bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Mortality and Cancer Incidence in Barrett's Esophagus
Authors: Cook Michael B. , Wild Christopher P. , Everett Simon M. , Hardie Laura J. , Bani-Hani Kamal E. , Martin Iain G. , Forman David
Published: October 2007

Background: There are very few prospective follow-up studies of Barrett esophagus (BE) cohorts assessing the risk of extraesophageal cancer incidence or mortality. Such studies are necessary in order to understand the overall risks of cancer and death experienced by patients with BE.

Methods: A cohort of 502 patients with BE were identified at Leeds General Infirmary, England. Mortality and cancer incidence information were provided by the Office for National Statistics. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated using indirect standardization.

Results: All-cause mortality was found to be elevated in patients with BE [SMR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.06, 1.37] and remained so after esophageal cancers were excluded (SMR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32). Increased mortality risks were also found for malignant neoplasms of the esophagus (SMR, 7.26; 95% CI, 3.87-12.42) and diseases of the digestive system (SMR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.11-3.40). The remaining disease categories produced no altered risk estimates. Circulatory disease mortality was borderline statistically significant (SMR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.00-1.52; P = 0.053) for those with a specialized intestinal metaplasia diagnosis of BE. In the cancer incidence analyses, esophageal malignancies (SIR, 8.66; 95% CI, 4.73-14.53) and esophageal adenocarcinomas (SIR, 14.29; 95% CI, 7.13-22.56) were found to be increased in BE. All remaining analyses provided unaltered risks, including that of colorectal cancer.

Conclusions: This study has shown evidence of an increased risk of esophageal cancer incidence and mortality in BE. It has also shown that those who have a histologic BE diagnosis may also have an increased risk of circulatory disease mortality. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2090–6)
Collection of Blood, Saliva, and Buccal Cell Samples in a Pilot Study on the Danish Nurse Cohort: Comparison of the Response Rate and Quality of Genomic DNA
Authors: Hansen Thomas v. O. , Simonsen Mette K. , Nielsen Finn C. , Hundrup Yrsa Andersen
Published: October 2007

In this study, we compared the response rates of blood, saliva, and buccal cell samples in a pilot study on the Danish nurse cohort and examined the quantity and quality of the purified genomic DNA. Our data show that only 31% of the requested participants delivered a blood sample, whereas 72%, 80%, and 76% delivered a saliva sample, buccal cell sample via mouth swabs, or buccal cell sample on FTA card, respectively. Analysis of purified genomic DNA by NanoDrop and agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that blood and saliva samples resulted in DNA with the best quality, whereas the DNA quality from buccal cells was low. Genotype and PCR analysis showed that DNA from 100% of the blood samples and 72% to 84% of the saliva samples could be genotyped or amplified, whereas none of the DNA from FTA cards and only 23% of the DNA from mouth swabs could be amplified and none of the DNA from swabs and 94% of the DNA from FTA cards could be genotyped. Our study shows that the response rate of self-collection saliva samples and buccal cell samples were much higher than the response rate of blood samples in our group of Danish nurses. However, only the quality of genomic DNA from saliva samples was comparable with blood samples as accessed by purity, genotyping, and PCR amplification. We conclude that the use of saliva samples is a good alternative to blood samples to obtain genomic DNA of high quality and it will increase the response rate considerably in epidemiologic studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2072–6)
On the Locality and Motivation of Move and Agree: An Even More Minimal Theory
Authors: Bošković Željko
Published: October 2007

The article proposes a new theory of successive-cyclic movement that reconciles the early and the current minimalist approaches to it. As in the early approach, there is no feature checking in intermediate positions of successive-cyclic movement. However, as in the current approach and unlike in early minimalism, successive-cyclic movement starts before the final target of movement enters the structure, and Form Chain is eliminated. The locality of Move and the locality of Agree are shown to be radically different, Agree being free from several mechanisms that constrain Move, namely, phases and the Activation Condition. However, there is no need to take phases to define locality domains of syntax or to posit the Activation Condition as an independent principle. They still hold empirically for Move as theorems. The Generalized EPP (the “I need a Spec” property of attracting heads) and the Inverse Case Filter are also dispensable. The traditional Case Filter, stated as a checking requirement, is the sole driving force of A-movement. More generally, Move is always driven by a formal inadequacy (an uninterpretable feature) of the moving element, while Agree is target driven. The system resolves a lookahead problem that arises under the EPP-driven movement approach, where the EPP diacritic indicating that X moves is placed on Y, not X, although X often needs to start moving before Y enters the structure.
Locality in Syntax and Floating Numeral Quantifiers
Authors: Miyagawa Shigeru , Arikawa Koji
Published: October 2007

