bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Malabsorption in the Elderly
Authors: Holt Peter R.
Published: April 2007

Background: Intestinal malabsorption in the elderly is infrequent, and clinical features are muted so that the diagnosis is often missed. Physiologic changes with aging are restricted to altered absorption of calcium and perhaps zinc and magnesium; however, achlorhydria can lead to impaired absorption of vitamin B12, folic acid, and calcium. Methods and Results: Small bowel bacterial overgrowth occurs more commonly in elderly than in younger patients, accompanying gastric hypochlorhydria, altered intestinal motor activity, or diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Changes in pancreatic anatomy and secretion occur but are insufficient to produce macronutrient malabsorption. In addition to pancreatic cancer and pancreatic stones, older patients may present with severe pancreatic insufficiency of unknown etiology. Celiac disease is recognized as very common at all ages and may not become evident until late in life. Manifestations of celiac disease in the elderly are occult and the diagnosis often is not considered until serologic tests are performed and confirmed by upper small intestinal biopsy. Associated intestinal lymphoma, esophageal carcinoma, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and splenic atrophy may be more common in the elderly. Treatment of older patients with celiac disease with a gluten-free diet may be difficult, and intensive vitamin and micronutrient replacement is mandatory. A pragmatic approach to the evaluation of malabsorption in elderly patients is discussed.
Diverticular Disease in the Elderly
Authors: Comparato Giuseppe , Pilotto Alberto , Franzè Angelo , Franceschi Marilisa , Di Mario Francesco
Published: April 2007

There are few diseases whose incidence varies as greatly worldwide as that of diverticulosis. Its prevalence is largely age-dependent: the disease is uncommon in those under the age of 40, the prevalence of which is estimated at approximately 5%; this increases to 65% in those ≧65 years of age. Of patients with diverticula, 80–85% remain asymptomatic, while, for unknown reasons, only three-fourths of the remaining 15–20% of patients develop symptomatic diverticular disease. Traditional concepts regarding the causes of colonic diverticula include alterations in colonic wall resistance, disordered colonic motility and dietary fiber deficiency. Currently, inflammation has been proposed to play a role in diverticular disease. Goals of therapy in diverticular disease should include improvement of symptoms and prevention of recurrent attacks in symptomatic, uncomplicated diverticular disease, and prevention of the complications of disease such as diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is the most usual clinical complication of diverticular disease, affecting 10–25% of patients with diverticula. Most patients admitted with acute diverticulitis respond to conservative treatment, but 15–30% require surgery. Predictive factors for severe diverticulitis are sex, obesity, immunodeficiency and old age. Surgery for acute complications of diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon carries significant rates of morbidity and mortality, the latter of which occurs predominantly in cases of severe comorbidity. Postoperative mortality and morbidity are to a large extent driven by patient-related factors.
Successful Use of Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for Leg Ulcers Caused by Occluding Vasculopathy and Inflammatory Vascular Diseases – A Case Series
Authors: Zutt Markus , Haas Ellen , Krüger Ullrich , Distler Meike , Neumann Christine
Published: April 2007

Background: Leg ulcers caused by vasculitis, small vessel occlusion or other rare conditions often prove to be very difficult to treat. Despite polypragmatic, systemic and localized therapy, many of these wounds are progressive and characterized by severe pain. Methods and Results: We here portray the cases of 5 patients with ulcers resistant to systemic therapy for the underlying disease, who were treated successfully using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for wound management. We present the advantages and disadvantages of this method, as well as illustrating the essential and known therapeutic principles. Conclusions: Our experience shows VAC to be an excellent and effective alternative in the treatment of therapy-resistant chronic wounds caused by vasculopathy (small vessel occlusion or vasculitis). We did not observe any pathergy or proinflammatory effects caused by VAC.
Surgical Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nomura Sachiyo , Kaminishi Michio
Published: April 2007

