bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODELING AND AUGMENTING GAME ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH CHALLENGE AND CURIOSITY
Authors: YANNAKAKIS GEORGIOS N. , HALLAM JOHN
Published: December 2007

This paper presents quantitative measurements/metrics of qualitative entertainment features within computer game environments and proposes artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for optimizing entertainment in such interactive systems. A human-verified metric of interest (i.e. player entertainment in real-time) for predator/prey games and a neuro-evolution on-line learning (i.e. during play) approach have already been reported in the literature to serve this purpose. In this paper, an alternative quantitative approach to entertainment modeling based on psychological studies in the field of computer games is introduced and a comparative study of the two approaches is presented. Feedforward neural networks (NNs) and fuzzy-NNs are used to model player satisfaction (interest) in real-time and investigate quantitatively how the qualitative factors of challenge and curiosity contribute to human entertainment. We demonstrate that appropriate non-extreme levels of challenge and curiosity generate high values of entertainment and we project the extensibility of the approach to other genres of digital entertainment (e.g. mixed-reality interactive playgrounds).
MONOSTOTIC FIBROUS DYSPLASIA OF THE MIDDLE PHALANX
Authors: Hatanaka Hithoshi
Published: December 2007

A 14-year-old male presented with a spindle shape deformity of the right middle finger. X-ray examination showed a lobulated lesion with a "ground glass" appearance, and expanding and thinning of the dorsal cortex of the middle phalanx. Curettage of the lesion and autologous bone graft was performed. Histological examination proved the lesion fibrous dysplasia. Two years after the surgery, X-ray examination showed consolidation of the grafted bone and no recurrence.
ULNAR STYLOID TRIQUETRAL IMPACTION
Authors: Giachino A. Alan , McIntyre Alison I. , Guy K. James , Conway Anna F.
Published: December 2007

Background: Ulnar styloid triquetral impaction (USTI), one of many causes of ulnar sided wrist pain, is a pathological entity with clear clinical and radiographic features, distinct and different from the impaction of the ulnar head against the lunate or ulno-carpal impaction (UCI). Pain is ulnar and point-tenderness is present precisely over the ulnar styloid as opposed to the proximal lunate in UCI. The provocative maneouvre of dorsiflexion in pronation followed by supination is markedly different from the ulnar deviation grind test maneouvres used to diagnose UCI. Multiple anatomical and pathological features interplay to produce a situation in which the distance between the tip of the ulnar styloid and the triquetrum is reduced resulting in USTI. The concept of ulnar styloid variance is introduced and anatomical variations of ulnar styloid length are demonstrated.

Methods: The clinical and radiographic features of 56 patients diagnosed with USTI were analysed. One thousand standardised film-file wrist radiographs were measured to determine the average length of the ulnar styloid in the population as well as the average projection of the styloid above the radius (ulnar styloid variance).

Results: An aetiological classification system for USTI was developed based on the clinical and radiographic features of the aforementioned patients and radiographs.

Conclusions: The causes of this syndrome are often complex and classification of the aetiological features is clinically useful. It is important for physicians and surgeons to recognise the clinical and radiographic features of this syndrome in order to properly manage the symptoms and prevent an iatrogenic production of USTI.
SUBCUTANEOUS RUPTURE OF THE FLEXOR TENDON OF THE LITTLE FINGER ASSOCIATED WITH ANOMALOUS FLEXOR DIGITORUM SUPERFICIALIS
Authors: Senda Hiroya , Muro Hidenori
Published: December 2007

A 59-year-old man suffered from subcutaneous rupture of the flexor tendon of the little finger associated with fracture of the hook of hamate. He could not flex his little finger completely at the distal interphalangeal joint, but incomplete flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was possible. Surgical exploration revealed anomaly of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the little finger, as it originated from the palmar aspect of the carpal ligament, and a small portion of the muscle belly was traversed toward the A1 pulley over the profundus tendon and then it ran into the A1 pulley as a normal superficialis tendon.

The flexor digitorum superficialis of the little finger is well known to show variations, but our case is extremely rare, and furthermore there are no reports in the available literatures about the function of this anomalous muscle.
PERSISTENT POSTEROLATERAL ROTATORY SUBLUXATION OF THE ELBOW IN CUBITUS VARUS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Osada Denju , Kameda Masahiro , Tamai Kazuya
Published: December 2007

A 23-year-old woman who had an episode of elbow injury which was treated cast immobilisation in childhood with residual cubitus varus sustained a posterior fracture dislocation of the same elbow. She was treated with closed reduction. Six months later, however, her elbow became stiff, and a persistent posterolateral rotatory subluxation was noted. Operations were performed in two steps; first, the radial head, which was subluxed posteriorly, was reduced and the lateral collateral ligament complex was reconstructed, and second, the stiff elbow was mobilised. Two years after the first surgery, the function of the elbow was satisfactorily recovered.
“GRAVITATIONAL MASS” OF INFORMATION?
Authors: KISH L. B.
Published: December 2007

