bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herstellung und Transfusion von Leukozyten- und Thrombozyten-konzentraten mit besonderer Berücksichtigung hämatologischer Probleme
Authors: Höcker P. , Pittermann E. , Blumauer H.
Published: May 2009

Es werden die derzeit zur Verfügung stehenden Methoden für die Gewinnung von Thrombozyten- und Granulozytenkonzentraten besprochen: Differentialzentrifugation; kontinuierliche Durchfluβseparation; intermittierende Durchfluβseparation; Filtrationsleukapherese. Anhand eigener Ergebnisse mit dem Aminco Cellseparator werden technische Durchführung, Ausbeute und klinische Anwendung der einzelnen Methoden angeführt und durch die aus der Literatur bekannten Ergebnisse ergänzt
Proteomics, Metabolomics, and Immunomics on Microparticles Derived From Human Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Mayr Manuel , Grainger David , Mayr Ursula , Leroyer Aurelie S. , Leseche Guy , Sidibe Anissa , Herbin Olivier , Yin Xiaoke , Gomes Aldrin , Madhu Bassetti , Griffiths John R. , Xu Qingbo , Tedgui Alain , Boulanger Chantal M.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Microparticles (MPs) with procoagulant activity are present in human atherosclerosis, but no detailed information is available on their composition.

Methods and Results—

To obtain insights into the role of MPs in atherogenesis, MP proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry, metabolite profiles were determined by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and antibody reactivity was assessed against combinatorial antigen libraries. Plaque MPs expressed surface antigens consistent with their leukocyte origin, including major histocompatibility complex classes I and II, and induced a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on T-cell proliferation. Notably, taurine, the most abundant free organic acid in human neutrophils, which scavenges myeloperoxidase-catalyzed free radicals, was highly enriched in plaque MPs. Moreover, fluorescent labeling of proteins on the MP surface suggested immunoglobulins to be trapped inside, which was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis on permeabilized and nonpermeabilized plaque MPs. Colabeling for CD14 and IgG established that more than 90% of the IgG containing MPs were CD14
+
, indicating a macrophage origin. Screening against an antigen library revealed that the immunologic profiles of antibodies in MPs were similar to those found in plaques but differed profoundly from antibodies in plasma and unexpectedly, showed strong reactions with oligosaccharide antigens, in particular blood group antigen A.

Conclusions—

This study provides the first evidence that immunoglobulins are present within MPs derived from plaque macrophages, that the portfolio of plaque antibodies is different from circulating antibodies in plasma, and that anticarbohydrate antibodies are retained in human atherosclerotic lesions.
Association Between Elevated Fibrosis Markers and Heart Failure in the Elderly
Authors: Barasch Eddy , Gottdiener John S. , Aurigemma Gerard , Kitzman Dalane W. , Han Jing , Kop Willem J. , Tracy Russell P.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Myocardial fibrosis reflects excess collagen deposition in the extracellular left ventricular matrix, which has been associated with heart failure (HF). No studies have addressed the relation between fibrosis biomarkers and HF in the elderly.

Methods and Results—

Serum fibrosis markers were measured in 880 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (mean age 77�6 years, 48% women). Participants with systolic HF (n=131, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%) and those with diastolic HF (n=179, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥55%) were compared with controls (280 with cardiovascular risk factors, and 279 healthy individuals) using a nested case-control design. Fibrosis markers included carboxyl-terminal peptide of procollagen type I, carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I, and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III. Echocardiography was used to document systolic and diastolic function parameters. Analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis (per tertile odds ratios [OR]), adjusted by age, gender, race, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, baseline serum glucose, serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, any angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, spironolactone or any diuretic, NT-proBNP, and total bone mineral density were performed. Systolic HF was associated with significantly elevated carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (OR=2.6; 95% CI=1.2 to 5.7) and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III (OR=3.3; 95% CI=1.6 to 5.8), when adjusting for covariates. Associations of diastolic HF were significant for carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (OR=3.9; 95% CI=1.9 to 8.3) and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III (OR=2.7; 95% CI=1.4 to 5.4). HF was not associated with elevated carboxyl-terminal peptide of procollagen type I (
P
>0.10), and fibrosis markers did not significantly differ between HF with diastolic versus those with systolic dysfunction (
P
>0.10) whereas NT-proBNP mean values were higher in systolic heart failure than in diastolic heart failure (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Fibrosis markers are significantly elevated in elderly individuals with diastolic or systolic HF. These associations remained significant when adjusting for covariates relevant to the aging process.
Prognosis on Chronic Dobutamine or Milrinone Infusions for Stage D Heart Failure
Authors: Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Chu Eric C. , Reese Jennifer R. , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Hsich Eileen , Starling Randall C.
Published: May 2009

Background—

There are no published clinical trials comparing dobutamine with milrinone in outpatients with stage D heart failure on continuous inotropes.