We defend the idea that a floating quantifier observes syntactic locality with its associated noun phrase. This idea has given rise to a number of important empirical insights, including the VP-internal subject position, intermediate traces, and NP-traces. Recently, this syntactic locality of floating quantifiers has been questioned in a number of languages. We take up evidence from Japanese that purports to disprove the locality requirements on floating numeral quantifiers and their associated NP, and we demonstrate that the arguments in fact give evidence for syntactic locality, not against it. Our conclusions suggest that evidence against the locality of floating quantifiers given in other languages should be reexamined.
Radical Pro Drop and the Morphology of Pronouns
Authors: Neeleman Ad , Szendrői Kriszta
Published: October 2007

We propose a new generalization governing the crosslinguistic distribution of radical pro drop (the type of pro drop found in Chinese). It occurs only in languages whose pronouns are agglutinating for case, number, or some other nominal feature. Other types of languages cannot omit pronouns freely, although they may have agreement-based pro drop. This generalization can for the most part be derived from three assumptions. (a) Spell-out rules for pronouns may target nonterminal categories. (b) Pro drop is zero spell-out (i.e., deletion) of regular pronouns. (c) Competition between spell-out rules is governed by the Elsewhere Principle. A full derivation relies on an acquisitional strategy motivated by the absence of negative evidence. We test our proposal using data from a sample of twenty languages and The World Atlas of Language Structures (Haspelmath et al. 2005).
External Allomorphy and Lexical Representation
Authors: Mascaró Joan
Published: October 2007

Many cases of allomorphic alternation are restricted to specific lexical items but at the same time show a regular phonological distribution. Standard approaches cannot deal with these cases because they must either resort to diacritic features or list regular phonological contexts as idiosyncratic. These problems can be overcome if we assume that allomorphs are lexically organized as a partially ordered set. If no ordering is established, allomorphic choice is determined by the phonology—in particular, by the emergence of the unmarked (TETU). In other cases, TETU effects are insufficient, and lexical ordering determines the preference for dominant allomorphs.
Greek Renderings of the Hebrew Lexeme hmx in LXX Canticles and Isaiah
Authors: Ceulemans Reinhart , De Crom Dries
Published: October 2007

Up to three times, the LXX version of Canticles (iv 1, 3; vi 7) reads σιωπησσιζ ('silence') as a translation equivalent of the Hebrew lexeme smh ('veil'). This article aims at establishing whether this enigmatic equivalence is due to mistranslation or to a conscious, if obscure, rendering, by closely analysing the nature of the lexemes in question. Although there are strong arguments in favour of the former scenario, the matter cannot be resolved with any definiteness. Symmachus' apparently similar translation in Isa. xlvii 2 (τò σιωπηλóν for smh) is shown to be unrelated to the puzzling equivalence established in LXX Canticles. The article concludes with some thoughts on the lexicographical treatment of translation-specific lexical items such as σιωπησιζ.
Job iii 5 in the Light of Mesopotamian Demons of Time
Authors: Noegel Scott B.
Published: October 2007

This brief communication examines two cruces in Job iii (μ/yî yrEyrIèm]Kiâ in iii 5 and μ/y=AyrEr"ao in iii 8) in the light of Sumerian, Akkadian, and later Mandaic performative texts which identify elements of time as cosmic, and potentially demonic, entities. After establishing the shared contexts and features of the texts (i.e., affliction by the Satan/a demon, an illocutionary pronouncement against personified elements of time, and an association between demons and warfare), I argue that the rendering of μ/yî yrEyrIèm]K in Job iii 5 as “day-demons”, proposed already by Rashi and Ibn Ezra, is to be preferred, and that one should understand μ/y=AyrEr"ao as “those who curse a day”.
Hebrew Misreadings or Free Translation in the Septuagint of Amos?
Authors: Glenny Edward W.
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study is to test and respond to the theory of A. Gelston presented in his article, “Some Hebrew Misreadings in the Septuagint of Amos,” VT (2002), pp. 493-500. Gelston gives twenty-three examples of differences between the MT and LXX of Amos that he argues should be explained by indistinct writing or damage to the Hebrew Vorlage. It is more probable that most of the twenty-three examples of differences between the MT and LXX of Amos that Gelston surveys are the result of the translator's attempt to make sense of words or phrases in the Vorlage that he did not understand. In many of the examples cited by Gelston rare or difficult words in the context in the Vorlage offer a ready explanation of the difference. Some of the differences are probably the result of double translations, adequate but imprecise translations, or theologically motivated translations.
Looking at Foreigners in Biblical and Greek Prophecy
Authors: Hagedorn Anselm C.
Published: October 2007

The article investigates the role of foreigners in biblical and Greek prophecy and shows how words against foreigners or foreign people are used to reaffirm one's own (i.e Israelite or Greek) ethnicity or group identity. Oracles against foreigners have to be located in the context of (imagined or actual) war and tend to imply salvation for the group who hears these words. Here, a few short characterizations of the foreigners are used that tend to evoke stereotypical images. Whether the knowledge of the other is historically accurate or based on concrete encounters is, however, not important for the authors of such words since the salvation of the own group is the determining feature.
The Oracular Process: Delphi and the Near East
Authors: Huffmon Herbert B.
Published: October 2007