We hypothesize possible new types of forces that would be the result of new types of interactions, static and a slow transient, between objects with related information contents (pattern). Such mechanism could make material composition dependence claimed by Fishbach, et al. in Eotvos type experiments plausible. We carried out experiments by using a high-resolution scale with the following memories: USB-2 flash drives (1-16GB), DVD and CD disks to determine if such an interaction exist/detectable with a scale resolution of 10 microgram with these test objects. We applied zero information, white noise and 1/ f noise type data. Due to the non-reproducible changes of static weight of these memories after changing the information in them, we have not been able to clarify the existence of a reproducible static force between the memory and its environment even though the variations of static weight could possibly be the manifestation of the new type of interaction with changing environment. Interaction between two memories containing the same information was not detected at the given weight resolution. The hypothesis of slow transient interaction is more in line with the observations provided the observed effects are not artifacts. Writing or deleting the information in any of these devices causes peculiar negative weight transients, up to milligrams (mass fraction around 10−5), which is followed by various types of relaxation processes. These relaxations have significantly different dynamics compared to transients observed during cooling after stationary external heating. Interestingly, a USB-1 MP3 player has also developed comparable transient mass loss during playing music, even though its information content was not changed, and its power dissipation and warming-up was much less than that of the USB-2 flash drives. A classical interpretation of the negative weight transients could be absorbed water in hygroscopic components, though comparison of relaxation time constants with air humidity data does not support an obvious explanation. Another classical interpretation with certain contribution is the lifting Bernoulli force caused by the circulation due to convection of the warm air. However, in this case all observed time constants with a device should have been the same unless some hidden parameter causes the observed variations. Thus further studies are warranted to clarify if there is indeed a new force, which is showing up as negative mass at weight measurement when high-density structural information is changed or read out (measured). We estimate that, if the information-based interaction is real, the weight of bodies could be reduced and floating engines could be achieved with several orders of magnitude greater data handling capacities than today's values at the same mass.
Messinian halite and residual facies in the Crotone basin (Calabria, Italy)
Authors: Lugli S. , Dominici R. , Barone M. , Costa E. , Cavozzi C.
Published: December 2007

The Neogene Crotone basin in eastern Calabria contains extensive Messinian evaporite deposits, including thick gypsarenite and halite. The halite deposit reaches a maximum thickness of
c
. 300 m and in some areas forms relatively small diapirs piercing late Messinian and Pliocene sediments. Halite is strongly modified by folding and recrystallization, but a few primary features are preserved. Four primary halite facies have been recognized: (a) banded halite consisting of folded white and dark bands deposited in a salt pan and/or saline mudflat; (b) white facies, massive halite containing anhydrite nodules, probably formed in a variably desiccating saline lake; (c) clear facies made up of a mosaic of large blocky halite crystals separated by mud, possibly the product of displacive halite growth in a saline mudflat; and (d) breccia facies, a product of dissolution of halite/mudstone/siltstone layers. Residual facies formed from halite dissolution are present as both weld and cap rocks. Weld rocks are thick, undeformed, and composed only of insoluble phases originally included in the salt, whereas cap rocks are thin, strongly sheared and include clasts from the cover rocks.
The ‘Evaporiti di Monte Castello’ deposits of the Messinian Southern Apennines foreland basin (Irpinia–Daunia Mountains, Southern Italy): stratigraphic evolution and geological context
Authors: Matano F.
Published: December 2007

An evaporitic limestone–gypsum succession, belonging to the Evaporiti di Monte Castello Formation, is recognized in the late Messinian (Upper Miocene) of the Irpinia–Daunia Mountains in the Southern Apennines arc (Southern Italy). This unit is formed by diatomaceous marls, massive and laminated evaporitic limestones, and by primary and clastic gypsum. Detailed stratigraphical, sedimentological and strontium geochemistry data has permitted reconstruction of stratigraphic and facies relations of gypsum deposits, depositional environment and basin evolution. Genetically related gypsum lithofacies can be grouped into two facies associations. The autochthonous gypsum facies association consists of shallow water selenitic, acicular and laminated gypsum and is characterized by the absence of high-energy sedimentary structures. The redeposited clastic gypsum facies association consists of shallow- to deeper-water fine-grained laminated gypsum, gypsarenites, pebbly gypsarenites and gypsrudites, showing common features of resedimented deposits. Nodular structures occurring in the laminated gypsum lithofacies seem to be mostly related to late diagenetic processes. The sedimentary evolution during the evaporative phase was characterized by a gradual increase in salinity until gypsum precipitated; then the sedimentary conditions in the basin were characterized by almost homogenous salinity conditions, and influenced by events of gypsum reworking and resedimentation probably related to flooding episodes and local tectonic activity. The gypsum was deposited from mainly marine brines, based on their Sr isotopic compositions. This sedimentary series is an equivalent of the Lower Evaporites of other parts of the Mediterranean. The Messinian Monte Castello Formation evaporites represent an uncommon type of evaporitic succession, probably developed in a extensional setting in a basin located along the Apulian foreland ramp, in contrast with the northern Apennines and Sicilian basins (e.g. Vena del Gesso, and Caltanisetta basins), which are considered to be thrust-top basins of the Apennine–Maghrebian foreland basin system.
Generation of primary sylvite: the fluid inclusion data from the Upper Permian (Zechstein) evaporites, SW Poland
Authors: Vovnyuk S. V. , Czapowski G.
Published: December 2007

