bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the Gregorc Style Delineator
Authors: Reio Thomas G. , Wiswell Albert K.
Published: May 2006

Cognitive learning style instruments continue to enjoy widespread use in educational and occupational contexts by researchers and practitioners alike, despite widespread questions about the valid measurement of cognitive learning styles. This investigation examines the psychometric properties of one well-known measure of cognitive learning style—the Gregorc Style Delineator (GSD). The GSD was administered to 467 undergraduate and graduate students (49% female) from two major colleges in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Using confirmatory and exploratory factor-analytic techniques, Gregorc’s channel theory was investigated as deployed and represented by the instrument. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, ranging from .54 to .68, were appreciably lower than those reported by the instrument’s developer. The data disconfirmed both the two- and four-factor confirmatory models. In the post hoc exploratory factor analyses, many of the factor pattern/structure coefficients were ambiguously associated with two or more of the four theoretical channels as well. Overall, there was little support for the GSD’s theoretical basis or design and the concomitant accurate portrayal of one’s cognitive learning style.
A Rasch Differential Item Functioning Analysis of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument
Authors: Cauffman Elizabeth , MacIntosh Randall
Published: May 2006

The juvenile justice system needs a tool that can identify and assess mental health problems among youths quickly with validity and reliability. The goal of this article is to evaluate the racial/ethnic and gender differential item functioning (DIF) of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2) using the Rasch Model. Data are presented from 3,906 assessments of male and female juvenile offenders between 13 and 17 years of age who are incarcerated in the California Youth Authority. DIF is identified in some items, raising concerns about the Suicide Ideation subscale as well as the Traumatic Experiences subscale that may require some further examination and revision.
Transparent State Management for Optimistic Synchronization in the High Level Architecture
Authors: Santoro Andrea , Quaglia Francesco
Published: May 2006

In this article, the authors present the design and implementation of a software architecture—namely, MAgic State Manager (MASM)—to be employed within a runtime infrastructure (RTI) in support of High Level Architecture (HLA) federations. MASM allows performing checkpointing/recovery of the federate state in a way completely transparent to the federate itself, thus providing the possibility of demanding to the RTI any task related to state management in optimistic synchronization. Different from existing proposals, through this approach, the federate programmer is required neither to supply modules for state management within the federate code nor to explicitly interface the federate code with existing, third-party checkpointing/recovery libraries. Hence, the federate programmer is completely relieved from the burden of facing state management issues. One major application of this proposal is the possibility to employ optimistic synchronization, even in case of federates originally designed for the conservative approach. This can provide a way of improving the simulation system performance in specific scenarios (e.g., in case of poor or zero lookahead within the federation). The authors elaborate on this issue by discussing on how to integrate MASM within the RTI to achieve such a synchronization objective. Some experimental results demonstrating limited runtime overhead introduced by MASM are also reported for two case studies—namely, an interconnection network simulation and a personal communication system simulation.
For Science in the Social Sciences
Authors: Fay Brian
Published: May 2006

All three of the books under review— Science and Social Science by Malcolm Williams, Rethinking Science by Jan Faye, and Open the Social Sciences by the members of the Gulbenkian Commission on the Restructuring of the Social Sciences (Immanuel Wallerstein, chair)—argue for a broadly naturalist approach in which the social sciences are seen as of a piece with the natural sciences. Fortunately, all three do so in a discriminating way that avoids simple options and that appreciates the important ways the social-scientific disciplines require their own approach. Open the Social Sciences in particular also contains detailed and wise advice as to how the contemporary social sciences should proceed if they want to fulfill their ambition to explain human social behavior in a scientific way.
Equal consideration of all – an aporetic project?
Authors: Fritsch Matthias
Published: May 2006

The article considers the relationships among three arguments that purport to establish the intrinsically contradictory or paradoxical nature of the modern project aiming at the equal consideration of all. The claim that the inevitable historical insertion of universal-egalitarian norms leads to always particular and untransparent interpretations of grammatically universal norms may be combined with the claim that the logic of determination of political communities tends to generate exclusions. The combination of these two claims lends specific force to the third argument according to which equal consideration perpetually requires the non-egalitarian project of understanding (excluded) individuals on their own terms. Hence, taking off from a recent debate between Christoph Menke and Jürgen Habermas, I argue that the former is right to diagnose an aporetic self-reflection in egalitarian universalism, while agreeing with the latter about the indispensability of deliberative democratic frameworks for the defence of both egalitarian and non-egalitarian norms.
Reconciling communicative action with recognition
Authors: Erman Eva
Published: May 2006