Around half the cases of gastric cancer are found in the early stage in Japan. With an expected good prognosis, many treatment options have been developed to maintain a good quality of life of the patients after the treatment. Gastric cancer is diagnosed with endoscopy, and the depth of invasion is diagnosed with endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. One of the new treatments is endoscopic submucosal dissection. Improvements in surgical treatment are minimizing lymph node dissection, reconstruction methods, laparoscopy-assisted surgery, and sentinel node navigation surgery. Minimizing lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer is well described in the Guidelines for Gastric Cancer Treatments. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy, jejunal interposition, pouch reconstruction, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy are improvements in reconstruction after gastrectomy. More and more surgeons start laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. Even with these improvements, the 5-year survival of early gastric cancer is more than 90% in Japan. Further improvements would be possible in the future.
Altered Expression of COX-2 in Subdivisions of the Hippocampus during Aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Fujimi Kouhei , Noda Kazuhito , Sasaki Kensuke , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Tanizaki Yumihiro , Iida Mitsuo , Kiyohara Yutaka , Kanba Shigenobu , Iwaki Toru
Published: April 2007

Background: It has been reported that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-2, an inducible form of COX, may be involved in the pathology of AD in association with the arachidonic acid cascade. In addition, it has been suggested that alterations in the balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with brain dysfunctions such as neurodegerative pathologies of the aging brain. Method: To explore COX-2 expression in the hippocampus, we analyzed 45 consecutive autopsy subjects without dementia and 25 AD patients derived from the town of Hisayama, Japan. Results: The neuronal expression of COX-2 in the CA3 subdivision of the hippocampus, subiculum, entorhinal cortex and transentorhinal cortex were consistently observed in both nondemented and AD brains, and COX-2 immunoreactivity correlated with age in nondemented brains. In AD patients, neurons of CA1 exhibited increased COX-2 immunoreactivity which correlated with the severity of AD pathology. This correlation was not apparent in nondemented subjects. Conclusion: These results suggest that COX-2 expression may be differentially regulated among subdivisions of the hippocampus and that elevated COX-2 expression in the CA1 of AD brains may be associated with AD pathology and thus cognitive dysfunction.
Rapunzel Syndrome Reviewed and Redefined
Authors: Naik Saleem , Gupta Vivek , Naik Swati , Rangole Ashwin , Chaudhary Ashok K. , Jain Prashant , Sharma Ashok K.
Published: April 2007

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare presentation of a trichobezoar, with 24 cases having been reported in literature so far. This syndrome has been reported in 23 female and 1 male patient with a mean age of 10.8 years. The patients commonly present with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and signs of obstruction. The distal end of the bezoar may be in the jejunum, ileum or the colon. We evaluate the various cases reported and discuss the various modes of presentation of this uncommon syndrome, and also present a series of 3 cases, all females, aged 16, 18 and 21 years, and had a trichobezoar in the stomach with a tail extending into the ileum.
Statins Activate Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Through Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–Dependent Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Macrophages
Authors: Yano Miyuki , Matsumura Takeshi , Senokuchi Takafumi , Ishii Norio , Murata Yusuke , Taketa Kayo , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Taguchi Tetsuya , Sonoda Kazuhiro , Kukidome Daisuke , Takuwa Yoh , Kawada Teruo , Brownlee Michael , Nishikawa Takeshi , Araki Eiichi
Published: April 2007

