bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Burnout and Support for Punishment and Treatment: A Preliminary Examination
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy L. , Altheimer Irshad , Shanhe Jiang  , Stevenson Michael T.
Published: October 2009

According to the existing literature, support for punishment and support for treatment of inmates are the two major orientations held by correctional workers. There is a small but growing body of studies that has examined the predictors of these orientations. The literature suggests that personal characteristics account for little of the variance in correctional orientations whereas individual-level perceptions of work environment factors are related to correctional orientations; however, the effects of job burnout have not been explored. This study investigates the relationship between burnout and the two correctional orientations. Burnout has three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and ineffectiveness. This study finds that depersonalization is positively related to support for punishment and negatively related to support for treatment. Ineffectiveness leads to a lower support for treatment whereas emotional exhaustion leads to a higher support for treatment.
Creating healthier buildings
Authors: Small Bruce M
Published: October 2009

Some conventional building design, construction and maintenance practices create conditions that are capable of causing illness in healthy individuals or exacerbating illness in already sensitized individuals. Staying in faulty building environments may unnecessarily prolong environmental-related illness. Physician and patient awareness of such common building failures may help to diagnose environmental triggers of current illness. Architects would benefit from collaboration with environmental physicians to understand the importance of healthier building design to building occupants. Architectural education and practice is slowly incorporating better methods, often in the context of greening and sustainability. Architects are presently being advised that the needs of approximately 15% of the general population who are significantly sensitive cannot be ignored in building design. The author reviews a number of building failures and itemizes a set of relatively simple principles and design concepts that would help create new and renovated buildings that are healthier than current buildings.
The biocontaminants and complexity of damp indoor spaces: more than what meets the eyes
Authors: Thrasher Jack D , Crawley Sandra
Published: October 2009

Nine types of biocontaminants in damp indoor environments from microbial growth are discussed: (1) indicator molds; (2) Gram negative and positive bacteria; (3) microbial particulates; (4) mycotoxins; (5) volatile organic compounds, both microbial (MVOCs) and non-microbial (VOCs); (6) proteins; (7) galactomannans; (8) 1-3-β-D-glucans (glucans) and (9) lipopolysaccharides (LPS — endotoxins). When mold species exceed those outdoors contamination is deduced. Gram negative bacterial endotoxins, LPS in indoor environments, synergize with mycotoxins. The gram positive Bacillus species, Actinomycetes (Streptomyces, Nocardia and Mycobacterium), produce exotoxins. The Actinomycetes are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, lung and invasive infections. Mycobacterial mycobacterium infections not from M. tuberculosis are increasing in immunocompetent individuals. In animal models, LPS enhance the toxicity of roridin A, satratoxins G and aflatoxin B1 to damage the olfactory epithelium, tract and bulbs (roridin A, satratoxin G) and liver (aflatoxin B1). Aflatoxin B1 and probably trichothecenes are transported along the olfactory tract to the temporal lobe. Co-cultured Streptomyces californicus and Stachybotrys chartarum produce a cytotoxin similar to doxorubicin and actinomycin D (chemotherapeutic agents). Trichothecenes, aflatoxins, gliotoxin and other mycotoxins are found in dust, bulk samples, air and ventilation systems of infested buildings. Macrocyclic trichothecenes are present in airborne particles <2 μm. Trichothecenes and stachylysin are present in the sera of individuals exposed to S. chartarum in contaminated indoor environments. Haemolysins are produced by S. chartarum, Memnoniella echinata and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Galactomannans, glucans and LPS are upper and lower respiratory tract irritants. Gliotoxin, an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, was identified in the lung secretions and sera of cancer patients with aspergillosis produced by A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus.
Do terbutaline- and mold-associated impairments of the brain and lung relate to autism?
Authors: Kilburn Kaye H , Thrasher Jack D , Immers Nina B
Published: October 2009

Increased prevalence of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the failure to find genetic explanations has pushed the hunt for environmental causes. These disorders are defined clinically but lack objective characterization. To meet this need, we measured neurobehavioral and pulmonary functions in eight ASD boys aged 8 to 19 years diagnosed clinically and compared them to 145 unaffected children from a community with no known chemical exposures. As 6 of 35 consecutive mold/mycotoxin (mold)-exposed children aged 5 to 13 years had ASD, we compared them to the 29 non-ASD mold-exposed children, and to the eight ASD boys. Comparisons were adjusted for age, height, weight, and grade attained in school. The eight ASD boys averaged 6.8 abnormalities compared to 1.0 in community control boys. The six mold-exposed ASD children averaged 12.2 abnormalities. The most frequent abnormality in both groups was balance, followed by visual field quadrants, and then prolonged blink reflex latency. Neuropsychological abnormalities were more frequent in mold-exposed than in terbutaline-exposed children and included digit symbol substitution, peg placement, fingertip number writing errors, and picture completion. Profile of mood status scores averaged 26.8 in terbutaline-exposed, 52 in mold exposed, and 26 in unexposed. The mean frequencies of 35 symptoms were 4.7 in terbutaline, 5.4 in mold/mycotoxins exposed and 1.7 in community controls.
Successful Treatment With Sumatriptan in a Case With Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Combined With 18q— Syndrome
Authors: Kakisaka Yosuke , Wakusawa Keisuke , Sato Ikuko , Haginoya Kazuhiro , Uematsu Mitsugu , Hirose Mieko , Munakata Mitsutoshi , Sato Tetsuo , Tsuchiya Shigeru
Published: October 2009