There is an underlying idea of symmetry involved in most notions of rationality. From a dialogical philosophical standpoint, however, the symmetry implied by social contract theories and so-called Golden Rule thinking is anchored to a Cartesian subject–object world and is therefore not equipped to address recognition – at least not if recognition is to be understood as something happening between subjects. For this purpose, the dialogical symmetry implied by Habermas' communicative action does a much better job. Still, it is insufficient to embrace those kinds of recognition that are dependent on asymmetry and concrete difference. This article explores how communicative action could meet the demand of recognition by investigating a complementary source of validity in communicative rationality, apart from Habermas' validity claims, in which ‘inter’ is better characterized as mutuality than as symmetry. By recognizing both sources of validity, communicative action can open the door more fully to all aspects of recognition without giving up its universal pragmatic core.
No business without information products
Authors: Orna Liz
Published: May 2006

The only way we can make what we know visible to other people is by putting it into information products - the products in any medium where users meet the information they need, and gain access to the knowledge of others. Without them, little business would get done inside organizations or between them and the outside world. They are essential for the flow, exchange, application, and preservation of information and knowledge. They have great potential for adding - and subtracting - value. And yet businesses seldom look at the information products they create and use in their work as an entity, or try to find out how well they are supporting whatever they are in business for. This article makes the business case for doing that, and suggests steps towards finding out how your information products are doing for your business.
Obtaining business information from patents, designs and trade marks
Authors: van Dulken Steve
Published: May 2006

Briefly explains the nature of intellectual property, and why it provides valuable information (as well as protection) for those in business. Outlines some of the free resources available on the Internet, giving examples of how they can be used. The advantages and disadvantages for the novice researcher trying to find information are stated. It concludes with a look at the value of using libraries and/or hiring researchers using priced sources.
From Robots to Animals: Virtual Fences for Controlling Cattle
Authors: Butler Zack , Corke Peter , Peterson Ron , Rus Daniela
Published: May 2006

We consider the problem of monitoring and controlling the position of herd animals, and view animals as networked agents with natural mobility but not strictly controllable. By exploiting knowledge of individual and herd behavior we would like to apply a vast body of theory in robotics and motion planning to achieving the constrained motion of a herd.

In this paper we describe the concept of a virtual fence which applies a stimulus to an animal as a function of its pose with respect to the fenceline. Multiple fence lines can define a region, and the fences can be static or dynamic. The fence algorithm is implemented by a small position-aware computer device worn by the animal, which we refer to as a Smart Collar. We describe a herd-animal simulator, the Smart Collar hardware and algorithms for tracking and controlling animals as well as the results of on-farm experiments with up to ten Smart Collars.
Experiments with a Large Heterogeneous Mobile Robot Team: Exploration, Mapping, Deployment and Detection
Authors: Howard Andrew , Parker Lynne E. , Sukhatme Gaurav S.
Published: May 2006

We describe the design and experimental validation of a large heterogeneous mobile robot team built for the DARPA Software for Distributed Robotics (SDR) program. The core challenge for the SDR program was to develop a multi-robot system capable of carrying out a specific mission: to deploy a large number of robots into an unexplored building, map the building interior, detect and track intruders, and transmit all of the above information to a remote operator. To satisfy these requirements, we developed a heterogeneous robot team consisting of approximately 80 robots. We sketch the key technical elements of this team, focusing on the novel aspects, and present selected results from supervised experiments conducted in a 600 m 2 indoor environment.
Crawling and Jumping by a Deformable Robot
Authors: Sugiyama Yuuta , Hirai Shinichi
Published: May 2006

We describe crawling and jumping by a soft robot. Locomotion over rough terrain has been achieved mainly by rigid body systems including crawlers and leg mechanisms. This paper presents an alternative method, one that employs deformation. First, we describe the principle of crawling and jumping as performed through deformation of a robot body. Second, in a physical simulation, we investigate the feasibility of the approach. Next, we show experimentally that a prototype of a circular soft robot can crawl and jump. Finally, we describe crawling and jumping performed by a spherical deformable robot.
Non-Contact Stiffness Imager
Authors: Kawahara Tomohiro , Tanaka Shinji , Kaneko Makoto
Published: May 2006

This paper proposes a Non-Contact Stiffness Imager that can enhance the definition of a stiff point by imparting a fluid force to the environment. The force is applied to the environment at a local point and displacement of the environment is measured in the surrounding area. We first demonstrate the basic idea by utilizing an experimental system composed of an air supply system and a scanning type line laser sensor. Then we apply the idea to an endoscope camera capable of detecting a stiff point.
Modeling and Experiments on a Legged Microrobot Locomoting in a Tubular, Compliant and Slippery Environment
Authors: Stefanini Cesare , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo
Published: May 2006