Methods and Results—

In a retrospective analysis of 112 inotrope-dependent patients with stage D heart failure who were not transplant candidates at enrollment, we investigated the relationship between choice of dobutamine or milrinone and mortality. Half the patients were on dobutamine (mean dose, 5.4�2.5 μg/kg per minute) and half on milrinone (mean dose, 0.4�0.2 μg/kg per minute). Those on dobutamine tended to be older (63 years old versus 54 years old), male (86% versus 79%), and fewer had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (57% versus 74%). During a median follow-up time of 130 days (range, 2 to 2345 days), there were 85 deaths (76% of cohort) and 55 rehospitalizations. Use of dobutamine compared with milrinone was associated with higher all-cause mortality in an unadjusted analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.52;
P
<0.03). However, this association was not significant after adjustment for baseline characteristics in the full cohort (N=112; HR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.97;
P
=0.98) or propensity-matched cohort (N=70; HR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.85;
P
=0.86).

Conclusions—

In this single-center retrospective study, there were no mortality differences between chronic intravenous dobutamine or milrinone in patients with stage D heart failure being discharged from the hospital. The high mortality in this group selected for inotrope dependence warrants careful consideration of all options and priorities for further care.
Apelin Gene Transfer Into the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Induces Chronic Blood Pressure Elevation in Normotensive Rats
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yao Fanrong , Raizada Mohan K. , O'Rourke Stephen T. , Sun Chengwen
Published: May 2009

The peripheral apelin system plays a significant role in cardiovascular homeostasis and in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. However, the central effect of this neurohormonal system in neural control of cardiovascular function remains poorly understood. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of apelin in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) on blood pressure, cardiac function, and sympathetic nerve activity. Apelin mRNA and protein levels were detected with real-time RT-PCR and Western blots, respectively. Expression of apelin was significantly enhanced in the RVLM of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) compared with normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. To study the functional consequence of upregulated apelin expression, apelin was overexpressed by bilateral microinjection of the AAV2-apelin viral vector into the RVLM of WKY rats. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blots demonstrated that microinjection of AAV2-apelin into the RVLM resulted in a significant increase in apelin expression, which was associated with a chronic elevation in blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, direct microinjection of exogenous apelin-13 (200 pmol in 50 nL) into the RVLM caused a 20 mm Hg elevation in blood pressure and a 24% increase in sympathetic nerve activity. The present study is the first to show that apelin expression is enhanced in the RVLM of SHR versus WKY rats and that overexpression of this gene in the RVLM results in chronic blood pressure elevation and cardiac hypertrophy in normotensive rats. Thus, the apelin system in the RVLM may play a very important role in central blood pressure regulation and in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
The Spectrum of Systemic Immune Alterations After Murine Focal Ischemia
Authors: Liesz Arthur , Hagmann Sebastien , Zschoche Carolin , Adamek Johanna , Zhou Wei , Sun Li , Hug Andreas , Zorn Markus , Dalpke Alexander , Nawroth Peter , Veltkamp Roland
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Therapeutic modification of the postischemic immune processes is a key target of current experimental stroke research. For successful translation into the clinical setting, experimental studies must account for the impact of different strokes on the immune system including susceptibility to infection. Herein, we characterize the impact of 3 ischemia models on systemic immunological and microbiological parameters.

Methods—

In C57Bl/6 mice (n=235), the middle cerebral artery was occluded (MCAO) either permanently by distal coagulation or transiently by an intraluminal filament for 30 minutes or 90 minutes. Differential leukocyte counts were performed in blood and lymphatic organs. Lymphocyte subpopulations and apoptotic cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Blood cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Microbiological cultures were grown from blood and lung samples.

Results—

Only extensive infarcts induced leukopenia 24 hours, 3 days and 7 days after MCAO and decreased lymphocyte counts in spleen, lymph nodes and thymus. In contrast, small infarcts led to no significant changes in differential blood count or reduction of overall cell counts in lymphatic organs. Splenic lymphocyte apoptosis and blood cytokine production was significantly increased after extensive lesions compared to mild ischemia. Hypothermia and weight loss occurred only in mice with large infarcts which also suffered from pneumonia and sepsis. In contrast to infarct size, location and side of the infarct did not affect physiological parameters and immune cell alterations.

