bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosol-Induced Large-Scale Variability in Precipitation over the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Huang Jingfeng , Zhang Chidong , Prospero Joseph M.
Published: May 2009

Multiyear satellite observations are used to document a relationship between the large-scale variability in precipitation over the tropical Atlantic and aerosol traced to African sources. During boreal winter and spring there is a significant reduction in precipitation south of the Atlantic marine intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) during months when aerosol concentrations are anomalously high over a large domain of the tropical Atlantic Ocean. This reduction cannot be linearly attributed to known climate factors such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, and zonal and meridional modes of tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature or to meteorological factors such as water vapor. The fractional variance in precipitation related to aerosol is about 12% of the total interannual variance, which is of the same order of magnitude as that related to each of the known climate and weather factors. A backward trajectory analysis confirms the African origin of aerosols that directly affect the changes in precipitation. The reduction in mean precipitation mainly comes from decreases in moderate rain rates (10–20 mm day−1), while light rain (<10 mm day−1) can fluctuate in the opposite direction. The results cannot be readily explained in terms of wet deposition or uncertainties in satellite retrievals, and suggest that the observations demonstrate clearly identifiable effects of African aerosol on large-scale variability in precipitation in the tropical Atlantic region.
SnowSTAR2002 Transect Reconstruction Using a Multilayered Energy and Mass Balance Snow Model
Authors: Shi Xiaogang , Sturm Matthew , Liston Glen E. , Jordan Rachel E. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: May 2009

The lateral and vertical variability of snow stratigraphy was investigated through the comparison of the measured profiles of snow density, temperature, and grain size obtained during the Snow Science Traverse—Alaska Region (SnowSTAR2002) 1200-km transect from Nome to Barrow with model reconstructions from the Snow Thermal Model (SNTHERM), a multilayered energy and mass balance snow model. Model profiles were simulated at the SnowSTAR2002 observation sites using the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40) as meteorological forcing. ERA-40 precipitation was rescaled so that the total snow water equivalent (SWE) on the SnowSTAR2002 observation dates equaled the observed values. The mean absolute error (MAE) of measured and simulated snow properties shows that SNTHERM was able to produce good simulations for snowpack temperature but larger errors for grain size and density. A spatial similarity analysis using semivariograms of measured profiles shows that there is diverse lateral and vertical variability for snow properties along the SnowSTAR2002 transect resulting from differences in initial snow deposition, influenced by wind, vegetation, topography, and postdepositional mechanical and thermal metamorphism. The correlation length in snow density (42 km) is quite low, whereas it is slightly longer for snow grain size (125 km) and longer still for snow temperature (130 km). An important practical question that the observed and reconstructed profiles allow to be addressed is the implications of model errors in the observed snow properties for simulated microwave emissions signatures. The Microwave Emission Model for Layered Snowpacks (MEMLS) was used to simulate 19- and 37-GHz brightness temperatures. Comparison of SNTHERM–MEMLS and SnowSTAR2002–MEMLS brightness temperatures showed a very good match occurs at 19 GHz [a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.5 K (8.7 K) for vertical (horizontal) polarization] and somewhat larger [5.9 K (6.2 K) for vertical (horizontal) polarization] at 37 GHz. These results imply that the simulation of snow microphysical profiles is a viable strategy for passive microwave satellite–based retrievals of SWE.
On the Existence of Water Turbulence Induced by Nonbreaking Surface Waves
Authors: Babanin Alexander V. , Haus Brian K.
Published: May 2009

This paper is dedicated to wave-induced turbulence unrelated to wave breaking. The existence of such turbulence has been foreshadowed in a number of experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies. The current study presents direct measurements of this turbulence. The laboratory experiment was conducted by means of particle image velocimetry, which allowed estimates of wavenumber velocity spectra beneath monochromatic nonbreaking unforced waves. Observed spectra intermittently exhibited the Kolmogorov interval associated with the presence of isotropic turbulence. The magnitudes of the energy dissipation rates due to this turbulence in the particular case of 1.5-Hz deep-water waves were quantified as a function of the surface wave amplitude. The presence of such turbulence, previously not accounted for, can affect the physics of the wave energy dissipation, the subsurface boundary layer, and the ocean mixing in a significant way.
The CALIPSO Automated Aerosol Classification and Lidar Ratio Selection Algorithm
Authors: Omar Ali H. , Winker David M. , Vaughan Mark A. , Hu Yongxiang , Trepte Charles R. , Ferrare Richard A. , Lee Kam-Pui , Hostetler Chris A. , Kittaka Chieko , Rogers Raymond R. , Kuehn Ralph E. , Liu Zhaoyan
Published: May 2009