The authors present a 14-year-old girl with 18q— syndrome combined with cyclic vomiting syndrome. Since the age of 5 years, she has been admitted to hospital 30 times. Despite trying many prophylactic treatments, no medication has inhibited the vomiting attacks successfully. Intranasal sumatriptan was effective at halting the vomiting attacks. This is the first case of 18q— syndrome combined with cyclic vomiting syndrome successfully treated with sumatriptan. This report may allow us to consider sumatriptan use in patients suffering from misery attack of cyclic vomiting syndrome combined with chromosomal abnormality of 18q— syndrome.
Electromyographic (EMG) Analysis of Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue in Children With Cerebral Palsy During a Sustained Isometric Contraction
Authors: Nsenga Leunkeu Angeline , Keefer Daniel J. , Imed Miladi , Ahmaidi Said
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether changes in surface electromyography (EMG) data during an isometric muscle protocol, in combination with maximal voluntary isometric force, provide information on fatigue occurrence and exercise limitation in children with cerebral palsy. Twelve children with cerebral palsy and 10 age-matched controls completed an assessment of quadriceps muscle fatigue on an isokinetic device with surface EMG measurements, during a sustained isometric contraction at 50% of the maximal voluntary isometric force. The EMG data collected in participants with cerebral palsy suggest that muscle fatigue occurred sooner in children with cerebral palsy relative to the age-matched controls. However, the results demonstrate that no difference was found in time to exhaustion between the able-bodied and participants with cerebral palsy. These contrasting results may be the result of spasticity and co-contraction during maximal testing, which may play an important role in exercise limitation in children with cerebral palsy.
Impact of Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination on Neuroradiological Manifestations of Pediatric Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Wasay Mohammad , Ajmal Saad , Taqui Ather M. , Uddin Najam , Azam Iqbal , Husen Yousuf , Nizami Syed Qamaruddin
Published: October 2009

The authors conducted this study to identify whether bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination leads to an altered spectrum of neuroimaging findings outcome in pediatric patients with tuberculous meningitis. This retrospective study was conducted through chart review and review of computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with confirmed central nervous system tuberculosis from the year 1992 to 2005, at a large tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 108 pediatric patients with tuberculous meningitis were included in the analysis. Of the 108 patients, 63 (58.3%) were male and 45 (41.7%) had received bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination. There was no difference in terms of severity of clinical presentation and outcome between vaccinated and unvaccinated group. There were no significant differences in CT or MRI findings between the 2 groups except for tuberculomas on MRI, which were significantly higher in the non—bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccinated group (52.2% vs 22.7%, P = .042). Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination appears to translate into less tuberculoma formation on MRI.
Multiple Sclerosis With Initial Stroke-Like Clinicoradiologic Features: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Przeklasa-Auth Melissa , Ovbiagele Bruce , Yim Catherine , Shewmon D. Alan
Published: October 2009

A 17-year-old male presented with sudden onset of persistent focal neurological symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a nonenhancing white matter lesion that appeared hyperintense on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence and diffusion-weighted imaging, while hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient mapping corresponding to the patient’s clinical features. A smaller subclinical lesion was also present. The patient’s history, radiographic findings, and initial hospital course including response to treatment appeared supportive of a stroke diagnosis. However, a rapid recovery from his severe neurological deficits and results of subsequent serologic testing strongly indicated a demyelinating condition. The onset of adolescent multiple sclerosis can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially when the initial demyelinating event resembles an acute stroke in clinical and radiographic presentation. Every effort should be made to distinguish these diagnoses as early as possible to ensure timely and appropriate management.
Determinants of Ambulation in Children With Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Simard-Tremblay Elisabeth , Shevell Michael , Dagenais Lynn ,   REPACQ Consortium
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict ambulation in spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. A 4-year registry-based birth cohort was searched for patients with a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. All patients were then divided in 2 groups: (a) Gross Motor Function Classification System level ≤III (ambulant group) and (b) Gross Motor Function Classification System level ≥IV (nonambulant group). Clinical features were then compared between the 2 groups. A total of 85 children with a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy were identified. Of these, 65 and 20 were classified in the ‘‘nonambulant’’ and ‘‘ambulant’’ groups, respectively. The presence of seizures in the first 24 or 72 hours of life and the administration of antibiotics during pregnancy/delivery were all associated with an eventual inability to achieve ambulation. A gestational age ≤27 weeks, birth weight <1000 g, Caucasian mother, and the presence of hyperbilirubinemia were significantly linked with independent ambulation.
Ideology and Party Responsibility Within the Law and Justice Policy Domain
Authors: Bridgmon Shannon L. , Bridgmon Phillip B.
Published: October 2009

