bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic Simultaneous Approach of Sub- and Supra-Tentorial Structures in the Human Nervous System Introduction of an Original Apparatus
Authors: Sedan R. , Regis H. , Vallicioni P.A.
Published: May 2007

Presentation of a new apparatus which allows the rapid performance – with great precision and a minimum of calculations – of several simultaneous penetrations of double sagittal and frontal obliquity, in a manner that is comfortable for both patient and surgeon. Furthermore, it should permit the approach of extra-encephalic structures: posterior percutaneous cordotomy (Hitchcock), intra-hypophyseal implantation or cryodestruction, for example.
Strychnine-Sensitive Glycine Receptors Mediate the Analgesic but Not Hypnotic Effects of Emulsified Volatile Anesthetics
Authors: Chen Yan , Dai Ti-Jun , Zeng Yin-Ming
Published: May 2007

The present study was designed to investigate the role of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in hypnosis and analgesia induced by emulsified volatile anesthetics. After having established the mice model of hypnosis and analgesia by intraperitoneally injecting (i.p.) appropriate doses of ether, enflurane, isoflurane or sevoflurane, we intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or intrathecally (i.t.) injected different doses of strychnine and then observed the effects on the sleeping time using the awaken test and the pain index in hot-plate test (HPPI) using the hot-plate test. In the awaken test, strychnine 1, 2, 4 µg (i.c.v.) had no distinctive effect on the sleeping time of the mice treated with the four emulsified inhalation anesthetics mentioned above (p > 0.05); in the hot-plate test, strychnine 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 µg (i.t.) can significantly and dose-dependently decrease the HPPI of the mice treated with emulsified ether, enflurane and sevoflurane (p < 0.05, p < 0.01); strychnine 0.1 µg (i.t.) did not affect the HPPI of the mice treated with emulsified isoflurane (p > 0.05), but 0.2 and 0.4 µg (i.t.) can significantly decrease the HPPI of the mice treatedwith emulsified isoflurane (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). These results suggest that strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors may contribute to the analgesic but not to the hypnotic effects induced by ether, enflurane, isoflurane and sevoflurane.
Availability and Costs of Antiepileptic Drugs and Quality of Phenobarbital in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR
Authors: Odermatt Peter , Ly Sowath , Simmala Chansimmaly , Angerth Tomas , Phongsamouth Vonphrachane , Mac Tu Luong , Ratsimbazafy Voa , Gaulier Jean-Michel , Strobel Michel , Preux Pierre-Marie
Published: May 2007

Purpose: In developing countries, availability and quality of drugs are critical factors for effective management and control of epilepsy. This study investigated the availability and costs of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and the quality of phenobarbital in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR. Methods: In March 2004, we enrolled all pharmacies (categories I and II) of four central districts of Vientiane eligible to sell AEDs. Two hundred and eight pharmacies of category III (75.1% of all registered pharmacies) were excluded as the sale of AEDs was not authorized. All pharmacists were interviewed with a standard questionnaire. Whenever phenobarbital was available, a sample was purchased and assayed by liquid chromatography. Phenobarbital was defined as being of correct quality if the active substance average content corresponded to ±15% of the indicated amount. Results: 66 pharmacies were enrolled (13 and 45 of categories I and II, respectively, and 8 hospital pharmacies). Six generics of AEDs were found (phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, clonazepam, carbamazepine, diazepam) and all pharmacies sold at least 1 AED. The 2 most widely available drugs were diazepam (5 mg) and phenobarbital (100 mg), present in 87.9 and 53.0% of the pharmacies, respectively. All 34 phenobarbital samples examined showed a correct concentration of the active compound. However, the concentration of phenobarbital 100 mg tablets produced in Lao PDR (mean concentration 94.7 mg) was significantly lower (p = 0.005) than the imported equivalent (mean concentration 99.7 mg). The direct drug costs of a yearly treatment with phenobarbital were estimated to be at least 25.2 USD. Conclusions:A variety of AEDs are present. Their availability, particularly of phenobarbital, is restricted to higher-category pharmacies and within those it is rather limited. To meet the costs of AEDs in this setting is a major challenge for people with epilepsy. However, the quality of the available phenobarbital was rather satisfactory.
Role of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Inflammatory Reactions by Angiotensin II
Authors: Chen Mei-Fang , Xie Xiu-Mei , Yang Tian-Lun , Wang Yong-Jin , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Luo Bai-Lin , Li Yuan-Jian
Published: May 2007