The famous Oracle of Apollo at Delphi and various prophetic centers in the ancient Near East have provided extensive but incomplete bodies of reports about oracular activity. Though one cannot find significant interconnections, the two bodies of evidence are complementary and can be mutually informative about the respective oracular processes and the importance of their roles, about what we know and what we do not know in each instance. A comparative analysis is suggestive regarding the background of the oracular speakers, the process of selection, and perseverance in place. The differing bodies of evidence illuminate, inter alia, the process of formulating and presenting questions to the deity for oracular response, the importance of ecstacy in the process, and the capacity of the oracular speakers to produce intelligible, even elegant and rather poetic oracles on their own.
Greek Seers and Israelite-Jewish Prophets
Authors: Lange Armin
Published: October 2007

Ancient Greek seers (manteis) and Ancient Near Eastern prophets have often been compared with each other. Although in rare cases Greek seers communicate a divine message to a wider audience and are thus comparable to Ancient Near Eastern prophets and Israelite-Jewish prophets in particular, Greek seers are distinctly different from Ancient Near Eastern prophets. In most cases Greek seers employ forms of deductive divination while the use of deductive divination is the exception with Israelite-Jewish prophets. If Greek seers use intuitive divination they do not rely on divine revelations but have special ability to perceive more than normal human beings. Although Ancient Near Eastern prophets and Greek manteis do thus not equate, the comparison of the two sheds better light on the characteristics of both. On the one hand, the Ancient Near Eastern understanding of the prophet emphasizes heavily his reliance on divine revelation. This is especially true for Israelite and Jewish prophets. On the other hand, the Greek mantis acts mostly as a diviner in his own right. His special insights and knowledge go back to his abilities.
Temporary Increases in Problem Behavior and Sleep Disruption Following Decreases in Medication
Authors: Rapp John T. , Swanson Greg , Dornbusch Kaitlin
Published: October 2007

Conditional rates of problem behavior for weeks that followed medication decreases and no medication changes were compared for 12 individuals who exhibited severe problem behavior (e.g., self-injury, aggression). The results indicate that conditional rates of problem behavior were higher following medication decreases than following no changes in medication. During the subsequent week, rates of problem behavior typically decreased without reinstating the prior dosage of medication. Additional analyses suggest that the first medication decrease typically produced the highest increase in problem behavior. Decreases in medication also disrupted sleep patterns for several individuals. Possible operant conceptualizations of behavior changes produced by medication decreases are discussed.
A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Forman Evan M. , Herbert James D. , Moitra Ethan , Yeomans Peter D. , Geller Pamela A.
Published: October 2007

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has a small but growing database of support. One hundred and one heterogeneous outpatients reporting moderate to severe levels of anxiety or depression were randomly assigned to traditional cognitive therapy (CT) or to ACT. To maximize external validity, the authors utilized very minimal exclusion criteria. Participants receiving CT and ACT evidenced large, equivalent improvements in depression, anxiety, functioning difficulties, quality of life, life satisfaction, and clinician-rated functioning. Whereas improvements were equivalent across the two groups, the mechanisms of action appeared to differ. Changes in “observing” and “describing” one's experiences appeared to mediate outcomes for the CT group relative to the ACT group, whereas “experiential avoidance,” “acting with awareness,” and “acceptance” mediated outcomes for the ACT group. Overall, the results suggest that ACT is a viable and disseminable treatment, the effectiveness of which appears equivalent to that of CT, even as its mechanisms appear to be distinct.
A Descriptive Evaluation of Long-Term Treatment Integrity
Authors: Arkoosh Maire Kathryn , Derby K. Mark , Wacker David P. , Berg Wendy , McLaughlin T. F. , Barretto Anjali
Published: October 2007

The validity of selecting treatment contingencies on the basis of the results obtained through functional analysis is well documented. However, a number of second-generation questions have emerged: For example, what are the parameters required to achieve desired treatment outcomes? More specifically, what is the degree of treatment integrity needed for the successful reduction of problem behavior? This study had two purposes: to describe the relationship between treatment integrity levels and treatment effectiveness and to highlight the importance of reporting the treatment integrity in outcome-based research. The results indicate that a high level of treatment integrity is required for treatment success. Furthermore, the authors found that very low levels of integrity may be required for behavioral reduction procedures (i.e., extinction) if high levels of reinforcement are provided.
Trauma Professionals' Attitudes Toward and Utilization of Evidence-Based Practices
Authors: Gray Matt J. , Elhai Jon D. , Schmidt Lawrence O.
Published: October 2007

This study was designed to evaluate attitudes toward and utilization of evidence-based practices (EBPs) among mental health professionals specializing in trauma. An Internet survey was completed by 461 trauma professionals who were recruited via International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies membership rolls and electronic mailing lists of trauma special interest groups. Although a minority of participants held negative views of EBPs, the overwhelming majority of respondents were supportive of the EBP movement. Theoretical orientation, training model, and age were associated with EBP attitudes. Favorable EBP attitudes were not as strongly related to reported clinical behaviors as might reasonably be expected. Even respondents utilizing unsupported treatments espoused positive EBP opinions, suggesting that practitioners may hold widely varying evidentiary standards.
Median-Based Overlap Analysis for Single Case Data
Authors: Parker Richard I. , Hagan-Burke Shanna
Published: October 2007