This study examined both Democratic and Republican state and national party platforms in the law and justice policy domain. By using content analysis to establish the ideological position of state and national parties, this article seeks to determine predictors of party preferences and party unity in this critical area of public policy. Results indicate that national party committees tend to take moderate positions on law and justice policy issues, whereas their state counterparts tend to be more conservative and liberal within Republican and Democratic committees, respectively. This article also found variation within predictors of party unity.
The Niebuhrian Legacy and the Idea of Responsibility
Authors: Ottati Douglas F.
Published: October 2009

Reinhold and H. Richard Niebuhr developed different stances in theological ethics as well as contrasting interpretations of important circumstances and events. Despite their differences, however, when it came to the idea of responsibility, they shared a fundamental insight about the situated character of human agency. Their insight points to a substantial if also flexible Niebuhrian legacy in theological ethics, and promising and problematic features of this legacy have continued to engage the critical and constructive energies of diverse thinkers, including James M. Gustafson, Gordon D. Kaufman, Robin W. Lovin, and William Schweiker.
The Drama of Social Sin and the (Im)Possibility of Solidarity: Reinhold Niebuhr and Modern Catholic Social Teaching
Authors: Firer Hinze Christine
Published: October 2009

Recent Catholic social teaching’s treatments of social sin and its proposed remedy, neighbor-love conceived as solidarity, represent genuine advances in this modern Christian tradition. This essay asks what Niebuhr’s ethical analysis might add to, or question about, these Catholic interpretations. After briefly describing how these themes are enunciated in post-Vatican II documents, and Niebuhr’s approach to like issues, I identify several challenges, cautions and additions that Niebuhr might offer to Catholic leaders seeking to understand social sin and to promote solidary action. Suggesting the merits of a more ‘Niebuhrian’ Catholic social ethic, and a more ‘Catholic’ Niebuhrian realism, I argue that articulating a Catholic social agenda with a Niebuhrian perspective can address weaknesses that undercut each tradition’s ability to motivate and sustain effective work for justice. Both traditions also need to better connect social ethics and spirituality, and more systematically account for the social-theoretical assumptions their moral discourse depends upon or implies.
Responsibility as Response: Biblical-Theological Remarks on the Concept of Responsibility
Authors: von Lüpke Johannes
Published: October 2009

The term of responsibility is ambiguous. In a general sense it means nothing more than answering questions about human behaviour (in Greek: logon didonai; in Latin: rationem reddere). In order to get a more precise sense of responsibility this article discusses concepts of responsibility, worked out by Albert Schweitzer, Hans Jonas, Richard Niebuhr and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The discussion is concentrated on two problems: (1) extensification of responsibility in accordance with the expansion of technological power; (2) limitation and intensification of responsibility in accordance with human capability and readiness. The central question is that of the subject of responsibility: How becomes man, who abdicates responsibility, ‘the responsible self’ (Niebuhr)? Referring to this question the biblical language is of great importance as the word, which re-establishes communication between God and man. Responsibility in the biblical sense means the response to this word of God. Therein lies not only a radicalising and intensifying of responsibility, but also its enabling and limiting.
Levels and Types of Action Selection: The Action Selection Soup
Authors: Öztürk Pinar
Published: October 2009

Action selection (AS) is defined as the process where an action is selected among a number of alternatives. This definition, however, does not sufficiently describe what an action is. What is the unit of selection in the first place? We maintain that the artificial intelligence (AI) accounts of AS typically mix and merge two AS situations that indeed are qualitatively different. Most of the accounts actually deal only with one type of AS but purport to cover both types of AS. We propose three dimensions along which the commonalities and the differences between various AS accounts can be analyzed, and use these for a preliminary conceptualization of what we call a two-system action selection account. In particular, we identify two qualitatively different AS situations whose architectures, we suggest, can be designed inspired by neuroscience models of the basal ganglia (BG) and the cerebellum, respectively.
The National Behavior Research Coordination Center
Authors: Wagner Mary M. , Sumi W. Carl , Woodbridge Michelle W. , Javitz Harold S. , Thornton S. Patrick
Published: October 2009

