bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residential History, Family Characteristics and Non–Hodgkin Lymphoma, A Population-Based Case-Control Study in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Bracci Paige M. , Dalvi Tapashi B. , Holly Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2006

A population-based, case-control study (N = 1,593 cases, N = 2,515 controls) was conducted in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, to determine risk factors for non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This report examines residential characteristics, number of siblings, childhood infections, and allergic rhinitis to evaluate the association between NHL and the hygiene hypothesis. Adjusted unconditional logistic regression analyses included HIV-negative participants (N = 1,304 cases, N = 2,402 controls) ages 21 to 74 years, who completed in-person interviews. At childhood ages, odds ratios (OR) for NHL decreased with increasing number of household rooms (age 8 years, Ptrend = 0.08; age 15 years, Ptrend < 0.0001) and increased with more crowded living conditions (quartiles of no. people/no. rooms; age 8 years, Ptrend < 0.0001; age 15 years, Ptrend = 0.0004), whereas at older ages a greater number of people in the household and greater number of household rooms were positively associated with NHL. ORs increased with increasing number of siblings (Ptrend = 0.0003) and increasing birth order (Ptrend = 0.01). Participants with five or more younger siblings had a 50% increased OR for NHL. ORs for NHL decreased with an increasing number of different infections during childhood (age 8 years, Ptrend < 0.0001; age 15 years, Ptrend = 0.0003) and with history of allergic rhinitis (P < 0.0001). Our results are somewhat consistent with the hygiene hypothesis that less crowding and better sanitation results in fewer infections early in life and an increased incidence of immune-related conditions later in life. The role of the complex relationship between residential history, family characteristics, childhood infections, and immune function in the development of NHL warrants further investigation in pooled analyses. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(7):1287–94)
Cell Cycle Regulators p105, p107, Rb2/p130, E2F4, p21CIP1/WAF1, Cyclin A in Predicting Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections and Their Outcome in Women Screened in Three New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Santopietro Rosa , Shabalova Irena , Petrovichev Nicolay , Kozachenko Vladimir , Zakharova Tatjana , Pajanidi Julia , Podistov Jurij , Chemeris Galina , Sozaeva Larisa , Lipova Elena , Tsidaeva Irena , Ivanchenko Olga , Pshepurko Alla , Zakharenko Sergej , Nerovjna Raisa , Kljukina Ludmila , Erokhina Oksana , Branovskaja Marina , Nikitina Maritta , Grunberga Valerija , Grunberg Alexandr , Juschenko Anna , Cintorino Marcella , Tosi Piero , Syrjänen Kari , Syrjänen Stina
Published: July 2006

Background: The growth-controlling functions of the high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) depend on their ability to interact with several cellular proteins, including the key regulatory proteins of the cell cycle. We have examined the value of cell cycle regulatory proteins as predictors of the intermediate end point markers in cervical carcinogenesis: (a) grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), (b) high-risk HPV type, (c) clearance/persistence of high-risk HPV, and (d) disease outcome in women participating in a multicenter follow-up study in three New Independent States countries.

Methods: Totally, 232 biopsy samples tested high-risk HPV-positive and/or Papanicolaou smear–positive women were immunohistochemically stained for the following cell cycle markers: p105, p107, p130, E2F4, p21CIP1/WAF1/SDI1, cyclin A, and Ki-67. In addition, apoptotic index (AI) and mitotic index (MI) were determined in H&E-stained sections. Prospective follow-up data were available to disclose the clinical and virological outcome of the lesions.

Results: The expression of Ki-67, p21CIP1/WAF1/SDI1, and cyclin A and AI and MI values were markedly increased in high-grade lesions, but only MI was an independent predictor of CIN3 in multivariate analysis. Cyclin A was the only independent predictor of high-risk HPV (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.18; P = 0.021), exceeding the predictive power of CIN grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion Papanicolaou smears. None of these markers provided any useful predictive information as to the clinical and virological outcomes during the follow-up. Highly significant correlations (P = 0.0001) were found between AI and MI as well as between MI and cyclin A, Ki-67 and p21CIP1/WAF1/SDI1, Ki-67 and cyclin A, and p21CIP1/WAF1/SDI1 and cyclin A followed by that between p105 and cyclin A (P = 0.001) and p105 and p130 (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: All tested factors related to cell cycle were increased, but only MI and cyclin A was an independent predictor of CIN3 and high-risk HPV carriage, respectively. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(7):1250–6)
Number of Siblings and the Risk of Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Myeloma by Histopathology
Authors: Altieri Andrea , Castro Felipe , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Hemminki Kari
Published: July 2006