This paper presents the concept and preliminary modeling of a legged microrobot locomoting in a tubular, compliant and slippery environment. The envisaged application field is related to capsular endoscopy, i.e., the development of a mobile swallowable capsule for navigation inside the gastrointestinal tract for diagnosis and therapy. After introducing and discussing the issue of autonomous locomotion of endoscopic devices, with reference to worldwide ongoing research in the field, the legged solution is proposed and peculiarities of this approach are described. The importance of simulation for developing a legged device is discussed and a locomotion model is presented. Experimental results are described for the definition of biomechanical parameters necessary in the model. Thanks to this work first simulations have been obtained, in which the microrobot’s body moves according to arbitrary gait patterns for the legs and to its interaction with tissue. The resulting tool will be used for the design synthesis, for defining the optimal number of legs and the best number of degrees of freedom for each leg. It will be also used for controlling the device, by identifying the gait pattern to be adopted in order to obtain different capsule movements.
Transitions in Breastfeeding: Daily Parent Diaries Provide Evidence of Behavior Over Time
Authors: Bodnarchuk Jennifer L. , Eaton Warren O. , Martens Patricia J.
Published: May 2006

This study addressed a key question for assessing breastfeeding duration: at what point is an infant considered no longer exclusively breastfed or no longer breastfed at all? Mothers provided longitudinal infant feeding data via daily checklists. Transitions between exclusive to partial breastfeeding and partial to no breastfeeding were compared across 11 time periods for 10 age groups of infants. Daily transitions between exclusive and partial breastfeeding were common, especially for infants 6 months of age and younger, and transitions from partial to no breastfeeding occurred much more quickly than transitions from exclusive to partial breast-feeding. Ages at supplementation and weaning calculated in 1-day or 7-day spans correlated highly (intraclass correlation = .99). These results support the Breastfeeding Definitions and Data Collection Periods guideline recently developed by the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada and may bring the breastfeeding research and clinical communities closer to a consensus on the definition of breastfeeding over time.
Health Workers’ Support for Breastfeeding in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: OlaOlorun Funmilola Morinoye , Lawoyin Taiwo Olubanke
Published: May 2006

Breastfeeding in Nigeria is universal, and exclusive breastfeeding was introduced in 1992, yet no study has assessed health workers’ support for breastfeeding at the grassroots level. This study assessed health workers’ tangible support for breastfeeding at primary care facilities in Ibadan and factors affecting it, including knowledge of and attitudes toward breastfeeding. Among the 386 workers, there was moderate support for breastfeeding (median score = 15.0, maximum = 20). Following multivariate analysis, young age of worker (20-29 years; odds ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-6.8), more than 5 years of post-training experience (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.4), senior profession (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0-4.4), high breastfeeding knowledge scores (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.5), and sufficient opportunities to practice tangible breastfeeding support (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 2.4-7.7) were found to predict tangible breastfeeding support. Deliberate efforts should be made to incorporate continuing education workshops to better prepare health professionals for their role in providing tangible breastfeeding support at the primary care level.
The Samurai Sword Cuts Both Ways
Authors: Nakamura Yuka
Published: May 2006

This article illustrates how media representations of Suzuki Ichiro, a professional baseball player, have reproduced discourses of nationhood in Japan and the US, demonstrating how nationalism and globalization may articulate in sport. Some 365 articles that mentioned Ichiro, published in the Seattle Times (151), Mainichi Daily Newspaper (77), and Sports Nippon (137) were analyzed. These articles describe Ichiro’s inaugural season (2001-02) as the first Japanese position player in Major League Baseball. Transnationalism provides an important framework for understanding the specific space between the nation and the ‘other.’ In this instance, this space spans the US and Japan, US and Japanese baseball, and even US and Japanese media. Although Ichiro’s move from Japanese baseball to Major League Baseball is evidence of the globalization of sport, Ichiro is also a vehicle through which US and Japanese nationalism can be celebrated. The framework of transnationalism permits an understanding of the interplay between US and Japanese nation-building discourses, as well as providing a specific political and historical context.
Accounting and religion: a historical perspective
Authors: Carmona Salvador , Ezzamel Mahmoud
Published: May 2006

Research on the relationship between accounting and religion or religious institutions is remarkably sparse. The lack of academic interest in studying accounting in religious institutions is rather perplexing, given the prominence of such institutions in most historical and contemporary societies, both spiritually and economically. In this introductory article, we first address research with a historical focus and then move on to study research on accounting and contemporary religious institutions. Our review of the literature indicates that research in this area remains at an embryonic state and that studies included in this special issue may contribute to the literature on the sacred–profane divide as well as on forms of accounting and accountability. We conclude by identifying a number of research areas that may attract the attention of scholars in the fields of accounting and accounting history.
Towards a genealogy of wealth through an analysis of biblical discourses
Authors: Baker C. Richard
Published: May 2006

