous Psychoses: The Historical Concept and Its Significance for Today’s Discussion on Unitary Psychosis
Authors: Kumbier Ekkehardt , Herpertz Sabine C.
Published: August 2010

Next to Karl Leonhard (1904–1988), Helmut Rennert (1920–1994) was the internationally best known representative of psychiatry from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). He rose to prominence above all through his model of the universal genesis of endogenous psychoses, which constituted an antithesis to Leonhard’s differentiated division. The ‘polar opposite’ aspects of Rennert and Leonhard are represented with an emphasis on their contrasting views of psychiatric nosology. In this respect, Rennert’s model conceptions constitute the primary focus of attention. The fact that both concepts continue to possess topical perspectives to this day is reflected in the current discussion regarding nosological, categorical, syndromatological and dimensional approaches in relation to the further development of the classification systems of mental disorders. The preparatory work on the future classification systems will potentially omit the dichotomy between schizophrenic and affective disorders. These endeavors are in accordance with Rennert’s unitarian psychopathological view and support his acceptance of the psychopathological continuity from affective to schizophrenic syndromes. The current discussion concerning the future classification is in line with Rennert, whose aim was to provide an unconventional model that unites findings from the different fields of psychiatric research. The classification of mental disorders without a previous establishment on the basis of fundamental theoretical assumptions could certainly foster a dynamic development in the future. A differentiated knowledge of the history of the ideas of unitary psychosis and their further development might be helpful in this development and can be of particular use when critically questioning explanatory approaches that are prone to simplification.
Schizophrenia Psychopathology in a Kuwaiti Arab Sample
Authors: Zahid Muhammad A. , Ohaeri Jude U.
Published: August 2010

Background: The heterogeneity of schizophrenia psychopathology has led to a search for symptom clusters that could be related to broad features of the disease. The objectives of the study were to: (1) highlight the pattern of symptoms among Kuwaiti subjects with schizophrenia, using the ICD-10 symptom checklist; (2) assess the factor structure of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale 18 (BPRS-18) and BPRS-24, and (3) evaluate the relationship of the resulting factors with sociodemographic characteristics, age at onset of illness, family history of mental illness, objective indicators of quality of life, self-esteem, affect balance, family caregiver burden, patient’s perceptions of service satisfaction and needs for care. Method: Consecutive outpatients in stable condition were assessed with the BPRS and ICD-10 symptom checklist, as well as measures of quality of life, needs for care, service satisfaction and family caregiver burden. Results: There were 130 patients (66.1% men, mean age = 36.8 years, age at onset of illness = 24.2 years, duration of illness = 12.9 years). Of the ICD-10 symptoms, the commonest positive symptoms were hallucinations (58.5%) and delusions (72%). Catatonic symptoms were rare (2.9%). About a quarter of the subjects experienced 4 of the negative symptoms. In exploratory factor analysis, we broadly replicated the known syndromes for BPRS-24 (disorganization, positive, activation, manic, negative and depression) and BPRS-18 (negative, positive, activation and affect). In regression analyses, the variables independently associated with psychopathology were family income, negative affect, self-esteem, duration of illness, age, lack of money for enjoyment, met needs for care and caregiver tension. The negative syndrome had more significant associations with the variables investigated than the positive syndrome. Psychopathological scores were separable from indices of psychological well-being. Conclusion: In this first study of schizophrenia psychopathology from the Arab world, the clinical manifestations were similar to the data from the developed countries. The persistence of psychotic symptoms despite freely available antipsychotic treatment and the impact on caregiver burden call for attention to the perennial issue of treatment resistance and underscore the need for continued interaction with family members after the acute inpatient phase of treatment, in order to address the impact of symptoms.
Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder Not Participating in an RCT: Are They Different?
Authors: Rentrop Michael , Martius Philipp , Bäuml Josef , Buchheim Peter , Döring Stephan , Hörz Susanne
Published: August 2010