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that several markers of exposure to childhood infections are inversely associated with the risk of childhood leukemia and lymphomas. We used the Swedish Family-Cancer Database to assess the effects of number of siblings on the risk of non-Hodgkin's (n = 7,007) and Hodgkin's lymphomas (n = 3,115), leukemias (n = 7,650), and multiple myeloma (n = 1,492) by histopathology. Poisson regression models included terms for age, sex, family history, period, and socioeconomic index. Having four or more siblings compared with none was associated with an excess risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL; rate ratio (RR), 2.11; Ptrend = 0.001], acute monocytic leukemia (RR, 2.51; Ptrend = 0.002), and multiple myeloma (RR, 1.34; Ptrend = 0.006). Having three or more older siblings compared with none decreased the risk of acute monocytic leukemia (RR, 0.35; Ptrend = 0.001) and childhood ALL (RR, 0.69; Ptrend = 0.01). The risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma for five or more older siblings compared with none was 0.41 (Ptrend = 0.003). Acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other lymphoproliferative malignancies were not associated with number of siblings. In conclusion, we found an excess risk of childhood ALL and acute monocytic leukemia in large families. However, for ALL, acute monocytic leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, younger siblings were strongly protected compared with older siblings. The remarkable protective effect of number of older siblings on acute monocytic leukemia is a novel finding of potential interest. Possible interpretations of our findings in the context of a putative infectious etiology are discussed. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(7):1281–6)
p53 Alterations and Protein Accumulation in Benign Breast Tissue and Breast Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rohan Thomas E. , Li Shu-Qiu , Hartwick Robert , Kandel Rita A.
Published: July 2006

Disruption of p53 gene function seems to have a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. p53 gene changes occur before the development of breast cancer and therefore might influence breast cancer risk. We investigated the association between p53 protein accumulation and p53 mutations detected in benign breast tissue and risk of subsequent breast cancer. We conducted a case-control study nested within the cohort of 4,888 women in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study who were diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed benign breast disease during active follow-up. Cases were women with benign breast disease who subsequently developed breast cancer; five controls were matched to each case. p53 protein accumulation was assessed immunohistochemically using sections of paraffin-embedded benign breast tissue from 104 cases and 385 controls; for 82 of these cases and 327 of the controls, DNA was successfully extracted from the breast tissue for p53 gene analysis using PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism/direct sequencing. p53 protein accumulation was associated with a 2-fold increase in risk of progression to breast cancer [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.16; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.08-4.30], whereas p53 nucleotide changes overall were not associated with altered risk (adjusted OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.68-2.19); those with both p53 immunopositivity and a p53 nucleotide change had an OR (95% CI) of 3.20 (1.21-8.50). Nonpolymorphic intronic changes were associated with a 2.8-fold increase in risk (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.09-7.41). The results of this study suggest that p53 protein accumulation and nonpolymorphic intronic changes in p53 are associated with increased risk of progression to breast cancer in women with benign breast disease. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(7):1316–23)
Lung Collapse Induced by Pulmonary Hemorrhage: A Rare Complication of Hysteroscopy
Authors: Su Hung-Wen , Wu Chih-Fen , Chou Szu-Yuan , Chen Tyng-Guey , Hsu Chun-Sen
Published: July 2006

Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of hysteroscopy. We present the first case report in which a healthy patient developed lung collapse induced by pulmonary hemorrhage after operative hysteroscopy. The possible etiologies of this rare complication are also discussed.
Chromoendoscopy Is a Valuable Tool for Screening of High-Risk Patients with Head and Neck Cancer for Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Möschler Oliver , Spahn Thomas Werner , Middelberg-Bisping Christina , Grosse-Thie Wolfram , Christoph Bernd , Kloeppel Günter , Mueller Michael Karl
Published: July 2006

Background: The incidence of esophageal cancer is markedly increased in patients with head and neck cancer, and the presence of esophageal cancer is associated with reduced survival rates. Aims: We investigated whether the results of screening for esophageal cancer in patients with head and neck cancer using chromoendoscopy would change the treatment of such patients. Patients: 87 patients with head and neck cancer and known alcohol or nicotine abuse were screened for esophageal cancer. Methods: The patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and staining of the esophagus with 2% Lugol’s solution. Biopsies were taken from unstained areas for histopathological assessment. Results: Esophageal cancer was newly diagnosed in 10 patients (11.5%), including 2 with carcinoma in situ. There were dysplastic changes in 6 patients (7%) and an unknown Barrett esophagus in 4 patients (5%). In 36 patients (41%) unstained areas were associated with esophagitis. While unstained areas could not be detected in 17 patients, the histology was normal in 14 patients with unstained areas. In all the patients with newly detected invasive esophageal cancer, the treatment had to be changed from a curative neoadjuvant approach to palliative treatment. In 2 patients with carcinoma in situ mucosectomy was performed. In the cases with dysplastic areas and newly detected Barrett epithelium a careful follow-up regime was arranged. Conclusions: The staging of patients with head and neck cancer, and the risk factors for esophageal cancer should include chromoendoscopy of the esophagus as a standard procedure. Extended staging provides critical additional information, which helps to more safely distinguish future candidates for curative and palliative treatment.
Hepatitis Induced by Noni Juice from Morinda citrifolia: A Rare Cause of Hepatotoxicity or the Tip of the Iceberg?
Authors: Yüce B. , Gülberg V. , Diebold J. , Gerbes A.L.
Published: July 2006