A primary concern of accounting is the determination of the financial position or “wealth” of an entity. Using an interpretive methodology adapted from Michel Foucault, this contribution seeks to develop a genealogy of wealth through an analysis of Biblical discourses pertaining to wealth. In particular, the article examines narratives depicting the life of Abraham as these relate to discourses about wealth. The objective is to explore ways in which the discourses changed between the Old and New Testaments. As Foucault might suggest, the “regime of truth” surrounding the idea of wealth has changed through time; there have been discontinuities and transformations. There have been periods in which wealth has been appreciated, and other periods in which wealth has been denigrated, particularly by religious authorities. In the Old Testament, Abraham's wealth was seen as a blessing from God, while in the New Testament, seeking after wealth was viewed as sinful. The article suggests several reasons for this transformation, including the influence of the writings of St. Paul on Christian morality and the emergence of self-forming activities which may have been associated with the development of the Church as the successor to the Roman Empire.
Testing social theories in computer-mediated communication through gaming and simulation
Authors: Noy Avi , Raban Daphne R. , Ravid Gilad
Published: May 2006

Information is a critical component of commercial transactions. Our games, the LEMONADE STAND and HULIA, and simulation, AUCTION SIMULATION, represent a variety of computerized commercial situations where information may be actively shared or traded or passively available as part of the transaction. These games and simulation served as research tools for testing a variety of social theories aiming to offer some explanations for information behavior in online spaces and its subsequent effect on the commercial transactions taking place. We demonstrate, using the analytical sciences approach, how computerized games and simulations are used to study and validate theoretical constructs in networked environments. Validating a variety of theories using three different artifacts, while acknowledging their strengths and limitations, shows promise for the continued development of games and simulations as important instruments for the analytical sciences approach.
Theory-oriented evaluation for the design of and research in gaming and simulation
Authors: Kriz Willy Christian , Hense Jan Ulrich
Published: May 2006

Jan Klabbers introduced the terms science of analysis and science of design. The science of analysis uses games and simulations as research methods to test theories in various fields. Research in the science of design perspective emphasizes the design of the artifact, and testing its usability. However, in which way both communities can be of mutual benefit remains controversial. The authors discuss the potential contributions of theory-based evaluation in order to link both communities. Theory-oriented evaluation approaches are based on logic models which have the function of outlining how the simulation, its participants, and its environment interact with each other, and elicit the simulation's desired outcomes. Its primary aim is to gain evaluative knowledge from a particular gaming simulation which can then be used to improve the simulation and its implementation for practical purposes. The authors illustrate their viewpoints by discussing the theory-oriented evaluation of a business simulation game.
Teaching experientially with the Madeline Hunter Method: An application in a marketing research course
Authors: Burns Alvin C.
Published: May 2006

Due to concerns about the disparity of learning and the high nonresponse rates encountered by student marketing research teams working with sponsors, the author adopted the Hunter Method to restructure his course. This method requires the use of a model onto which students can map their learning via guided practice as well as independent practice. This approach allows student teams to select different topics, but they must use identical research objectives. The author claims that it levelizes learning, renders learning easier for students, and enhances instructor efficiency.
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels: Regulation by Accessory Subunits
Authors: Li Yan , Um Sung Yon , Mcdonald Thomas V.
Published: May 2006

Voltage-gated potassium channels regulate cell membrane potential and excitability in neurons and other cell types. A precise control of neuronal action potential patterns underlies the basic functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system. This control relies on the adaptability of potassium channel activities. The functional diversity of potassium currents, however, far exceeds the considerable molecular diversity of this class of genes. Potassium current diversity contributes to the specificity of neuronal firing patterns and may be achieved by regulated transcription, RNA splicing, and posttranslational modifications. Another mechanism for regulation of potassium channel activity is through association with interacting proteins and accessory subunits. Here the authors highlight recent work that addresses this growing area of exploration and discuss areas of future investigation.
Purity and the Dead Sea Scrolls—Current Issues
Authors: Harrington Hannah K.
Published: May 2006

The subject of purity in early Judaism has fascinated modern scholars and proved to be a particularly fruitful vein of study in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The recovery, transcription and publication of numerous fragments of texts over the last two decades have changed the portrait of the Scrolls and the communities behind them from what was previously envisaged. To the original characterization of the sectarian Scrolls as the work of pious monks awaiting the eschaton, we can now detect a strong emphasis on Jewish law throughout these texts. Matters of purity and cult form the majority of these laws.
Abusive Family Experiences and Object Relations Disturbances
Authors: Martinez Cindy
Published: May 2006

This case describes the treatment of a 27-year-old, female international student who initially presented with severe stress. Until age 13, she lived in a dysfunctional family where her object relations were distorted and her attachment formation disturbed, leaving her unable to set healthy boundaries and trust others. The early physical abuse, neglect, and emotional void of the family environment created challenges for this graduate student in counseling because her academic program required her to delve into early family dynamics in self-reflective assignments. The goal of treatment was to help her establish a healthy attachment style. She would then be able to rebuild a more cohesive, discriminating, and flexible sense of self through the therapy relationship.
Does Race Matter? Examining the Relationship Between Co-Offending and Victim Characteristics for Violent Incidents Involving Female Offenders
Authors: Koons-Witt Barbara A. , Schram Pamela J.
Published: May 2006