Background: Despite the notion that randomized controlled trials are regarded as the gold standard in psychotherapy research, questions about their generalizability have been raised. This paper focuses on the differences between participants and eligible nonparticipants of a randomized controlled trial for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Sampling and Methods: One hundred forty-two patients were screened, and 122 were found eligible for study participation. Out of these, 64 patients (52.5%) gave informed consent and were included in the study. Results: The 58 eligible nonparticipants showed a lower level of functioning (global assessment of functioning score), had a history of more outpatient treatment attempts and were living alone more often. Regarding acute symptoms and severity of BPD as indexed by suicide attempts, inpatient treatments, substance abuse and history of trauma, no differences between the groups could be detected. Moreover, participants showed significantly more eating disorders, whereas nonparticipants presented more affective and anxiety disorders. Conclusions: The results indicate that lower psychosocial functioning and comorbid affective and anxiety disorders decrease BPD patients’ willingness to participate in an RCT.
A Pilot Study of Rapid Cooling by Cold Saline and Endovascular Cooling Before Reperfusion in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Götberg Matthias , Olivecrona Göran K. , Koul Sasha , Carlsson Marcus , Engblom Henrik , Ugander Martin , van der Pals Jesper , Algotsson Lars , Arheden Håkan , Erlinge David
Published: August 2010

Background—

Experimental studies have shown that induction of hypothermia before reperfusion of acute coronary occlusion reduces infarct size. Previous clinical studies, however, have not been able to show this effect, which is believed to be mainly because therapeutic temperature was not reached before reperfusion in the majority of the patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of rapidly induced hypothermia by infusion of cold saline and endovascular cooling catheter before reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction scheduled to undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this prospective, randomized study. After 4±2 days, myocardium at risk and infarct size were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance using T2-weighted imaging and late gadolinium enhancement imaging, respectively. A core body temperature of <35°C (34.7±0.3°C) was achieved before reperfusion without significant delay in door-to-balloon time (43±7 minutes versus 40±6 minutes, hypothermia versus control,
P
=0.12). Despite similar duration of ischemia (174±51 minutes versus 174±62 minutes, hypothermia versus control,
P
=1.00), infarct size normalized to myocardium at risk was reduced by 38% in the hypothermia group compared with the control group (29.8±12.6% versus 48.0±21.6%,
P
=0.041). This was supported by a significant decrease in both peak and cumulative release of Troponin T in the hypothermia group (
P
=0.01 and
P
=0.03, respectively).

Conclusions—

The protocol demonstrates the ability to reach a core body temperature of <35°C before reperfusion in all patients without delaying primary percutaneous coronary intervention and that combination hypothermia as an adjunct therapy in acute myocardial infarction may reduce infarct size at 3 days as measured by MRI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00417638.
Risk of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality in Patients Treated With Thiazolidinediones in a Managed-Care Population
Authors: Wertz Debra A. , Chang Chun-Lan , Sarawate Chaitanya A. , Willey Vincent J. , Cziraky Mark J. , Bohn Rhonda L.
Published: August 2010

Background—

This study directly compares risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute heart failure (AHF), or all-cause death among pioglitazone- and rosiglitazone-treated patients in a managed-care population.

Methods and Results—

Patients ≥18 years of age, newly initiated on rosiglitazone or pioglitazone between January 1, 2001, and December 12, 2005, were included. The date of the first pharmacy claim for rosiglitazone or pioglitazone was defined as index date. Patients were excluded if they had <1 year continuous eligibility preindex or a preindex insulin claim. Primary outcome measure was time to composite event of AMI, AHF or death among pioglitazone- and rosiglitazone-treated patients. The National Death Index database was accessed to obtain date of death for patients who died during the study period. Propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounders. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate effects of exposure to rosiglitazone and pioglitazone on time to event. A total of 36 628 patients (58% male; mean age, 54 years) were identified. Of the rosiglitazone-treated patients, 602 (4.16%) had an AMI, AHF, or death compared with 599 (4.14%) propensity score–matched pioglitazone-treated patients. No significant difference was observed between matched groups for risk of composite event (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.91 to 1.15;
P
=0.666) when patients were followed from index date until end of study period, termination of enrollment status, or diagnosis of AMI/AHF/death.