The chemical composition of primary inclusions in sedimentary halite from the Polish Zechstein salt deposits (Upper Permian), which represent deposition in salt lagoon to salt pan-salina conditions of two evaporitic units of the Stassfurt and Leine cyclothems, contains evidence that the included brines belong to the Na–K–Mg–Cl–SO
4
(SO
4
-rich) type. They differ from the brines typical for other Zechstein salts by having an elevated potassium content, which produced primary sylvite (daughter crystals in inclusions), caused by redeposition of locally generated potassium salts during inflow of fresh seawater into the sedimentary basin. The homogenization temperature of primary inclusions in halite with sylvite daughter crystals reflects the increased temperature (53–60 °C) of basin brines, caused by a greenhouse effect due to density stratification of the brines. Isotopic composition of the anhydrite (sulphur: 9.4–13.30‰ Canyon Diablo Troilite (CDT); oxygen: 9.44–10.4‰ Standard Middle Ocean Water (SMOW), as well as the bromine content in halite (49–77 ppm) indicated that these salts had a marine origin and were deposited at an elevated temperature, from concentrated seawater with a high potassium content, that favoured precipitation of primary sylvite.
Skeletal muscle insulin resistance: role of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Wei Yongzhong , Chen Kemin , Whaley-Connell Adam T. , Stump Craig S. , Ibdah Jamal A. , Sowers James R.
Published: December 2007

The cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), with its increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become a growing worldwide health problem. Insulin resistance is a key factor for the development of the CMS and is strongly related to obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), CKD, and NAFLD. Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is particularly important since it is normally responsible for more than 75% of all insulin-mediated glucose disposal. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for skeletal muscle insulin resistance remain poorly defined. Accumulating evidence indicates that low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play fundamental roles in the development of insulin resistance, and inflammatory cytokines likely contribute to the link between inflammation, oxidative stress, and skeletal muscle insulin resistance. Understanding the mechanisms by which skeletal muscle tissue develops resistance to insulin will provide attractive targets for interventions, which may ultimately curb this serious problem. This review is focused on the effects of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress on insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and consequent development of insulin resistance.
Seasonal glucocorticoid responses to capture in wild free-living mammals
Authors: Romero L. Michael , Meister Cecile J. , Cyr Nicole E. , Kenagy G. J. , Wingfield John C.
Published: December 2007

We determined baseline and capture-induced glucocorticoid concentrations during two different seasons in three species of wild free-living rodents: brown lemmings ( Lemmus trimucronatus), golden-mantled ground squirrels ( Spermophilus saturatus), and yellow-pine chipmunks ( Tamias amoenus). Initial blood samples were obtained within 3 min of capture, so that initial glucocorticoid levels reflect baseline titers of undisturbed animals. Animals were held for an additional 30 min, when a second blood sample was taken to measure stress-induced glucocorticoid titers. The primary glucocorticoid differed in each species. Lemmings secreted extremely large amounts of corticosterone (as high as 8,000 ng/ml). These high concentrations were accompanied by high corticosterone-binding globulin capacity and resistance to negative feedback. Squirrels and chipmunks secreted a mixture of cortisol and corticosterone (10–400 ng/ml). In males of all three species and female squirrels and chipmunks, glucocorticoid levels were significantly elevated 30 min after capture. Baseline and 30-min glucocorticoid levels differed seasonally in each species. Levels were higher during summer (with no snow cover) than in spring (with ∼60% snow cover) in female lemmings, higher during breeding than before hibernation in squirrels, and higher postreproductively than during breeding in chipmunks. Together, these data indicate that glucocorticoid responses to stress in these free-living species are similar to those in laboratory species, but the magnitude of the response appears to depend on life-history features specific to each species.
Do We Have a Common Mechanism for Measuring Time in the Hundreds of Millisecond Range? Evidence From Multiple-Interval Timing Tasks
Authors: Merchant Hugo , Zarco Wilbert , Prado Luis
Published: December 2007