Both statins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ ligands have been reported to protect against the progression of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of statins on PPARγ activation in macrophages. Statins increased PPARγ activity, which was inhibited by mevalonate, farnesylpyrophosphate, or geranylgeranylpyrophosphate. Furthermore, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor and a geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor mimicked the effects of statins. Statins inhibited the membrane translocations of Ras, RhoA, Rac, and Cdc42, and overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of RhoA (DN-RhoA) and Cdc42 (DN-Cdc42), but not of Ras or Rac, increased PPARγ activity. Statins induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. However, DN-RhoA and DN-Cdc42 activated p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2. ERK1/2- or p38 MAPK–specific inhibitors abrogated statin-induced PPARγ activation. Statins induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and increased intracellular 15-deoxy-Δ
12,14
-prostaglandin J
2
(15d-PGJ
2
) levels through ERK1/2- and p38 MAPK–dependent pathways, and inhibitors or small interfering RNA of COX-2 inhibited statin-induced PPARγ activation. Statins also activate PPARα via COX-2–dependent increases in 15d-PGJ
2
levels. We further demonstrated that statins inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor α or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression, and these effects by statins were abrogated by the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 or by small interfering RNA of PPARγ or PPARα. Statins also induced ATP-binding cassette protein A1 or CD36 mRNA expression, and these effects were suppressed by small interfering RNAs of PPARγ or PPARα. In conclusion, statins induce COX-2–dependent increase in 15d-PGJ
2
level through a RhoA- and Cdc42-dependent p38 MAPK pathway and a RhoA- and Cdc42-independent ERK1/2 pathway, thereby activating PPARγ. Statins also activate PPARα via COX-2–dependent pathway. These effects of statins may explain their antiatherogenic actions.
Angiotensin II Increases Expression of α1C Subunit of L-Type Calcium Channel Through a Reactive Oxygen Species and cAMP Response Element–Binding Protein–Dependent Pathway in HL-1 Myocytes
Authors: Tsai Chia-Ti , Wang Danny Ling , Chen Wen-Pin , Hwang Juey-Jen , Hsieh Chia-Shan , Hsu Kuan-Lih , Tseng Chuen-Den , Lai Ling-Ping , Tseng Yung-Zu , Chiang Fu-Tien , Lin Jiunn-Lee
Published: April 2007

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). L-type calcium channel (LCC) expression is altered in AF remodeling. We investigated whether Ang II modulates LCC current through transcriptional regulation, by using murine atrial HL-1 cells, which have a spontaneous calcium transient, and an in vivo rat model. Ang II increased LCC α1C subunit mRNA and protein levels and LCC current density, which resulted in an augmented calcium transient in atrial myocytes. An ≈2-kb promoter region of LCC α1C subunit gene was cloned to the pGL3 luciferase vector. Ang II significantly increased promoter activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Truncation and mutational analysis of the LCC α1C subunit gene promoter showed that cAMP response element (CRE) (−1853 to −1845) was an important
cis
element in Ang II-induced LCC α1C subunit gene expression. Transfection of dominant-negative CRE binding protein (CREB) (pCMV-CREBS133A) abolished the Ang II effect. Ang II (1 μmol/L, 2 hours) induced serine 133 phosphorylation of CREB and binding of CREB to CRE and increased LCC α1C subunit gene promoter activity through a protein kinase C/NADPH oxidase/reactive oxygen species pathway, which was blocked by the Ang II type 1 receptor blocker losartan and the antioxidant simvastatin. In the rat model, Ang II infusion increased LCC α1C subunit expression and serine 133 phosphorylation of CREB, which were attenuated by oral losartan and simvastatin. In summary, Ang II induced LCC α1C subunit expression via a protein kinase C–, reactive oxygen species–, and CREB-dependent pathway and was blocked by losartan and simvastatin.
Impact of Serum Amyloid A on Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Expression and Activity in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhao Yulan , Zhou Shuli , Heng Chew-Kiat
Published: April 2007

Objective—

Although serum amyloid A (SAA) is a useful biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD), its direct role in procoagulation is obscure. This study investigates the impact of SAA on the expression and activity of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results—

SAA was found to disturb the balance of TF and TFPI expression and activity in human endothelial cells. SAA (20 μg/mL) markedly induced TF expression between 4 to 8 hours in both protein and mRNA levels, as well as TF activity. Conversely, incubation of SAA (20 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 hours was found to significantly inhibit TFPI secretion, transcription, and activity. Pretreatment with formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) inhibitors (Pertussis toxin and WRWWWW) could block the SAA effects on TF and TFPI. Furthermore, pretreatment with the respective specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (SB203580, PD98059, and SP600125) and NFκB inhibitor (Bay-11 to 7082) could block SAA-dependent TF induction. SAA also directly induced activation of MAP kinases and NFκB.