Conclusions—

Postischemic systemic immunomodulation and infectious complications differ substantially among stroke models. Translational studies of immunomodulatory therapies for stroke must account for this heterogeneity.
The Interplay between Prosody and Syntax in Sentence Processing: The Case of Subject- and Object-control Verbs
Authors: Bögels Sara , Schriefers Herbert , Vonk Wietske , Chwilla Dorothee J. , Kerkhofs Roel
Published: May 2009

This study addresses the question whether prosodic information can affect the choice for a syntactic analysis in auditory sentence processing. We manipulated the prosody (in the form of a prosodic break; PB) of locally ambiguous Dutch sentences to favor one of two interpretations. The experimental items contained two different types of so-called control verbs (subject and object control) in the matrix clause and were syntactically disambiguated by a transitive or by an intransitive verb. In Experiment 1, we established the default off-line preference of the items for a transitive or an intransitive disambiguating verb with a visual and an auditory fragment completion test. The results suggested that subject- and object-control verbs differently affect the syntactic structure that listeners expect. In Experiment 2, we investigated these two types of verbs separately in an on-line ERP study. Consistent with the literature, the PB elicited a closure positive shift. Furthermore, in subject-control items, an N400 effect for intransitive relative to transitive disambiguating verbs was found, both for sentences with and for sentences without a PB. This result suggests that the default preference for subject-control verbs goes in the same direction as the effect of the PB. In object-control items, an N400 effect for intransitive relative to transitive disambiguating verbs was found for sentences with a PB but no effect in the absence of a PB. This indicates that a PB can affect the syntactic analysis that listeners pursue.
A U.S. CLIVAR Project to Assess and Compare the Responses of Global Climate Models to Drought-Related SST Forcing Patterns: Overview and Results
Authors: Schubert Siegfried , Gutzler David , Wang Hailan , Dai Aiguo , Delworth Tom , Deser Clara , Findell Kirsten , Fu Rong , Higgins Wayne , Hoerling Martin , Kirtman Ben , Koster Randal , Kumar Arun , Legler David , Lettenmaier Dennis , Lyon Bradfield , Magana Victor , Mo Kingtse , Nigam Sumant , Pegion Philip , Phillips Adam , Pulwarty Roger , Rind David , Ruiz-Barradas Alfredo , Schemm Jae , Seager Richard , Stewart Ronald , Suarez Max , Syktus Jozef , Ting Mingfang , Wang Chunzai , Weaver Scott , Zeng Ning
Published: May 2009

The U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR) working group on drought recently initiated a series of global climate model simulations forced with idealized SST anomaly patterns, designed to address a number of uncertainties regarding the impact of SST forcing and the role of land–atmosphere feedbacks on regional drought. The runs were carried out with five different atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) and one coupled atmosphere–ocean model in which the model was continuously nudged to the imposed SST forcing. This paper provides an overview of the experiments and some initial results focusing on the responses to the leading patterns of annual mean SST variability consisting of a Pacific El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-like pattern, a pattern that resembles the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), and a global trend pattern.

One of the key findings is that all of the AGCMs produce broadly similar (though different in detail) precipitation responses to the Pacific forcing pattern, with a cold Pacific leading to reduced precipitation and a warm Pacific leading to enhanced precipitation over most of the United States. While the response to the Atlantic pattern is less robust, there is general agreement among the models that the largest precipitation response over the United States tends to occur when the two oceans have anomalies of opposite signs. Further highlights of the response over the United States to the Pacific forcing include precipitation signal-to-noise ratios that peak in spring, and surface temperature signal-to-noise ratios that are both lower and show less agreement among the models than those found for the precipitation response. The response to the positive SST trend forcing pattern is an overall surface warming over the world’s land areas, with substantial regional variations that are in part reproduced in runs forced with a globally uniform SST trend forcing. The precipitation response to the trend forcing is weak in all of the models.

It is hoped that these early results, as well as those reported in the other contributions to this special issue on drought, will serve to stimulate further analysis of these simulations, as well as suggest new research on the physical mechanisms contributing to hydroclimatic variability and change throughout the world.
Cloud and Precipitation Parameterization in a Meso-Gamma-Scale Operational Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Gerard Luc , Piriou Jean-Marcel , Brožková Radmila , Geleyn Jean-François , Banciu Doina
Published: May 2009

The paper assesses the difficulties of running an operational NWP model in the resolution range of 3–8 km. In this case, deep convection cells are neither much smaller than the grid box as assumed by most parameterization schemes, nor completely resolved as would be required for them to be treated explicitly. A specific approach is proposed, with an integrated sequential treatment of resolved condensation, deep convection, and microphysics together with the use of prognostic variables. It currently allows for the production of consistent and realistic results at resolutions ranging from a few tens of kilometers down to less than 4 km. Model skill scores and an example of an operational forecast at different resolutions are presented.
A Two-Step Adams–Bashforth–Moulton Split-Explicit Integrator for Compressible Atmospheric Models
Authors: Wicker Louis J.
Published: May 2009