This article takes a further look at the percentage of data points exceeding the median (PEM) analysis method for single-case research data, first presented in this journal by Hsen-Hsing Ma. Ma examined the relationship between PEM and the established percentage of nonoverlapping data (PND) and then applied PEM in a meta-analysis of 61 data sets, correlating their authors' judgments of intervention effectiveness with PEM. The present article covers PEM's historical and statistical context and then applies the new measure in a field test with 165 contrasts between a baseline phase A and a treatment phase B. For comparison, Pearson r , Kruskal-Wallis W, PND, and IRD (improvement rate difference) indices also are calculated and correlated with PEM, and all distributions are examined. Expert visual analysis ratings of the 165 graphs are correlated with all indices. PEM surpassed PND in its validation by other established measures. However, PEM was weaker in distribution shape and visual judgment validation. More strongly validated than either PEM or PND was the new nonparametric measure, IRD.
One-to-one tuition in a conservatoire: the perceptions of instrumental and vocal teachers
Authors: Gaunt Helena
Published: October 2007

One-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition forms a core part of the professional education offered to undergraduate and postgraduate music students in a conservatoire. However, whilst anecdotal evidence is plentiful, there is little research underpinning its practices. This article provides an analysis of the perceptions of 20 principal study teachers in a conservatoire in the UK about one-to-one tuition, its aims, processes and context. Findings emphasized the isolation of these teachers in their practice, and suggested that this might be problematic particularly given the intensity and complexity of the relationships formed between teacher and student. Furthermore, tension was evident between teachers' aspirations of facilitating student autonomy and self-confidence in learning and the processes of teaching they described, where the transmission of technical and musical skills, largely through teacher-led reflection-inaction, was often paramount. In this context, the dynamics of power invested in the one-to-one relationship suggested that whilst the potential of detailed shared reflection-in-action in one-to-one tuition was great, the relationship could also inhibit the development of self-responsibility and of an individual artistic voice, both of which were so prized by the teachers.
Silent illumination: a study on Chan (Zen) meditation, anxiety, and musical performance quality
Authors: Lin Peter , Chang Joanne , Zemon Vance , Midlarsky Elizabeth
Published: October 2007

This study investigated the effects of Chan (Zen) meditation on musical performance anxiety and musical performance quality. Nineteen participants were recruited from music conservatories and randomly assigned to either an eight-week meditation group or a wait-list control group. After the intervention, all participants performed in a public concert. Outcome measures were performance anxiety and musical performance quality. Meditation practiced over a short term did not significantly improve musical performance quality. The control group demonstrated a significant decrease in performance quality with increases in performance anxiety. The meditation group demonstrated the opposite effect — a positive linear relation between performance quality and performance anxiety. This finding indicates that enhanced concentration and mindfulness (silent illumination), cultivated by Chan practice, might enable one to channel performance anxiety to improve musical performance.
Music and well-being in long-term hospitalized children
Authors: Longhi Elena , Pickett Nick
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological responses of long-term hospitalized children when exposed to live music. Twenty-one paediatric patients at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London, between 3 months and 14 years of age, took part in the study. They were all long-term patients with cardiac and/or respiratory problems. They received music sessions for about 30 minutes, according to the child's state, during which a musician sang and played guitar. The children's physiological responses were measured with a pulse oximeter and their oxygen saturation level as well as their heart rate recorded before and after the music session. The analysis of the data showed that during the music sessions, the children's heart rate did not change significantly. However, when their oxygen saturation level was examined, a different picture emerged. In fact, the percentage of oxygen present in the blood increased significantly by the end of the music session. This suggests that music has an effect on the state of paediatric patients, potentially improving their physiological and psychological well-being.
A Primer on Quality Indicators of Distance Education
Authors: Chaney Beth H. , Eddy James M. , Dorman Steve M. , Glessner Linda L. , Green B. Lee , Lara-Alecio Rafael
Published: October 2007