Previous investigations have demonstrated that angiotensin (Ang) II induces inflammatory reactions and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous NOS inhibitor, might be a novel inflammatory factor. Endothelial cell activation was induced by incubation with Ang II or ADMA. Incubation with Ang II (10–6M) for 24 h elevated the levels of ADMA and decreased the levels of nitrite/nitrate concomitantly with a significant increase in the expression of protein arginine methyltransferase and a decrease in the activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). Exposure to Ang II (10–6M for 24 h) also enhanced intracellular ROS elaboration and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-8, upregulated chemokine receptor CXCR2 mRNA expression, increased adhesion of endothelial cells to monocytes and induced a significant increase in the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB, which was attenuated by pretreatment with the Ang II receptor blocker losartan (1, 3 and 10 µM). Exogenous ADMA (30 µM) also increased ROS generation and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8, decreased the levels of nitrite/nitrate, upregulated CXCR2 gene expression, increased endothelial cell binding with monocytes and activated the NF-ĸB pathway, which was inhibited by pretreatment with losartan or L-arginine. These data suggest that ADMA is a potential proinflammatory factor and may be involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by Ang II.
Electrographic Reactivity to Caloric Vestibular Stimulation in Cerebral Circulatory Disturbances
Authors: Crighel E. , Poilici I.
Published: May 2007

Vestibular stimulation (with a weak caloric stimulus) enhances in normals the photical evoked responses (ER) recorded in the posterior areas of the scalp. Especially the late components of the ER are enhanced. In patients with cerebral circulatory insufficiencies, even in vertebro-basilar insufficiencies, vestibular stimulation amplifies the ER. In a high proportion of patients with cerebral atherosclerosis vestibular stimulation depresses the ER. In patients with focal lesions (sequelae of infarction or hemorrhage) in the internal capsule or cortex, vestibular stimulation depresses the ER, especially when the ear homolateral to the lesions is stimulated. No relationships were established between alterations of the ER produced by the vestibular stimulus and the oculokinetic (nystagmus), EEG and autonomic changes induced by the same stimulus.
Age Differences in Deactivation: A Link to Cognitive Control?
Authors: Persson Jonas , Lustig Cindy , Nelson James K. , Reuter-Lorenz Patricia A.
Published: May 2007

The network of regions shown by functional imaging studies to be deactivated by experimental tasks relative to nominally more passive baselines (task < baseline) may reflect processes engaged during the resting state or “default mode.” Deactivation may result when attention and resources are diverted from default-mode processes toward task processes. Aging is associated with altered patterns of deactivation which may be related to declining resources, difficulties with resource allocation, or both. These possibilities predict that greater task demand, which increases deactivation levels in younger adults, should exacerbate age-related declines in allocating resources away from the default mode. The present study investigated the magnitude and temporal properties of deactivations in young and older adults during tasks that varied in their demand for cognitive control. Two versions of a verb generation task that varied in their demand for selection among competing alternatives were compared to word reading and a fixation baseline condition. Consistent with our hypothesis, greater deactivations were found with increasing demand. Young and older adults showed equivalent deactivations in the minimal selection condition. By contrast, age differences in both the magnitude and time course of deactivation increased with selection demand: Compared to young adults', older adults' deactivation response showed less sensitivity to demand. Demand-related changes in deactivation magnitude correlated with performance changes, suggesting that individual and group differences in deactivation have functional significance.
Religious Culture Contested: The Sufi Ritual of Dawsa in Nineteenth-Century Cairo
Authors: Hatina Meir
Published: May 2007

With the entry of Muslim society into the modern era in the nineteenth century, Sufi beliefs and rituals became the focus of systematic debate and denunciation by local and foreign observers alike. An illuminating example is the dawsa ritual—a ceremony involving the shaykh of the Sa'diyya order riding his horse over the backs of his prostrate disciple s, which was particularly widespread in the Cairene milieu. This practice, intended to prove that true believers are protected from all harm, was officially abolished in 1881 in the name of enlightenment and human dignity. The present article traces the history of the dawsa and, more broadly, sheds light on the Sufi encounter with the challenges of modernity. It reveals a diverse picture of the anti-Sufi campaign carried out by various elements in Egypt—foreign consul s, government official s, modernists and nationalists—which resulted in a loss of influence by Sufi order s, yet fostered a capacity for survival and ideological rejuvenation.
Circulation Regimes: Chaotic Variability versus SST-Forced Predictability
Authors: Straus David M. , Corti Susanna , Molteni Franco
Published: May 2007

The circulation regimes in the Pacific–North American region are studied using the NCEP–NCAR reanalyses for the 18-winter period (1981/82–1998/99; NCEP18) and for the 54-winter period (1948/49–2001/02; NCEP54). The sampling properties of the regimes are estimated using very large ensembles (of size 55) of winter simulations made for the NCEP18 period with the atmospheric general circulation model of the Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Studies, forced by observed SST and sea ice.

The regimes are identified using a modified version of the k-means method. From the NCEP54 dataset a set of four clusters was found [i.e., the Alaskan ridge (AR), Arctic low (AL), Pacific trough (PT), and the Arctic high (AH)], which are significant (vis-à-vis a multinormal background), and more reproducible (within randomly chosen half-length samples) than would be expected from a multinormal process. The frequency of occurrence of the PT (AH) has increased (decreased) significantly during the past two decades.