Split-explicit integration methods used for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations are now used in a wide variety of numerical models ranging from high-resolution local models to convection-permitting climate simulations. Models are now including more sophisticated and complicated physical processes, such as multimoment microphysics parameterizations, electrification, and dry/aqueous chemistry. A wider range of simulation problems combined with the increasing physics complexity may place a tighter constraint on the model’s time step compared to the fluid flow’s Courant number (e.g., the choice of the integration time step based solely on advective Courant number considerations may generate unacceptable errors associated with the parameterization schemes). The third-order multistage Runge–Kutta scheme has been very successful as the split-explicit integration method; however, its efficiency arises partially in its ability to use a time step that is 20%–40% larger than more traditional integration schemes. In applications in which the time step is constrained by other considerations, alternative integration schemes may be more efficient. Here a two-step third-order Adams–Bashforth–Moulton integrator is stably split in a similar manner as the split Runge–Kutta scheme. For applications in which the large time step is not constrained by the advective Courant number it requires less computational effort. Stability is demonstrated through eigenvalue analysis of the linear coupled one-dimensional velocity–pressure equations, and full two-dimensional nonlinear solutions from a standard test problem are shown to demonstrate solution accuracy and efficiency.
The symbolic violence of leadership: A critical hermeneutic study of leadership and succession in a British organization in the post-Soviet context
Authors: Robinson Sarah K. , Kerr Ron
Published: May 2009

Charismatic leadership has often been associated with positive organizational change. Although some of the literature acknowledges the less positive aspects there is a lack of critical approaches to leadership. Empirical case studies demonstrating the more negative aspects of charismatic leadership and theoretical concepts that can be used to understand transformational and/or charismatic leadership as potentially destructive phenomena. This article therefore presents, from a critical perspective, an empirical study of leadership within a British international organization, drawing out the conditions that allowed an episode of charismatic leadership to be established. It also presents a theoretical study in which, by introducing Bourdieu's concept `symbolic violence', we are able to explore the legitimation of power in relation to this episode of leadership. We conclude that the use of symbolic violence, by foregrounding power, is helpful in unmasking the potential human cost and possible long-term damage of extreme leadership episodes within organizations.
Using a Cognitive Architecture for Addressing the Question of Cognitive Universals in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Authors: Gobet Fernand
Published: May 2009

A central theme in cross-cultural psychology is the extent to which cognitive mechanisms are universal, or, alternatively, are specific to a given culture. A new way to tackle this question is proposed: to use the same cognitive architecture, implemented as a computer program, for simulating phenomena in which individuals from different cultures perform a task familiar to their own culture. The CHREST architecture has simulated a number of empirical phenomena related to the Western board game of chess. Here, we show that a model implemented in the same architecture accounts for several phenomena in awalé, a board game from the mancala family, which is commonly played in western Africa and in the Caribbean. CHREST first learns chunks by scanning expert-level games and then is placed in memory experiments and problem-solving situations similar to those used with human youngsters. The model replicates empirical phenomena on memory for awalé positions reasonably well, although not perfectly, and also learns to play a fair, but far from perfect game using pattern recognition. The assumptions that learning is mediated by the acquisition of a large number of chunks and that the capacity of visual short-term memory is limited to three chunks are important in explaining the empirical data for the two games. The implications for theory development in cross-cultural psychology are discussed.
The Vytorin on Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness and Overall Arterial Rigidity (VYCTOR) Study
Authors: Meaney Alejandra , Ceballos Guillermo , Asbun Juan , Solache Gustavo , Mendoza Emma , Vela Agustín , Meaney Eduardo
Published: May 2009

This study assessed the effect of 3 lipid‐lowering therapies on the reduction of the carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) in high‐risk coronary Mexican patients. The study was a randomized, comparative, and open clinical trial. Ninety high‐risk coronary patients were allocated to 3 groups: pravastatin 40 mg, simvastatin 40 mg, and simvastatin 20 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg initially. If the therapeutic goals were not attained (<100 mg/dL of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C] for type C and <70 mg for type D), patients in group 1 received pravastatin 40 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg, group 2 received simvastatin 80 mg, and group 3 received simvastatin 40 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg. The primary endpoint was the change of IMT over the course of 1 year. The secondary endpoints were changes in LDL‐C and in high sensitive C‐reactive protein (CRPhs). The overall baseline IMTs generated by combining measurements in the internal carotid artery were 1.33 ± 0.32 mm, 1.30 ± 0.11 mm, and 1.23 ± 0.28 mm for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. After 1 year, IMT values were 0.93 ± 0.13 mm, 0.90 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.92 ± 0.01 mm for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. At the end of the study, LDL‐C levels were 48 ± 41, 45 ± 37, and 48 ± 31 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. No significant differences were observed in CRP, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index, among the groups. This study is one of the first providing evidence that dual therapy has a beneficial effect on a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis.
Construct Validity and Generalizability of Pediatrics Clerkship Evaluation at a Problem-Based Medical School, Bahrain
Authors: Al-Mahroos Fadheela
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study is to identify the sources of construct validity evidence and determine generalizability of the scores given to medical students on pediatrics clerkship evaluation at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University (CMMS-AGU). The CMMS-AGU is a problem-based medical school in Bahrain. The sample was composed of 140 students. Validity evidence and generalizability theory were sought. Results indicated that pediatrics clerkship evaluation at CMMS-AGU has content validity. Some limitations may have occurred in response process, but the students performance was observed directly by the tutors. There was evidence of range restriction and ``halo'' effect. Interrater reliability was 0.74, and the generalizability coefficient for three raters was 0.61. Students' contribution to the variance component of the global clerkship evaluation scores was 24%. Decision study indicated that seven tutors are required to achieve a generalizability coefficient of about 0.80. In conclusion, this study indicated that the pediatrics clerkship evaluation at the CMMS-AGU has, overall, some acceptable content and internal structure evidence of validity and that the raters are the major source of error. To improve the construct validity, there is a need to increase the number of raters and to train raters about the proper process of clerkship evaluation.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Ernesto Laclau and the somewhat particular universal
Authors: Inston Kevin
Published: May 2009