Conclusions—

In this retrospective cohort study directly comparing rosiglitazone and pioglitazone with a propensity score–matched population that includes mortality data, no significant differences were found in the risk of AMI, AHF or death.
Gene Expression Profiling of Blood for the Prediction of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Stamova Boryana , Xu Huichun , Jickling Glen , Bushnell Cheryl , Tian Yingfang , Ander Bradley P. , Zhan Xinhua , Liu DaZhi , Turner Renee , Adamczyk Peter , Khoury Jane C. , Pancioli Arthur , Jauch Edward , Broderick Joseph P. , Sharp Frank R.
Published: August 2010

Background and Purpose—

A blood-based biomarker of acute ischemic stroke would be of significant value in clinical practice. This study aimed to (1) replicate in a larger cohort our previous study using gene expression profiling to predict ischemic stroke; and (2) refine prediction of ischemic stroke by including control groups relevant to ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Patients with ischemic stroke (n=70, 199 samples) were compared with control subjects who were healthy (n=38), had vascular risk factors (n=52), and who had myocardial infarction (n=17). Whole blood was drawn ≤3 hours, 5 hours, and 24 hours after stroke onset and from control subjects. RNA was processed on whole genome microarrays. Genes differentially expressed in ischemic stroke were identified and analyzed for predictive ability to discriminate stroke from control subjects.

Results—

The 29 probe sets previously reported predicted a new set of ischemic strokes with 93.5% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity. Sixty- and 46-probe sets differentiated control groups from 3-hour and 24-hour ischemic stroke samples, respectively. A 97-probe set correctly classified 86% of ischemic strokes (3 hour+24 hour), 84% of healthy subjects, 96% of vascular risk factor subjects, and 75% with myocardial infarction.

Conclusions—

This study replicated our previously reported gene expression profile in a larger cohort and identified additional genes that discriminate ischemic stroke from relevant control groups. This multigene approach shows potential for a point-of-care test in acute ischemic stroke.
Invective at the Service of Encomium in the Dionysiaca of Nonnus of Panopolis
Authors: Miguélez-Cavero Laura
Published: August 2010

This paper analyses the presence of elements of invective (ψγος) in the Dionysiaca by Nonnus of Panopolis, who follows in general terms the structure of the βασιλικς λγος or imperial encomium. It contends that Nonnus uses invective to balance the panegyric and mock the genre in which he works.
Qumran Wisdom Literature and the Problem of Genre
Authors: Goff Matthew
Published: August 2010

The Dead Sea Scrolls include several writings that can be reasonably identified as wisdom texts. But the compositions that are regularly so classified contain a range of diverse perspectives and themes, and this problematizes the search for a common ingredient that makes them readily identifiable as sapiential literature. There were ancient authors who composed instructional works steeped in older didactic traditions that are well represented by the book of Proverbs. Such works can be legitimately classified as wisdom. But their authors did not conceive of wisdom as a precise or specific genre and our means for identifying wisdom texts are subjective and somewhat loose.
Pesher: A Cognitive Model of the Genre
Authors: Williamson Robert Jr.
Published: August 2010

Earlier models of the genre of the pesharim have tended either to subsume pesher into the genre of midrash, on the one hand, or to doubt its coherence as a genre due to a perceived lack of common features shared among all the member texts, on the other. Cognitive genre theory offers a way forward by challenging previous conceptions of the way genre categories are formed. Rather than fixed sets of texts belonging equally to a genre, cognitive theory proposes that genres are radial categories extending outward from a “prototypical” center toward a fuzzy boundary, with texts participating in the genre to varying degrees. A cognitive model of the pesher genre provides a flexible enough construction of the genre to account for the variation among the constituent texts, yet still firmly distinguishes the genre from other forms of Early Jewish literature through the concept of the idealized cognitive model (ICM) of reality that animates the genre.
Cloud-Top Properties of Growing Cumulus prior to Convective Initiation as Measured by Meteosat Second Generation. Part II: Use of Visible Reflectance
Authors: Mecikalski John R. , MacKenzie Wayne M. , König Marianne , Muller Sam
Published: August 2010