The PT cluster obtained from NCEP18 dataset more closely resembles the El Niño–forced seasonal mean pattern of recent decades than it does the traditional PNA.

The GCM simulates the AR, AL, and PT clusters (but not the AH). The simulated AR and PT patterns have errors (cf. the NCEP18 results), which are outside the range of internal variability. The simulated frequency of occurrence agrees with the NCEP18 results within sampling variability.

The differences in cluster properties of the PT and AR regimes between the NCEP18 and NCEP54 datasets are due to changes in SST forcing, not sampling error.

Year-to-year changes in the frequency of occurrence of the PT, AL, and AR clusters in the simulations and the NCEP18 dataset are generally consistent with each other.
Prediction Skill of the NAO and PNA from Daily to Seasonal Time Scales
Authors: Johansson Åke
Published: May 2007

The skill of state-of-the-art operational dynamical models in predicting the two most important modes of variability in the Northern Hemisphere extratropical atmosphere, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection patterns, is investigated at time scales ranging from daily to seasonal. Two uncoupled atmospheric models used for deterministic forecasting in the short to medium range as well as eight fully coupled atmosphere–land–ocean forecast models used for monthly and seasonal forecasting are examined and compared.

For the short to medium range, the level of forecast skill for the two indices is higher than that for the entire Northern Hemisphere extratropical flow. The forecast skill of the PNA is higher than that of the NAO. The forecast skill increases with the magnitude of the NAO and PNA indices, but the relationship is not pronounced. The probability density function (PDF) of the NAO and PNA indices is negatively skewed, in agreement with the distribution of skewness of the geopotential field. The models maintain approximately the observed PDF, including the negative skewness, for the first week.

Extreme negative NAO/PNA events have larger absolute values than positive extremes in agreement with the negative skewness of the two indices. Recent large extreme events are generally well forecasted by the models.

On the intraseasonal time scale it is found that both NAO and PNA have lingering forecast skill, in contrast to the Northern Hemisphere extratropical flow as a whole. This fact offers some hope for extended range forecasting, even though the skill is quite low. No conclusive positive benefit is seen from using higher horizontal resolution or coupling to the oceans.

On the monthly and seasonal time scales, the level of forecast skill for the two indices is generally quite low, with the exception of winter predictions at short lead times.
Objectively Determined Resolution-Dependent Threshold Criteria for the Detection of Tropical Cyclones in Climate Models and Reanalyses
Authors: Walsh K. J. E. , Fiorino M. , Landsea C. W. , McInnes K. L.
Published: May 2007

Objectively derived resolution-dependent criteria are defined for the detection of tropical cyclones in model simulations and observationally based analyses. These criteria are derived from the wind profiles of observed tropical cyclones, averaged at various resolutions. Both an analytical wind profile model and two-dimensional observed wind analyses are used. The results show that the threshold wind speed of an observed tropical cyclone varies roughly linearly with resolution. The criteria derived here are compared to the numerous different criteria previously employed in climate model simulations. The resulting method provides a simple means of comparing climate model simulations and reanalyses.
Atmospheric Circulation Regimes: Can Cluster Analysis Provide the Number?
Authors: Christiansen Bo
Published: May 2007

The existence of multiple regimes in the extratropical tropospheric circulation is a hypothesis of theoretical importance with potential practical consequences. It is also a controversial hypothesis, and an abundance of conflicting results regarding both the existence and the number of regimes can be found in the literature.

Studies of atmospheric regime behavior are often based on clustering methods such as k-means and mixture models. In the basic implementation of these methods the number of clusters has to be specified a priori and “How many clusters?” is a highly nontrivial question. For the mixture model a procedure to assess the number of clusters by cross validation has recently been introduced. For the k-means model a Monte Carlo test is introduced that compares the clustering of the original data with the clustering of Gaussian distributed surrogate data. The robustness of these methods and their ability to produce the right number of clusters is critically assessed. The study is based on both idealized data and atmospheric data.

It is shown that applying the clustering methods to the Northern Hemisphere winter tropospheric geopotential heights gives conflicting and fragile results. In particular the number of clusters depends both on the clustering algorithm and on the period considered. Furthermore, the clustering methods find multiple clusters when applied to data similar to the atmospheric data but drawn from a unimodal, skewed distribution.

It is also shown that both clustering methods report multiple clusters for idealized data drawn from distributions that are skewed or platykurtic but otherwise smooth and without bumps or shoulders. In these cases the number of clusters found depends on the sample size. In particular, for the mixture model the number of clusters increases without bounds with increasing sample size.