A 24-year-old female patient presented to her community hospital with mild elevations of serum transaminase and bilirubin levels. Because of multiple sclerosis, she was treated with interferon beta-1a for 6 weeks. After exclusion of viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A–E, interferon beta-1a was withdrawn under the suspicion of drug-induced hepatitis. One week later, she was admitted again to her community hospital with severe icterus. The transaminase and bilirubin levels were highly elevated, and a beginning impairment of the liver synthesis was expressed by a reduced prothrombin time. The confinement to our department occurred with a fulminant hepatitis and the suspicion of beginning acute liver failure. There was no evidence for hepatitis due to potentially hepatotoxic viruses, alcoholic hepatitis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, hemochromatosis, and Wilson’s disease. In her serum there were high titers of liver-kidney microsomal type 1 autoantibody; the serum gamma globulin levels were in the normal range. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the liver ruled out an autoimmune hepatitis but showed signs of drug-induced toxicity. During the interview, she admitted that for ‘general immune system stimulation’ she had been drinking Noni juice, a Polynesian herbal remedy made from a tropical fruit (Morinda citrifolia), during the past 4 weeks. After cessation of the Noni juice ingestion, her transaminase levels normalized quickly and were in the normal range within 1 month.
How Thorough Is the Process of Informed Consent prior to Outpatient Gastroscopy?
Authors: Woodrow Susannah R. , Jenkins Anthony P.
Published: July 2006

Background/Aims: Informed consent for outpatient gastroscopy should involve many elements and many patients may not have spoken to an endoscopist beforehand. The aim was to audit the completeness of the consent process in patients undergoing outpatient gastroscopy. Methods: This is a retrospective study in which a 37-point questionnaire was sent to 200 patients who had undergone outpatient gastroscopy. Questions covered information given before and on the day of the procedure. Results: The response rate was 71.5% (143/200) and 141 questionnaires were analysed. Before the day of the procedure: 92.2% understood why they were having a gastroscopy, 90.8% had the procedure explained to them and of these 96.1% understood the explanation. 48.9% were told the risks of the procedure, 51.8% were given the opportunity to decline, but only 11.3% were told of an alternative to the procedure and 24.1% of possible consequences of not having the test. On arrival at the endoscopy unit: 92.2% of respondents had the procedure explained to them but only 55.4% received an explanation from the endoscopist. 45.4% were told the risks of the procedure, 48.2% were given the opportunity to decline. 39.0% did not read the consent form before signing and, of those that did, 98.7% understood it. Conclusion: Nearly all the patients understood the nature of gastroscopy and the reasons for the test before attending; however, there was poor explanation of the risks of gastroscopy and of its alternatives. Approximately half the patients were not given the opportunity to decline gastroscopy either before or on the day of the procedure.
Reduced Semantic Fluency as an Additional Screening Tool for Subjects with Questionable Dementia
Authors: Lam Linda Chiu Wa , Ho Patty , Lui Victor Wing Cheong , Tam Cindy Woon Chi
Published: July 2006

Background: Subjective memory complaints in subjects with mild cognitive impairment may represent a genuine decline in episodic memory. This paper evaluates the neuropsychological correlates of the semantic fluency test in subjects with questionable dementia (QD). Methods: A total of 331 Chinese subjects (118 normal controls, NC, 150 with QD and 63 with mild Alzheimer’s disease, AD) were assessed with the Category Verbal Fluency Test (CVFT), the AD Assessment Scale – cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), and digit and verbal span tests. CVFT performance was evaluated in each Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) group. The total number of exemplars, the subcategory and the category size generated were evaluated. Neuropsychological correlates of CVFT scores were computed. Results: Significant differences in CVFT performance were found between the different CDR groups. The subjects with QD had intermediate scores compared to the NC and AD subjects (1-way ANOVA, p < 0.001, post-hoc Bonferroni comparisons). In NC the CVFT scores were significantly associated with ADAS-Cog total, and immediate and delayed recall scores (partial correlations controlled for age and education, p < 0.005). In the QD group the CVFT scores were correlated with ADAS-Cog total, and immediate recall and object naming scores (partial correlation controlled for age and education, p < 0.005). Regression analysis revealed that age and delayed recall were significant predictors of CVFT performance in NCs. In the QD group, age, ADAS-Cog immediate recall and object naming scores predicted the CVFT performance. Conclusions: The CVFT was impaired in the subjects with QD. Apart from episodic memory, semantic memory deficits also occur early in AD. The different cognitive predictors of CVFT scores in the NC and QD groups suggest that the test is associated with specific psychological functions at different stages of cognitive impairment.
Prevalence, Clinical Profile, and Significance of Left Ventricular Remodeling in the End-Stage Phase of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Harris Kevin M. , Spirito Paolo , Maron Martin S. , Zenovich Andrey G. , Formisano Francesco , Lesser John R. , Mackey-Bojack Shannon , Manning Warren J. , Udelson James E. , Maron Barry J.
Published: July 2006

Background—

End stage (ES) is a recognized part of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) disease spectrum. Frequency, clinical profile and course, and treatment strategies in these patients remain incompletely defined.