Descriptions are provided of the aerosol classification algorithms and the extinction-to-backscatter ratio (lidar ratio) selection schemes for the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) aerosol products. One year of CALIPSO level 2 version 2 data are analyzed to assess the veracity of the CALIPSO aerosol-type identification algorithm and generate vertically resolved distributions of aerosol types and their respective optical characteristics. To assess the robustness of the algorithm, the interannual variability is analyzed by using a fixed season (June–August) and aerosol type (polluted dust) over two consecutive years (2006 and 2007). The CALIPSO models define six aerosol types: clean continental, clean marine, dust, polluted continental, polluted dust, and smoke, with 532-nm (1064 nm) extinction-to-backscatter ratios Sa of 35 (30), 20 (45), 40 (55), 70 (30), 65 (30), and 70 (40) sr, respectively. This paper presents the global distributions of the CALIPSO aerosol types, the complementary distributions of integrated attenuated backscatter, and the volume depolarization ratio for each type. The aerosol-type distributions are further partitioned according to surface type (land/ocean) and detection resolution (5, 20, and 80 km) for optical and spatial context, because the optically thick layers are found most often at the smallest spatial resolution. Except for clean marine and polluted continental, all the aerosol types are found preferentially at the 80-km resolution. Nearly 80% of the smoke cases and 60% of the polluted dust cases are found over water, whereas dust and polluted continental cases are found over both land and water at comparable frequencies. Because the CALIPSO observables do not sufficiently constrain the determination of the aerosol, the surface type is used to augment the selection criteria. Distributions of the total attenuated color ratios show that the use of surface type in the typing algorithm does not result in abrupt and artificial changes in aerosol type or extinction.
Temporal Changes in Wind as Objects for Evaluating Mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Rife Daran L. , Davis Christopher A. , Knievel Jason C.
Published: May 2009

The study describes a method of evaluating numerical weather prediction models by comparing the characteristics of temporal changes in simulated and observed 10-m (AGL) winds. The method is demonstrated on a 1-yr collection of 1-day simulations by the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) over southern New Mexico. Temporal objects, or wind events, are defined at the observation locations and at each grid point in the model domain as vector wind changes over 2 h. Changes above the uppermost quartile of the distributions in the observations and simulations are empirically classified as significant; their attributes are analyzed and interpreted.

It is demonstrated that the model can discriminate between large and modest wind changes on a pointwise basis, suggesting that many forecast events have an observational counterpart. Spatial clusters of significant wind events are highly continuous in space and time. Such continuity suggests that displaying maps of surface wind changes with high temporal resolution can alert forecasters to the occurrence of important phenomena. Documented systematic errors in the amplitude, direction, and timing of wind events will allow forecasters to mentally adjust for biases in features forecast by the model.
Characteristics of Reprocessed Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) Hourly Precipitation Data
Authors: Kim Dongsoo , Nelson Brian , Seo Dong-Jun
Published: May 2009

The Hydrometeorological Automated Data System (HADS) is a real-time data acquisition, processing, and distribution system operated by the Office of Hydrologic Development (OHD) of NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS). The initial reprocessing of HADS data from its original format since its inception in July 1996 has been completed at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). The quality of the reprocessed HADS hourly precipitation data from rain gauges is assessed by two objective metrics: the average fraction of missing values and the percentage of top-of-the-hour observations for a 3-yr period (2003–05). Pairwise comparisons between the reprocessed product and the real-time product are made using representative samples (about 13%) from the 48 contiguous United States. The monthly average of missing values varies from 0.5% to 2% in the reprocessed product and from 1.7% to 10.1% in the real-time product. Except for January 2003, the reprocessed product consistently reduced missing values, by as much as 9.4% in October 2004. The availability of top-of-the-hour observations is about 85% in the reprocessed product, while the real-time product has top-of-the-hour observations only about 50% of the time. This paper discusses real-time product quality issues, additional quality assurance algorithms used in the reprocessing environment, and the design of system-wide performance comparisons. Thus, the benefits to users of reprocessing the HADS data are the correction of 4-h observation time errors during 1 July–11 August 2005 and the demonstration of diurnals pattern of precipitation frequencies in regional domains. A Web-based interactive quality assessment tool for reprocessed HADS hourly precipitation data and access to the data are also presented.
Supervisory approaches and paradoxes in managing telecommuting implementation
Authors: Lautsch Brenda A. , Kossek Ellen Ernst , Eaton Susan C.
Published: May 2009