Conclusions—

The stimulating effect of SAA was faster-acting on the expression and activity of TF and the inhibitory effect was slower-acting on TFPI. The effects are mediated through FPRL1, MAP kinases and NFκB.
Endothelial Fibrinolytic Capacity Predicts Future Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Robinson Simon D. , Ludlam Christopher A. , Boon Nicholas A. , Newby David E.
Published: April 2007

Objective—

The endothelium-derived fibrinolytic factor tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a major determinant of vessel patency after coronary plaque rupture and thrombosis. We assessed whether endothelial fibrinolytic capacity predicts atherothrombotic events in patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods and Results—

Plasma t-PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 concentrations were measured during intrabrachial substance P infusion in 98 patients with angiographically proven stable coronary heart disease. Forearm blood flow was measured during infusion of substance P and sodium nitroprusside. Cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction [MI], ischemic stroke [CVA], and emergency hospitalization for unstable angina) were determined during 42 months of follow-up. Patients experiencing a cardiovascular event (n=19) had similar baseline characteristics to those free of events. Substance P caused a dose-dependent increase in plasma t-PA concentrations (
P
<0.001). However, net t-PA release was 72% lower in the patients who experienced death, MI, or CVA, and 48% lower in those who suffered death, MI, CVA or hospitalization for unstable angina (
P
<0.05). Major adverse cardiovascular events were most frequent in those with the lowest fibrinolytic capacity (
P
=0.03 for trend); patients with the lowest quartile of t-PA release had the highest rate of adverse events (
P
=0.01).

Conclusion—

Endothelial fibrinolytic capacity, as measured by stimulated t-PA release, predicts the future risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease. We suggest that endothelial fibrinolytic capacity is a powerful novel determinant of cardiovascular risk.
Inducible cAMP Early Repressor Inhibits Growth of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Authors: Ohtsubo Hideki , Ichiki Toshihiro , Miyazaki Ryohei , Inanaga Keita , Imayama Ikuyo , Hashiguchi Yasuko , Sadoshima Junichi , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: April 2007

Objective—

The role of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), a transcriptional repressor, in the vascular remodeling process has not been determined. We examined whether ICER affects growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods and Results—

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that expression of ICER was increased in beraprost (a prostaglandin I
2
analogue)-stimulated VSMCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The induction of ICER was inhibited by pretreatment with H89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, suggesting that PKA mediates the induction of ICER expression. Beraprost suppressed platelet-derived growth factor–induced thymidine incorporation in VSMCs, which was reversed by transfection of short interfering RNA for ICER, not by scramble RNA. Overexpression of ICER by an adenovirus vector attenuated neointimal formation (intima/media ratio) by 50% compared with overexpression of LacZ. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling–positive cells was increased and the number of Ki-67–positive cells was decreased in ICER-transduced artery.

Conclusion—

These results suggest that ICER induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of VSMCs, and plays a critical role in beraprost-mediated suppression of VSMC proliferation. ICER may be an important endogenous inhibitor of vascular proliferation.
Meta-Analysis of Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wu Bo , Liu Ming , Liu Hua , Li Wei , Tan Song , Zhang Shihong , Fang Yuan
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose—

A large number of traditional Chinese patent medicine (TCPM) are widely used for ischemic stroke in China. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing clinical evidence on TCPM for ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We identified all TCPM that were listed in the Chinese National Essential Drug list of 2004 and those commonly used TCPM in current clinical practice for ischemic stroke. Fifty-nine TCPM were identified for further evaluation. We applied Cochrane systematic review methods. We searched for reports of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials on any of the 59 TCPM for ischemic stroke comparing one TCPM with control. Primary outcomes included death or dependency at the end of follow-up (at least 3 months) and adverse events. Effects on neurological impairments were a secondary outcome.