Rousseau's general will is mostly interpreted as promoting social unity at the expense of plurality. Conversely, this article argues that the general will depends on, and preserves, plurality for its formation and legitimacy. The general and the particular are not fixed opposites, for Rousseau, but are interdependent and contextually defined. The Rousseauian universal anticipates Laclau's notion of universality. The absence of any natural foundations for society deprives the universal of any pre-given identity. Likewise, the Laclauian universal names the lack of ultimate ground for society. To prevent either sectarianism or despotism, the universal has to be constructed politically. Rousseau's contingent general will supplements the lack of universality, as diverse groups and individuals construct common values and political objectives that unify them across divisions without suppressing their difference. Due to its originary lack, the general will remains for ever incomplete. That incompleteness conditions the questioning, ambiguity and openness to change characterizing democracy.
Contingency, contestation and hegemony
Authors: Grebe Eduard
Published: May 2009

Two major developments of the last two decades have radically undermined traditional justifications of leftist politics: the failure of 20th-century `socialist' experiments, and what might be termed the deessentializing movement in contemporary philosophy. However, the social injustices that animated revolutionary thinkers in many respects remain, and some have arguably worsened in the era of globalized capitalism. This article investigates whether it is possible to articulate a new theoretical underpinning for progressive politics that nevertheless avoids the essentialist moves of Marxism. Ethico-political readings of Derrida — one of the most influential anti-essentialist thinkers — are compared to Ernesto Laclau's attempts at formulating a post-Marxist progressive politics built around the notions of `hegemony' and `radical democracy'. Laclau's intervention in the Marxist tradition is to deconstruct its traditional categories so as to take account of contingency; his intervention in deconstruction is to introduce what in this article is described as `contestation', so as to provide a more coherent account of the political. The article concludes that neither deconstruction nor radical democracy provides an adequate basis for poltical action, but that the latter's account of the political is a meaningful development of the theoretical schema articulated by the former and does point to the possibility of a non-essentialist progressive politics.
Improving training in spiritual care: a qualitative study exploring patient perceptions of professional educational requirements
Authors: Yardley SJ , Walshe CE , Parr A.
Published: May 2009

Healthcare professionals express difficulties in delivering spiritual care, despite it being a core component of palliative care national policies. The patient perspective on professional training to address difficulties has not previously been sought. The aim of this study is to describe patient suggestions for development of training to deliver spiritual care. Qualitative semi-structured in-depth ‘palliative patient’ interviews (n = 20) were analysed thematically. Training suggestions encompassed practical care delivery. Patients supported staff who introduced questions about spiritual needs, and they expected opportunities to engage in spiritual care discussions. The ‘right’ attitude for spiritual care delivery was defined as being non-judgemental, providing integrated care and showing interest in individuals. Training issues included patient perspectives of boundaries between personal and professional roles. This study provides ‘palliative patient’ perspectives to strengthen recommended models of spiritual care delivery. It shows that user opinions on training can be helpful not only in deciding objectives but also how to achieve them.
Gender Differences in Fear of Terrorism
Authors: Nellis Ashley Marie
Published: May 2009

Researchers have long been curious about the mismatch between women's fear of crime and their objective risk of victimization. The present research, which examines fear of terrorism, provides a unique opportunity to explore gender differences in reactions to a specific type of violent victimization, terrorism. The article analyzes data collected from a telephone survey of 532 inhabitants from New York and Washington on the topic of reactions to terrorism-related information. Analysis of these data finds that women are more fearful, engage in more avoidance behaviors, and are more likely to seek information in response to terrorism-related information. Moreover, women differ from men in predictors of their terrorism fears as well as engagement in terrorism-related avoidance and information-seeking behaviors. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Genocide and the Legal Process in Rwanda
Authors: Brannigan Augustine , Jones Nicholas A.
Published: May 2009