Voluntary telecommuting is an increasingly prevalent flexible work practice, typically offered to assist employees with managing work— family demands. Most organizations with telecommuting policies rely on supervisor discretion regarding policy access and implementation in their department. Although supervisors' approaches have implications for telecommuters and their non-telecommuting co-workers, few studies integrate these stakeholder perspectives. Drawing on surveys and interviews with 90 dyads of supervisors and subordinates, some of whom were telecommuters and some of whom were not, we examine effective managerial approaches regarding telecommuting implementation. First, supervisors should stay in close contact with telecommuters, but this contact should emphasize sharing information rather than close monitoring of work schedules. Telecommuters supervised with an information-sharing approach were more likely to report lower work—family conflict, increased performance, and were more likely to help co-workers. Second, supervisors should encourage telecommuting employees to separate work and family boundaries, which is related to lower work—family conflict. However, supervisors face a paradox as a separation approach can negatively affect workgroup relations: telecommuters who are encouraged to create boundaries between work and family were less likely to extend themselves in crunch times or after hours to help their colleagues. Non-telecommuters' workload and work—family conflict may increase as a result.
Representing World History in the 21st Century
Authors: Liu James H. , Paez Dario , Slawuta Patrycja , Cabecinhas Rosa , Techio Elza , Kokdemir Dogan , Sen Ragini , Vincze Orsolya , Muluk Hamdi , Feixue Wang  , Zlobina Anya
Published: May 2009

Following open-ended methodology used in an earlier research by Liu et al., social representations of world history were assessed among university student samples in 12 countries: China, India, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, East Timor, Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Spain, and Portugal. Findings confirmed that across cultures, transcending boundaries of political ideology, civilization age, or youthful statehood. (a) World history is represented as a story about politics and warfare, with World War II the most important event in history and Hitler its most influential individual. (b) Recency effects are pervasive in young adults' collective remembering, with events and figures from the past 100 years accounting for 72% and 78% of nominations on average. (c) Representations were primarily Eurocentric, with events and figures in Western societies accounting for 40% of nominations overall, but this is tempered by nationalism, especially in the prevalence of local heroes instrumental to the founding of the current state. The representational hegemony of the victorious Western powers of World War II is being challenged by negative evaluations of the American presidency following 9/11 (September 9) and the Iraq War, with George Bush Jr. perceived as more negative than Hitler in four out of six samples where they were both nominated as important. Results are interpreted within a theoretical framework of history and identity, where collective remembering of the past is dynamically interlinked to political issues of the present.
Health Care Workers in the Dominican Republic: Self-Perceived Role in Smoking Cessation
Authors: Dozier Ann M. , Ossip Deborah J. , Diaz Sergio , Sierra-Torres Essie , Quiñones de Monegro Zahira , Armstrong Latoya , Chin Nancy P. , McIntosh Scott
Published: May 2009

A Dominican Republic (DR)—based multi-community trial of smoking cessation viewed health care workers (HCWs) as potential interventionists. Effectively engaging them requires a clear understanding of their attitudes and practices regarding smoking. A Rapid Assessment Procedure, conducted among HCWs in six economically disadvantaged communities, included physicians, nurses, other health professionals, paraprofessionals, and lay workers. Attitudes and practices about smoking were consistent across the 82 HCWs and mostly reflected community views. HCWs lacked proactiveness related to smoking cessation and had a limited view of their role, attributing clients' quitting successes to personal will. Prior cessation training was limited, although interest was generally high. Material resources about smoking cessation were virtually absent. DR HCWs' views represented features both distinct from and common to HCWs elsewhere. Any intervention with HCWs must first raise awareness before addressing their role in smoking cessation, discussing implementation barriers, and include training and materials about risks and effective interventions.
A Multi-Method Process Evaluation for a Skin Cancer Prevention Diffusion Trial
Authors: Escoffery Cam , Glanz Karen , Hall Dawn , Elliott Thomas
Published: May 2009

This article describes process evaluation methods for the Pool Cool diffusion trial across 4 years. Pool Cool is a skin cancer prevention program that was found to improve behaviors and environments for sun protection at swimming pools in a randomized efficacy trial, which was followed by a national diffusion trial. The process evaluation focus shifted from measuring program satisfaction to assessing widespread program implementation, barriers and facilitators to implementation, and program maintenance and sustainability. Data collection methods include training surveys, database tracking, field coordinator activity logs, e-mails, surveys of parents, lifeguards and pool managers, and process evaluation interviews and site visits. The data revealed high levels of implementation of major program components when disseminated in the diffusion trial, including sun safety lessons, sun safety signs, and sunscreen use. This article describes program features and participant factors that facilitated local implementation, maintenance and sustainability across dispersed pools such as linkage agents, a packaged program, and adaptations of program elements.
A Multisource and Repeated Measure Approach to Assessing Patient—Physician Relationship and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Weng Hui-Ching
Published: May 2009