In the present study we examined the performance variability of a group of 13 subjects in eight different tasks that involved the processing of temporal intervals in the subsecond range. These tasks differed in their sensorimotor processing ( S; perception vs. production), the modality of the stimuli used to define the intervals ( M; auditory vs. visual), and the number of intervals ( N; one or four). Different analytical techniques were used to determine the existence of a central or distributed timing mechanism across tasks. The results showed a linear increase in performance variability as a function of the interval duration in all tasks. However, this compliance of the scalar property of interval timing was accompanied by a strong effect of S, N, and M and the interaction between these variables on the subjects' temporal accuracy. Thus the performance variability was larger not only in perceptual tasks than that in motor-timing tasks, but also using visual rather than auditory stimuli, and decreased as a function of the number of intervals. These results suggest the existence of a partially overlapping distributed mechanism underlying the ability to quantify time in different contexts.
Clinical Management of Atopic Eczema with Pimecrolimus Cream 1% (Elidel®) in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Thaci Diamant , de Prost Yves , Puig Lluis , Paul Carle
Published: December 2007

Atopic eczema is predominantly a disease of children and infants, and is often a significant burden for both the sufferer and the family. Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel®) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that has been developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. When applied twice daily, pimecrolimus has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in paediatric patients with mild to moderate atopic eczema, and appears to be particularly suitable for use on the face, the neck and skin folds. Reduction of pruritus or erythema can be seen within 48 hours of initiating treatment, and when used at the first signs or symptoms of recurrence, pimecrolimus can significantly reduce the incidence of flares and the amount of topical corticosteroid used. Long-term pimecrolimus therapy shows that the initial reduction of disease severity (Eczema Area and Severity Index) is sustained and that most patients have minimal residual disease at 2 years. The most common application-site reaction is a mild to moderate, transient, warm/burning sensation occurring in approximately 10% of patients. Blood concentrations of pimecrolimus following topical administration remain low in all patients. Currently there is no evidence for systemic adverse events, immune suppression or alterations in the vaccine response, after short-term or prolonged treatment. In conclusion, pimecrolimus is an effective treatment option for the short-term treatment and long-term control of atopic eczema in paediatric patients.
Oral Vitamin C Administration Increases Lipid Peroxidation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: De Vriese An S. , Borrey Daniëlle , Mahieu Els , Claeys Ilse , Stevens Lut , Vanhaeverbeke Ann , Roelens Mieke , Langlois Michel R.
Published: December 2007

Background: Since vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) deficiency is common in hemodialysis patients, systematic supplementation has been recommended. Further, vitamin C has been advocated as a potential adjuvant to erythropoietin by virtue of its capacity to improve iron utilization. However, vitamin C may have a paradoxical pro-oxidant effect in the presence of iron. Methods: In 109 hemodialysis patients, oral vitamin C was administered at 360 and 1,500 mg/week during 3 months each, followed by a wash-out period of 3 months. Results: Serum AA increased from 0.22 to 0.33 and 0.63 mg/dl after 360 and 1,500 mg/week, respectively. However, a commensurate increase of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), a parameter of lipid peroxidation, with 9 and 26% was observed. Serum AA and plasma MDA returned to baseline after withdrawal of vitamin C. Parameters of iron status, nutrition, inflammation, dialysis efficiency and plasma lipids remained unaltered. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, serum AA and ferritin were strong and independent predictors of MDA. Conclusion: Oral vitamin C supplementation in hemodialysis patients increases lipid peroxidation, especially in patients with increased serum ferritin. The potential benefits of restored vitamin C status and improved erythropoiesis may be entirely overruled by the adverse consequences of oxidative tissue injury.
Serum Troponin in Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: EL-Khuffash Afif F. , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: December 2007

Cardiac troponins have a major role in screening and diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia in adults and children. Their introduction has redefined the diagnosis of myocardial infarction in adults and provided valuable prognostic information. In the paediatric population, troponins show a good correlation with the extent of myocardial damage following cardiac surgery and cardiotoxic medication, and can be used as predictors of subsequent cardiac recovery and mortality. This review discusses the current established reference values in term and preterm infants and demonstrates their potential use in neonatology. They may serve as a useful adjunct in the assessment of the magnitude of myocardial injury in respiratory distress syndrome and asphyxia. They may also benefit centres without on-site echocardiography with some evidence showing good correlation with echo-derived markers of myocardial function. The use of troponins in the neonatal unit remains a research tool. More work is needed to explore their prognostic role and monitoring response to treatment following cardioprotective strategies. In preterm infants the effect of inotropes on myocardial function needs further study and troponin may form an integral part of this research.
STAT3 Inhibits Apoptosis of Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by ATP Depletion/Recovery
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Ouyang Chun , Chen Xiangmei , Fu Bo , Lu Yang , Hong Quan
Published: December 2007