This study is a companion research effort to “Part I,” which emphasized use of infrared data for understanding various aspects of growing convective clouds in the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite’s Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) imagery. Reflectance and derived brightness variability (BV) fields from MSG SEVIRI are used here to understand relationships between cloud-top signatures and physical processes for growing cumulus clouds prior to known convective initiation (CI) events, or the first occurrence of a ≥35-dBZ echo from a new convective cloud. This study uses daytime SEVIRI visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) reflectances from 0.6 to 3.9 μm (3-km sampling distance), as well as high-resolution visible (1-km sampling distance) fields. Data from 123 CI events observed during the 2007 Convection and Orographically Induced Precipitation Study (COPS) field experiment conducted over southern Germany and northeastern France are processed, per convective cell, so to meet this study’s objectives. These data are those used in Part I. A total of 27 VIS–NIR and BV “interest fields” are initially assessed for growing cumulus clouds, with correlation and principal component analyses used to highlight the fields that contain the most unique information for describing principally cloud-top glaciation, as well as the presence of vigorous updrafts. Time changes in 1.6- and 3.9-μm reflectances, as well as BV in advance of CI, are shown to contain the most unique information related to the formation and increase in size of ice hydrometeors. Several methods are proposed on how results from this analysis may be used to monitor growing convective clouds per MSG pixel or per cumulus cloud “object” over 1-h time frames.
Evaluation of Budget Analyses during MISMO
Authors: Katsumata Masaki , Ciesielski Paul E. , Johnson Richard H.
Published: August 2010

Results of sounding-derived heat and moisture budgets for the Mirai Indian Ocean Cruise for the Study of the MJO Onset (MISMO) project in 2006 are evaluated using observational and simulated datasets. Estimated rainfall rates from the budget analyses agree well with both the satellite-derived products and in situ rain gauge measurements in the period leading up to the convectively active phase of the MJO. During the active phase, however, large discrepancies are found in the temporal variation of the rainfall estimates on the time scale of a few to several days. Utilizing MJO circulations simulated by the two numerical models, a linear model and a high-resolution AGCM, it is revealed that this discrepancy may result from inability of the MISMO triangular network to properly capture the divergence associated with the Rossby and/or inertia–gravity wave components of the circulation. A rectangular array is demonstrated to be superior at capturing the wind associated with these wave disturbances. Possible effects of the equatorial waves and sampling issues, which could act to enhance or suppress the error in the present case, are discussed. The reliability of the budget analyses during the preactive period is also supported by both model simulations.
Relation between the 100-hPa Heat Flux and Stratospheric Potential Vorticity
Authors: Hinssen Yvonne B. L. , Ambaum Maarten H. P.
Published: August 2010

It is shown that a quantitative relation exists between the stratospheric polar cap potential vorticity and the 100-hPa eddy heat flux. A difference in potential vorticity between years is found to be linearly related to the flux difference integrated over time, taking into account a decrease in relaxation time scale with height in the atmosphere.

This relation (the PV–flux relation) is then applied to the 100-hPa flux difference between 2008/09 and the climatology (1989–2008) to obtain a prediction of the polar cap potential vorticity difference between the 2008/09 winter and the climatology. A prediction of the 2008/09 polar cap potential vorticity is obtained by adding this potential vorticity difference to the climatological potential vorticity. The observed polar cap potential vorticity for 2008/09 shows a large and abrupt change in the potential vorticity in midwinter, related to the occurrence of a major sudden stratospheric warming in January 2009; this is also captured by the potential vorticity predicted from the 100-hPa flux and the PV–flux relation.

The results of the mean PV–flux relation show that, on average, about 50% of the interannual variability in the state of the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere is determined by the variations in the 100-hPa heat flux. This explained variance can be as large as 80% for more severe events, as demonstrated for the 2009 major warming.
Interpreting Century-Scale Changes in Southern North Sea Storm Surge Climate Derived from Coupled Model Simulations
Authors: Howard Tom , Lowe Jason , Horsburgh Kevin
Published: August 2010

This paper describes numerical experiments using a climate–storm surge simulation system for the coast of the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on the southern North Sea and the Thames estuary in southeastern England.

Time series of surges simulated in the southern North Sea by a surge model driven by atmospheric data from a regional climate model and surges simulated by the same surge model driven by atmospheric data from a global climate model are compared. A strong correspondence is demonstrated, and a linear scaling factor relating them is derived. This factor varies slowly with location. Around the Thames estuary, extreme surges are compared in the same way, and the linear scaling factor for the extremes is found to be similar to that for the full time series. The authors therefore assert that in seeking significant trends in surge at this location using this model arrangement, the regional model downscaling stage could be avoided, if observations were used to establish a suitable scaling factor for each location.

The influence of the tide–surge phase relationship is investigated, and extreme sea levels at the mouth of the River Thames from regional-model-driven simulations are compared to the extreme event of 1953. Although the simulated levels are slightly lower, they are found to be comparable given the observational uncertainty.