The object of this study is to compare the multisource assessments of patient— physician relationship with assessments by their patients at two time points. In this observational study, 1,747 outpatients nested under 64 internists and 70 surgeons are surveyed by face-to-face interview at initial patient— physician visits and then in a telephone interview 2 weeks later. On the first evaluation, physicians' self-assessments are not correlated their patients' assessments. At follow-up, physicians' self-assessments correlated with the perceived improvements in patients' health status (p < .05). We also find a positive association (p < .05) between patient satisfaction with their surgeons and perceived improvements of health status at the 2-week follow-up, suggesting that patient satisfaction may be a proxy for symptom or functional improvement. Although most of the ratings of nursing directors, physician peers, administrators, and nonclinical observers are positively associated with the patients' first ratings, the significance of that association disappear by the 2-week follow-up.
`If Adorno isn't the Devil, it's because he's a Jew'
Authors: Webb Dan
Published: May 2009

In this article, I explore the relationship between the philosophy of Theodor Adorno and the Bilderverbot, or biblical Second Commandment against images. My starting point is J. F. Lyotard's construction of the melancholic sublime in his essay `What is the Postmodern?', which I argue he uses to critique Adorno's aesthetics, and, more generally, his position as a `modern' thinker. To prove that Lyotard had Adorno in mind when he constructed the category of the melancholic sublime, I return to an earlier piece by Lyotard — `Adorno as the Devil' — which is a reading of Thomas Mann's Dr Faustus, in which Adorno is said to be one of the faces of the Devil. My argument is that Lyotard's understanding of Adorno is flawed because he does not recognize the distinctly Jewish, albeit secularized, character of his thought. I set out to challenge Lyotard by demonstrating the central importance that the Bilderverbot plays in Adorno's work, which should not be understood as melancholic because the Jewish Messianism associated with the Bilderverbot is profoundly future-oriented. In short, I argue that Lyotard's depiction of Adorno is flawed because he reads him as a Christian, while he should be approaching him as a secularized Jew.
Who are we?
Authors: Weir Allison
Published: May 2009

Charles Taylor and Michel Foucault offer two very different descriptions and analyses of modern identities. While it can be argued that Taylor and Foucault are thematizing two very different aspects of identity — Taylor is focusing on first-person, subjective, affirmed identity, and Foucault is focusing on third-person, or ascribed, category identity — in practice, these two are very much intertwined. I argue that attention to identities of race, gender, class and sexual orientation demands that we combine a Foucauldian power analysis with a Taylorean understanding of authenticity. Taking Nancy Fraser's and Linda Gordon's example of the `single black mother on welfare' as the `icon of dependency' in America and Charles Taylor's example of the `householder' who understands himself in relation to an ideal of independence, I show that neither individual can develop either self-knowledge or freedom without engaging in a quest for authenticity that involves both analysis of relations of power and identification with resistant identities. This requires moving beyond both Taylor and Foucault to an understanding of identity in terms of critical relations with defining communities.
Symptoms and problems in a nationally representative sample of advanced cancer patients
Authors: Johnsen AT , Petersen MA , Pedersen L , Groenvold M
Published: May 2009

Little is known about the need for palliative care among advanced cancer patients who are not in specialist palliative care. The purpose was to identify prevalence and predictors of symptoms and problems in a nationally representative sample of Danish advanced cancer patients. Patients with cancer stage 3 or 4 from 54 hospital departments ( n = 1630) received the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Mean scores were calculated according to the scoring manual and in addition a ‘symptom/problem’ and a ‘severe symptom/problem’ was defined and calculated. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors. In total, 977 (60%) patients participated. The most frequent symptoms/problems were fatigue (57%; severe 22%) followed by reduced role function, insomnia and pain. Age, cancer stage, primary tumour, type of department, marital status and whether the patient had recently been hospitalized or not were associated with several symptoms and problems. This is probably the first nationally representative study of its kind. It shows that advanced cancer patients in Denmark have symptoms and problems that deserve attention and that some patient groups are especially at risk.
Barriers to Outpatient Care in Community-Dwelling Elderly with Dementia
Authors: Thorpe Joshua M. , Van Houtven Courtney Harold , Sleath Betsy L.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between informal caregiver life satisfaction and receipt of outpatient medical care in persons with dementia. We obtained data from the National Longitudinal Caregiver Survey (NLCS), a survey of 1,269 veterans with dementia and their primary informal caregivers. NLCS data were merged with 12 months of Veteran Administration outpatient claims. Outpatient visits were classified as (a) primary, (b) specialty, or (c) mental health care. Greater levels of caregiver-reported life dissatisfaction were associated with decreased likelihood of care-recipient outpatient visits for both primary and mental health care. In addition, we found that care-recipients with African American caregivers were less likely to receive a mental health visit, and those coresiding with their caregiver were more likely to receive a specialty care visit. Our findings suggest that low caregiver life satisfaction may signal an impending breakdown in care-recipients' access to primary and mental health care.
Simvastatin- and Fluvastatin-Associated Nightmares
Authors: Wood Rebecca L. , Cummins Dosha F.
Published: May 2009