Methods and Results—

Three HCM cohorts comprised 1259 patients, including 44 (3.5%) characterized as ES with systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50% at rest; range 15% to 49%). ES developed at a wide age range (14 to 74 years), with 45% of patients ≤40 years old. Although 29 patients (66%) died of progressive heart failure, had sudden death events, or underwent heart transplantation, 15 (34%) survived with medical management over 3±3 years. Duration from onset of HCM symptoms to ES identification was considerable (14±10 years), but ES onset to death/transplantation was brief (2.7±2 years). ES occurred with similar frequency in patients with or without prior myectomy (
P
=0.84). Appropriate defibrillator interventions were 10% per year in patients awaiting donor hearts. Most ES patients (n=23; 52%) showed substantial left ventricular (LV) remodeling with cavity dilatation. Less complete remodeling occurred in 21 patients (48%), including 5 with persistence of a nondilated and markedly hypertrophied LV. Pathology and magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive (transmural) fibrosis in 9 of 11 ES patients. At initial evaluation, patients who developed ES were younger with more severe symptoms, had a larger LV cavity, and more frequently had a family history of ES than other HCM patients.

Conclusions—

ES of nonobstructive HCM has an expanded and more diverse clinical expression than previously appreciated, including occurrence in young patients, heterogeneous patterns of remodeling, frequent association with atrial fibrillation, and impaired LV contractility that precedes cavity dilatation, wall thinning, and heart failure symptoms. ES is an unfavorable complication (mortality rate 11% per year) and a sudden death risk factor; it requires vigilance to permit timely recognition and the necessity for defibrillator implantation and heart transplantation.
Early Recurrent Ischemic Stroke in Stroke Patients Undergoing Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Georgiadis Dimitrios , Engelter Stefan , Tettenborn Barbara , Hungerbühler Hansjörg , Luethy Regina , Müller Felix , Arnold Marcel , Giambarba Christian , Baumann Christian Rainer , von Büdingen Hans-Christian , Lyrer Philipp , Baumgartner Ralf Werner
Published: July 2006

Background—

We assessed the incidence of early recurrent ischemic stroke in stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and the temporal pattern of its occurrence compared with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods and Results—

Prospectively collected, population-based data for 341 consecutive acute stroke patients (62% men; mean age, 66 years) treated with tPA according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke study protocol at 8 medical centers in Switzerland (3 academic and 5 community) between January 2001 and November 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome measure was neurological deterioration ≥4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale occurring within 24 hours of tPA treatment and caused either by recurrent ischemic stroke (defined as the occurrence of new neurological symptoms suggesting involvement of initially unaffected vascular territories and evidence of corresponding ischemic lesions on cranial computed tomography scans, in the absence of ICH) or by ICH. Early recurrent ischemic stroke was diagnosed in 2 patients (0.59%; 95% confidence interval, 0.07% to 2.10%) and symptomatic ICH in 15 patients (4.40%; 95% confidence interval, 2.48% to 7.15%). Both recurrent ischemic strokes occurred during thrombolysis, whereas symptomatic ICHs occurred 2 to 22 hours after termination of tPA infusion.

Conclusions—

Recurrent ischemic stroke is a rare cause of early neurological deterioration in acute stroke patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, with a different temporal pattern compared with that of symptomatic ICH.
The Coronary Microcirculation in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Dedkov Eduard I. , Perloff Joseph K. , Tomanek Robert J. , Fishbein Michael C. , Gutterman David D.
Published: July 2006

Background—

Despite an appreciable increase in basal coronary blood flow in cyanotic congenital heart disease, flow reserve remains normal. We hypothesized that preservation of flow reserve resides in remodeling of the coronary microcirculation. Microcirculatory morphometric analyses were performed to test this hypothesis.

Methods and Results—

Necropsy specimens from 4 sources were studied: (1) hearts from patients with Eisenmenger’s syndrome (A; n=5), (2) structurally abnormal hearts with ventricular hypertrophy (B; n=8), (3) structurally normal hearts with ventricular hypertrophy (C; n=6), and (4) normal hearts (D; n=5). To compare responses of the microcirculation to hypoxia versus hypertrophy, sections were taken from the left ventricular free wall, which in group A, was hypoxemic but not hypertrophied; in groups B and C, was hypertrophied but not hypoxemic; and in group D, was neither hypertrophied nor hypoxemic. Coronary arterioles were immunolabeled for smooth muscle α-actin. Measured morphometric parameters included long and short axes, area, and perimeter. Arteriolar length, volume and surface densities were calculated. There was a significant intergroup difference for arteriolar length density (
P
=0.03) and diameter (
P
=0.03). Total length density in group A hearts was markedly lower, but mean arteriolar diameter was significantly greater (34%) compared with group B (
P
=0.03). Arteriolar volume density was similar to that in the other groups.