Results—

One-hundred ninety-one trials (19 338 patients) on 22 TCPM were available and included, of which 120 were definite or possible randomized controlled trials and 71 were controlled clinical trials. The methodological quality of included trials was generally “poor.” Few trials reported methods of randomization. Three trials were randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled. Primary outcomes: one trial on Puerarin and one trial on Shenmai injection assessed death or dependency at the end of long-term follow-up (at least 3 months) and found no statistically significant difference between 2 groups. The reported adverse events including allergic reaction, headache, nausea, diarrhea, bellyache, blood pressure change, and subcutaneous ecchymosis. Most of the adverse events were not severe. Secondary outcomes: analysis of the secondary outcome, “marked improvement in neurological deficit,” showed apparent benefits of about the same magnitude for all the TCPM studied. Of the 22 TCPM, 8 drugs (Milk vetch, Mailuoning, Ginkgo biloba, Ligustrazine, Danshen agents, Xuesetong, Puerarin, and Acanthopanax) had relatively more studies and patient numbers.

Conclusions—

There was insufficient good quality evidence on the effects of TCPM in ischemic stroke on the primary outcome (death or dependency). We considered the apparent benefit on neurological impairment was as likely to be attributable to bias from poor methodology as to a real treatment effect. However, because the agents assessed appeared potentially beneficial and nontoxic, further randomized controlled trials are justified. Eight drugs could be further research priorities.
Can We Improve the Statistical Analysis of Stroke Trials?
Authors:   The Optimising Analysis of Stroke Trials (OAST) Collaboration
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose—

Most large acute stroke trials have been neutral. Functional outcome is usually analyzed using a yes or no answer, eg, death or dependency versus independence. We assessed which statistical approaches are most efficient in analyzing outcomes from stroke trials.

Methods—

Individual patient data from acute, rehabilitation and stroke unit trials studying the effects of interventions which alter functional outcome were assessed. Outcomes included modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and “3 questions”. Data were analyzed using a variety of approaches which compare 2 treatment groups. The results for each statistical test for each trial were then compared.

Results—

Data from 55 datasets were obtained (47 trials, 54 173 patients). The test results differed substantially so that approaches which use the ordered nature of functional outcome data (ordinal logistic regression,
t
test, robust ranks test, bootstrapping the difference in mean rank) were more efficient statistically than those which collapse the data into 2 groups (χ
2
; ANOVA,
P
<0.001). The findings were consistent across different types and sizes of trial and for the different measures of functional outcome.

Conclusions—

When analyzing functional outcome from stroke trials, statistical tests which use the original ordered data are more efficient and more likely to yield reliable results. Suitable approaches included ordinal logistic regression,
t
test, and robust ranks test.
Reproducibility of High-Resolution MRI for the Identification and the Quantification of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Components
Authors: Touzé Emmanuel , Toussaint Jean-François , Coste Joël , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Bonneville Fabrice , Vandermarcq Pierre , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Douvrin Françoise , Meder Jean-François , Mas Jean-Louis , Oppenheim Catherine
Published: April 2007

Background and Purpose—

Although MRI is increasingly proposed to investigate composition of carotid atherosclerosis, its reproducibility has rarely been addressed. We assessed the reproducibility of MRI for the identification and quantification of carotid atherosclerotic plaque components.

Methods—

Using published criteria, 2 readers independently analyzed the carotid MRI (1.5-T MR units with a 4-channel phased-array surface coil, Machnet) of 85 consecutive patients with symptomatic (40% to 69% according to NASCET method) or asymptomatic (60% or greater) carotid artery stenosis enrolled in an ongoing prognostic study. One reader reevaluated all images. Fibrous cap was also secondarily identified independently on T2-weighted and time-of-flight (TOF) images.

Results—

Intraobserver agreement was substantial for the identification of calcifications (kappa [κ]=0.70; 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.86) and lipid-rich/necrotic core (LR/NC) (κ=0.69; 0.31 to 0.86), almost perfect for hemorrhages (κ=0.82; 0.68 to 0.96), and moderate (κ=0.58; 0.27 to 0.88) and fair (κ=0.33; 0.09 to 0.56) for fibrous cap identification on T2-weighted and TOF images, respectively. Interobserver agreement was substantial for the identification of calcifications (κ=0.74; 0.59 to 0.89) and hemorrhages (κ=0.62; 0.43 to 0.81), and moderate for LR/NC (κ=0.58; 0.20 to 0.95). Agreement was fair for fibrous cap identification on both T2-weighted (κ=0.28; −0.03 to 0.59) and on TOF images (κ=0.26; 0.04 to 0.48). Agreement between T2 and TOF images for fibrous cap identification was slight (κ=0.16; 0.01 to 0.31). Intra- and interobserver reproducibility for quantitative area measurements of vessel, lumen, plaque, LR/NC, and fibrous components was high with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.99. However, for the LR/NC, the interval delimited by the Bland-Altman graphs was wide in comparison to the mean.