The authors present a case of nightmares induced by the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase inhibitors simvastatin and fluvastatin. A 79-year-old Caucasian male initially treated with simvastatin 10 mg every evening developed nightmares after the dose was increased to 40 mg. No relief was provided with a dose reduction to 20 mg, and simvastatin was held. Simvastatin was restarted 7 weeks later at 10 mg, with no complaints of nightmares until the dose was escalated to 20 mg. Simvastatin therapy was subsequently stopped. One month later, fluvastatin 80 mg was initiated and nightmares returned within 3 months, necessitating discontinuation of fluvastatin. The patient was rechallenged with fluvastatin 80 mg, and the nightmares returned 1 month later. Statin therapy was discontinued, and the patient was started on ezetimibe 10 mg. Lipophilic statins such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin have been associated with sleep disturbances. However, lipophilicity may not predict the likelihood of these adverse effects among the statins. Patients prescribed a statin should be counseled on sleep disturbances as potential adverse effects and should be encouraged to notify their providers if these disturbances develop.
The Lobster Tale
Authors: Stepanovich Paul L.
Published: May 2009

Professors in management and business are encouraged to incorporate critical thinking as an objective in their courses. “The Lobster Tale” provides an opportunity to engage students in various levels of critical thinking, ranging from a relatively superficial reading to an examination of the deeper, often hidden issues. Using the foundations of critical theory and systems theory, the story draws on economics, social theory, philosophy, and other disciplines to present a simplified version of the complexities found in our global environment. It can be used to supplement a variety of courses in the business curriculum and to encourage students to challenge not only assumptions but also conventional wisdom and, perhaps, knowledge itself.
The Universality of the Prohibition of the Crime of Genocide, 1948-2008
Authors: Fournet Caroline
Published: May 2009

The year 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption, under the auspices of the United Nations, of the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, a legal instrument generally acknowledged as providing for the authoritative definition of genocide. Yet, if this Convention undoubtedly carved into positive international law a widely accepted definition of the crime, it is nonetheless remarkable that the prohibition of genocide also finds its origins in the obscure concept of peremptory norms of international law, otherwise referred to as jus cogens. The present article thus proposes to assess this apparent fragmentation of sources and ultimately attempts to evaluate the impact, value, and significance of the Genocide Convention.
Lynch Syndrome—Related Endometrial Carcinomas Show a High Frequency of Nonendometrioid Types and of High FIGO Grade Endometrioid Types
Authors: Carcangiu Maria Luisa , Radice Paolo , Casalini Patrizia , Bertario Lucio , Merola Marina , Sala Paolo
Published: May 2009

Although endometrial cancer (EC) represents the second most common cancer after colonic cancer in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS), the pathologic features and behavior of LS-related EC are not well recognized. ECs from 23 patients (mean age 46.2 years) with MSH2 (16), MLH1 (6), and MLH1/MSH2 (1) constitutional mutations were evaluated for histologic type, FIGO grade, FIGO stage, association with tumors in other sites, and survival. For every LS-associated tumor, 2 same-age cases from patients with no family history of LS-associated cancer were evaluated (sporadic group). In LS-associated EC there were 13 (56.5%) endometrioid ( eec) and 10 (43.5%) nonendometrioid carcinomas ( neec), and among the sporadic tumors there were 44 (95.7%) eec and 2 (4.3%) neec ( P = .001). The eec in women with germline LS mutation had a significantly higher FIGO grade ( P = .0378) and more frequent vascular invasion than the controls. The mean survival of the entire group of 23 patients with LS-related EC was 17.326 (14.066 to 20.585). Mean survival according to FIGO stage was significant ( P = .010). Difference in mean survival according to age of the patient at the time of the diagnosis (patients >46 years vs <46 years) was not significant. The mean survival of the mutated patients with eec was 20.462 (17.564 to 23.359) and was not significantly different from that of the mutated patients with neec, which was 14.240 (9.119 to 19.361). Log-rank analysis showed that histology did not affect the survival. However, the hazard ratio of neec patients, although not significant, resulted higher. Mean survival of patients with a neec tumor combined with an endometrioid component (14.375 [8.084 to 20.666]) was not different from that of patients with pure neec cancers (14.250 [7.885 to 20.615]). When compared with the control population, LS-related ECs show a wider variety of histologic types; a higher frequency of neec types despite the younger age of the patients, and a higher frequency of high grades among the eec.
The G1691A Mutation of the Factor V Gene (Factor V Leiden) and the G20210A Mutation of the Prothrombin Gene as Risk Factors in Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Authors: Sucker Christoph , Kurschat Christine , Hetzel Gerd R. , Grabensee Bernd , Maruhn-Debowski Beate , Loncar Robert , Ostojic Ljerka , Scharf Ruediger E. , Zotz Rainer B.
Published: May 2009

Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation and prothrombin G20210A mutation are common hereditary risk factors for venous thrombosis. In the current study, 40 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 35 ± 11 years) and 764 healthy control subjects (mean age ± standard deviation, 37 ± 14 years) were enrolled to assess the potential role of these mutations in the manifestation of thrombotic microangiopathies. Compared with controls, neither the heterozygous FVL mutation (7.5% vs 8.5%; P = 1) nor the heterozygous prothrombin mutation (2.5% vs 2.8%; P = 1) was more prevalent in the patients. The findings do not support a significant role of FVL and prothrombin mutations as risk factors for the manifestation of thrombotic microangiopathies. Thus, screening for these mutations does not allow the identification of individuals at increased risk for these rare thrombotic disorders.
Soft Cochlear Implantation: Rationale for the Surgical Approach
Authors: Friedland David R. , Runge-Samuelson Christina
Published: May 2009

Recent advances in cochlear implant technology have focused renewed attention on the preservation of residual hearing. The focus on preservation of residual hearing is driven by the concept of electroacoustic stimulation. This option depends on the insertion of a short cochlear implant electrode into the basal region of the cochlea while preserving native function in the apical region. The desire to preserve residual hearing has led to the development of the soft-surgery cochlear implantation technique. Here, the authors evaluate its various components. Avoiding entry of blood into the cochlea and the use of hyaluronate seem to be reasonably supported, whereas the use of topical steroids is unlikely to be beneficial. The site of entry into the cochlea, the use of contoured or straight devices, and the depth of insertion are also evaluated. The authors highlight the importance of systematic recording of outcomes and surgical events.
Two Ears and Two (or More?) Devices: A Pediatric Case Study of Bilateral Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Uchanski Rosalie M. , Davidson Lisa S. , Quadrizius Sharon , Reeder Ruth , Cadieux Jamie , Kettel Jerrica , Chole Richard A.
Published: May 2009

Advances in technology and expanding candidacy guidelines have motivated many clinics to consider children with precipitously sloping high-frequency hearing loss as candidates for cochlear implants (CIs). A case study is presented of a pediatric CI patient whose hearing thresholds were preserved within 10 dB of preimplant levels (125-750 Hz) after receiving a fully inserted 31.5-mm electrode array at one ear. The primary goal of this study was to explore the possible benefit of using both a hearing aid (HA) and a CI at one ear while using a HA at the opposite ear. The authors find that although the use of bilateral hearing aids with a CI may only provide a slight benefit, careful attention must be paid to the coordinated fitting of devices, especially at the ear with two devices.
Effects of High-Rate Pulse Trains on Electrode Discrimination in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Runge-Samuelson Christina L.
Published: May 2009

Overcoming issues related to abnormally high neural synchrony in response to electrical stimulation is one aspect in improving hearing with a cochlear implant. Desynchronization of electrical stimuli have shown benefits in neural encoding of electrical signals and improvements in psychophysical tasks. In the present study, 10 participants with either CII or HiRes 90k Advanced Bionics devices were tested for the effects of desynchronizing constant-amplitude high-rate (5,000 Hz) pulse trains on electrode discrimination of sinusoidal stimuli (1,000 Hz). When averaged across the sinusoidal dynamic range, overall improvements in electrode discrimination with high-rate pulses were found for 8 of 10 participants. This effect was significant for the group ( p = .003). Nonmonotonic patterns of electrode discrimination as a function of sinusoidal stimulation level were observed. By providing additional spectral channels, it is possible that clinical implementation of constant-amplitude high-rate pulse trains in a signal processing strategy may improve performance with the device.
Towards an English School Theory of Hegemony
Authors: Clark Ian
Published: May 2009

English School (ES) writers have never developed a systematic account of hegemony, and most set out with assumptions that are `antihegemonial'. The writings of Hedley Bull, in particular, appeared to reject any notion of a legitimate hegemony. However, a social theory of hegemony that emphasizes its consensual nature does appear consistent with other ES positions, particularly on the role of the Great Powers. This article excavates an ES theory of hegemony. It develops the argument for hegemony as a potential institution of international society, by analogy with the role of the Great Powers, and by extension of other ES principles. This stresses not just the material power of the Great Powers, but their degree of social recognition. Accordingly, it suggests that such a view of hegemony is no more paradoxical than, say, ES acceptance of war as a similar institution. This fills a major void in ES theory which otherwise has nothing of interest to say about international order in conditions of primacy.
Moral Authority, Modernity and the Politics of the Sacred
Authors: Hopgood Stephen
Published: May 2009