It is concluded that in the atmospheric dataset studied the clustering methods provide only weak evidence for multiple regimes although the data is non-Gaussian with high statistical significance. It is also concluded that statistical models with basically unknown properties should be approached with utmost care or avoided completely.
Rectification of ENSO Variability by Interdecadal Changes in the Equatorial Background Mean State in a CGCM Simulation
Authors: Dewitte Boris , Yeh Sang-Wook , Moon Byung-Kwon , Cibot Carole , Terray Laurent
Published: May 2007

The link between the changes in equatorial background stratification and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulation is investigated using a simulation from a 260-yr-long coupled general circulation model (CGCM). The work focuses on the role of nonlinearities associated with equatorial wave dynamics. As a first step, the low-frequency change in mean stratification is diagnosed and documented from the shallow-water parameters derived from a vertical mode decomposition of the CGCM. The parameters vary differently according to the baroclinic mode order, which may explain why a flattening thermocline does not necessarily lead to reduced ENSO activity. Estimations of baroclinic mode contributions to zonal current anomalies indicate that the decadal variability projects differently for the baroclinic modes as compared to the interannual variability. In particular, the high-order modes associated with decadal variability have a more pronounced signature in the western Pacific, whereas that associated with interannual variability (i.e., ENSO) shows more energy in the eastern Pacific.

In the light of the results of the CGCM vertical mode decomposition, an intermediate coupled model (ICM) is used to test whether the nonlinearities associated with the changes in the baroclinic mode energy distribution can lead to coherent ENSO modulation. The results indicate that rectification of the interannual variability (ENSO time scales) by the interdecadal variability associated with changes in the oceanic mean states takes place in the ICM. The rectified effect results mostly in an increased variability and skewness of the zonal advection, which tends to produce a zonal seesaw of the sea surface temperature anomaly. A tropical mechanism for producing ENSO modulation is then proposed that reconciles both the rectified effect resulting from nonlinearities associated with equatorial wave dynamics and the tropical decadal mode of thermocline depth arising from Ekman-pumping anomalies located in the central South Pacific.
Modeling the Barrier-Layer Formation in the Southeastern Arabian Sea*
Authors: Durand F. , Shankar D. , de Boyer Montégut C. , Shenoi S. S. C. , Blanke B. , Madec G.
Published: May 2007

The effect of salinity on the formation of the barrier layer (BL) in the southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) is investigated using an ocean general circulation model. In accordance with previous studies, the runoff distribution and the India–Sri Lanka passage have a strong impact on the realism of the salinity simulated in the area at seasonal time scales. The model simulates a BL pattern in fairly good agreement with available observations. Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches show that the BL is formed by two complementary processes, the arrival of low-salinity surface waters that are cooled en route to the SEAS and downwelling of waters mostly local to the SEAS in the subsurface layers. The surface waters are partly of Bay of Bengal origin and are partly from the SEAS, but are cooled east and south of Sri Lanka in the model. That the downwelled subsurface waters are warm and are not cooled leads to temperature inversions in the BL. The main forcing for this appears to be remotely forced planetary waves.
What Drives the Seasonal Onset and Decay of the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool?
Authors: Lee S-K. , Enfield D. B. , Wang C.
Published: May 2007

The annual heat budget of the Western Hemisphere warm pool (WHWP) is explored using the output of an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) simulation. According to the analysis, the WHWP cannot be considered as a monolithic whole with a single set of dominating processes that explain its behavior. The three regions considered, namely the eastern north Pacific (ENP), the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), and the Caribbean Sea (CBN), are each unique in terms of the atmospheric and oceanic processes that dominate the corresponding heat budgets. In the ENP region, clear-sky shortwave radiation flux is responsible for the growth of the warm pool in boreal spring, while increased cloud cover in boreal summer and associated reduction in solar radiation play a crucial role for the ENP warm pool’s demise. Ocean upwelling in the Costa Rica Dome connected to surrounding areas by horizontal advection offers a persistent yearlong cooling mechanism. Over the Atlantic, the clear-sky radiation flux that increases monotonically from December to May and decreases later is largely responsible for the onset and decay of the Atlantic-side warm pool in boreal summer and fall. The CBN region is affected by upwelling and horizontal advective cooling within and away from the coastal upwelling zone off northern South America during the onset and peak phases, thus slowing down the warm pool’s development, but no evidence was found that advective heat flux divergence is important in the GoM region. Turbulent mixing is also an important cooling mechanism in the annual cycle of the WHWP, and the vertical shear at the warm pool base helps to sustain the turbulent mixing. Common to all three WHWP regions is the reduction of wind speed at the peak phase, suggestive of a convection–evaporation feedback known to be important in the Indo-Pacific warm pool dynamics.
The Sensitivity of the Rate of Transient Climate Change to Ocean Physics Perturbations
Authors: Collins M. , Brierley C. M. , MacVean M. , Booth B. B. B. , Harris G. R.
Published: May 2007