In the past decade, there has been an enormous growth of distance education courses and programs in higher education. The growth of distance education is particularly evident in the field of health education. However, the enormous potential of distance education is tempered by one overriding question: How does one ensure that distance education coursework and degrees are of high quality? To this end, the purpose of this study is twofold: to identify quality indicators of distance education and to provide implications of the identified quality indicators for health education researchers and practitioners. The results of the study reveal common benchmarks and quality indicators that all parties deem important in designing, implementing, and evaluating distance education courses and programs.
Potential for Smoke-Free Policies in Social Venues to Prevent Smoking Uptake and Reduce Relapse: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wakefield Melanie , Cameron Melissa , Murphy Michael
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this article is to better understand the utility of smoking in pubs/bars and nightclubs and explore perceptions of how smoke-free policies might influence smoking behavior. Qualitative focus group methodology was used involving young social smokers and older regular smokers. Pubs/bars and nightclubs were valued as the few remaining indoor public places where people could relax and smoke. These venues were perceived to provide encouragement for smoking more cigarettes by increasing smoking rate and facilitating smoking relapse. For young social smokers, smoking provided an opportunity to be part of a “cool” in-group. Older regular smokers felt pubs/bars provided strong cues for smoking relapse. Smokers felt they would adapt to smoke-free policies and expected these policies to reduce their smoking or assist quitting. Smoke-free policies in pubs/bars and nightclubs may assist smokers to quit and make it less likely that young social smokers will progress to regular smoking.
Functional imaging of shear-dependent activity of ADAMTS13 in regulating mural thrombus growth under whole blood flow conditions
Authors: Shida Yasuaki , Nishio Kenji , Sugimoto Mitsuhiko , Mizuno Tomohiro , Hamada Masaaki , Kato Seiji , Matsumoto Masanori , Okuchi Kazuo , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Yoshioka Akira
Published: October 2007

The metalloprotease ADAMTS13 is assumed to regulate the functional levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) appropriate for normal hemostasis in vivo by reducing VWF multimer size, which directly represents the thrombogenic activity of this factor. Using an in vitro perfusion chamber system, we studied the mechanisms of ADAMTS13 action during platelet thrombus formation on a collagen surface under whole blood flow conditions. Inhibition studies with a function-blocking anti-ADAMTS13 antibody, combined with immunostaining of thrombi with an anti-VWF monoclonal antibody that specifically reflects the VWF-cleaving activity of ADAMTS13, provided visual evidence for a shear rate–dependent action of ADAMTS13 that limits thrombus growth directly at the site of the ongoing thrombus generation process. Our results identify an exquisitely specific regulatory mechanism that prevents arterial occlusion under high shear rate conditions during mural thrombogenesis.
Imprint cytology improves accuracy of computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy
Authors: Chang Y-C. , Yu C-J. , Lee W-J. , Kuo S-H. , Hsiao C-H. , Jan I-S. , Hu F-C. , Liu H-M. , Chan W-K. , Yang P-C.
Published: October 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether imprint cytology can improve the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography-guided transthoracic core biopsy.

Between October 1997 and June 2004, thoracic lesions in 622 patients underwent biopsy using 19-gauge coaxial guiding needles and 20-gauge biopsy needles under computed tomography guidance. Touch imprint cytology and histopathology were performed for all biopsy specimens.

Of these lesions, 431 (74.1%) were diagnosed as malignant, 151 (25.9%) as benign and 40 (6%) as nondiagnostic. Imprint cytology plus histology shows an improved diagnostic accuracy of 96.4% compared with that of imprint cytology alone (92.3%) or histopathology alone (93.0%). Procedure-related complications requiring further treatment occurred in eight (1.4%) patients.

In conclusion, imprint cytology combined with histopathology can improve the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy.
Integrated obesity care management system -implementation and research protocol
Authors: Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , Carpentier André , Donovan Denise , Fortin Martin , Grant Andrew , Simoneau-Roy Judith , St-Cyr-Tribble Denise , Xhignesse Mariane , Langlois Marie-France
Published: October 2007

Background

Nearly 50% of Canadians are overweight and their number is increasing rapidly. The majority of obese subjects are treated by primary care physicians (PCPs) who often feel uncomfortable with the management of obesity. The current research proposal is aimed at the development and implementation of an innovative, integrated, interdisciplinary obesity care management system involving both primary and secondary care professionals.

Methods

We will use both action and evaluative research in order to achieve the following specific objectives. The first one is to develop and implement a preceptorship-based continuing medical education (CME) program complemented by a web site for physicians and nurses working in Family Medicine Groups (FMGs). This CME will be based on needs assessment and will be validated by one FMG using questionnaires and semi structured interviews. Also, references and teaching tools will be available for participants on the web site. Our second objective is to establish a collaborative intra and inter-regional interdisciplinary network to enable on-going expertise update and networking for FMG teams. This tool consists of a discussion forum and monthly virtual meetings of all participants. Our third objective is to evaluate the implementation of our program for its ability to train 8 FMGs per year, the access and utilization of electronic tools and the participants' satisfaction. This will be measured with questionnaires, web logging tools and group interviews. Our fourth objective is to determine the impact for the participants regarding knowledge and expertise, attitudes and perceptions, self-efficacy for the management of obesity, and changes in FMG organization for obesity management. Questionnaires and interviews will be used for this purpose. Our fifth objective is to deliver transferable knowledge for health professionals and decision-makers. Strategies and pitfalls of setting up this program will also be identified.