Capitalist modernity's paradox is to erode explicitly the social capital it relies on implicitly to mobilize people to act in concert when they share neither an identity nor an interest. Monetization and rules are the exemplary mechanisms for realizing modernity's aim of commensurability between all social qualities. Simmel helps us see this. But these abstractions create an authority vacuum. The experience of Amnesty International, emblem of modernity, is an example of efforts to overcome this. A close analysis of Amnesty shows that its authority is derived not from Kantian universalism but from a representation of the sacred that serves as a non-modern foundation for modernity. Even as attempts are made to profane this moral authority through commodification and politicization, we can see in the universalization of the Holocaust narrative a renewed effort at creating a singular global memory for humanity as a whole.
The End of Balance-of-Power Theory? A Comment on Wohlforth et al.'s `Testing Balance-of-Power Theory in World History'
Authors: Eilstrup-Sangiovanni Mette
Published: May 2009

The balance of power is one of the oldest and most venerable concepts in the study of International Relations. Few concepts have had a comparable influence on both scholarship and statesmanship, and few have been so fiercely contested. In a recent article, `Testing Balance-of-Power Theory in World History' ( EJIR, June 2007), Wohlforth et al. set out to test balance-of-power theory against 2000 years of world history. Although their article has considerable merits, I highlight three main weaknesses in their approach. First, I argue that they misstate balance-of-power theory. Second, the competing theoretical hypotheses they offer are (a) not novel, (b) too vague to enable productive empirical testing. Third, the historical evidence they present, based on the study of ancient international systems, is too scant and impressionistic to be probative for the causal mechanisms they seek to evaluate. As a result, balance-of-power theory is neither refuted nor significantly refined.
Does European Integration Lead to a `Presidentialization' of Executive Politics?
Authors: Bäck Hanna , Dumont Patrick , Meier Henk Erik , Persson Thomas , Vernby Kåre
Published: May 2009

In this article, we address recent claims that executive— legislative relations in parliamentary democracies are undergoing important changes owing to either a `presidentialization' or a `Europeanization' of domestic political systems. Therefore, we test empirically whether parliamentary democracies are indeed experiencing changes in executive—legislative relations and whether these developments can, in part, be explained by an increase in European integration. Using data on ministerial selection in Swedish cabinets during the years 1952—2006, we find that there appears to be a slight tendency towards `presidentialization', which is indicated by a decrease in ministers with a parliamentary background being appointed, and that there exists some support for the notion that Sweden's political and economic integration into the European Union is part of the explanation for this change.
Problems of Operationalization and Data in EU Compliance Research
Authors: Hartlapp Miriam , Falkner Gerda
Published: May 2009

Substantial theoretical, conceptual and empirical advances have been made in research on the implementation of EU policies during recent years. However, our findings have remained ambivalent and our theoretical insights disparate. It therefore seems high time to address some methodological issues and to raise awareness of the limits of the various approaches and of the data commonly used. We highlight the challenges of operationalizing and of choosing adequate indicators for the dependent variable (compliance). We also discuss the promises and perils of different types of data used in the field, such as official statistics on notifications and infringements published by the European Commission.
Death and everyday life
Authors: Aranda Gonzalo , Montón-Subías Sandra , Sánchez-Romero Margarita , Alarcón Eva
Published: May 2009

This essay highlights the relationships between the realm of the symbolic world expressed in the funerary sphere and the realm of the maintenance activities of quotidian life, focusing on the Argaric culture of Southeast Iberia (c. 2250—1450 cal BC). The article begins by summarizing engendered mortuary archaeology in relation to maintenance activities and by briefly reviewing the funerary record of the Argaric societies. We then expand on the Argar culture, presenting in more depth two different types of archaeological evidence: grave goods deposited in tombs and paleoanthropological analyses conducted on Argaric skeletons. In the first case, we evaluate the relationship of grave goods to material culture integrated in practices related to the management of everyday domestic life, discussing the socio-symbolical significance that the exclusive association between awls and women may have had. In the second case, we report on those skeletal studies that allow us to infer information about sex differentiated tasks. To conclude, we bring these two different bodies of evidence into a focused dialogue in order to reach a better understanding about the relationship between the social perception and construction of Argaric women's identity and the practices that they may have carried out on a quotidian basis.
Beyond chiefs and networks
Authors: Skoglund Peter
Published: May 2009

This article discusses ship symbolism in Scandinavia during the Bronze Age, 1700—500 BC. It is argued that the ship symbol in south Scandinavia can be primarily related to a mythology guarded by individuals, while the ship symbol in the areas to the north had a more public character, being part of rituals involving many people. The argument is strengthened by a discussion of differences in the rock-carving practice in southern and northern Bohuslän and of ship settings in three different regions. It is argued that the identified differences in the use of the ship symbol are the result of different social strategies, namely a network strategy dominating in the south and a corporate strategy dominating in the areas to the north. By focusing on actions and local contexts, a view of the Bronze Age emerges that differs from recent studies, which instead have underlined the similarities between Scandinavia and central and south Europe in the Bronze Age.
Toward a Technography of Everyday Life: The Methodological Legacy of James W. Carey's Ecology of Technoculture as Communication
Authors: Vannini Phillip , Hodson Jaigris , Vannini April
Published: May 2009