In implementing its Behavior Research Initiative, the U.S. Department of Education funded four Behavior Research Centers, each to test the efficacy of a separate intervention to improve the behavior of elementary school students with or at risk for serious behavior problems. The initiative also established the National Behavior Research Coordination Center to conduct a cross-site evaluation of the four behavior interventions. The authors describe how the Department of Education’s structuring of the initiative helped avoid many of the shortcomings of earlier federal cross-site demonstration programs and highlight the contributions a research coordination center can make to the quality of research conducted and to the knowledge produced across individual demonstrations.
Tissue Microarrays in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Laszlo D. , Pruneri G. , Andreola G. , Radice D. , Calabrese L. , Rafaniello P. R. , Nassi L. , Sammassimo S. , Alietti A. , Agazzi A. , Vanazzi A. , Martinelli G.
Published: October 2009

Aims. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) can be divided into different subgroups (germinal center B-cell-like [GCB] and non-GCB) according to their gene expression profiles. Immunohistochemistry has been proposed as a surrogate for identifying these subgroups, but data about its efficacy in providing prognostic information are conflicting. Methods and results. This study retrospectively analyzed a series of 105 DLBCL, defined as GCB and non-GCB according to CD10, bcl-6, and MUM1 expression. All patients received a first-line anthracycline-based (CHOP-like) chemotherapy. A total of 50 patients (48%) were identified as GCB and 55 (52%) as non-GCB. The overall response rate was 89% (94/105), with 62 (59%) complete response. Disease progressions were equally distributed between the 2 subgroups and were not significantly different ( P = .756) considering the primary site of involvement (nodal or extranodal). The median follow-up was 62 months (range 5-126 months). Overall survival at 5 years was not significantly different between the groups ( P = .3468) and was 72.3% and 66.6% for GCB and non-GCB, respectively. Conclusion. The results do not support the prognostic value of GCB and non-GCB immunohistochemical categories in DLBCL of both nodal and extranodal origin. Furthermore, a limited number of antigens may be not sufficient to identify the same patterns defined by cDNA microarray. Prospective studies are warranted to address this issue.
Will the Modification of the Gleason Grading System Affect the Urology Practice?
Authors: Ozok Hakki Ugur , Sagnak Levent , Tuygun Can , Oktay Murat , Karakoyunlu Nihat , Ersoy Hamit , Alper Murat
Published: October 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine how the modified Gleason grading (mGG) system affects the score discrepancy between needle biopsy (NB) and radical prostatectomy (RP) and to investigate the effect of the modified scores on nomogram predictions. When the conventional Gleason grading (cGG) and mGG systems were compared, a new Gleason score was obtained in the NBs for 40 out of 97 patients (41.2%; P < .001) and in the RP specimens for 15 out of 97 patients (15.5%; P = .005). The agreement between the NBs and RP specimens rose from 31.9% to 44.3% with the mGG system ( P = .017). However, when the predictions calculated with the location of modified Gleason scores in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram were compared with those of the conventional Gleason scores, higher pathological stage and lower life expectancy predictions were obtained. Therefore, when a clinician is making a choice from therapeutic options, this change should be taken into account.
PET Studies of Cerebral Levodopa Metabolism: A Review of Clinical Findings and Modeling Approaches
Authors: Kumakura Yoshitaka , Cumming Paul
Published: October 2009

[18F]Fluoro-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (FDOPA) was one of the first successful tracers for molecular imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), and has proven immensely valuable for studies of Parkinson’s disease. Following intravenous FDOPA injection, the decarboxylated metabolite [18F] fluorodopamine is formed and trapped within terminals of the nigrostriatal dopamine neurons; reduction in the simple ratio between striatum and cerebellum is indicative of nigrostriatal degeneration. However, the kinetic analysis of dynamic FDOPA-PET recordings is formidably complex due to the entry into brain of the plasma metabolite O-methyl-FDOPA and due to the eventual washout of decarboxylated metabolites. Linear graphical analysis relative to a reference tissue input function is popular and convenient for routine clinical studies in which serial arterial blood samples are unavailable. This simplified approach has facilitated longitudinal studies in large patient cohorts. Linear graphical analysis relative to the metabolite-corrected arterial FDOPA input yields a more physiological index of FDOPA utilization, the net blood-brain clearance. Using a constrained compartmental model, FDOPA-PET recordings can be used to calculate the relative activity of the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase in living brain. We have extended this approach so as to obtain an index of steady-state trapping of [ 18F]fluorodopamine in synaptic vesicles. Although simple methods of image analysis are sufficient for the purposes of routine clinical studies, the more complex approaches have revealed hidden aspects of brain dopamine in personality, healthy aging, and in the pathophysiologies of Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
The Methods and Meanings of Collaborative Team Research
Authors: Houston Serin D. , Hyndman Jennifer , McLean James , Jamal Arif
Published: October 2009