“Perturbed physics” ensembles of Hadley Centre climate models have recently been used to quantify uncertainties in atmospheric and surface climate feedbacks under enhanced levels of CO2, and to produce probabilistic estimates of the magnitude of equilibrium climate change. The rate of time-dependent climate change is determined both by the strength of atmosphere–surface climate feedbacks and by the strength of processes that remove heat from the surface to the deep ocean. Here a first small ensemble of coupled atmosphere–ocean climate model experiments in which the parameters that control three key ocean physical processes are perturbed is described. It is found that the perturbations have little impact on the rate of ocean heat uptake, and thus have little impact on the time-dependent rate of global warming. Under the idealized scenario of 1% yr−1 compounded CO2 increase, the spread in the transient climate response is of the order of a few tenths of a degree, in contrast to the spread of order of 1° caused by perturbing atmospheric model parameters.
Testing the Fixed Anvil Temperature Hypothesis in a Cloud-Resolving Model
Authors: Kuang Zhiming , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: May 2007

Using cloud-resolving simulations of tropical radiative–convective equilibrium, it is shown that the anvil temperature changes by less than 0.5 K with a 2-K change in SST, lending support to the fixed anvil temperature (FAT) hypothesis. The results suggest that for plausible ozone profiles, a decrease in the air’s emission capability instead of ozone heating shall remain the control on the detrainment level, and the FAT hypothesis should hold. The anvil temperature also remains unchanged with other changes in the system such as the doubled CO2 mixing ratio, doubled stratospheric water vapor concentration, and dynamical cooling due to the Brewer–Dobson circulations. The results are robust when a different microphysics scheme is used.
Local versus Tropical Diabatic Heating and the Winter North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Greatbatch Richard J. , Jung Thomas
Published: May 2007

In this paper, a version of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational model is used to (i) diagnose the diabatic heating associated with the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and (ii) assess the role of this heating in the dynamics of the NAO in the model. Over the North Atlantic sector, the NAO-related diabatic heating is dominated above the planetary boundary layer by the latent heat release associated with precipitation, and within the boundary layer by vertical diffusion associated with sensible heat flux from the ocean. An association between La Niña–El Niño–type conditions in the tropical Pacific and the positive/negative NAO is found in model runs using initial conditions and sea surface temperature (SST) lower boundary conditions from the period 1982–2001, but not in a companion set of model runs for the period 1962–81. Model experiments are then described in which the NAO-related diabatic heating diagnosed from the 1982–2001 control run is applied as a constant forcing in the model temperature equation using both 1982–2001 and 1962–81 model setups. To assess the local feedback from the diabatic heating, the specified forcing is first restricted to the North Atlantic sector alone. In this case, the model response (in an ensemble mean sense) is suggestive of a weak negative feedback, but exhibits more baroclinic structure and has its centers of action shifted compared to those of the NAO. On the other hand, forcing with only the tropical Pacific part of the diabatic heating leads to a robust model response in both the 1982–2001 and 1962–81 model setups. The model response projects on to the NAO with the same sign as that used to diagnose the forcing, arguing that the link between the tropical Pacific and the NAO is real in the 1982–2001 control run. The missing link in the corresponding run for 1962–81 is a result of a change in the tropical forcing between the two periods, and not the extratropical flow regime.
Differences in Atmospheric Circulation between the Development of Weak and Strong Warm Events in the Southern Oscillation
Authors: Stephens David J. , Meuleners Michael J. , van Loon Harry , Lamond Malcolm H. , Telcik Nicola P.
Published: May 2007

In this study temporal and spatial aspects of El Niño (warm event) development are explored by comparing composite sequences of sea level pressure (SLP), surface wind, and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies leading into strong and weak events. El Niño strength is found to be related to the magnitude and spatial extent of large-scale SLP anomalies that move in a low-frequency mode. In association with this, it is also intricately linked to the amplitude and wavelength of the Rossby waves in the southern midlatitudes. The primary signature of the Southern Oscillation is a more pronounced standing wave of pressure anomalies between southeastern Australia and the central South Pacific leading into stronger events. A strong reversal in the strength of the annual cycle between these two regions causes a stronger (weaker) SLP gradient that drives southwesterly (northwesterly) wind stress forcing toward (away from) the western equatorial Pacific in austral winter–spring of year 0 (−1). Thus, pressure variations in the southwest Pacific preconditions the equatorial environment to a particular phase of ENSO and establishes the setting for greater tropical–extratropical interactions to occur in stronger events.

Maximum warming in the Niño-3 region occurs between April and July (0) when a strong South Pacific trough most influences the trade winds at both ends of the Pacific. Cool SST anomalies that form to the east of high pressure anomalies over Indo–Australia assist an eastward propogation of high pressure into the Pacific midlatitudes and the demise of El Niño. Strong events have a more pronounced eastward propogation of SST and SLP anomalies and a much more noticeable enhancement of winter hemisphere Rossby waves from May–July (−1) to November–January (+1). Weak events require an enhanced South Pacific trough to develop but have much less support from the North Pacific. They also appear more variable in their development and more difficult to predict with lead time.
How Can International Organizations Shape National Welfare States?
Authors: Linos Katerina
Published: May 2007