Using National Incident-Based Reporting System data from 1998, the current study examines important factors concerning the situational context of violent incidents. First, the study explores the relationship between co-offending groups and several victim-related measures. Second, the study uses an intersectional approach to determine the extent to which these relationships may or may not be conditioned by offender(s) race. Two findings are notable in terms of offending differences among females: (a) race conditioned the relationship between offending group and victim(s) sex for robbery incidents and (b) race conditioned the relationship between offending group and the social distance between victim(s) and perpetrator(s) for aggravated assaults.
The Implementation of a Sonographer's Career Ladder
Authors: Wilson Michelle , Cooley Bruce
Published: May 2006

A profession is a lifelong learning commitment that has the potential to provide many opportunities for career advancement and personal growth satisfaction. The Kaiser Permanente Sonographer's Career Ladder Committee of Northern California was developed to find a means whereby an employee can be promoted without having to change his or her current employer. It is the belief of this committee that the more educated a sonographer becomes, the more competent and the higher level of accountability for quality and effectiveness to which the employee will hold himself or herself responsible. The criteria that have been established by sonographers and management are consistent and include incentives for educational achievements or certifications, leadership roles, and longevity with the employer.
Pim-1 kinase phosphorylates RUNX family transcription factors and enhances their activity
Authors: Aho Teija LT , Sandholm Jouko , Peltola Katriina J , Ito Yoshiaki , Koskinen Päivi J
Published: May 2006

Background

The pim family genes encode oncogenic serine/threonine kinases which in hematopoietic cells have been implicated in cytokine-dependent signaling as well as in lymphomagenesis, especially in cooperation with other oncogenes such as myc, bcl-2 or Runx family genes. The Runx genes encode α-subunits of heterodimeric transcription factors which regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in various tissues during development and which can become leukemogenic upon aberrant expression.

Results

Here we have identified novel protein-protein interactions between the Pim-1 kinase and the RUNX family transcription factors. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we were able to show that the C-terminal part of human RUNX3 associates with Pim-1. This result was confirmed in cell culture, where full-length murine Runx1 and Runx3 both coprecipitated and colocalized with Pim-1. Furthermore, catalytically active Pim-1 kinase was able to phosphorylate Runx1 and Runx3 proteins and enhance the transactivation activity of Runx1 in a dose-dependent fashion.

Conclusion

Altogether, our results suggest that mammalian RUNX family transcription factors are novel binding partners and substrates for the Pim-1 kinase, which may be able to regulate their activities during normal hematopoiesis as well as in leukemogenesis.
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in combination with cetuximab: the NEAR protocol (NCT00115518)
Authors: Jensen AD , Münter MW , Bischoff H , Haselmann R , Timke C , Krempien R , Sterzing F , Nill S , Heeger S , Hoess A , Haberkorn U , Huber PE , Steins M , Thomas M , Debus J , Herfarth KK
Published: May 2006

Background

Even today, treatment of Stage III NSCLC still poses a serious challenge. So far, surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Patients whose tumour is not resectable or who are unfit to undergo surgery are usually referred to a combined radio-chemotherapy. However, combined radio-chemotherapeutic treatment is also associated with sometimes marked side effects but has been shown to be more efficient than radiation therapy alone.

Nevertheless, there is a significant subset of patients whose overall condition does not permit administration of chemotherapy in a combined-modality treatment.

It could be demonstrated though, that NSCLCs often exhibit over-expression of EGF-receptors hence providing an excellent target for the monoclonal EGFR-antagonist cetuximab (Erbitux®) which has already been shown to be effective in colorectal as well as head-and-neck tumours with comparatively mild side-effects.

Methods/design

The NEAR trial is a prospective phase II feasibility study combining a monoclonal EGF-receptor antibody with loco-regional irradiation in patients with stage III NSCLC. This trial aims at testing the combination's efficacy and rate of development of distant metastases with an accrual of 30 patients.

Patients receive weekly infusions of cetuximab (Erbitux®) plus loco-regional radiation therapy as intensity-modulated radiation therapy. After conclusion of radiation treatment patients continue to receive weekly cetuximab for 13 more cycles.

Discussion

The primary objective of the NEAR trial is to evaluate toxicities and feasibility of the combined treatment with cetuximab (Erbitux®) and IMRT loco-regional irradiation.