Conclusions—

Vessel and plaque quantification is reproducible. Reproducibility of MRI for identifying and quantifying carotid plaque components is overall acceptable, but there is still significant variability that should be taken into account in the design of prognosis studies and clinical trials. Reproducibility for fibrous cap identification needs to be improved.
Maximum Monthly Rainfall Analysis Using L-Moments for an Arid Region in Isfahan Province, Iran
Authors: Eslamian S. Saeid , Feizi Hussein
Published: April 2007

Developing methods that can give a suitable prediction of hydrologic events is always interesting for both hydrologists and statisticians, because of its importance in designing hydraulic structures and water resource management. Because of the computer revolution in statistical computation and lack of robustness in at-site frequency analysis, since early 1990 the application of regional frequency analysis based on L-moments has been considered more for flood analysis. In this study, the above-mentioned method has been used for the selection of parent distributions to fit maximum monthly rainfall data of 18 sites in the Zayandehrood basin, Iran, and as a consequence the generalized extreme-value and Pearson type-III distributions have been selected and model parameters have been estimated. The obtained extreme rainfall values can be used for meteorological drought management in the arid zone.
Atmospheric Circulation Effects on Wind Speed Variability at Turbine Height
Authors: Klink Katherine
Published: April 2007

Mean monthly wind speed at 70 m above ground level is investigated for 11 sites in Minnesota for the period 1995–2003. Wind speeds at these sites show significant spatial and temporal coherence, with prolonged periods of above- and below-normal values that can persist for as long as 12 months. Monthly variation in wind speed primarily is determined by the north–south pressure gradient, which captures between 22% and 47% of the variability (depending on the site). Regression on wind speed residuals (pressure gradient effects removed) shows that an additional 6%–15% of the variation can be related to the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Niño-3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Wind speeds showed little correspondence with variation in the Pacific–North American (PNA) circulation index. The effect of the strong El Niño of 1997/98 on the wind speed time series was investigated by recomputing the regression equations with this period excluded. The north–south pressure gradient remains the primary determinant of mean monthly 70-m wind speeds, but with 1997/98 removed the influence of the AO increases at nearly all stations while the importance of the Niño-3.4 SSTs generally decreases. Relationships with the PNA remain small. These results suggest that long-term patterns of low-frequency wind speed (and thus wind power) variability can be estimated using large-scale circulation features as represented by large-scale climatic datasets and by climate-change models.
Parameterization of Convective Transport in a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model and Its Evaluation
Authors: Forster Caroline , Stohl Andreas , Seibert Petra
Published: April 2007

This paper presents the revision and evaluation of the interface between the convective parameterization by Emanuel and Živković-Rothman and the Lagrangian particle dispersion model “FLEXPART” based on meteorological data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The convection scheme relies on the ECMWF grid-scale temperature and humidity and provides a matrix necessary for the vertical convective particle displacement. The benefits of the revised interface relative to its previous version are presented. It is shown that, apart from minor fluctuations caused by the stochastic convective redistribution of the particles, the well-mixed criterion is fulfilled in simulations that include convection. Although for technical reasons the calculation of the displacement matrix differs somewhat between the forward and the backward simulations in time, the mean relative difference between the convective mass fluxes in forward and backward simulations is below 3% and can therefore be tolerated. A comparison of the convective mass fluxes and precipitation rates with those archived in the 40-yr ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA-40) data reveals that the convection scheme in FLEXPART produces upward mass fluxes and precipitation rates that are generally smaller by about 25% than those from ERA-40. This result is interpreted as positive, because precipitation is known to be overestimated by the ECMWF model. Tracer transport simulations with and without convection are compared with surface and aircraft measurements from two tracer experiments and to 222Rn measurements from two aircraft campaigns. At the surface no substantial differences between the model runs with and without convection are found, but at higher altitudes the model runs with convection produced better agreement with the measurements in most of the cases and indifferent results in the others. However, for the tracer experiments only few measurements at higher altitudes are available, and for the aircraft campaigns the 222Rn emissions are highly uncertain. Other datasets better suitable for the validation of convective transport in models are not available. Thus, there is a clear need for reliable datasets suitable to validate vertical transport in models.
New Categorical Metrics for Air Quality Model Evaluation
Authors: Kang Daiwen , Mathur Rohit , Schere Kenneth , Yu Shaocai , Eder Brian
Published: April 2007