Background/Aims: Apoptosis has been implicated in renal ischemic injury, the regulating mechanism of which is still unclear. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) participate in inflammation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. In the in vitro model of renal ischemic injury, we explored the role of the STAT3, a major component of the STAT family, in apoptosis of human proximal tubular epithelial cell (HKC) induced by ATP depletion/recovery. Methods: Apoptosis of HKC was induced in an in vitro model of acute renal failure. STAT3 activation was analyzed by Western blotting. RNA interference was used to knock down STAT3 expression. The effect of STAT3 knockdown or STAT3C overexpression on apoptosis was assessed by annexin V binding and propidium iodide uptake. Results: STAT3 was phosphorylated during the course of ATP depletion-induced HKC cell apoptosis. STAT3 knockdown suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation, and promoted apoptosis of HKC subjected to ATP depletion/recovery, while STAT3C overexpression conferred resistance of HKC to ATP depletion-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that STAT3 mediates resistance to ATP depletion-induced apoptosis of HKC, which may be a potential target in treatment of renal ischemic injury.
Continuity and Change in Indonesian Labour Relations in the Habibie Interregnum
Authors: Ford Michele
Published: December 2007

There were considerable changes in Indonesia's industrial relations climate and regulatory framework during the Habibie interregnum. This article explores the implications of those changes for informal workers' organizations, unions and labour-oriented NGOs. The article is divided into two sections. The first section reflects upon the philosophy, institutions and practice of labour relations under Suharto's New Order and describes organized opposition to the industrial relations system, while the second describes the ways in which labour relations and representation changed during the Habibie interregnum.
Work, Consumption and the Indonesian Crises in Western Flores
Authors: Erb Maribeth
Published: December 2007

The political and financial turmoil in Indonesia over the past three years has affected Indonesians in various ways. This paper takes a comparative framework developed to illuminate changes in Euro-American society between the modem ethic of work and the postmodern aesthetic of consumption, to analyse the different ways people in Manggarai, Western Flores, reacted to the Indonesian crises.
Comenius, Boyle, Oldenburg, and the Translation of the Bible into Turkish
Authors: Malcolm Noel
Published: December 2007

In the period 1658-67 there were two separate projects to produce a Turkish translation of the Bible. The first, promoted by Comenius in Holland and funded by his patron de Geer, used the services of Levinus Warner in Constantinople; Warner commissioned translations from two dragomans in that city. The second, promoted and partly funded by Robert Boyle, was undertaken by William Seaman in London. Attempts were made (through Henry Oldenburg) to coordinate the two projects, allotting the Old Testament to the former and the New to the latter; but there was little practical cooperation. Seaman's New Testament was published in 1666, but the Dutch-commissioned translation would remain in manuscript for more than 150 years. This article analyses the history of these twin projects and the difficulties that beset them — of which the greatest was the lack of sufficient linguistic expertise.
Pharmacokinetics of PC‐SOD, a Lecithinized Recombinant Superoxide Dismutase, After Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Administration to Healthy Japanese and Caucasian Volunteers
Authors: Suzuki Jun , Broeyer Freerk , Cohen Adam , Takebe Masato , Burggraaf Jacobus , Mizushima Yutaka
Published: December 2007

To study the pharmacokinetics of single increasing intravenous doses (40–160 mg) and repeated doses (80 mg for 7 days) of lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC‐SOD) in Japanese volunteers and to compare the pharmacokinetics of PC‐SOD between Caucasians and Japanese. The Japanese study consisted of 2 parts: a single‐dose, open‐label, dose‐escalation part and a multiple‐dose, singleblind, placebo‐controlled part. The pharmacokinetics of PC‐SOD were determined using noncompartmental and compartmental methods. Pharmacokinetic data from a study with PC‐SOD in Caucasians were reanalyzed using the same methodology. The mean (SD) terminal half‐life of PC‐SOD in Japanese subjects was 25 (4) hours for the 40‐mg and 80‐mg doses and 31 (15) hours for the 160‐mg dose. There was nonlinearity between dose‐normalized Cmax and clearance (P values .002 and .022). After multiple dosing, steady state was reached after 5 days. The observed accumulation ratio was 2.6 (0.5). The pharmacokinetics of the single 80‐mg dose were similar for Japanese and Caucasians. The pharmacokinetics of PC‐SOD was shown to be nonlinear with dose, which may be attributable to a saturable clearing mechanism. The relatively long half‐life of PC‐SOD (>24 hours) suggests that it is worthwhile to study the compound as a protective agent in clinical conditions with free radical overload.
Effects of Ibuprofen on the Magnitude and Duration of Aspirin's Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation: Clinical Consequences in Stroke Prophylaxis
Authors: Gengo Franci M. , Rubin Lisa , Robson Matthew , Rainka Michelle , Gengo Michael F. , Mager Donal E. , Bates Vernice
Published: December 2007