How can international organizations shape national welfare states? The answer depends on why national governments comply with international organization mandates. Enforcement theories predict that states' policy preferences determine implementation, whereas managerial theories attribute noncompliance to states' capability limitations and to institutions. This article derives specific compliance mechanisms from these theories and examines the implementation of European Union social policy directives through a new quantitative data set and qualitative case studies of Greece and Spain. Countries whose preferences diverge from social policy directives, specifically countries lacking related early national legislation, and countries with low labor costs, delay implementation. However, delays from capability limitations are much greater—poor bureaucracies, federal states, coalition governments, and parliaments that do not prepare for directives cause big delays. These findings suggest that international organizations can shape national social policies by reorienting the axes of contestation from left-right to supranational-subnational.
Web retrieval systems and the Greek language: do they have an understanding?
Authors: Lazarinis Fotis
Published: May 2007

Searching the web is a common activity of web users. English and non-English speakers utilize international or local search engines so as to satisfy their information needs. Most of the attempts at evaluation of search engines focus on English queries and on English document collections. In this paper an evaluation methodology is presented and the capabilities of international and local web retrieval systems using Greek queries are evaluated based on this method. We aim at identifying difficulties and knowledge requirements when using a Greek supporting search engine. The importance of interface localization and the effects of standard information retrieval techniques such as case insensitivity, stopword removal and simple stemming are studied in international and local search engines. The evaluation methodology is applicable to other non-English natural languages as well.
A stage model of knowledge management: an empirical investigation of process and effectiveness
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Fen
Published: May 2007

Knowledge management (KM) is now widely recognized to be important to the success or failure of business management. Seeking to better understand the determinants of the evolution of KM, this study focuses on two main problems: (1) whether firms change their KM processes over time to improve KM effectiveness as well as develop their KM practices, and (2) whether socio-technical support results in more mature KM practices. This study draws on the previous literature to identify key dimensions of KM process (knowledge acquisition, knowledge conversion, knowledge application and knowledge protection), KM effectiveness (individual-level and organizational-level KM effectiveness) and socio-technical support (organizational support and information technology diffusion). The evolution of these dimensions is studied in the form of a stage model of KM that includes initiation, development, and mature stages. Data gathered from 141 senior executives in large Taiwanese organizations were employed to test the propositions. The results show that different stages of KM evolution can be distinguished across dimensions of KM process, KM effectiveness, and socio-technical support. Implications for organizations are also discussed.
A comparison of academics' attitudes towards the rights protection of their research and teaching materials
Authors: Gadd Elizabeth , Loddington Steve , Oppenheim Charles
Published: May 2007

This paper compares two JISC-funded surveys. The first was undertaken by the Rights MEtadata for Open Archiving (RoMEO) project and focused on the rights protection required by academic authors sharing their research outputs in an open-access environment. The second was carried out by the Rights and Rewards project and focused on the rights protection required by authors sharing their teaching materials in the same way. The data are compared. The study reports confusion amongst both researchers and teachers as to copyright ownership in the materials they produced. Researchers were more restrictive about the permissions they would allow, but were liberal about terms and conditions. Teachers would allow many permissions, but under stricter terms and conditions. The study concludes that a single rights solution could not be used for both research and teaching materials.
A research case study for user-centred information literacy instruction: information behaviour of translation trainees
Authors: Pinto María , Sales Dora
Published: May 2007

From the vantage point of user studies and information literacy studies, an empirical case-study has been carried out (at the Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain) in order to establish a diagnosis of the information behaviour of translation students. It is hoped that this study will serve as a basis for the design and subsequent implementation of programmes of instruction (within the paradigm of information literacy) specific to this interdisciplinary field. The study is located within the qualitative paradigm (using techniques including expert panel and semi-structured questionnaires to obtain direct data from the student body). Also employed are quantitative techniques for the descriptive statistical treatment of the data collected via the questionnaire, but at all events the perspective of the analysis is qualitative. All in all, a positive evolution is identified within the student group (from first to second cycle) as regards the successful acquisition of information skills. The study highlights the progress registered by the translation students in their information competence and the resultant conceptualization: a development from knowledge towards strategy and lifelong learning.
Patent surrogate extraction and evaluation in the context of patent mapping
Authors: Tseng Yuen-Hsien , Wang Yeong-Ming , Lin Yu-I , Lin Chi-Jen , Juang Dai-Wei
Published: May 2007

Patent documents contain important research results. They are often collectively analyzed and organized in a visual way to support decision making. However, they are lengthy and rich in technical terminology, and thus require a lot of human effort for analysis. Automatic tools for assisting patent engineers or decision makers in patent analysis are in great demand. This paper describes a summarization method for patent surrogate extraction, intended to efficiently and effectively support patent mapping, which is an important subtask of patent analysis. Six patent maps were used to evaluate its relative usefulness. The experimental results confirm that the machine generated summaries do preserve more important content words than some other patent sections or even than the full patent texts when only a few terms are to be considered for classification and mapping. The implication is that if one were to determine a patent's category based on only a few terms at a quick pace, one could begin by reading the section summaries generated automatically.
Accessing and Recruiting Children for Research in Schools
Authors: Rice Marti , Bunker Kylan D. , Kang Duck-Hee , Howell Carol C. , Weaver Michael
Published: May 2007