The assumption that time-mean sea level changes can be added linearly to surge changes is investigated at this location for large changes in time-mean sea level. The authors find that the primary effect of such an increase is on the speed of propagation of tide and surge, supporting the case for a simple linear addition of mean and extreme sea level changes.
The Effect of Milankovitch Variations in Insolation on Equatorial Seasonality
Authors: Ashkenazy Yosef , Eisenman Ian , Gildor Hezi , Tziperman Eli
Published: August 2010

Although the sun crosses the equator 2 times per year at the equinoxes, at times in the past the equatorial insolation has had only one maximum and one minimum throughout the seasonal cycle because of Milankovitch orbital variations. Here a state-of-the-art coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model is used to study the effect of such insolation forcing on equatorial surface properties, including air and sea temperature, salinity, winds, and currents. It is shown that the equatorial seasonality is altered according to the insolation with, for example, either maximum sea surface temperature (SST) close to the vernal equinox and minimum SST close to the autumnal equinox or vice versa. The results may have important implications for understanding tropical climate as well as for the interpretation of proxy data collected from equatorial regions.
NARR’s Atmospheric Water Cycle Components. Part II: Summertime Mean and Diurnal Interactions
Authors: Ruane Alex C.
Published: August 2010

Summertime interactions in the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) atmospheric water cycle are examined from a user’s perspective over the 1980–99 period with a particular emphasis on the diurnal cycle, the nocturnal maximum of precipitation over the Midwest, and the impacts of precipitation assimilation. NARR’s full-year mean atmospheric water cycle and its annual variations are examined in Part I of this study. North American summertime (June–August) features substantial convective activity that is often organized on a diurnal scale, although diverse regional diurnal features are evident to various extents in high-resolution precipitation products. NARR’s hourly assimilation of precipitation observations over the continental United States allows it to resolve diurnal effects on the water cycle, but in other regions the diurnal cycle of precipitation is imposed from an external reanalysis model. The prominent nocturnal maximum in precipitation across the upper Midwest is captured in NARR, but different precipitation assimilation sources disrupt the propagation of convective systems across the Canadian border. Normalized covariances of NARR’s diurnal water cycle component interactions in the nocturnal maximum region reveal a strong relationship between moisture convergence and precipitation, and also measure the way in which the precipitable water column holds a lagged response between evaporation and precipitation. In many regions the diurnal cycle of rainfall is driven by interactions with water cycle components that differ from those driving the seasonal cycle. A comparison between NARR’s precipitation and an estimate of the model precipitation prior to precipitation assimilation distinguishes the portion of the water cycle captured in full by the model and that which is value added by the assimilation routine. The nocturnal rainfall maximum is not present in the model precipitation estimate, leading to diurnal-scale biases in the evaporation and moisture flux convergence fields that are not directly modified by precipitation assimilation.
On the Merits of Using a 3D-FGAT Assimilation Scheme with an Outer Loop for Atmospheric Situations Governed by Transport
Authors: Massart Sébastien , Pajot Benjamin , Piacentini Andrea , Pannekoucke Olivier
Published: August 2010

Three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) with the first guess at appropriate time (FGAT) appears to be an attractive compromise between accuracy and overall computing time. It is computationally cheaper than four-dimensional (4D)-Var as the increment is not propagated back and forth in time by a model, yet the comparison between the model and the observations is still computed at the right observation time. An interesting feature of the 4D-Var is the iterative process known as the outer loop. This outer-loop approach can also be used in conjunction with 3D-FGAT. But it requires the application of the 3D-FGAT analysis increment at the beginning of the assimilation window.