Prior to the 1994 genocide, Rwandan law provided amnesty for persons who committed serious crimes in the service of the Hutu “Social Revolution” against the Tutsi elites. Murder and other criminal acts undertaken by Hutus who challenged Tutsi political domination were effectively forgiven by amnesty. The law was subsequently repealed during the reconstruction of Rwanda when the judicial system was restructured. This entailed the revitalization of the traditional Gacaca courts due to the enormous number of cases arising from the 1994 massacres. Simultaneously, it spurred constitutional changes to ensure the modernization of the rule of law. This article describes the amnesty law and its role in creating a culture of impunity that led to genocide. It explains how the Gacaca courts arose in the face of massive criminal caseloads and it describes the legal changes that reformed the judiciary and paved the way for constitutional guarantees of legal rights.
Genocide
Authors: Wade Marianne L.
Published: May 2009

This article explores the expectations placed on the law of genocide and the realities of what international criminal justice can provide in applying it. It traces a number of problems and identifies the law as inevitably falling short of the significant expectations placed on it. Although recognizing the political realities of the crime of genocide make this highly challenging, this article argues that definitional normative issues must be addressed. Above all the international community must achieve clarity as to what purpose it pursues using the law of genocide and must further reconsider how it does so. It is apparent that the law of genocide is applied in a variety of contexts for a number of purposes. This contribution ventures that each area should be treated individually without the expectation that a “one size fits all” solution exists. A failure to act accordingly will result in further disappointment with this highly symbolic norm and ultimately undermine international criminal law and justice as a whole.
PGP 9.5 and Cyclin D1 Coexpression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Mastoraki Aikaterini , Ioannidis Eleftherios , Apostolaki Aikaterini , Patsouris Efstratios , Aroni Kiriaki
Published: May 2009

Background: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) consists of altered keratinocytes, presents variable differentiation, inexorably progresses, and on occasion metastasizes. Objective: to investigate the biological activity of epidermal cells in SCCs by estimating the expression of PGP 9.5 and cyclin D1 using immunohistochemistry. Methods: the sample included 13 well-differentiated cases of cutaneous SCC (grade I), 12 moderately differentiated tumors (grade II), and 7 poorly differentiated lesions (grade III). Four cases belonged to the distinct entity of pseudoadenoid SCC. Results: PGP 9.5 expression was positively correlated with tumor stage ( P < .001) and potential perineural invasion ( P < .001), whereas cyclin D1 expression correlated inversely with the degree of cellular differentiation ( P < .001) and PGP 9.5 immunostaining ( P < .001). Conclusion: PGP 9.5 and cyclin D1 coexpression was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and can be classified as a marker for predicting the outcome of resection-treated skin cancer patients.
Frequency-Lowering Devices for Managing High-Frequency Hearing Loss: A Review
Authors: Simpson Andrea
Published: May 2009

Frequency-lowering technology has been around for decades. The primary aim—namely, that of providing high-frequency information to those with severe high-frequency hearing loss—addresses a clinical need most conventional hearing devices are still unable to provide. Early studies with frequency-lowering technology reported mostly unfavorable results, and the devices never gained clinical popularity. However, as hearing aid (HA) technology becomes ever more sophisticated, it is appropriate to reconsider whether frequency-lowering HAs should be an amplification choice in those with high-frequency hearing loss. Recent research is yielding promise with people who wear frequency-lowering devices showing improved speech perception. Questions remain regarding patient candidacy and whether auditory training may result in better outcomes. The author also discusses future clinical directions and research needs for frequency lowering.
Identity, Foreign Policy and the `Other': Japan's `Russia'
Authors: Bukh Alexander
Published: May 2009

This article examines contemporary Japan's identity construction through the self/other lens, focusing on USSR/Russia as Japan's `other'. It identifies two main constitutive dimensions, political and socio-cultural, along which Japan's identity vis-a-vis the Soviet Union was constructed during the Cold War years. The origins and the nature of these constructs are examined in the first part of this case study. Unlike the existent Japan-related constructivist scholarship, this article argues that postwar Japan's identity had both domestic and international sources and that certain dimensions of the contemporary identity discourse can be traced to the prewar years. It also argues that the political and the socio-cultural identities, while overlapping in certain parts, led to different constructions of the Japanese `self'. The operation of these constructions in Japan's relations with post-communist Russia is examined in the second part of this article, with special attention paid to the territorial dispute which continues to haunt bilateral relations.
The Comedy of Errors? A Reply to Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni
Authors: Wohlforth William C. , Little Richard , Kaufman Stuart J. , Kang David C. , Jones Charles A. , Tin-Bor Hui Victoria , Eckstein Arthur M. , Deudney Daniel , Brenner William J.
Published: May 2009