Conclusion

This project is relevant to health system's decision-makers who are confronted with an important increase in the prevalence of obesity. It is therefore critical to develop strategies allowing the management of obesity in the 1st line setting. Results of this research project could therefore influence health care organization in the field of obesity but also eventually for other chronic diseases.
Inhibition of Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase impairs Epstein Barr Virus lytic cycle progression
Authors: Mattiussi Stefania , Tempera Italo , Matusali Giulia , Mearini Giulia , Lenti Luisa , Fratarcangeli Silvia , Mosca Luciana , D'Erme Maria , Mattia Elena
Published: October 2007

Background

Poly(ADP-ribosylation) is a post-translational modification of nuclear proteins involved in several cellular events as well as in processes that characterize the infective cycle of some viruses. In the present study, we investigated the role of poly(ADP-ribosylation) on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) lytic cycle activation.

Results

Inhibition of PARP-1 by 3-aminobenzamide (3-ABA) during EBV induction, diminished cell damage and apoptosis in the non-productive Raji cell line while markedly reducing the release of viral particles in the productive Jijoye cells. Furthermore, incubation with 3-ABA up-regulated the levels of LMP1 and EBNA2 latent viral proteins. At the same time, it slightly affected the expression of the immediate early BZLF1 gene, but largely down-regulated the levels of the early BFRF1 protein. The modulation of the expression of both latent and lytic EBV genes appeared to be post-transcriptionally regulated.

Conclusion

Taken together the data indicate that PARP-1 plays a role in the progression of EBV lytic cycle and therefore, PARP inhibitors might represent suitable pharmacological adjuncts to control viral spread in EBV productive infection.
Harnessing naturally randomized transcription to infer regulatory relationships among genes
Authors: Chen Lin S , Emmert-Streib Frank , Storey John D
Published: October 2007

We develop an approach utilizing randomized genotypes to rigorously infer causal regulatory relationships among genes at the transcriptional level, based on experiments in which genotyping and expression profiling are performed. This approach can be used to build transcriptional regulatory networks and to identify putative regulators of genes. We apply the method to an experiment in yeast, in which genes known to be in the same processes and functions are recovered in the resulting transcriptional regulatory network.
Identification and monitoring of effector and regulatory T cells during experimental arthritis based on differential expression of CD25 and CD134
Authors: Nolte-’t Hoen Esther N M , Boot Elmieke P J , Wagenaar-Hilbers Josée P A , van Bilsen Jolanda H M , Arkesteijn Ger J A , Storm Gert , Everse Linda A , van Eden Willem , Wauben Marca H M
Published: October 2007

Major problems in the analysis of CD4+ effector cell and regulatory T cell (Treg) populations in an activated immune system are caused by the facts that both cell types can express CD25 and that the discriminatory marker forkhead box p3 can only be analyzed in nonviable (permeabilized) cells. Here, we show that CD134 (OX40) can be used as a discriminatory marker combined with CD25 to isolate and characterize viable CD4+ effector cells and Tregs. Before and during adjuvant arthritis in rats, coexpression of CD134 and CD25 identified activated Tregs consistently, as these T cells proliferated poorly to disease-associated antigens and were suppressive in vitro and in vivo. Depending on the time of isolation and location, CD4+ T cell populations expressing CD134 or CD25 contained effector/memory T cells. Analysis of the function, phenotype, and amount of the CD4+ T cell subsets in different lymph node stations revealed spatiotemporal differences in effector cell and Treg compartments during experimental arthritis.
Mass Spectrometry: A Tool for Enhanced Detection of Hemoglobin Variants
Authors: Kleinert Peter , Schmid Marlis , Zurbriggen Karin , Speer Oliver , Schmugge Markus , Roschitzki Bernd , Durka Silke S , Leopold Urs , Kuster Thomas , Heizmann Claus W , Frischknecht Hannes , Troxler Heinz
Published: October 2007

Background: More than 900 hemoglobin (Hb) variants are currently known. Common techniques used in Hb analysis are electrophoretic and chromatographic assays. In our laboratory, we routinely apply chromatographic methods. To ascertain whether Hb variants are missed with our procedures, we additionally analyzed all samples with mass spectrometry (MS).

Methods: Database evaluation was performed using all entries made in the Hb variant database HbVar, and possible Hb variants were calculated based on DNA variations. During a 5-year period, we analyzed 2105 lysates with cation-exchange HPLC (PolyCAT A column) and reversed-phase HPLC and additionally with electrospray ionization or MALDI-TOF MS. Globin chains were identified by their molecular masses.

Results: Database evaluation revealed that 43.2% of all possible Hbα- and β-chain variants were found to date (considering only single-point mutations). Currently, 68.2% of the possible charge difference variants and only 28.7% of the neutral variants are found. Among 2105 Hb samples we identified 4 samples with Hb variants that were detected only with the MS method; 2 were new Hb variants (Hb Zurich-Hottingen and Hb Zurich-Langstrasse). With cation-exchange HPLC, 1 sample was found to be a β-thalassemia and was identified by MS to be a β-variant (Hb Malay). More common variants, such as Hb C, Hb D, and Hb E, and thalassemias could not be detected with the MS method.