Conclusions—

Remodeling of the coronary microcirculation is the key mechanism for preservation of flow reserve in cyanotic congenital heart disease. The increase in short axis (diameter) compensated for lower arteriolar length density and was the principal anatomic basis for maintenance of normal flow reserve.
Defence Industrial Policy in a Military Alliance
Authors: Hartley Keith
Published: July 2006

Much of the alliance literature has focused on the collective defence benefits and burden-sharing. This article considers the potential for developing a defence industrial policy in a military alliance. Previous proposals from the literature are reviewed, especially proposals for economic specialization based on comparative advantage applied to both armed forces and defence industries in a military alliance. European Union (EU) defence policy is outlined, including its armaments agencies (OCCAR and the European Defence Agency), and inefficiencies in EU defence markets are identified. Economic theory offers some policy guidelines for an efficient defence industrial policy in a military alliance, including gains from trade and competition, from learning and scale economies, and from reducing the duplication of costly R&D. These economic principles are applied to the EU and are also applicable to NATO. Evidence of efficiency gains from trade and from economies of scale and learning is reviewed and applied to various scenarios for the creation of a Single European Market for defence equipment. The scenarios include a liberalized competitive market, a centralized EU procurement agency and a ‘twin-track’ model. Estimates are presented of the cost savings from these scenarios. However, proposals for an efficient defence industrial policy will be opposed by the potential losers who will prefer alternative industrial policies involving international collaboration and offsets. Among these alternatives, collaboration is assessed as a distinctive European policy. The inefficiencies of collaboration are reviewed, including its impact on development and production costs and on delays in delivery. Consideration is given to the research issues to be addressed by an economic evaluation of European collaborative projects. The article concludes by stressing the inefficiencies of current procurement policies in the EU and NATO and the potential cost savings from the adoption of a more efficient defence industrial policy within an alliance.
Network Polarization, Network Interdependence, and International Conflict, 1816–2002
Authors: Maoz Zeev
Published: July 2006

This study examines the effect of polarization and interdependence on systemic conflict. It argues that both polarization and interdependence must be conceptualized in terms of different types of relations among states and that different relationships would reflect varied levels of polarization and inter-dependence. Accordingly, this study develops general measures of network polarization and interdependence that allow measurement of these concepts over a wide array of international relations. Hypotheses are deduced from the realist and liberal paradigms about how alliance polarization, trade polarization, and cultural polarization affect systemic conflict. Likewise, hypotheses are deduced regarding the expected effects of strategic and economic interdependence on conflict. These hypotheses are tested using data on alliance, trade, linguistic, and religious networks over the period 1816–2002. The findings suggest that alliance polarization and strategic interdependence increase the amount of systemic conflict, while trade polarization and economic interdependence have a dampening effect on the amount of conflict in the international system. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Alliances, Armed Conflict, and Cooperation: Theoretical Approaches and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Sprecher Christopher , Krause Volker
Published: July 2006

Alliances are subject to many scholarly inquiries in international relations and peace research because they are major instruments of foreign and security policies. Since the early work on alliances produced by the Correlates of War (COW) project, there have been significant advances in conceptual, theoretical, and empirical alliance research. New typologies and data permit us to differentiate more thoroughly among a variety of alliance objectives and functions. Furthermore, there has been new theoretical and empirical research on alliance formation, alliance configuration/polarization, effects of alliances on military conflict, connections between alliances and trade, and the economics of alliances. Providing new theoretical approaches, data, and empirical evidence on alliances, this special issue includes articles that address alliance formation, alliance polarization, alliances and democratization, trade among allies, regional economic institutions with alliance obligations, and defense industrial policies of military alliances. The articles in this issue extend our understanding of alliances past the traditional realist balance-of-power framework and encourage further testing and refinement of older alliance arguments and extensions to new theoretical developments.
Dispute Initiation and Alliance Obligations in Regional Economic Institutions
Authors: Powers Kathy L.
Published: July 2006