This study was designed to measure the magnitude and duration of inhibition of platelet aggregation following doses of aspirin or ibuprofen alone or taken in combination in a group of healthy volunteers. Ten normal volunteer subjects underwent 3 randomized treatment sessions: aspirin 325 mg alone, ibuprofen 400 mg alone, and ibuprofen 400 mg, followed by dosing with aspirin 325 mg 2 hours thereafter. In addition, a confirmatory study was performed in patients. Over 27 months, a cohort of patients treated with aspirin for secondary stroke prophylaxis while concomitantly taking a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) was identified. A significant reduction was found in both the magnitude and duration of aspirin's inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation when ibuprofen was given prior to aspirin administration in normal volunteer subjects. During a 27‐month period, a cohort of 28 patients took regular daily doses of ibuprofen or naproxen. Of these 28 patients, 18 returned for follow‐up testing in the absence of this pharmacodynamic interaction. None of these 18 patients demonstrated inhibition of platelet aggregation while on both NSAID and aspirin; however, all showed inhibition of aggregation following discontinuation of the NSAID. Notably, 13 of these 18 patients (72%) had experienced a recurrent ischemic episode while taking aspirin and NSAIDs concomitantly. These data suggest that ibuprofen prevents the irreversible inhibition of platelet aggregation produced by aspirin needed for secondary stroke prophylaxis, and this interaction can have clinical consequences for patients taking aspirin.
International Human Rights Law and the Politics of Legitimation
Authors: Hafner-Burton Emilie M. , Tsutsui Kiyoteru , Meyer John W.
Published: December 2007

This study explores, with quantitative data analyses, why nation-states with very negative human rights records tend to sign and ratify human rights treaties at rates similar to those of states with positive records. The study's core arguments are (1) that the deepening international human rights regime creates opportunities for rights-violating governments to display low-cost legitimating commitments to world norms, leading them to ratify human rights treaties without the capacity or willingness to comply with the provisions; and (2) that among repressive regimes, autonomous ones that are less constrained by domestic forces are more likely to ratify human rights treaties as symbolic commitment, because these sovereigns are free to entertain high levels of decoupling between policy and practice, while constrained governments are more reluctant to incite domestic (and foreign) oppositions and interest groups. The combined outcome is that repressive states ratify human rights treaties at least as frequently as non-repressive ones — particularly those repressive states that have greater autonomy. Our cross-national time-series analyses provide supportive evidence for these arguments.
Delirium in the Hospitalized Patient: A Primer for the Pharmacist Clinician
Authors: Laible Brad , Johnson Thomas
Published: December 2007

As appreciation grows for the negative impact delirium has on the clinical outcome of hospitalized patients, pharmacists are becoming more involved in the identification and treatment of this common problem. Delirium has been shown to have a significant impact on such factors as morbidity, mortality, and hospital length of stay. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) provides a simple assessment method for delirium that can be utilized by nonpsychiatrist personnel. While nonpharmacologic strategies are generally recommended to prevent and treat delirium, pharmacologic agents have also been investigated. This article will review causes of delirium, assessment with the CAM-ICU, and treatment options available to the pharmacist clinician.
Impact of Inadequate Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy on Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Escherichia coli or Klebsiella Species Bacteremia
Authors: Hall Ronald G. , Shah Sachin R. , Villela Leticia R. , Amirkhan Robin H.
Published: December 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) on mortality of patients with Escherichia coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia. Patients with E coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia were retrospectively analyzed to determine the effect of IEAT on 14-day mortality. IEAT of bacteremia was defined as administration of an antimicrobial agent to which the microorganism responsible for the bacteremia was resistant. IEAT was significantly associated with central venous catheter placement, Klebsiella species, and antimicrobial resistance among the 135 patients with E coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia (110 adequate, 25 inadequate). IEAT significantly increased 14-day mortality (32% vs 19%; P = .019). The increased 14-day mortality associated with IEAT was consistent among patients infected with E coli (33% vs 11%) or Klebsiella species (31% vs 15%). Independent risk factors for 14-day mortality in the multivariate analysis included Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.27), IEAT (OR 9.4; 95% CI = 1.36-65.14), and initial imipenem therapy (OR 20.66; 95% CI = 1.48-287.74). Of the 6 patients receiving empiric imipenem/cilastatin, 3 had APACHE II scores ≥ 30 (all 3 of these patients died). The 14-day mortality rate was similar for patients who received IEAT, regardless of whether their therapy was changed (32%) or not (33%). Based on these results and previous studies, greater efforts should be made to identify patients at risk for resistant pathogens before initiating antimicrobial therapy.
Cohabitation Status and Onset of Disability Among Older Danes
Authors: Nilsson Charlotte Juul , Lund Rikke , Avlund Kirsten
Published: December 2007