Conclusions: Application of MS improves the sensitivity of Hb analysis. The combination of MS with electrophoretic and chromatographic methods is optimal for the detection of Hb variants.
The behaviour of architectural forms
Authors: Murrani Sana
Published: October 2007

Technological advancement and a new understanding of complex life processes have contributed to the development of radical decentralized thinking in architecture. Architecture is no longer regarded as a straightforward matter of design, construction and use; instead it is now seen as
an inter-disciplinary field which provokes issues of life, survival and complexity.

This article questions the behaviour of architectural forms. It proposes the creation of an active model of the fusion of biologically inspired systems and dynamic perception, which allows this behaviour
to be generated and analyzed. It then evolves this notion, considering multi-layers of complexity derived from natural phenomena and observation.

The narrative of this work is derived from the notion of conceptualizing architectural form based on a cybernetic model, arguing that architecture
needs to consider a collective dynamic space in between, the form, its environment, the user, the observer and the theorist. It approaches issues of living processes, survival and emergence, and conveys the concept of behavioural architectural form through a pre-programmed model that encapsulates
the ideas of complex systems and perception.
Eco-media: art informed by developments in ecology, media technology and environmental science
Authors: Polli Andrea
Published: October 2007

In the twenty-first century, there has been a resurgence of ecologically conscious art among artists using new technologies. Like Eco-art, this recent movement, which might be called Eco-media, is interdisciplinary. Eco-media is heavily influenced by developments in environmental science,
in particular developments in remote imaging and other kinds of remote Earth sensing (for example, the widespread use of satellite imaging and GPS) and developments in computer modelling (for example, detailed global models of climate that not only model the physics of the Earth and solar
system, but also explore the chemistry and biology of the Earth).

This article will discuss developments in media art related to the computerized interpretation of complex data sets describing and modelling the natural world. It will explore work that has historically straddled artistic
and scientific development, specifically Marey's work in the nineteenth century in photography and motion pictures and give examples of artists who are working in the area in-between art and science today. It will also discuss connections between this work and the historical Romantic sublime
and the political dimension of this work as advocating for the preservation of the natural world, and give examples of some of the author's artworks in this area.
Fluorescence Imaging as a Non-Invasive Technology to Monitor the Performance of Glyphosate Adjuvants and Formulations
Authors: de Ruiter H. , Mack B. , van der Schoor R. , Jalink H.
Published: October 2007

Fluorescence can be used to measure and visualize the activity of herbicides that inhibit the photosynthesis. Glyphosate, although not acting primarily on the photosystems, appears to increase fluorescence of plants. We investigated whether fluorescence technology is a useful tool to both quantify and image of the performance of different adjuvants for glyphosate. A red laser beam providing equipment is used to scan black nightshade plants at a low and high light intensity. A cooled, integrating 16 bit CCD camera is used to record the fluorescence during the low level (Fo) and high level scan (Fm). The relative increase of fluorescence expressed as [(Fm—Fo)/Fm] 100 % is calculated and color images are produced. Glyphosate was applied at two suboptimal application rates of 16.9 and 33.8 g ae/ha at 200 L/ha. Both the influence of glyphosate rate and the influence of added adjuvants were obvious. The fluorescence data 30 h after treatment demonstrated that the adjuvants HM9121-A and HM9110 performed better than AMS, HM9541-A, HM9910, or HM2005-B. This observation was consistent over the next three observations (54, 78, and 102 h). The fluorescence data after 72 h correlated (R2=0.82; logarithmic regression) with the fresh weight reduction caused by the glyphosate treatments. The adjuvants HM 9121-A and HM9110 performed the best and the adjuvant HM9541-A had little effect on glyphosate performance. Both imaging and fresh weight data indicate that HM 9121-A performs somewhat better than HM9110.
Effect of Length-to-Diameter Ratio of Core Sample on Concrete Core Strength—Another Look
Authors: Arioz Omer , Ramyar Kambiz , Tuncan Mustafa , Tuncan Ahmet
Published: October 2007

Cores with diameters of 144, 94, 69, and 46 mm and length-to-diameter (l/d) ratios of 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2, were removed from beam specimens produced from eight different concrete mixtures. Compressive strength tests were conducted on a total of 1876 core specimens. Strength correction factors were determined for converting the strength of the cores with l/d ratios ranging from 1.75 to 0.75 to the strength of an equivalent standard specimen with a l/d ratio of 2. The effects of type and maximum size of aggregate and core diameter on these correction factors were examined. As it was expected, the correction factors gradually decreased with the decrease in l/d. The effect was found to be more pronounced for cores with a smaller diameter. The results also revealed that the effects of type and maximum size of the aggregate on correction factors were not significant. The proposed strength correction factors differ only slightly from those currently recommended in ASTM C 42/C 42M-04 [1] and they are very close to those proposed by Bartlett and MacGregor cited by Arioglu et al. [2–4].
Field Evaluation of Tire-Road Noise Using a New Close Proximity Method
Authors: Seung Cho Dae , Seo Youngguk , Muk Choi Tae
Published: October 2007