Team research enables the collection of multiple, sometimes conflicting, stories of migration, family, and belonging. Using common qualitative methods within a team research context can stretch these research techniques in productive and instructive ways and proffer new insight and meaning.Therefore, the authors suggest that team research offers an important avenue for both extending qualitative methods and expanding interpretative lenses. To illustrate these points, the authors draw upon their study of the settlement and migration patterns of East African Shia Ismaili Muslims in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and discuss their experiences with focus group effects, the simultaneous household interview strategy, and postinterview dialogues. The article highlights how these three techniques and effects enacted in the team research context helped the authors explicitly locate contradictions, ambiguities, and paradoxes within the narratives of first- and second-generation Ismailis.
Fading Memories
Authors: Miller Carlin J. , Newcorn Jeffrey H. , Halperin Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2009

Objective: This longitudinal study examines the recall accuracy of childhood ADHD symptoms in late adolescence and early adulthood by youth and their parents, compared with reports obtained during childhood. Method: Participants ( N = 94) are initially evaluated when they are aged between 7 and 11 and reassessed when they are aged between 16 and 22 years. All participants meet full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD in childhood. Assessments at baseline and follow-up include clinical interviews and ADHD checklists. Results: Results indicate that both youth and their parents have limited retrospective recall of childhood symptoms. Current ADHD symptoms improve accuracy of recall. Specifically, when current symptoms are endorsed, participants are more likely to recall clinically significant childhood ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: These results suggest that late adolescents and young adults with ADHD and their parents have limited ability to accurately recall childhood symptoms, with reporting of past symptoms influenced by reports of severity of current symptoms. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 14(1) 7-14)
The Identification of Attention Complaints in the General Population and Their Effect on Quality of Life
Authors: Scholtissen-In de Braek Dymphie M. J. M. , Hurks Petra P. M. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Dijkstra Jeanette B. , Jolles Jelle
Published: October 2009

Objective: To provide more insight into subjective attention complaints in a healthy adult and elderly population and how these affect Quality of Life (QoL). Method: A group of 1,550 healthy Dutch participants complete a postal questionnaire including items from the Maastricht Attention and Memory Checklist (MAC). The impact of attention complaints on QoL is investigated in a subsample of 499 participants. Results: Factor analysis ( N = 1,550) reveals two factors: Attention and Memory. Attention complaints are related to depressed mood, anxiety, vitality, and sleep problems that can have serious consequences for daily life functioning and QoL ( n = 499). Memory complaints are related to other aspects of health, such as pain and changes in health. Conclusion: Attention complaints in the healthy population are common and related to depression, anxiety, and sleep and several aspects of QoL, such as problems with social functioning, emotional problems, and vitality.
Consistent Application Performance at the Exascale
Authors: Kramer William , Skinner David
Published: October 2009

We examine the future of application performance consistency on exascale parallel computing systems. By performance consistency we mean the regularity of wall clock times to complete a fixed amount of application progress. Exascale systems will have dramatically increased complexity along with their capability. Contributors to inconsistency include architectural choices, software functions and subtle interactions, and inconsistency will lead to lost potential. The challenge is how to maintain consistency at the exascale. In order for exascale systems to exhibit the consistency that is required to make the applications and systems productive, a new understanding of the causes and solutions to inconsistency is required, along with new ways of measuring the impact that design, implementation and operational choices have on consistency.
Software Challenges for Extreme Scale Computing: Going From Petascale to Exascale Systems
Authors: Heroux Michael A.
Published: October 2009

Preparing applications for a transition from petascale to exascale systems will require a very large investment in several areas of software research and development. The introduction of manycore nodes, the abundance of parallelism, an increase in system faults (including soft errors) and a complicated, multi-component software environment are some of the most challenging issues we face. In this paper we address four topics we believe to be the most the challenging issues and therefore the greatest opportunities for making effective next-generation scalable applications. First and foremost is the need to transform existing applications to run on manycore platforms and properly design new applications. This is particularly challenging in the absence of a standard, portable manycore programming environment, but we can make progress in this direction while manycore programming models are developed. Second is promoting advanced modeling and simulation capabilities such as embedded optimization and uncertainty quantification that lead to higher quality results and orders of magnitude more parallelism. Third is progress toward fault resilience in applications, a critical need as system reliability degrades. Fourth and finally is a qualitative improvement in software design, including the social aspects, as exascale software systems will be increasingly multi-team and multi-faceted efforts.
An Exascale Approach to Software and Hardware Design
Authors: Kramer William , Skinner David
Published: October 2009