Objectives: To investigate the effect of cohabitation status in older men and women on (a) onset of disability at 3- and 4.5-year follow-up and (b) changes in functional ability between 3- and 4.5-year follow-up, and to analyze whether this effect was mediated by social participation. Method: A total of 2,533 nondisabled older men and women enrolled in the Danish Intervention Study on Preventive Home Visits constituted the study population. Data were collected by mailed questionnaires in 1998-1999, 2000, 2001-2002, and 2003. Results: Living alone significantly increased the risk of onset of disability (T3 OR = 1.60[1.06-2.43], T4 OR = 1.74[1.22-2.47]) and the risk of sustained poor functional ability (OR = 2.35[1.44-3.84]) among men, but not among single-living women. Social participation mediated only a small part of the effect of cohabitation status on functional ability. Discussion: Our results underline the importance of cohabitation/marriage for maintaining a high functional ability among older men.
Charity Brand Personality: The Relationship With Giving Behavior
Authors: Sargeant Adrian , Ford John B. , Hudson Jane
Published: December 2007

Charity brands have been found to assist income generation by enhancing donor understanding of an organization and what it stands for. Despite an increasing interest in this topic, few studies have addressed the dimensions of such brands and sought to explore the link (if any) with donor behavior. The authors report the results of a large-scale postal survey of donors to nine national nonprofits and conclude that traits associated with benevolence, progression, and conservatism are incapable of distinguishing between the study's participating brands. Traits associated with emotional engagement, service, voice, and tradition are capable of serving as the basis for differentiation and are also linked to facets of individual giving behavior.
`All That Glisters Is Not Gold' — Web 2.0 And The Librarian
Authors: Anderson Paul
Published: December 2007

Web 2.0 and social media applications such as blogs, wikis and social networking sites offer the promise of a more vibrant, social and participatory Internet. There is a growing interest within the library community in debating the potential impact that such services might have within libraries and such debates have gathered around the moniker of `Library 2.0'. To date, however, there has been little theoretical work and there is a need to develop more formal definitions and frameworks. This editorial discusses the origins of the term Web 2.0, provides a structured framework for rationalizing the implications of Web 2.0 services and outlines some of the areas in which librarians are positioned to provide a unique contribution to the further development of such services.
The management of independent secondary school libraries in England and Wales
Authors: Turner Richard , Matthews Graham , Ashcroft Linda , Farrow Janet
Published: December 2007

This paper investigates aspects of the management of independent secondary school libraries in England and Wales. It is based on a survey of 150 independent school library managers, with a response rate of 68.7 percent, which was carried out as part of an ongoing PhD research project. The paper considers a range of issues important to school library managers: for example, policy and procedure document production, project management, sources of guidance, the management skills most important to practitioners and the opinions of school library managers on a range of management issues related to the running of a school library. The qualifications and experience of school library managers are also considered in the research. The survey demonstrated a notable degree of satisfaction with the management and operation of libraries by library managers in individual schools. However, a number of factors were identified as barriers to successful management, which may have implications for policies and procedures within the sector. Additional research is planned to clarify the level of school library provision in independent schools, including further interviews with school library managers, diary keeping and a survey of senior management in independent schools to gauge their opinions on their school library.
Dialogue guides awareness and understanding of science: an essay on different goals of dialogue leading to different science communication approaches
Authors: van der Sanden Maarten C.A. , Meijman Frans J.
Published: December 2007

Dialogue has become a buzzword in science communication. Many governmental initiatives involving information transfer use dialogue as a selling point. We have, for example, a dialogue on genetic manipulation, a dialogue on the scientific future of Europe, a dialogue on food safety. Dialogue has almost become a communication target on its own, beside such things as public understanding or awareness of science. Dialogue is, however, just a technique, a method that can be used in any modality of science communication to serve any of its goals. New developments in the growing use of dialogue should therefore be considered as part of science communication as a whole. In this essay we discuss the various operationalizations of dialogue for different science communication modalities and goals, based on different notions of science. Dialogue offers various possibilities for science communication. There is an important difference between dialogue with a functional goal and dialogue with a conceptual goal. This distinction and its implications are based on our recent study on effective biomedical science communication on predictive DNA diagnostics.
Science knowledge and attitudes across cultures: a meta-analysis
Authors: Allum Nick , Sturgis Patrick , Tabourazi Dimitra , Brunton-Smith Ian
Published: December 2007

The correlation between knowledge and attitudes has been the source of controversy in research on the public understanding of science (PUS). Although many studies, both quantitative and qualitative, have examined this issue, the results are at best diverse and at worst contradictory. In this paper, we review the evidence on the relationship between public attitudes and public knowledge about science across 40 countries using a meta-analytic approach. We fit multilevel models to data from 193 nationally representative surveys on PUS carried out since 1989. We find a small positive correlation between general attitudes towards science and general knowledge of scientific facts, after controlling for a range of possible confounding variables. This general relationship varies little across cultures but more substantially between different domains of science and technology. Our results suggest that PUS research needs to focus on understanding the mechanisms that underlie the clear association that exists between knowledge and attitudes about science.
The Cognitive Basis of Trait Anger and Reactive Aggression: An Integrative Analysis
Authors: Wilkowski Benjamin M. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: December 2007