This article identifies Carey's contributions to the concept of technoculture and attempts to systematize his writings on communication, culture, and technology in order to craft a methodological strategy for the study of technoculture based on participant observation and contemporary ethnographic practices of representation. After introducing a definition of technoculture, we outline how technography—the study of technoculture in everyday life—builds upon two sensitizing metaphors: technoculture as ecology and as semiosis. The discussion of technography shows the potential of this research strategy for the study of the symbolic interaction among technics, technological practices, social agents, and the natural environment.
A Proposed Conceptual Framework of Workplace Learning: Implications for Theory Development and Research in Human Resource Development
Authors: Jacobs Ronald L. , Park Yoonhee
Published: May 2009

There is common agreement about the importance of workplace learning. Discussions about the topic have mostly focused on two major components: formal training and informal learning. These components have become the defining features of workplace learning. This article proposes a conceptual framework of workplace learning that is comprised of the interaction of three variables: 1) the location of the learning; 2) the extent of planning that has been invested in developing and delivering the learning experiences; and, 3) the role of the trainer, facilitator, or others during the learning process. The need for the proposed framework stems from two concerns. First, formal training and informal learning represent incompatible levels of discourse, making it difficult to have a cohesive understanding of workplace learning. Second, workplace learning appear to exclude a large segment of HRD practice, particularly when formal training programs occur in the work setting.
Nitric oxide mechanisms of nebivolol
Authors: Maffei Angelo , Lembo Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

β-blockers are among the most widely used drugs in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, although they are associated with increased peripheral resistance. Third-generation β-blockers avoid this adverse effect by inducing vasodilation through different mechanisms. In particular, nebivolol, a highly selective blocker of β1-adrenergic receptors, is the only β-blocker known to induce vascular production of nitric oxide, the main endothelial vasodilator. The specific mechanism of nebivolol is particularly relevant in hypertension, where nitric oxide dysfunction occurs. Indeed, nebivolol is able to reverse endothelial dysfunction. Nebivolol induces nitric oxide production via activation of β3-adrenergic receptors, which can explain the good metabolic profile observed after treatment with this drug. Moreover, nebivolol can also stimulate the β3-adrenergic receptor-mediated production of nitric oxide in the heart, and this stimulation can result in a greater protection against heart failure. In conclusion, nebivolol has a unique profile among antihypertensive drugs, adding to a very high selectivity against β1adrenergic receptors, and an agonist action on β3receptors and nitric oxide (NO), which has led to clinically significant improvements in hypertensive patients.
A heart full of stem cells: the spectrum of myocardial progenitor cells in the postnatal heart
Authors: Stamm Christof , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Nasseri Boris , Hetzer Roland
Published: May 2009

Influencing cellular regeneration processes in the heart has been a long-standing goal in cardiovascular medicine. To some extent, this has been successful in terms of vascular regeneration as well as intercellular connective tissue remodeling processes. Several components of today's routine heart failure medication influence endothelial progenitor cell behavior and support collateral vessel growth in the heart, or have been shown to prevent or reverse fibrosis processes. Cardiomyocyte regeneration, however, has so far escaped therapeutic manipulation strategies. Delivery of exogenous cells of bone marrow origin to the human myocardium may improve heart function, but is not associated with relevant neomyogenesis. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the myocardium contains resident cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) that may be therapeutically useful. This notion indeed represents a paradigm shift but is still controversial. The purpose of this review is to summarize the rapidly expanding current knowledge on CPC, and to assess whether it may be translated into solid therapeutic concepts.
Swimming pool attendance and risk of asthma and allergic symptoms in children
Authors: Font-Ribera L. , Kogevinas M. , Zock J-P. , Nieuwenhuijsen M. J. , Heederik D. , Villanueva C. M.
Published: May 2009

Increased asthma risk has been associated with pool attendance in children but evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. A survey was conducted of 3,223 9–12-yr-old children in Sabadell (Spain) to evaluate association between swimming pool attendance and prevalence of asthma and allergic conditions and symptoms.

Parents completed a questionnaire on lifetime frequency of pool attendance and symptoms in the last 12 months (wheezing, asthma medication, rhinitis and allergic rhinitis), ever having asthma and eczema, and potential confounders. Indicators of indoor and outdoor swimming pool attendance early in life, cumulatively and currently were calculated.

Swimming pool attendance before the age of 2 yrs was associated with slightly lower prevalence of current asthma (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43–1.46), rhinitis (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.68–1.08) and allergic rhinitis symptoms (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.96) compared to those who started attending swimming pools after 4 yrs of age. An increased prevalence of eczema was associated with duration of lifetime pool attendance (OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.38–2.12 for >5 yrsversus0 yrs).

Swimming pool attendance in Spanish children was associated with slightly less upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms and with more eczema. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings and avoid potential reverse causation.