A new close proximity (NCPX) method has been proposed and applied for the tire-road noise characterization of highway traffic. The implementation of NCPX is based on a set of surface microphones that is attached to a vehicle to directly measure the tire noise. To consider a combined effect of vehicle and road factors, a comprehensive field test has been performed with seven vehicle types at nine pavement sections of the test road. Testing parameters also include a vehicle speed ranging from 50 to 120 km/h, and two driving modes are applied at each speed: coasting and steady. It is found that asphalt pavements are quieter than all concrete pavements irrespective of testing conditions. Among concrete pavements, an 18-mm longitudinally-tined surface exhibits the quietest noise level, while a random transversely-tined surface is ineffective in minimizing the tire noise. Finally, the effect of a heavy axle load on the tire/noise generation is discussed.
From heterogeneity to harmonization? Recent trends in European health policy
Authors: Gerlinger Thomas , Urban Hans-Jürgen
Published: October 2007

In the European Union (EU), health policy and the institutional reform of health systems have been treated primarily as national affairs, and health care systems within the EU thus differ considerably. However, the health policy field is undergoing a dynamic process of Europeanization. This process is stimulated by the orientation towards a more competitive economy, recently inaugurated and known as the Lisbon Strategy, while the regulatory requirements of the European Economic and Monetary Union are stimulating the Europeanization of health policy. In addition, the so-called open method of coordination, representing a new mode of regulation within the European multi-level system, is applied increasingly to the health policy area. Diverse trends are thus emerging. While the Lisbon Strategy goes along with a strategic upgrading of health policy more generally, health policy is increasingly used to strengthen economic competitiveness. Pressure on Member States is expected to increase to contain costs and promote market-based health care provision.
Transnational migration of health professionals in the European Union
Authors: Gerlinger Thomas , Schmucker Rolf
Published: October 2007

The establishment of the European Common Market has involved the free movement not only of capital and goods, but also of persons and services. The principles of free movement also apply to the health care sector, i.e. they allow for the free incorporation of health care providers and the cross-border delivery of services. Since the 1970s, the European Union (EU) has passed numerous regulations to enforce the mutual recognition of qualifications of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals by the Member States, considered an indispensable precondition for the free movement of services. Thus far, the establishment of a European job market for the health care professions has not led to extensive migration among the EU Member States. Likewise, the accession of Central and Eastern European countries to the EU in 2004 did not cause a "brain drain" to the better-off countries of Western and Northern Europe. However, the mobility among health care professions is expected to increase in the coming years.
International aid policy: public disease control and private curative care?
Authors: De Paepe Pierre , Soors Werner , Unger Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2007

Integrating disease control with health care delivery increases the prospects for successful disease control. This paper examines whether current international aid policy tends to allocate disease control and curative care to different sectors, preventing such integration. Typically, disease control has been conceptualized in vertical programs. This changed with the Alma Ata vision of comprehensive care, but was soon encouraged again by the Selective Primary Health Care concept. Documents are analyzed from the most influential actors in the field, e.g. World Health Organization, World Bank, and European Union. These agencies do indeed have a doctrine on international aid policy: to allocate disease control to the public sector and curative health care to the private sector, wherever possible. We examine whether there is evidence to support such a doctrine. Arguments justifying integration are discussed, as well as those that critically analyze the consequences of non-integration. Answers are sought to the crucial question of why important stakeholders continue to insist on separating disease control from curative care. We finally make a recommendation for all international actors to address health care and disease control together, from a systems perspective.
Violence a global public health problem
Authors: Dahlberg Linda L. , Krug Etienne G.
Published: October 2007

This article is a version of the Introduction to the World Report on Violence and Health, published by the World Health Organization (WHO). It presents a general description about this phenomenon and points some basic questions: concepts and definitions about the theme; the state of knowledge about it; nature and typology on violence; proposal of a quantitative and qualitative approach of an ecological model; responsibilities and functions of the public health sector and its potentiality to prevent and reduce violence in the world; the responsibilities of the nations and the policy makers in a intersetorial point of view; difficulties and obstacles for actuation and challenges for the health sector.
Large-group psychodynamics and massive violence
Authors: Volkan Vamik D.
Published: October 2007

Beginning with Freud, psychoanalytic theories concerning large groups have mainly focused on individuals' perceptions of what their large groups psychologically mean to them. This chapter examines some aspects of large-group psychology in its own right and studies psychodynamics of ethnic, national, religious or ideological groups, the membership of which originates in childhood. I will compare the mourning process in individuals with the mourning process in large groups to illustrate why we need to study large-group psychology as a subject in itself. As part of this discussion I will also describe signs and symptoms of large-group regression. When there is a threat against a large-group's identity, massive violence may be initiated and this violence in turn, has an obvious impact on public health.