Secondary objectives are remission rates, 3-year-survival and local/systemic progression-free survival.
Characterization of Three Different Sensory Fibers by use of Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment, Spinal Antagonism and a Novel Electrical Stimulation-Induced Paw Flexion Test
Authors: Matsumoto Misaki , Inoue Makoto , Hald Andreas , Yamaguchi Asuka , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: May 2006

In the present study, we first report an in vivo characterization of flexor responses induced by three distinct sine-wave stimuli in the electrical stimulation-induced paw flexion (EPF) test in mice. The fixed sine-wave electric stimulations of 5 Hz (C-fiber), 250 Hz (Aδ-fiber) and 2000 Hz (Aβ-fiber) to the hind paw of mice induced a paw-flexion response and vocalization. The average threshold for paw flexor responses by sine-wave stimulations was much lower than that for vocalization. Neonatally (P3) pretreatment with capsaicin to degenerate polymodal substance P-ergic C-fiber neurons increased the threshold to 5 Hz (C-fiber) stimuli, but not to 250 Hz (Aδ-fiber) and 2000 Hz (Aβ-fiber). The flexor responses to 5 Hz stimuli were significantly blocked by intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatment with both CP-99994 and MK-801, an NK1 and NMDA receptor antagonist, respectively, but not by CNQX, an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist. On the other hand, the flexor responses induced by 250 Hz stimuli were blocked by MK-801 (i.t.) but not by CP-99994 or CNQX. In contrast, flexor responses induced by 2000 Hz stimuli were only blocked by CNQX treatment. These data suggest that we have identified three pharmacologically different categories of responses mediated through different primary afferent fibers. Furthermore, we also carried out characterization of the in vivo functional sensitivity of each of the sensory fiber types in nerve-injured mice using the EPF test, and found that the threshold to both 250 Hz and 2000 Hz stimulations were markedly decreased, whereas the threshold to 5 Hz stimulations was significantly increased. Thus we found opposing effects on specific sensory fiber-mediated responses as a result of nerve injury in mice. These results also suggest that the EPF analysis is useful for the evaluation of plasticity in sensory functions in animal disease models.
Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis from the patient perspective using focus groups
Authors: Coenen Michaela , Cieza Alarcos , Stamm Tanja A , Amann Edda , Kollerits Barbara , Stucki Gerold
Published: May 2006

Functioning is recognized as an important study outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA is an application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organisation with the purpose of representing the typical spectrum of functioning of patients with RA. To strengthen the patient perspective, persons with RA were explicitly involved in the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA using qualitative methodology. The objective of the study was twofold: to come forward with a proposal for the most appropriate methodology to validate Comprehensive ICF Core Sets from the patient perspective; and to add evidence to the validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the perspective of patients. The specific aims were to explore the aspects of functioning and health important to patients with RA using two different focus group approaches (open approach and ICF-based approach) and to examine to what extent these aspects are represented by the current version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA. The sampling of patients followed the maximum variation strategy. Sample size was determined by saturation. The focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The meaning condensation procedure was used for the data analysis. After qualitative data analysis, the resulting concepts were linked to ICF categories according to established linking rules. Forty-nine patients participated in ten focus groups (five in each approach). Of the 76 ICF categories contained in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA, 65 were reported by the patients based on the open approach and 71 based on the ICF-based approach. Sixty-six additional categories (open approach, 41; ICF-based approach, 57) that are not covered in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA were raised. The existing version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA could be confirmed almost entirely by the two different focus group approaches applied. Focus groups are a highly useful qualitative method to validate the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for RA from the patient perspective. The ICF-based approach seems to be the most appropriate technique.
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Trastuzumab in HER-2 Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Phase II Trial
Authors: Chia Stephen , Clemons Mark , Martin Lee-Ann , Rodgers Angela , Gelmon Karen , Pond Gregory R. , Panasci Lawrence
Published: May 2006

Purpose

Cardiotoxicity precludes the concurrent use of doxorubicin and trastuzumab. Because pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) has equal efficacy but significantly less cardiotoxicity than conventional doxorubicin, this phase II study assessed the rate of cardiotoxicity and efficacy of first-line PLD plus trastuzumab in HER-2–positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients and Methods

Women with HER-2–positive, measurable MBC, and a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 55% were treated with PLD 50 mg/m2 every 4 weeks for six cycles and weekly trastuzumab (4 mg/kg loading dose then 2 mg/kg thereafter). Cardiotoxicity was defined as symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF) with ≥ 10% decline in LVEF to below lower limits of normal, ≥ 15% decline in LVEF without symptomatic CHF, or less than 10% LVEF decline to less than 45%.

Results

Thirty women were enrolled, 13 had received prior adjuvant anthracyclines. A median 5.5 cycles of PLD were administered. Mean baseline LVEF was 62.8%, 59.5% after cycle four, and 58.3% after cycle six. Three patients (10%) developed protocol-defined cardiotoxicity. No patients developed symptomatic CHF. Response rate was 52%, with an additional 38% stable disease rate. At a median follow-up of 13.9 months, the median progression-free survival was 12.0 months; median overall survival has not yet been reached. The most common adverse events were grade 3 hand-foot syndrome (30%) and grade 3/4 neutropenia (27%).