States increasingly incorporate alliance obligations into the design of multilateral trade agreements to deter aggression. Regional economic institutions (REIs) are such an example. This policy activity raises the question of whether REI military alliance obligations send signals and function as institutional constraints that deter aggression. Hypotheses regarding the influence of (1) shared REI military alliance obligations on dispute initiation and (2) REI military alliance obligations on whether a potential challenger will initiate a militarized dispute against a potential target are tested. African REIs, states, and their dispute initiations from 1950 to 2000 compose the sample. Logit analysis of time-series, cross-section data is the method employed. African REI military alliances are an example of African international relations’ exceptionalism and innovation in institutional design. Findings suggest African REI military alliance obligations reduce the propensity for aggression between member-states and reduce the likelihood that a potential challenger will attack a potential target and a potential target will be the object of attack. The evidence in this article indicates that such commitments reduce dispute initiation among African states.
Problems in Preparing for the English Impromptu Speech Contest
Authors: Hsieh Shu-min
Published: July 2006

Entering an ‘English Impromptu Speech Contest’ intimidates many students who do not have a good command of the English language. Some choose to give up before the contest date while others stand speechless on the stage. This paper identifies a range of problems confronted by contestants from my college, the Yuanpei Institute of Science and Technology in Taiwan. These problems can be categorized into three aspects: (1) language, (2) speaking skills and (3) background knowledge. Language poses many difficulties; many students have a narrow knowledge of English vocabulary, others have a limited understanding of correct word usage, and some make frequent mistakes with their grammar usage. As for speaking skills, students lack public speaking organizational skills and the ability to develop key points, and they have difficulty in controlling the subtle yet important timing of a speech and difficulty with attention-grabbing opening statements. The third problem is the contestants’ limited background knowledge. Many students simply do not have the life experiences necessary to converse on a given topic. A number of ways are probed to remedy these problems confronting speech contestants at the Yuanpei Institute.
Effects of Special Education Teams on School Psychology Services
Authors: Anthun Roald , Manger Terje
Published: July 2006

The aim of the present study was to examine assumed differences in workload, service provision and professional quality evaluations in school psychology services (SPS) to schools with and without special education teams (SETs). Inclusion in the respective school samples was based on information from a survey completed by the school administrations about the schools' special education systems. SPS professionals recorded the case process and evaluated the case service quality. The results supported the hypotheses of different service patterns and workload in the two samples: SET schools compared to schools without SETs have: (1) a reduced number of referrals to SPS; (2) fewer referrals of behaviour cases; (3) more indirect work by the SPS and (4) more SPS collaboration with home and school and other services, institutions and authorities. The SPS professionals evaluated the service quality of the cases in the SET sample highest, as assumed. There is no significant difference in the mean number of work operations per case between the samples. The results are discussed with reference to quality indicators of the SPS and practical implications.
Greek Teachers' Understandings and Constructions of What Constitutes Social and Emotional Learning
Authors: Triliva Sofia , Poulou Maria
Published: July 2006

This article presents the findings of a research initiative which explored Greek teachers' perceptions and understandings on what constitutes social and emotional competencies and how these competencies can best be enhanced within the classroom. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 elementary school teachers in two different geographical areas of Greece. The interviews were transcribed and analysed in light of existing literature on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Emotional Intelligence (EI). The teachers acknowledged a complex and interactive model of abilities, competencies and ‘psychic virtues’ and a dynamic interaction of the child and his or her context. The findings highlight the significant role the sociocultural context plays in understanding and conceptualizing social and emotional competencies.
Fearing the Worst? Threat, Participation and Workplace Productivity
Authors: Forde Chris , Slater Gary , Spencer David A.
Published: July 2006

This article investigates the impact of the threat of job loss and participation on productivity using data from the 1998 British Workplace Employee Relations Survey. Threat and participation have often been seen as alternative devices for motivation: the former based on coercion, the latter based on cooperation. The study examines whether there are any joint effects between the two. Specifically, does the impact of participation on workplace productivity vary according to the threat of job loss? The study finds little evidence of a direct effect of the threat of job loss on productivity, but strong support is found for the notion that worker participation can enhance productivity. This effect is found not to be affected by local unemployment but it is observed that the joint presence of participation and other ‘threat’ variables measuring the level of supervision do impact on productivity outcomes.
The Difficulty of Implementing Union Mergers: Investigating the Role of Members’ Merger Orientation
Authors: Baraldi Stephan , Sverke Magnus , Chaison Gary
Published: July 2006

The difficulty of implementing union mergers is reflected in the large proportion of unsuccessful planned mergers. In many cases, this is due to members opposing the merger proposal. Despite this problem, few studies have investigated the significance of members’ orientations in merger implementation. The ability to predict if members will support a merger proposition would be valuable to union leaders planning mergers. Using questionnaire data from members of four Swedish unions involved in an unsuccessful merger attempt, this study investigates predictors of members’ merger orientation - the members’ attitude towards union mergers in general, their expectations about specific merger outcomes, and their intention to vote in favour of a specific merger proposal. The analysis shows that union commitment, union tenure and being informed about a merger proposal significantly predicted merger orientation. Furthermore, the analysis revealed signs of officer opposition. This suggests that a committed and well-informed membership is a crucial precondition to successful merger implementation, and that a merger proposal stands little chance without the support of union leaders.
Intergenerational Support to Aging Parents
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Gans Daphna , Yang Frances M.
Published: July 2006