The pros and cons of using this unusual 3D-FGAT variant are illustrated in this paper on two applications focused on the transport, one of the main phenomena governing the atmospheric evolution. The first one is the one-dimensional advection of a passive tracer. By three representative situations, it shows the benefits of the outer loop, except for practical situations driven by very rapid dynamics such as a zonal wind of 50 m s−1 on the earth’s great circle, when the assimilation window has a size of 3 h. The second application is the 3D-FGAT assimilation of true ozone measurements into a chemical–transport model. It confirms the previous results, showing that the 3D-FGAT analysis with the outer loop produces an overestimation of the ozone increment in regions where the wind speed is high compared to the time length of the assimilation window.
A Coupled Atmosphere–Wave–Ocean Modeling System: Simulation of the Intensity of an Idealized Tropical Cyclone
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Huiqing , Xie Lian , Guan Changlong , Zhao Dongliang
Published: August 2010

A coupled atmosphere–wave–ocean modeling system (CAWOMS) based on the integration of atmosphere–wave, atmosphere–ocean, and wave–current interaction processes is developed. The component models consist of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) model, and the Princeton Ocean Model (POM). The coupling between the model components is implemented by using the Model Coupling Toolkit. The CAWOMS takes into account various wave-related effects, including wave state and sea-spray-affected sea surface roughness, sea spray heat fluxes, and dissipative heating in atmosphere–wave coupling. It also considers oceanic effects such as the feedback of sea surface temperature (SST) cooling and the impact of sea surface current on wind stress in atmosphere–ocean coupling. In addition, wave–current interactions, including radiation stress and wave-induced bottom stress, are also taken into account. The CAWOMS is applied to the simulation of an idealized tropical cyclone (TC) to investigate the effects of atmosphere–wave–ocean coupling on TC intensity. Results show that atmosphere–wave coupling strengthens the TC system, while the thermodynamic coupling between the atmosphere and ocean weakens the TC as a result of the negative feedback of TC-induced SST cooling. The overall effects of atmosphere–wave–ocean coupling on TC intensity are determined by the balance between wave-related positive feedback and the negative feedback attributable to TC-induced SST cooling.
Employee Sensemaking in Mergers: How Deal Characteristics Shape Employee Attitudes
Authors: Marmenout Katty
Published: August 2010

This experimental study examines how employees make sense of a merger announcement and investigates the relationship between deal characteristics (culture clash potential, degree of integration, position in deal structure) and employee attitudes. A sensemaking mechanism is proposed and tested on graduate students subjected to merger scenarios. As employees make sense of the merger, higher perceived uncertainty is associated with greater dysfunctional outcomes. Although perceived uncertainty mediates the effect of perceived cultural similarity on employee attitudes, this is not so for perceived power. An employee’s position in the deal structure strongly influences perceived power, but unexpectedly, higher perceived power does not reduce uncertainty. Still, greater perceived power is directly associated with lower intention to leave and greater satisfaction. Although the degree of integration did not affect any of the outcome variables directly, complex interaction effects were found. Complementary qualitative data analysis sheds light on how employees make sense of the deal.
‘C’est le petit livre rouge / Qui fait que tout enfin bouge’: The case for revolutionary agency and terrorism in Jean-Luc Godard’s La Chinoise
Authors: Williams James S
Published: August 2010

This article argues that Jean-Luc Godard’s seminal 1967 film, La Chinoise, has been over-read as prescient of les événements of May ’68 and not taken seriously enough as a far-reaching interrogation of the political limits of revolutionary violence and terrorism. By examining in close detail the film’s explosive, anti-realist style and ironizing textual strategies, focusing in particular on the set-piece train sequence with philosopher Francis Jeanson, I claim that Godard is both attacking the state terrorism of de Gaulle’s Fifth Republic and firing a warning to the new generation of student agitators that the path of revolutionary terrorism entails illusion, error and catastrophe. I suggest finally that part of the reason for the relative lack of terrorist activity in France post-’68 may be attributed to La Chinoise which, while revealing the precariousness of all political action and discourse (including cinematic), stimulates its viewer into further critical reflection, notably on the potential for terrorism within language itself.
Commitment to Practice Change: An Evaluator’s Perspective
Authors: Shershneva Marianna B. , Wang Min-fen , Lindeman Gary C. , Savoy Julia N. , Olson Curtis A.
Published: August 2010

A commitment to practice change (CTC) approach may be used in educational program evaluation to document practice changes, examine the educational impact relative to the instructional focus, and improve understanding of the learning-to-change continuum. The authors reviewed various components and procedures of this approach and discussed some practical aspects of its application using an example of a study evaluating a presentation on menopausal care for primary care physicians. The CTC approach is a valuable evaluation tool, but it requires supplementation with other data to have a complete picture of the impact of education on practice. From the evaluation perspective, the self-reported nature of the CTC data is a major limitation of this method.
A Critical Appraisal of Standard Guidelines for Grading Levels of Evidence
Authors: Gugiu P. Cristian , Ristei Gugiu Mihaiela
Published: August 2010