Cognitive processing approaches to personality have gained momentum in recent years, and the present review uses such a cognitive approach to understand individual differences in anger and reactive aggression. Because several relevant cognitive models have been proposed in separate literatures, a purpose of this review is to integrate such material and evaluate the consistency of relations obtained to date. The analysis reveals that processes related to automatic hostile interpretations, ruminative attention, and effortful control appear to be important contributors to individual differences in angry reactivity. Memory accessibility processes, by contrast, failed to exhibit a consistent relationship with trait anger. This review concludes with the proposal of an integrative cognitive model of trait anger and the discussion of several broader issues, including the developmental origins of cognitive processing patterns and plausible links to temperament-based perspectives.
Alone and confused
Authors: Edwards Dorothy F. , Morris John C.
Published: December 2007

Despite significant increases in the number of adults who live alone, little is known about adults with cognitive impairment who live without co-resident caregivers. In this study, we examined demographic, cognitive, and functional characteristics and service use patterns of a sample ( N = 343) of older community-residing African Americans with dementia who were referred for assessment. Of this group, 52 percent (179) lived alone. Adults who lived alone were compared with those who had co-resident caregivers to determine differences in cognitive and functional status and formal service use. Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment included diagnosis and staging of dementia, status evaluation of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and informal and formal support. Adults living alone had significantly more caregivers than those with co-resident caregivers. Neighbors and friends were more common primary care providers for live-alone adults. A significant proportion of adults had inadequate care, given their cognitive and functional deficits. Although formal service use was low in both groups, live-alone adults were more likely to receive social services than were adults with a co-resident caregiver. Predictors of formal service use included the presence of a caseworker, Medicaid certification, mild dementia, and living alone. Our results indicate the need for better identification of, and supportive services for, older African Americans with dementia who live alone.
Dignity work in dementia care
Authors: Örulv Linda , Nikku Nina
Published: December 2007

This study is concerned with issues of dignity in dementia care, in situations where staff members handle potential or actual conflicts and interaction problems between residents. Based on empirical data consisting of observations and video recordings, various coping strategies are identified in regard to whether or not, as well as when and how to interfere. Microethical analysis is used in order to discuss these coping strategies in relation to contextual conditions and ways of understanding, and values or aspects of dignity are highlighted. In dialogue with empirical data, nuances of ethical considerations are approached that are otherwise difficult to access analytically — thereby opening the door to a more reflective way of dealing with problematic situations in dementia care.
Midwives Practice CAM: Feminism in the Delivery Room
Authors: Shuval Judith T. , Gross Sky E.
Published: December 2007

This article focuses on midwives who practice complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Israel. After qualifying as nurses in mainstream biomedical institutions, these midwives have, at some point in their careers, opted to study a variety of CAM skills and practice them in hospital delivery rooms in Israel. The authors explore the relationship of selected elements of feminist ideology to the epistemology of CAM midwives. Seven context-specific themes are viewed as central to their epistemological stance: rejection of the medicalization of birth; a strong belief in the “naturalness” of childbirth; rejection of the overuse of technology; empowerment of women; nostalgia and reverence for the past; centrality of intuition, feeling, and emotion; and active advocacy. In-depth, semistructured interviews were carried out during 2004 to 2005 with 13 midwives. These narratives provided empirical material for a qualitative analysis. Evidence is shown to demonstrate the unique feminist quality of the core beliefs of the CAM midwives.
Activated protein C–cleaved protease activated receptor-1 is retained on the endothelial cell surface even in the presence of thrombin
Authors: Schuepbach Reto A. , Feistritzer Clemens , Brass Lawrence F. , Riewald Matthias
Published: December 2007

Activated protein C (APC) signals in endothelial cells ex vivo through protease activated receptor-1 (PAR1). However, it is controversial whether PAR1 can mediate APC's protective effects in sepsis because the inflammatory response results in thrombin generation and thrombin proteolytically activates PAR1 much more efficiently than APC. Here we show that APC can induce powerful barrier protective responses in an endothelial cell monolayer in the presence of thrombin. Using cell surface immunoassays with conformation sensitive monoclonal anti-PAR1 antibodies we analyzed cleavage of endogenous PAR1 on the endothelial cell surface by APC in the absence and presence of thrombin. Incubation with APC caused efficient PAR1 cleavage and upon coincubation with thrombin APC supported additional PAR1 cleavage. Thrombin-cleaved PAR1 rapidly disappeared from the cell surface whereas, unexpectedly, the APC-cleaved PAR1 remained and could be detected on the cell surface, even when thrombin at concentrations of up to 1 nM was also present. Our findings demonstrate for the first time directly that APC can generate a distinct PAR1 population on endothelial cells in the presence of thrombin. The data suggest that different trafficking of activated PAR1 might explain how PAR1 signaling by APC can be relevant when thrombin is present.