This investigation examines how norms of filial responsibility influence adult children to provide social support to their aging parents. Relying on intergenerational solidarity and social capital theories, the authors hypothesize that filial responsibility as a latent resource is more strongly converted into support when (a) the parent experiences increased need and (b) the child in question is a daughter. Using data from 488 adult children in the Longitudinal Study of Generations, the authors examine change in support provided between 1997 and 2000. Declining health of either parent increases the strength with which filial norms predisposed children to provide support. The conversion of filial norms into support is stronger among daughters than among sons but only toward mothers. Results are discussed in terms of the contingent linkage between latent and manifest functions and the persistence of gender role differentiation in the modern family.
Pre-empting Emergence
Authors: Cooper Melinda
Published: July 2006

This article looks at the increasing prominence of bioterrorist threat scenarios in recent US foreign policy. Germ warfare, it argues, is being depicted as the paradigmatic threat of the post-Cold War era, not only because of its affinity for cross-border movement but also because it blurs the lines between deliberate attack and spontaneous natural catastrophe. The article looks at the possible implications of this move for understandings of war, strategy and public health. It also seeks to contextualize the US’s growing military interest in biodefence research within the commercial strategies of the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. In its methodology, the article weaves together elements from defence literature, scientific perspectives on infectious disease, catastrophe theory and political economy. The conceptual underpinnings of the strategy of pre-emptive warfare, it argues, lie as much in the theory of biological emergence as in official US defence strategy.
Teaching Marketing Strategy: Using Resource-Advantage Theory as an Integrative Theoretical Foundation
Authors: Hunt Shelby D. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: July 2006

Knowledge of marketing strategy is essential for marketing majors. To supplement and/or replace the traditional lecture-discussion approach, several pedagogical vehicles have been recommended to teach marketing strategy, including the analytic hierarchy process; career-planning cases; computer-assisted, simulated marketing cases; experiential projects; life-history analysis; product-management projects; scenario planning; shareholder-value analysis; simulation; Web-based cases; and Web-based business-intelligence tools. Each of these approaches incorporates marketing-strategy knowledge content that consists of concepts, theories, and conceptuaal frameworks. Noting that the approaches to teaching marketing strategy lack an overall, integrative theory, this article proposes (1) resource-advantage (R-A) theory as an appropriate, positive, integrative theoretical foundation for teaching marketing strategy, (2) several conceptual frameworks drawn from R-A theory that are useful in teaching marketing strategy, and (3) suggestions on how to approach teaching R-A theory in the classroom.
Student Attitudes Toward College Courses: An Examination of Influences and Intentions
Authors: Curran James M. , Rosen Deborah E.
Published: July 2006

This study combines research in education and services marketing to develop and test a model of seven factors hypothesized to be significant in student attitudes toward the classes they take and behavioral intentions that may be influenced by those attitudes. Based on a review of relevant literature and a series of focus groups, a survey was developed and administered to students in eight different required classes, two each in four different subject areas, at a university in the northeastern United States. The results show that factors related to the physical environment in which the course is conducted, the course topic, and the course execution, in addition to the instructor's personality, are significant influences on students’ attitudes toward their classes. The evidence also indicates that emphasizing student participation in the class can have a positive effect on student commitment to excellence and appreciation of other students’ contributions to the learning experience.
Patellofemoral Full-Thickness Chondral Defects Treated with Hyalograft-C
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Kon Elisaveta , Berruto Massimo , Francisco Ramces , Filardo Giuseppe , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: July 2006

Background

Tissue engineering has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for cartilage regeneration.

Hypothesis

Hyaluronan-based scaffolds seeded with autologous chondrocytes are a viable treatment for damaged articular surface of the patellofemoral joint.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Thirty-two chondral lesions with a mean size of 4.7 cm2 were treated with Hyalograft-C. Twenty-two lesions were located in the patella and 10 in the trochlea. Sixteen patients had previous trauma, 3 had osteochondritis dissecans, and 13 had degenerative changes. Transplantations were carried out arthroscopically or through a miniarthrotomy incision. Eight patients had concomitant procedures, including patellar realignment (2), lateral release (3), and meniscectomy (3). Results were evaluated using the International Cartilage Repair Society–International Knee Documentation Committee scale, EuroQol EQ-5D form, and magnetic resonance imaging scans at 12 and 24 months. Six patients had second-look arthroscopy and biopsies. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired ttest and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The International Cartilage Repair Society–International Knee Documentation Committee and EuroQol EQ-5D scores demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (P <. 0001). Objective preoperative data improved from 6/32 (18.8%) with International Knee Documentation Committee A or B to 29/32 (90.7%) at 24 months after transplantation. Mean subjective scores improved from 43.2 points preoperatively to 73.6 points 24 months after implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging studies at 24 months revealed 71% to have an almost normal cartilage with positive correlation to clinical outcomes. Second-look arthroscopies in 6 cases revealed the repaired surface to be nearly normal with biopsy samples characterized as hyaline-like in appearance.