Over the past 30 years, a general consensus has emerged within the medical community regarding the essential role served by grading guidelines in evaluating the quality of evidence produced by a medical research study. Specifically, consensus exists regarding the hierarchy of evidence, where randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the ‘‘gold standard’’ followed by nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs) and uncontrolled trials. As guidelines have become more sophisticated, processes have been developed for downgrading poorly conducted studies and upgrading strong studies. Lists of threats to internal validity have been disseminated, thereby assisting reviewers in grading studies. However, despite these many accomplishments, considerable issues remain unresolved with respect to how to evaluate the strength of evidence produced by flawed RCTs versus well-conducted non-RCTs. The purpose of this article is to evaluate existing evidence-based grading guidelines and to offer suggestions for how such guidelines may be improved.
Measuring Physicians’ Performance in Clinical Practice: Reliability, Classification Accuracy, and Validity
Authors: Weifeng Weng  , Hess Brian J. , Lynn Lorna A. , Holmboe Eric S. , Lipner Rebecca S.
Published: August 2010

Much research has been devoted to addressing challenges in achieving reliable assessments of physicians’ clinical performance but less work has focused on whether valid and accurate classification decisions are feasible. This study used 957 physicians certified in internal medicine (IM) or a subspecialty, who completed the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Diabetes Practice Improvement Module (PIM). Ten clinical and two patient-experience measures were aggregated into a composite measure. The composite measure score was highly reliable (r = .91) and classification accuracy was high across the entire score scale (>0.90), which indicated that it is possible to differentiate high-performing and low-performing physicians. Physicians certified in endocrinology and those who scored higher on their IM certification examination had higher composite scores, providing some validity evidence. In summary, it is feasible to create a psychometrically robust composite measure of physicians’ clinical performance, specifically for the quality of care they provide to patients with diabetes.
Explaining Discontinuity in Organizational Learning: A Process Analysis
Authors: Berends Hans , Lammers Irene
Published: August 2010

This paper offers a process analysis of organizational learning as it unfolds in a social and temporal context. Building upon the 4I framework (Crossan et al. 1999), we examine organizational learning processes in a longitudinal case study of an implementation of knowledge management in an international bank. This learning trajectory shows complex multilevel learning dynamics, in which we identify discontinuities where micro-processes of organizational learning are interrupted or do not progress from level to level. These discontinuities are explained by dynamics and tensions in the social and temporal structures enacted in the learning processes. Time is thereby revealed as a key dimension in the process and politics of organizational learning. The discontinuities in the micro-processes of learning render organizational learning fragmented and transient.
Malcolm Pines’ Contribution to Group Analysis
Authors: Pisani Rocco Antonio
Published: August 2010

The author gives particular emphasis to the work of Malcolm Pines. Above all, he stresses his contribution in studying in-depth specific non-transference factors in group analysis with special attention to mirroring phenomena and coherence, fundamental to ego-self training in action. Attention is given to the recent in-depth study and correlation between neurobiology, mirror neurons and group analysis. Malcolm Pines’ work is considered as being key to the creation of a bridge between S.H. Foulkes and Patrick de Maré.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis with thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Hu WX , Liu ZZ , Chen HP , Zhang HT , Li LS , Liu ZH
Published: August 2010

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of 33 patients with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (class IV LN) complicated with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Eighty-one percent of patients had renal dysfunction (mean Scr 3.1 ± 2.0 mg/dl), among whom 42.4% needed acute hemodialysis. Nephrotic proteinuria, gross hematuria and hypertension were presented in 57.6%, 24.2% and 93.9% of the patients. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, serum anti-dsDNA and anticardiolipin antibodies were found in 60.6%, 75.8% and 33.3% of the patients. Renal biopsy showed IV-G in 75.8%, class IV with class V in 21.2%, and IV-S in 1.23% of the patients. Glomerular segmental necrosis, microthrombi, crescents and arteriolar thrombosis were found in 51.5%, 69.7%, 60.6% and 60.7% of the patients, respectively. The follow up was 1 to 101 months (median 13 months). Only 50% of patients showed response to treatment. Three patients died, 10 developed end-stage renal failure (ESRF). The 5-year patient and renal survival rate was 69.2% and 46.7%, respectively. Major risks for ESRF included: a need for acute dialysis on admission, no response to the treatment and high renal chronic index. The results showed that class IV lupus nephritis with TMA has high mortality and low renal survival.
Secrets and lies: “selective openness” in the apparatus of animal experimentation
Authors: Holmberg Tora , Ideland Malin
Published: August 2010