For the past 10—15 years, horizontal layers of software and hardware design and development have been the de facto standard of creating high-performance computing (HPC) software. The horizontal design approach leads to the development of discrete components in the software stack and independent hardware components — all developed with different methods, requirements and quality dominated by plug-and-play componentization that is focused on horizontal functionality and portability. The horizontal software paradigm will break down at the exascale due to the system scale and complexity. The vertical approach needed for the exascale should include resilience (reliability and fault tolerance); performance; programmability; computational models; I/O; consistency and verification; resource management; and power management/total cost of ownership. To make the exascale an effective reality, instead of thinking of integration as the final step in defining and developing an exascale system, it will have to be the first step.
Evaluating Service Organization Models
Authors: Touati Nassera , Pineault Raynald , Champagne François , Denis Jean-Louis , Brousselle Astrid , Contandriopoulos André-Pierre , Geneau Robert
Published: October 2009

Based on the example of the evaluation of service organization models, this article shows how a configurational approach overcomes the limits of traditional methods which for the most part have studied the individual components of various models considered independently of one another. These traditional methods have led to results (observed effects) that are difficult to interpret. The configurational approach, in contrast, is based on the hypothesis that effects are associated with a set of internally coherent model features that form various configurations. These configurations, like their effects, are context-dependent. We explore the theoretical basis of the configuration approach in order to emphasize its relevance, and discuss the methodological challenges inherent in the application of this approach through an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature. We also propose methodological solutions to these challenges. We illustrate from an example how a configurational approach has been used to evaluate primary care models. Finally, we begin a discussion on the implications of this new evaluation approach for the scientific and decision-making communities.
Stakeholder Mapping as an Assessment Framework for Policy Implementation
Authors: Mehrizi Mohammad Hosein Rezazade , Ghasemzadeh Fereidoun , Molas-Gallart Jordi
Published: October 2009

In this article we develop a ‘Stakeholder Mapping’ approach to ex-ante policy evaluation. The proposed framework helps to assess policy implementation activities by applying several tests to evaluate the completeness, non-redundancy, proper assignment and internal consistency of a policy design. We illustrate the method by applying it to the analysis of e-commerce policy in Iran. We conclude by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the approach.
Synthesizing Legislative Evaluations
Authors: Klein Haarhuis C.M. , Niemeijer E.
Published: October 2009

Laws are important vehicles for policy. They are generally complex and involve various interventions. Despite their pervasive presence and numerous evaluation studies, laws have not been a topic of meta-analytical interest among social scientists. As a result, we lack an overall picture of the type(s) of interventions involved in laws, of the chains of events these are expected to set off and of the outcomes. Nor do we know much about the contents and quality of legislative evaluations. In a first attempt to address this gap, we developed a method to review legislative evaluations inspired by the sociology of law and by the realist synthesis approach. The article presents the results of a review of 75 legislative evaluation reports, which were completed between 1998 and 2005 in the Netherlands. These reports address laws in a variety of policy domains, from justice to health care and from social affairs to education. First, we subjected the reports to a methodological quality assessment procedure, after which 59 reports of acceptable quality remained for inclusion in a synthesis. Among other things, our method revealed that laws very often contain (new) public management interventions directed at executive bodies, rather than regulatory or economic interventions directed at citizens and businesses. The chains of events to be activated by these interventions remain vague. Nevertheless, we were able to come up with a preliminary typology of these programme ‘mechanisms’, which can be used as input for future research. Our method also demonstrated that contexts affected these chains of events in a variety of ways.
Evaluation Networking in Romania
Authors: Mihalache Roxana
Published: October 2009

In the context of a growing evaluation community in Romania, networking in evaluation tends to be not only a topic for analysis and research, but mainly a practical tool for reaching the generic community of evaluation practitioners. Furthermore, this is a process requiring resources (time, dedicated people, information and funding) which are scarce. Therefore the better documented the process is, the higher the chances of achieving results. The process of networking in evaluation is of course influenced by the context in which it is taking place, mainly characterized by confusion around what evaluation really is and how it works and by confusion around what would be the roles and the benefits of networking in evaluation. In spite of these challenges there are some opportunities to justify this analysis, and probably the most relevant one is the interest of the members and stakeholders who realize the potential for the ‘soft’ but highly relevant contribution of networking to professional development in evaluation. In this context, the central authorities in Romania wanted to better understand networking in evaluation in order to identify how this process might be stimulated in the future, and the how Romanian Evaluation Association — EvalRom — came about.
Using the Objective Hermeneutics Method in Policy Evaluation
Authors: Mann Stefan , Schweiger Jennifer
Published: October 2009