Conclusion

Biodegradable scaffolds seeded with autologous chondrocytes can be a viable treatment for chondral lesions. The type of tissue repair achieved demonstrated histologic characteristics similar to normal articular cartilage. Long-term investigations are needed to determine the durability of the repair produced with this technique.
Effects of Calcified Cartilage on Healing of Chondral Defects Treated with Microfracture in Horses
Authors: Frisbie David D. , Morisset Sophie , Ho Charles P. , Rodkey William G. , Steadman J. Richard , Mcllwraith C. Wayne
Published: July 2006

Background

Microfracture of full-thickness articular defects has been shown to significantly enhance the amount of repair tissue. However, there is a suggestion that leaving calcified cartilage inhibits this repair response.

Hypothesis

Removal of the calcified cartilage with retention of subchondral bone enhances the amount of attachment of the repair tissue compared with retention of the calcified cartilage layer.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

There were 1-cm2 articular cartilage defects made in 12 skeletally mature horses on the axial weightbearing portion of both medial femoral condyles. Using a custom measuring device and direct arthroscopic observation of the subchondral bone beneath the calcified cartilage layer, the authors removed the calcified cartilage from 1 defect of each horse. The repair was assessed with arthroscopy, clinical examination, radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examinations, biopsy at 4 months, gross and histopathologic examinations at 12 months, as well as mRNA and immunohistochemical evaluations.

Results

Removal of calcified cartilage with retention of the subchondral bone plate increased the overall repair tissue as assessed by arthroscopic (4 months) and gross evaluation (12 months). An increase in the level of the subchondral bone was also observed with removal of the calcified cartilage layer. The clinical pain, radiographic examinations, magnetic resonance imaging evaluations, histologic character, matrix proteins, or mRNA expression do not appear to differ based on level of defect debridement.

Clinical Relevance

Removal of the calcified cartilage layer appears to provide optimal amount and attachment of repair tissue. Therefore, close arthroscopic visualization is recommended for debridement of clinical lesions to ensure removal of the calcified cartilage layer.
Morale and Workplace Performance
Authors: Weakliem David L. , Frenkel Stephen J.
Published: July 2006

This study considers the relationship between morale and workplace productivity in a representative sample of Australian workplaces. It focuses on three questions: the shape of the relationship, whether the effects of morale are contingent on other factors, and the paths by which any effect takes place. The results show that morale influences productivity in an approximately linear fashion. The effect of morale on productivity appears to be larger when management regards product quality as important and attempts to develop a corporate ethic and culture. Morale is associated with greater work effort, but the relationship between work effort and productivity becomes stronger at higher levels of morale. Thus, part of the influence of morale on productivity is a matter of increasing the effectiveness of workers’ efforts.
‘Parenting’ or ‘mothering’? The case of modern childcare magazines
Authors: Sunderland Jane
Published: July 2006

Many magazines devoted to the topic of the care of babies and young children now have titles which include some variation of parent rather than of mother (e.g. Parent and Child rather than Mother and Baby). This corresponds to evident new directions in social practices, and suggests a desire of the publishers to appeal to female and male readers. Whether both mothers and fathers are addressed and represented in the magazines makes these magazines particularly interesting sites for the study of fatherhood discourses. In this study, three magazines ( Parents, Parenting and Baby Years) were analysed in terms of the extent to which the language of their advice features addressed women and/or men, and whether they could be seen as promoting ‘shared parenting’, ‘hands-on’ fatherhood, or at least a father-friendly environment. An examination of linguistic representation (in particular, of fathers), visuals, ‘voices’, gendered stereotypes and gendered discourses of parenting suggested that fathers are in fact not being fully addressed. These magazines may be lagging behind current social change and practices in ‘Western’ parenting.
Two institutional interviews: José María Aznar and Jacques Chirac on the Iraq conflict
Authors: Lorda Clara Ubaldina , Miche Elisabeth
Published: July 2006

This article is an analysis of two institutional interviews which were shown on 10 March 2003 on the Spanish TELE5 and on the French channel France2. The interviewees were two political leaders, José María Aznar, Prime Minister of the Spanish Government in Spain, and Jacques Chirac, President of France. This was a few days prior to the date that the Coalition Forces attacked Iraq. We study how the function of inquiry and control is done in these interviews by the television media in each country and the verbal behaviour of both statesmen answering the questions. We also study each governor’s discourse of justification. The interviews present a clear parallelism, but the study reveals important differences regarding the rhythm of the exchange and the interlocutive behaviour of the participants. Furthermore, the justifications of the two governors are clearly opposite, as far as their discursive strategies and their conception of politics are concerned.