Gaining access to the schools and recruiting children as research participants are challenging tasks. To facilitate gaining access to the schools, multiple strategies are necessary, including understanding specific characteristics of the schools, using the proper lines of authority and communication, identifying the gatekeepers, and persuading the schools of the significance and mutual benefits from the study. Once access is gained, strategies for successful recruitment of children include use of developmentally appropriate motivators and incentives; multilevel communications with administrators, principals, teachers, staff, parents/guardians, and children; and provision of privacy and confidentiality during data collection and sharing of the findings. Specific examples from an ongoing study are used to illustrate helpful strategies.
Barriers and Strategies for Recruiting Study Participants in Clinical Settings
Authors: Sullivan-Bolyai Susan , Bova Carol , Deatrick Janet A. , Knafl Kathy , Grey Margaret , Leung Katherine , Trudeau Allison
Published: May 2007

Recruiting participants for research studies is often a challenging task. Recruitment requires careful planning, collaboration, and flexibility on the part of researchers and health care providers at the recruitment sites. This article describes six major barriers to recruiting study participants as identified from a review of the literature and from the coauthors' research experiences. These barriers include challenges related to regulations of the Health Insurance Portabililty and Accountability Act (HIPAA), health care providers' work burden, providers' financial disincentives, competition, health care provider concerns regarding research, and provider protection of patients. Each barrier is described, and specific strategies are suggested based on the empirical literature. In some instances, the coauthors' experiences are also shared.
New Conjugated Azomethines Containing Triphenylamine Core —Characterization and Properties
Authors: Sek Danuta , Iwan Agnieszka , Kaczmarczyk Bozena , Jarzabek Bozena , Kasperczyk Janusz , Bednarski Henryk
Published: May 2007

A novel polyazomethines bearing triphenylamine core and a proper model compound were synthesized and their spectroscopic (FTIR, 1 H NMR) and optical (UV-vis, photoluminescence) properties and also a molecular dynamic calculations were investigated. The polymers which were soluble in organic solvents (chloroform, dimethylacetamide, m-cresol) and formed transparent foils, emitted blue light and their photoluminescence band and intensity were solvent dependent. Additionally, the effects of blending the new polyazomethines with other polymers—PMMA, polyvinylophenol on UV-vis spectra were examined. Non-covalent ionic-type interactions between azomethines and methanesulfonic acid (MSA), m-cresol (MC) and p-chlorophenol (pClp) were also investigated. The structure formation of azomethines complexes are discussed on the basis of 1H NMR and FTIR. Photoluminescence and absorption properties of the azomethines compounds after doping with MSA, MC and pClp were tested.
Current Therapies for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Takaoka Shanon , Faul John L. , Doyle Ramona
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature, characterized by relentless deterioration and death. Patients with PAH are known to be at increased risk for anesthetic complications and surgical morbidity and mortality. However, outcomes in patients have improved with the recent development of new drug therapies. The 3 major drug classes for treatment of PAH are prostanoids, endothelin-receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. In this review, the authors provide an overview of each drug class, its mechanism of action, indications, and current supportive literature. Surgical and interventional treatments of PAH, including atrial septostomy, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, and transplantation, are briefly reviewed, and the rationale, indications, and selection criteria for each are discussed. Although available medical and surgical therapies for PAH have improved patient outcomes, acute decompensated right heart failure (RHF) remains a common and challenging complication of PAH. The authors review this topic and provide an outline of the general pathophysiology of RHF and an approach to its management.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Overview
Authors: Klinger James R.
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was first described over 100 years ago, but a thorough understanding of its patho-genesis and a successful approach to curing the disease remain elusive. Increased research activity has greatly enhanced our understanding of the disease and led to new therapies that retard disease progression and improve patient function and survival. The disease is rare, but effects people of all ages and is associated with several seemingly unconnected diseases. It is not clear whether all forms of PAH represent the same disease or the same pathologic endpoint of different pulmonary vascular disease processes. Recent attempts to classify different forms of pulmonary hyper-tension by the diseases with which they are associated has helped researchers organize data collected from patient registries and clinical trials. This overview discusses the history, epidemiology, and genetic basis of PAH, new recommendations for disease classification, and prognostic variables shown to adversely affect survival.
Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Jain Suma , Ventura Hector , deBoisblanc Ben
Published: May 2007

The mechanisms leading to elevations in precapillary pulmonary vascular resistance are complex and likely involve multiple pathways, but the histopathologic sequelae of these processes are restricted to a few findings, primarily neoangiogenesis, intimal and smooth muscle proliferation, vasoconstriction, and/or in situ thrombosis. Regardless of the etiology of pulmonary hypertension, abnormalities in endothelial function are often observed and likely play a central role in mediating structural changes.
Hepatotoxicity During Nevirapine-Based Fixed-Dose Combination Antiretroviral Therapy in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Hahn Judith A. , Maier Marissa , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne , Oyugi Jessica H. , Bangsberg David R.
Published: May 2007