At the outset of a policy evaluation, it is often necessary to gather data from the few personnel charged with responsibility for the policy in order to better understand the policy and its objectives. The objective hermeneutics method provides a tool for deriving the maximum benefit from several core text sequences of such interviews. Two examples of interviews with administrative officials are provided: the first on the subject of investment subsidies for winegrowers and the second concerning subsidies for regional marketing initiatives. These are used to illustrate that the objective hermeneutics method reveals important thought structures and patterns of justification underlying policy design, which may prove highly useful in subsequent stages of policy evaluation.
Treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis with sirolimus-eluting stents
Authors: Kiernan Thomas J , Yan Bryan P , Eisenberg Jonathan D , Ruggiero Nicholas J , Gupta Vishal , Drachman Douglas , Schainfeld Robert M , Jaff Michael R , Rosenfield Kenneth , Garasic Joseph
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to analyze the use of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) placement for the treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis (RA-ISR). The optimal treatment of RA-ISR has not been fully elucidated to date. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients from our institution who underwent treatment of RA-ISR with a SES from May 2004 to June 2006. Using duplex ultrasound, RA-ISR (> 60% diameter) was determined by peak systolic velocity (PSV) > 300 cm/s and renal aortic ratio (RAR) > 4.0. Renal function (creatinine) and blood pressure were measured at baseline and follow-up. SESs were implanted in 16 patients (22 renal arteries) during the study period. The study cohort was predominantly female (75%) with a mean age of 68 ± 12 years. RA-ISR was treated with SESs with a mean diameter of 3.5 mm and mean length of 17.9 ± 3.8 mm. The mean post-dilation balloon diameter was 4.8 ± 0.6. The baseline renal artery PSV was 445 ± 131 cm/s with a mean RAR of 5.0 ± 1.6. Follow-up information was available in 21 renal arteries. During a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 9—15 months), 15 renal arteries (71.4%) developed recurrence of ISR by ultrasonographic criteria. Univariate analysis revealed that female sex was an independent predictor of recurrence of ISR after SES implantation ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, placement of a SES for the treatment of ISR in renal arteries is associated with high initial technical success but significant restenosis on duplex ultrasonography at follow-up.
Adverse Selection Effect for South Asian Countries in FTA Formation
Authors: Jayathilaka Ruwan , Keembiyahetti Nandasiri
Published: October 2009

This study examines the economic and non-economic factors governing the decision of forming Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between two non-zero trading partners by estimating a Probit model using 9,178 country pairs having 705 active and operational bilateral FTAs. This study works on the implied hypothesis that FTA is an endogenously determined variable dependent on a number of economic and non-economic factors which are usually omitted from gravity type trade models. The study finds economically important and statistically significant evidences that the likelihood of forming an FTA by a pair of countries is positively related to the economic mass of the partners, similarity in economic size, differences of relative factor intensity, political stability, past import tariffs and the existence of FTAs in the close neighbourhood, whereas it is negatively related to the distance, economic remoteness and geographic continuity. Based on these findings, this study provides a good explanation as to why South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are still far behind the FTA negotiation process and how SAARC countries are subject to adverse selection effect by rest of the world.
Indian Economic Reforms and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Vadlamannati Krishna Chaitanya
Published: October 2009

The unprecedented emergence of a country as large as India in the South Asian region raises the issue of how it will affect neighbouring economies in terms of attracting FDI inflows. Do huge FDI inflows of India lead to ‘ investment creating effect’ or otherwise for its neighbours? If so, is this positive impact conditioned by local economic reforms in India? These are the issues we try to explore empirically using data for four South Asian economies (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal) from 1975 to 2006 and control for other key determinants of FDI inflows. Using the Chantasasawat et al. (2004) and Mercereau (2005) approach, we make use of five different alternative measures to create ‘ India effect’ and examine its impact on FDI inflows of its neighbours. Using all the five measures, the results suggest that the India effect is positively related to the levels of FDI inflows of its neighbours. There is an evidence to support that the positive impact of Indian FDI inflows on its neighbours is conditioned by Indian economic reforms. Also found is the negative effect of reversal of Indian reforms on neighbours’ FDI inflows.
Gains from the Liberalization of Temporary Migration
Authors: Ahmed Syud Amer , Walmsley Terrie L.
Published: October 2009

We examine the potential gains for India from increased temporary migration of skilled workers from India to major recipient-countries of Indian migrant workers, in light of potential productivity gains from return migration. The article uses the GMig2 Global Bilateral Labour Migration Model and its supporting database to explore the impact on the Indian economy of liberalizing the temporary movement of skilled workers; and compares the welfare effects of this liberalization to those from domestic services sector liberalization in India. The results show that the welfare of Indian workers remaining behind in India improves as a result of temporary skilled labour migration. Although there is a welfare loss arising from out-migration, this is outweighed by the substantial increase in remittances back to India. There is also a clear improvement in total real income from the increased productivity brought back to India by the returning workers.
Economic Growth in India Revisited
Authors: Haldar Sushil Kumar
Published: October 2009