In her response to our article, Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni replaces balance-of-power theory (threat of hegemony begets balancing, which produces a tendency of international systems toward equilibria of power) with a complex congeries of competing and contingent conjectures about when states might balance. While these are certainly part of the extensive literature on the balance of power, lumping them together and calling them a `theory' invites a comedy of errors rather than an empirical test. The `ado' in our article was a novel empirical test of a theory that has been central to centuries of IR theorizing. As our review of the evidence confirms, this theory can indeed be evaluated in ancient and non-European international systems, and it is wrong: international systems do not tend toward equilibria of power, and balancing is relatively unimportant in explaining the equilibria that do occur. We end up agreeing with the gist of Sangiovanni's response: there is no empirically valid systemic balance-of-power theory, and it is time to turn to contingent middle-range hypotheses about balancing behavior.
The Determinants of Direct Corporate Lobbying in the European Union
Authors: Bernhagen Patrick , Mitchell Neil J.
Published: May 2009

Whereas research on corporate lobbying in the USA has produced a set of robust findings, less is known about the determinants of business political action in other policy arenas and beyond the nation-state. In particular, we do not know how well the standard profit-seeking model of firm political activity travels. The article examines this issue with an analysis of business lobbying in the EU that reflects tactical adaptation to lobbying at the supranational level. Using data on 2000 large companies, we show that a modified profit-seeking model of corporate political behaviour is generalizable to corporate lobbying in Brussels. By contrast, theories emphasizing nationally distinct types of interest intermediation find little support in the data.
The Rationale behind Committee Assignment in the European Parliament
Authors: Yordanova Nikoleta
Published: May 2009

Although most of the legislative tasks of the European Parliament (EP) are performed in its committees, it is controversial how representative they are of the overall plenary. Distributive, informational and partisan theories suggest respectively that the committee assignments system is designed to (1) serve special interests outside the EP, (2) bring informational benefits to the plenary or (3) promote partisan interests. These propositions are examined via a representative sample of committees using an original data set of MEPs' profiles in the 6th European Parliament. The results show that, whereas information-driven committees attract mainly MEPs with relevant expertise, homogeneous special interests influence assignments to interest-driven and mixed committees, turning them into preference outlying committees. However, partisan considerations do not appear to influence individual assignments strategically.
Treating Perpetrators of Child Physical Abuse
Authors: Oliver Jessica , Washington Karla T.
Published: May 2009

This systematic review analyzes eleven empirically based articles relevant to evaluating treatments and interventions for perpetrators of child physical abuse. The articles provide a clear picture of the limited research available in this area. The review describes current themes in research and interventions, common challenges in working with families in which child physical abuse has occurred, gaps in the current research, and suggestions for practice, policy, and future research.
A Global University for a Global Village
Authors: Umpleby Stuart A. , Mekhonoshin Konstantin , Vladimirov Zhelyu
Published: May 2009

The Internet and educational reform efforts are creating a global network of universities. The ability of faculty members and students to communicate with each other independent of location has dramatically improved. In terms of administration, universities still function as separate entities. However, efforts to share information and to collaborate on research and teaching now encounter few barriers once personal computers and networks are available. This article reviews the technical, political, and administrative changes that have created this global system for learning. It suggests some implications for research and teaching, for individuals, institutions, and societies. The article also describes what universities and other organizations can do to strengthen and expand the global academic community. From a theoretical point of view, the “global academic community” is compared with discussions of a “global brain.”
New York and Colorado as Critical States in the Diffusion of State Licensing of Naturopathic Physicians
Authors: Albert Donald
Published: May 2009

Purpose: Since 2003, 4 more states have joined the ranks of now 15 states licensing naturopathic physicians (NDs). Qualified NDs residing in unlicensed jurisdictions sometimes obtain licenses from other states licensing NDs. The purpose of this study is to implement a methodology based on number of out-of-state licenses to gauge the demand for licensing among NDs in unlicensed states and to identify likely candidates for successful legislative efforts regarding licensure. Methods: Counts of out-of-state ND licenses issued through Arizona, Connecticut, Oregon, and Washington, the four states with naturopathic medical schools, were used as a surrogate for interest in licensing among states not offering licensing of NDs. Results: In 2005, a total of 457 U.S. NDs obtained out-of-state licenses from the states of Washington (159), Oregon (159), Arizona (79), and Connecticut (60), with 59% of these out-of-state NDs applying from nonlicensed states. States with low (1—13) or moderate (18—27) numbers of out-of-state licensures constituted 69% of the NDs, while the remaining 31% of NDs who fell into the high (43—58) out-of-state licensure category were from only three states: California, Colorado, and New York. Discussion: Of the three states with high out-of-state licensure, California has recently passed licensure legislation. Previous studies have indicated that New York and Colorado scored high on legislative innovativeness. Should licensing of NDs be passed in these two states, the possibility exists that legislation would spread to adjacent and other proximal states.
Organizational Skills for a Corporate Citizen: Policy Analysis
Authors: Stolz Ingo , Mclean Gary N.
Published: May 2009