Conclusion

The combination of PLD and trastuzumab is a well tolerated and active regimen in HER-2-positive MBC. Cardiotoxicity was observed, but limited to asymptomatic declines in LVEF. Further evaluation of this combination is warranted.
Thermoelastic Analysis of High-Pressure Angioplasty Balloons
Authors: Eaton-Evans J , Dulieu-Barton J M , Little E , Brown I
Published: May 2006

Failures in angioplasty balloons are investigated using typical destructive techniques. The material properties of moulded balloons are derived from tensile tests and used to establish the reasons for failure of the balloons. Thermoelastic stress analysis is used to determine the stress distribution in the balloons, and a means of interpreting the data to derive actual stresses is described. The departure from linear elastic behaviour in the angioplasty balloons is identified using thermoelastic analysis. The results from the thermoelastic analysis are discussed and compared with those from the destructive tests, and the thermoelastic technique is shown to be a potential new means for non-destructive analysis of angioplasty balloons.
A Study of Anisotropic Creep Behaviour of a 9CrMoNbV Weld Metal Using Damage Analyses with a Unit Cell Model
Authors: Hyde T H , Sun W
Published: May 2006

The deformations and failure life ratios, obtained from creep damage analyses using a ‘unit cell’ model, are used to describe the ‘bulk’ anisotropic creep behaviour of a 9CrMoNbV weld metal. The model consists of a columnar region and a weaker equiaxed (fine-grained and coarse-grained) region, and is based on the assumption that the structure of the weld metal has a regular geometric pattern. The creep damage analyses were conducted using a single-variable Kachanov type damage law, for which the material constants are based on experimental data. The bulk material ‘uniaxial’ creep rupture lives in the three principal directions were investigated taking account of the effects of the length to width ratio of the unit cell, the material property mismatch for the two regions, and the volume fraction of the columnar region. Results from the analyses indicate that the predicted failure modes are the same as those observed in an experimental study of the weld metal.
Characterization and Application of Hollow-Sphere-Composite Lightweight Materials
Authors: Baumeister E , Klaeger S , Kaldos A
Published: May 2006

The ability to recycle mechanical and structural materials at the end of their useful lifetime is of high importance. The use of non-conventional materials in these applications enables such recycling and provides a number of other advantages, including increased quality, better economics, protection of the environment, and reduction of energy consumption. New lightweight materials, which have similar properties to their more traditional alternatives, are therefore highly significant for some industrial applications. In machine-tool design, for example, it is important to reduce the mass of the moving parts to obtain better dynamic characteristics. The current use of the term ‘lightweight materials’ refers to the lighter metallic materials such as aluminium, titanium, and magnesium. However, in recent years, the application of alternative, recyclable materials has substantially increased, for example the use of polymer concrete for supports, casing, or tables in machine tools with lighter weight and improved thermodynamic properties. An advantage of hollow-sphere-composites (HSC), which mostly consist of hollow spheres with different particle proportions and a reactive resin system, is that they can be recycled with ease. The aim of this article is to evaluate and characterize the mechanical and thermal properties of HSC as necessary input parameters for the design of various machine-tool and robotic system elements. The versatility of HSCs for machine tools and jig design is also demonstrated.
Gasoline Direct-Injection Engine Combustion and Emissions Measurements and Modelling
Authors: Raine R , Kar K , Hanson L , Stone R
Published: May 2006

Experimental measurements of exhaust emissions and combustion pressure are presented for a piston-guided direct-injection spark-ignition engine over a wide range of injection timings and ignition timings. The measurements show that the engine can be operated satisfactorily in very lean conditions (λ = 4.0) at wide-open throttle. High hydrocarbon emissions are measured at late start-of-injection conditions and with late ignition. High emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x) occur with early start of injection and with early ignition.

Modelling results show acceptable agreement with the measurements for the indicated mean effective pressure and show that high levels of NO x are produced from the inhomogeneous zones that burn close to stoichiometric conditions. It is argued that early start of injection gives rise to high NO x because of fuel mixing to conditions close to stoichiometric and burning early in the combustion process.
Lanthanide Nitrates as Effective Promoters of a Ru/Al2O3 Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Murata Shuzo , Aika Ken-ichi , Onishi Takaharu
Published: May 2006

Nitrates of La, Ce, and Sm were proved to be better promoters than CsNO3 for an ammonia synthesis Ru/Al2O3 catalyst. A small amount of lanthanide nitrate (M/Ru = 1) was as effective as a large amount of CsNO3 (Cs/Ru = 10) for 2wt% Ru/Al2O3 prepared from Ru3(CO)12.
Asymmetric [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction between α,β-Unsaturated Acid Derivatives and Alkynyl or Alkenyl Sulfides Catalyzed by a Chiral Titanium Reagent
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Narasaka Koichi
Published: May 2006

Asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-(acryloyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivatives and alkynyl or alkenyl sulfides proceeds by the use of a chiral titanium reagent to give the corresponding cyclobutene or cyclobutane derivatives in high enantioselectivity.
Synthetic Studies on Novel Sulfur-Containing Alkaloids, Prianosins Isolated from the Marine Sponge Prianos melanos. Synthesis of the Spirodienone Moiety by Phenolic Oxidation
Authors: Cheng Jie-Fei , Nishiyama Shigeru , Yamamura Shosuke
Published: May 2006

In connection with sulfur-containing alkaloids, prianosins, a spiro derivative has been synthesized by phenolic oxidation of a phenol precursor with thallium(III) oxidation or electrochemical oxidation media.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a cis-Dioxomolybdenum(VI) Complex with Two Benzenedithiolato Ligands. (NEt4)2[MoVIO2(1,2-benzenedithiolato)2]
Authors: Yoshinaga Naoto , Ueyama Norikazu , Okamura Taka-aki , Nakamura Akira
Published: May 2006

(NEt4)2[MoVIO2(bdt)2] (bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolato) has been synthesized as a relevant structural model complex for the active center of sulfite oxidase and characterized by X-ray crystallography, 1H-NMR, UV-visible spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric analysis. The complex has a distorted octahedral structure with two longer Mo-S bonds at the trans positions of the two Mo=O groups.
[2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction between Allenyl Sulfides and Electron Deficient Olefins Promoted by Lewis Acids
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Niihata Shigeo , Narasaka Koichi
Published: May 2006

Methylenecyclobutane derivatives are prepared by the Lewis acid promoted [2+2] cycloaddition reactions of 1-substituted-1-methylthio-1,2-propadienes and electron deficient olefms. The asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition of the allenyl sulfides also proceeds in high enantioselectivity by the use of a chiral titanium reagent.
X-Ray Fhotoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Lanthanum Oxide Based Oxidative Coupling of Methane Catalysts
Authors: Dubois Jean-Luc , Bisiaux Michel , Mimoun Hubert , Cameron Charles J
Published: May 2006

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of lanthanum oxide based oxidative coupling of methane catalysts, indicate a high binding energy O(1s) peak at 532.6–533.2 eV, which is strong evidence for surface superoxide (O2−) or peroxycarbonate (CO4=).
Ammonium Halide Type Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline Polyethylenimines and Those Low-Mass Model Compounds
Authors: Ujiie Seiji , Iimura Kazuyoshi
Published: May 2006

Thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyethylenimines with an ammonium halide moiety and those low-mass model compounds exhibited enantiotropically smectic phases. They were homeotropically aligned with the formation of an ammonium bilayer. The homeotropic structure of the liquid-crystalline polyethylenimine remained unaltered below Tg on cooling.
Information Spaces for Mobile City Access
Authors: Berridge Philip , Koch Volker , Brown Andre G. P.
Published: May 2006

This paper describes two complementary European research projects that share common interests and goals. The work described is intended to facilitate city analysis and support decision-making. The first project focuses on the distribution, access and ease of use of city data. The system allows access to historical data concerning key buildings in Liverpool, England, via a suite of web-based tools and a palmtop device. The second project looks at extending the functionality of traditional computer aided design (CAD) software to enable geometric and semantic data to be combined within a single environment. The system allows those involved in city planning to better understand the past and present development pattern of an area so that their decisions on future proposals are better informed. The paper concludes by describing a system that integrates particular aspects of the two projects, and the potential that this integration can bring. This new work provides mobile access to historical city development data, current city information and tools to support urban project development.
Spatial Understanding in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Schnabel Marc A. , Kvan Thomas
Published: May 2006

In this study, we examined the perception and understanding of spatial volumes within immersive and non-immersive virtual environments by comparison with representation using conventional media. We examined the relative effectiveness of these conditions in enabling the translation to a tangible representation, through a series of design experiments. Students experienced, assessed, and analysed spatial relationships of volumes and spaces and subsequently constructed real models of these spaces. The goal of our study is to identify how designers perceive space in Virtual Environments (VEs). We explore issues of quality, accuracy and understanding of reconstructing architectural space and forms. By comparison of the same spatial performance task undertaken within a Head Mounted Display, screen-based and real 2D environment, we are able to draw some conclusions about spatial understanding in immersive VE activity.
Collaboration Support System for City Plans or Community Designs Based on VR/CG Technology
Authors: Fukuda Tomohiro , Nagahama Ryuichiro , Kaga Atsuko , Sasada Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2006

This paper reports on a collaboration support system for city plans or community designs based on virtual reality (VR) or computer graphics (CG) technology. It reports on an extension to an ongoing research programme, and in particular it introduces the developments of portable VR equipment, and an expression method using CG to enable the realistic viewing of night scenes, and application to real projects.