This article tries to examine the relevance of the three distinct types of the growth models, namely, physical capital accumulation-led growth, export-led growth and Lucas-type human capital accumulation-led growth in India taking a long-time series data from 1950–51 to 2003–04. Employing the Johansen's cointegration and error correction model, we find that human capital investment plays a crucial role both in the long run as well as in the short run. The export-led growth hypothesis is partially valid whereas the physical capital investment-led growth appears to be insignificant in our findings.
Financial Liberalization and Performance in Sri Lanka
Authors: Paudel Ramesh Chandra , Jayanthakumaran Kankesu
Published: October 2009

From the 1950s to the early 1970s, Sri Lankan governments pursued controls on the financial sector and have further reduced controls since 1977. This article links those financial sector reforms (falling controls) and the financial sector performance of Sri Lanka by testing hypotheses estimating cointegration with the ordinary least square (OLS)-based auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. Results show limited support for the liberalization and efficiency hypotheses that falling controls are associated with widening the financial sector and motivating investments. Results provide no support for the hypotheses that falling control is associated with deepening and improving the financial sector.
Decentralization of Governance and Economic Development
Authors: Herath Tikiri Nimal
Published: October 2009

Economists have theoretically shown that decentralization of governance promotes growth and development. However, this is not so according to the empirical evi-dence which sometimes shows divergent results. In the meantime, more and more countries decentralize their governance. This article reviews Sri Lanka's experience of decentralization during the past 15 years. The article compares the pre- and post- decentralized economic status under Provincial Councils and examines the relationship of the degree of decentralization with poverty and the per capita income of the country. Findings show that the actual degree of decentralization is very low and it is not significantly conducive to increase per capita income, there is a huge imbalance in development among regions, and public officials at lower layers of government are not competent to reap the benefits of decentralization. For the effective functioning of decentralized governance in developing countries, the article recommends, first, to empower lower layers of government with more clearly defined functions that do not overlap with the central government; second, to develop a proper mechanism enabling lower tiers of government to reap the benefits of decentralization; third, to take prompt action to enable public officials to be familiar with the decentralized role of the state and principles of public expenditure.
Prospects and Problems in Promoting Tourism in South Asia
Authors: Rasul Golam , Manandhar Prem
Published: October 2009

South Asia possesses many valuable tourist resources and attractions, which could be important vehicles for reducing the widespread persistent poverty in South Asia. However, the potential of tourism has remained largely unrealized for several reasons. Recently, several organizations, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), have focused on promoting intra-regional tourism by utilizing common resources, shared culture and common physical infrastructures. This article examines the progress made in promoting tourism in South Asia and explores the factors that facilitate and constrain the promotion of tourism in South Asia. The analyses show that despite several initiatives, tourism's contribution to regional national economies, in terms of employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and national revenue, has remained minimal. Complicated travel procedures, inadequate infrastructure and transport facilities and the poor quality of management and service, together with a negative image arising from safety and security concerns, have constrained intra-regional tourism. This article argues that inadequate political commitment and bureaucratic meandering are the primary obstacles in promoting tourism and economic integration in South Asia. Recommendations for removing the physical and institutional barriers to intra-regional tourism are outlined.
Evaluation of Abnormal Synergy Patterns Poststroke: Relationship of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment to Hemiparetic Locomotion
Authors: Bowden Mark G. , Clark David J. , Kautz Steven A.
Published: October 2009

Background. Assessment of poststroke motor impairment has historically focused on the ability to move within and outside of abnormal synergistic motor patterns and is typically quantified by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). However, it is unclear if the voluntary, isolated movement tasks of the FMA are appropriate for evaluating walking task-specific motor control requirements because walking is cyclical and involves considerable sensorimotor integration. Objective. The purpose of this study is to test whether the motor impairment measured by the FMA is indicative of motor dysfunction during walking in poststroke adults. Methods. Thirty-four individuals with chronic poststroke hemiparesis and 17 healthy controls walked for 60 seconds on an instrumented treadmill while recording electromyographic activity (EMG) from 8 lower extremity muscles. EMG recordings were also obtained during the FMA for those with hemiparesis to examine muscle activation patterns. Each participant was examined with a battery of walking-specific clinical and biomechanical assessment tools and stratified based on the FMA synergy (FMS) score. To further quantify muscle activation patterns during walking, a nonnegative matrix factorization (NNMF) determined the number of independent modules required to describe 90% of the total variance in the EMG patterns. Results. Stratification poorly differentiated motor activation across FMA tasks as well as EMG patterns during walking. While FMS correlated with 2 of 6 walking assessments, the number of EMG modules significantly correlated with all 6 walking performance measures. Conclusions. Voluntary, discrete activities as performed in the FMA may be inadequate to capture the complex motor behavior in walking. Conversely, walking-specific evaluations such as NNMF appear more appropriate.