Researchers and other (human) actors within the apparatus of animal experimentation find themselves in a tight corner. They rely on public acceptance to promote their legitimacy and to receive funding. At the same time, those working with animal experimentation take risks by going public, fearing that the public will misunderstand their work and animal rights activists may threaten them. The dilemma that emerges between openness and secrecy is fairly prevalent in scientific culture as a whole, but the apparatus of animal experimentation presents specific patterns of technologies of secrets. The aim of the paper is to describe and analyse the meanings of secrets and openness in contemporary animal experimentation. We suggest that these secrets – or “selective openness” – can be viewed as grease in the apparatus of animal experimentation, as a unifying ingredient that permits maintenance of status quo in human/animal relations and preserves existing institutional public/science relations.
Public assessment of new surveillance-oriented security technologies: Beyond the trade-off between privacy and security
Authors: Pavone Vincenzo , Esposti Sara Degli
Published: August 2010

As surveillance-oriented security technologies (SOSTs) are considered security enhancing but also privacy infringing, citizens are expected to trade part of their privacy for higher security. Drawing from the PRISE project, this study casts some light on how citizens actually assess SOSTs through a combined analysis of focus groups and survey data. First, the outcomes suggest that people did not assess SOSTs in abstract terms but in relation to the specific institutional and social context of implementation. Second, from this embedded viewpoint, citizens either expressed concern about government’s surveillance intentions and considered SOSTs mainly as privacy infringing, or trusted political institutions and believed that SOSTs effectively enhanced their security. None of them, however, seemed to trade privacy for security because concerned citizens saw their privacy being infringed without having their security enhanced, whilst trusting citizens saw their security being increased without their privacy being affected.
Changes in Taiwanese nursing student values during the educational experience
Authors: Lin Yu-Hua , Liching Sung Wang  , Yarbrough Susan , Alfred Danita , Martin Pam
Published: August 2010

Professional values are standards for action and provide a framework for evaluating behavior. This study examined changes in the professional values of nursing students between their entrance to and graduation from an undergraduate nursing program. A pre- and post-test design was employed. A convenience sample of 94 students from a university in Taiwan was surveyed. Data were collected from students during the sophomore and senior years. Total scores obtained for the revised Nurses Professional Values Scale during the senior year of the nursing program were significantly higher than upon program entry. The ‘caring’ subscale was scored highest at both program entry and graduation, but the pre- and post-test scores were not significantly different from each other. The students scored significantly higher on the ‘professionalism’ and ‘activism’ subscales at post-test than they did at pre-test. Professional values changed in a positive direction between the beginning of the student nurses’ educational experience and their graduation. The results supported the premise that education had a positive effect on these students’ professional values but causality could not be assumed.
Antisocial Behavioral Syndromes in Adulthood and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Over Three-Year Follow-Up: Results From Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Goldstein Risë B. , Dawson Deborah A. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is associated with poorer treatment outcomes, but more help seeking, for alcohol use disorders (AUDs); however, associations of ASPD with AUD treatment in the general population have not been studied prospectively. OBJECTIVE: To examine prediction of treatment over 3-year follow-up among adults with AUDs by baseline ASPD and syndromal adult antisocial behavior without conduct disorder before age 15 (AABS). METHOD: Face-to-face interviews with 34,653 respondents to the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, of whom 3,875 had prevalent AUDs between Waves 1 and 2 and ASPD, AABS, or no antisocial syndrome at Wave 1. RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, baseline ASPD predicted AUD treatment but AABS did not. After adjustment for additional need, predisposing, and enabling factors, antisocial syndromes did not predict treatment. Baseline predictors of treatment included more past-year AUD symptoms and past-year nicotine dependence and AUD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: That baseline antisocial syndrome did not predict AUD treatment may reflect strong associations of antisociality with previously identified predictors of help seeking.