In a globalized world of retreating nation states and governments, corporations find themselves in the middle of society. A new organizational skill set is needed that enables corporations to position themselves as corporate citizens. It is the purpose of this study to identify a best practice to develop these organizational skills based on a policy analysis. The implementation of process structures is proposed as a best practice, and a 10-step approach for implementation is outlined. Also, implications for the field of human resource development and future research are discussed when considering issues of corporate responsibility and citizenship.
A role for single-pill triple therapy in hypertension
Authors: Elijovich Fernando , Laffer Cheryl
Published: May 2009

Hypertension remains the most prevalent chronic disease in the world, and its adequate treatment results in predictable reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, most hypertensive subjects do not achieve goal blood pressure despite availability of multiple antihypertensive agents with various pharmacological mechanisms of action and relatively few side effects. We review the reasons for low hypertension control rates, including factors that affect patients' adherence to therapy, number of agents required to achieve goal blood pressure, pathophysiology-based selection of therapy and diagnosis of resistant hypertension. Within this framework, we discuss the possible impact of a single-pill, triple-therapy combination with an antagonist of the renin—angiotensin system, a calcium-channel blocker and a diuretic. We focus on possible differential diagnostic implications in terms of refractoriness to treatment, and therapeutic implications in terms of successful blood pressure control. We conclude that a single-pill, triple-therapy combination may improve control of hypertension by enhancing compliance, by achieving blood pressure goal rapidly and by reducing physician inertia in prescribing adequate antihypertensive therapy. We also suggest that such a combination may lead to improved accuracy in diagnosing resistant hypertension in general practice, avoiding unnecessary further workup and referrals to hypertension specialists.
Room-Risk Management at Sunquest Vacations
Authors: Anderson Chris K. , Xiaoqing Xie
Published: May 2009

This article outlines some of the basic complexities that originate with the acquisition of hotel rooms for a reseller of bundled vacations. A tour operator typically acquires or contracts for service capacity, bundles the services (air, hotel, food and beverage, and excursions), then markets and sells to consumers. The article focuses on the short-term aspects of room-risk management for the tour operator, specifically how to manage blocks of take-or-pay contracted rooms. The room-risk management problem is formulated as a math program with the objective of minimizing wasted rooms. While the exposition focuses on a particular reseller of packaged vacations, the method is applicable to any firm acquiring capacity on take-or-pay contracts and reselling this capacity as bundled vacations.
Enhanced development of CD4+ γδ T cells in the absence of Itk results in elevated IgE production
Authors: Qi Qian , Xia Mingcan , Hu Jianfang , Hicks Elizabeth , Iyer Archana , Xiong Na , August Avery
Published: May 2009

The Tec kinase Itk is critical for the development of αβ T cells as well as differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th2 cells. Itk null mice have defects in the production of Th2 cytokines; however, they paradoxically have significant elevations in serum IgE. Here we show that Itk null mice have increased numbers of γδ T cells in the thymus and spleen. This includes elevated numbers of CD4+ γδ T cell, the majority of which carry the Vγ1.1 and Vδ6.2/3 γδ T-cell receptor with a distinct phenotype. The development of these CD4+ γδ T cells is T cell intrinsic, independent of either major histocompatibility complex class I or class II, and is favored during development in the absence of Itk. Itk null CD4+ γδ T cells secrete significant amounts of Th2 cytokines and can induce the secretion of IgE by wild-type B cells. Our data indicate that Itk plays important role in regulating γδ T-cell development and function. In addition, our data indicate that the elevated IgE observed in Itk-deficient mice is due in part to the enhanced development of CD4+ γδ T cells in the absence of Itk.
F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the context of other imaging techniques and prognostic factors in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bartel Twyla B. , Haessler Jeff , Brown Tracy L. Y. , Shaughnessy John D. , van Rhee Frits , Anaissie Elias , Alpe Terri , Angtuaco Edgardo , Walker Ronald , Epstein Joshua , Crowley John , Barlogie Bart
Published: May 2009

F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a powerful tool to investigate the role of tumor metabolic activity and its suppression by therapy for cancer survival. As part of Total Therapy 3 for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, metastatic bone survey, magnetic resonance imaging, and FDG-PET scanning were evaluated in 239 untreated patients. All 3 imaging techniques showed correlations with prognostically relevant baseline parameters: the number of focal lesions (FLs), especially when FDG-avid by PET-computed tomography, was positively linked to high levels of β-2-microglobulin, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase; among gene expression profiling parameters, high-risk and proliferation-related parameters were positively and low-bone-disease molecular subtype inversely correlated with FL. The presence of more than 3 FDG-avid FLs, related to fundamental features of myeloma biology and genomics, was the leading independent parameter associated with inferior overall and event-free survival. Complete FDG suppression in FL before first transplantation conferred significantly better outcomes and was only opposed by gene expression profiling-defined high-risk status, which together accounted for approximately 50% of survival variability (R2 test). Our results provide a rationale for testing the hypothesis that myeloma survival can be improved by altering treatment in patients in whom FDG suppression cannot be achieved after induction therapy.