Background: Generic, low-cost, nevirapine (NVP)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved survival in HIV-infected individuals living in resource-limited settings. However, there is concern about the potential hepatotoxicity of these regimens. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective study of persons initiating self-pay Triomune or Maxivir therapy in Kampala, Uganda. Results: The 97 study participants were predominantly women (64%), median age was 35 (interquartile range [IQR] 30-40), median CD4 at baseline was 56 cells/mm3 (IQR 8-138), and 19% had lifetime alcohol problems (CAGE ≥ 2). Severe liver enzyme elevations (LEEs) of grade 3-4 were rare (2.2%); however, 1 patient died in the setting of grade 4 LEEs. Grade 1-4 LEEs occurred among 22.2% of participants, and 9.8% had new grade 1-4 LEEs after the initiation of treatment. Discussion: The authors found that LEEs were common but that severe hepatotoxicity in persons initiating NVP-based ART was infrequent yet potentially life-threatening. Monitoring for NVP-related severe hepatic toxicity should be part of expanding antiretroviral treatment programs in resource-limited settings.
Use of Dronabinol Improves Appetite and Reverses Weight Loss in HIV/AIDS-Infected Patients
Authors: DeJesus Edwin , Rodwick Barry M. , Bowers Daniel , Cohen Calvin J. , Pearce Daniel
Published: May 2007

Objective: To determine whether dronabinol affects appetite and weight status in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to analyze weight and appetite changes and nausea status in patients with HIV/AIDS who received dronabinol for 3 to 12 months from January 11, 1993, to March 17, 2003. Results: Of the 117 patients who lost weight before baseline, 63% maintained or gained weight. In patients receiving dronabinol for 1 year, the mean weight gain (± SD) was 3.7 ± 10.6 lb. The percentage of patients experiencing loss of appetite decreased significantly from 71% at baseline to 26% at 1 month (P < .001) and continued to decline throughout the trial. The percentage of patients experiencing nausea at baseline (38%) decreased consistently from week 2 on; this change from baseline was significant at month 6 (P = .031). Conclusion: When taken for 3 months to 1 year, dronabinol significantly improves appetite and reverses weight loss in patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Farnesyl transferase inhibitor resistance probed by target mutagenesis
Authors: Raz Tal , Nardi Valentina , Azam Mohammad , Cortes Jorge , Daley George Q.
Published: May 2007

Mutation in the target oncoprotein is a common mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as exemplified by the many BCR/ABL mutations that thwart imatinib activity in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. It remains unclear whether normal cellular protein targets of chemotherapeutics will evolve drug resistance via mutation to a similar extent. We conducted an in vitro screen for resistance to lonafarnib, a farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor that blocks prenylation of a number of proteins important in cell proliferation, and identified 9 mutations clustering around the lonafarnib binding site. In patients treated with a combination of imatinib and lonafarnib, we identified farnesyl protein transferase mutations in residues identified in our screen. Substitutions at Y361 were found in patients prior to treatment initiation, suggesting that these mutants might confer a proliferative advantage to leukemia cells, which we were able to confirm in cell culture. In vitro mutagenesis of normal cellular enzymes can be exploited to identify mutations that confer chemotherapy resistance to novel agents.
Targeted cancer therapy with a novel low-dose rate α-emitting radioimmunoconjugate
Authors: Dahle Jostein , Borrebæk Jørgen , Jonasdottir Thora J. , Hjelmerud Anne Kristine , Melhus Katrine B. , Bruland Øyvind S. , Press Oliver W. , Larsen Roy H.
Published: May 2007

α-emitting radionuclides are highly cytotoxic and are of considerable interest in the treatment of cancer. A particularly interesting approach is in radioimmunotherapy. However, α-emitting antibody conjugates have been difficult to exploit clinically due to the short half-life of the radionuclides, low production capability, or limited source materials. We have developed a novel technology based on the low-dose rate α-particle–emitting nuclide 227Th, exemplified here using the monoclonal antibody rituximab. In vitro, this radioimmunoconjugate killed lymphoma cells at Becquerel per milliliter (Bq/mL) levels. A single injection of 227Th-rituximab induced complete tumor regression in up to 60% of nude mice bearing macroscopic (32-256 mm3) human B-lymphoma xenografts at Becquerel per gram (Bq/g) levels without apparent toxicity. Therapy with 227Th-rituximab was significantly more effective than the control radioimmunoconjugate 227Th-trastuzumab and the standard β-emitting radioimmunoconjugate for CD20+ lymphoma90Y-tiuxetan-ibritumomab. Thorium-227 based constructs may provide a novel approach for targeted therapy against a wide variety of cancers.