Traditional categorical metrics used in model evaluations are “clear cut” measures in that the model’s ability to predict an “exceedance” is defined by a fixed threshold concentration and the metrics are defined by observation–forecast sets that are paired both in space and time. These metrics are informative but limited in evaluating the performance of air quality forecast (AQF) systems because AQF generally examines exceedances on a regional scale rather than a single monitor. New categorical metrics—the weighted success index (WSI), area hit (aH), and area false-alarm ratio (aFAR)—are developed. In the calculation of WSI, credits are given to the observation–forecast pairs within the observed exceedance region (missed forecast) or the forecast exceedance region (false alarm), depending on the distance of the points from the central line (perfect observation–forecast match line or 1:1 line on scatterplot). The aH and aFAR are defined by matching observed and forecast exceedances within an area (i.e., model grid cells) surrounding the observation location. The concept of aH and aFAR resembles the manner in which forecasts are usually issued. In practice, a warning is issued for a region of interest, such as a metropolitan area, if an exceedance is forecast to occur anywhere within the region. The application of these new categorical metrics, which are supplemental to the traditional counterparts (critical success index, hit rate, and false-alarm ratio), to the Eta Model–Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) forecast system has demonstrated further insight into evaluating the forecasting capability of the system (e.g., the new metrics can provide information about how the AQF system captures the spatial variations of pollutant concentrations).
On the Evaporation Duct for Inhomogeneous Conditions in Coastal Regions
Authors: Geernaert G. L.
Published: April 2007

Evaporation ducts are ubiquitous phenomena over the oceans, and they are responsible for much of the over-the-horizon propagation occurring with millimeter and microwave radars. The height of the evaporation duct depends on meteorological parameters, most notably air and water temperature and relative humidity. In most cases, models that predict the height of the evaporation duct are based on Monin–Obukhov similarity (MOS) theory, and uncertainties in model predictions are often attributed to the simplifying assumptions behind MOS theory. In this paper, an extension to MOS theory is introduced that accommodates spatial variability of meteorological parameters in coastal regions. It is found that for even weakly varying meteorological conditions there are substantial differences in duct heights predicted when spatially varying conditions are invoked versus spatially homogeneous conditions.
Growth and Productivity Accounts from EU KLEMS: An Overview
Authors: Timmer Marcel P. , O'Mahony Mary , van Ark Bart
Published: April 2007

This paper gives an overview of the construction of and preliminary results from the EU KLEMS database which contains industry estimates of output, input and productivity growth for EU countries. The paper begins with a discussion of methodology and data sources covering output and intermediates, capital and labour services. The content and scope of the database is then briefly described. This is followed by a discussion of preliminary results focusing on comparisons between the EU and US. These confirm the relatively poor productivity performance of the EU relative to the US since the mid-1990s, mostly driven by low productivity growth in market services.
UK Growth and Productivity in an International Perspective: Evidence from EU KLEMS
Authors: O'Mahony Mary , Robinson Catherine
Published: April 2007

The productivity performance of the UK relative to its major competitors has been a concern for much of the postwar period. There is a general perception that, in recent years, its position has improved, however, most work stops short of the period in question. Newly constructed data from the EU KLEMS productivity and growth accounts database provides an insight into UK productivity performance and that of its major competitors. This paper provides an overview of recent UK performance relative to France, Germany and the US and finds that the UK has seen a rise in output and employment growth since 1995. Growth has been particularly strong in ICT producing sectors and market service sectors. With this in mind, there are perhaps some grounds for optimism for the future of productivity growth in the UK.
Guru or Teacher? Shishya or Student? Pedagogic Shifts in South Asian Dance Training in India and Britain
Authors: Prickett Stacey
Published: April 2007

The guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) has underpinned training in South Asian dance for generations. This article examines aspects of the tradition which make it problematic in today's society and global diasporic context, particularly the gurukula system, in which the disciple spends extensive time with the guru. Fundamental aspects of the parampara continue to be perpetuated, however, in diverse teaching contexts in India, particularly in the significance of lineage and the aims for a holistic dance education. Drawing on fieldwork in India, at Kathak Kendra and Kalakshetra, state-supported Kathak and Bharatanatyam academies, and among independent gurus, the article examines the extent to which aspects of the parampara are being perpetuated and/or transformed today.

In Britain, at the same time, grappling with local, national and transnational multicultural environments, the South Asian dance community has begun to shape new dance pedagogies as it works to integrate Kathak and Bharatanatyam into the mainstream. Research highlights how teaching methodologies and conceptualisations of the body in South Asian dance are being influenced by western dance pedagogies, now spread through the UK-based dance journal Pulse and international exchanges.
Political Activism and South Asian Dance
Authors: Grau Andrée
Published: April 2007

The article examines the work of the Indian dancer-activist Mallika Sarabhai. It situates her in her socio-economic background as a representative of an influential family, which set up the Darpana Academy for Performing Arts, an institute built on the Nehruvian philosophy of modernity. It presents her vision of what makes a politically engaged feminist artist, looking at the inspiration for her works as well as the kind of movement vocabulary she chooses for her choreographies. It specifically addresses the issue of her position during a period in India which saw the rise of Hindutva (‘Hinduness’) and an escalation of violence against Muslims in the state of Gujarat, showing how her political engagement led to government harassment and loss of sponsorship to her institution.
Livelihood Pattern of Agricultural Labour Households in Rural India
Authors: Mahapatra Sushanta
Published: April 2007

Using primarily different published secondary data, the article analyses employment generation, income of different categories of labour and the extent of indebtedness and earning prevalent among rural landless labourers and agricultural house-holds in rural Orissa, with a view to understanding their livelihood patterns. In this state—where more than 85 per cent of the population is rural—a third of rural households constitute landless labour households which depend completely on wage employment. Another 60 per cent of rural households is comprised of marginal farmers and small farmers who do not generate sufficient income from their land. Even small farmers with up to five acres supplement their agriculture with outside jobs or wage employment. The evidence relating to rural labour households and agricultural labour households shows an explicit overall decline in employment both for male and female labour. There is also a decline in the average number of earning members per household. Clearly, the rural labour households and agricultural labour households in this state are characterised by low earning, decline in income, low consumption and high debt, and remedies will have to be found to generate more employment and income.
Construct Validity of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) Self-Report of Personality
Authors: Weis Robert , Smenner Lindsey
Published: April 2007

The authors investigate the construct validity of the Behavior Assessment System for Children Self-Report of Personality (BASC-SRP; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998). A sample of 970 adolescents (16-18 years) with histories of disruptive behavior problems and truancy complete the SRP; a subsample of 290 adolescents also completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent (Butcher et al., 1992). Confirmatory factor analysis support a three-factor structure for the SRP. The Clinical Maladjustment and Personal Adjustment composites show adequate convergent, discriminant, and discriminative validity. Less evidence for the validity of the School Maladjustment composite is found. Results support the overall construct validity of the SRP with adolescents referred for behavior problems but suggest that the SRP composites and scales measure a wider range of psychopathology than their labels imply.
A Short Form of the Teacher Rating Scale of School Adjustment
Authors: Betts Lucy R. , Rotenberg Ken J.
Published: April 2007

A total of 278 children at Time 1 (144 male and 134 female) from School Years 1 and 2 in the United Kingdom serve as participants. The children complete self-rated scales of school adjustment, and their teachers complete the Teacher Rating Scale of School Adjustment (TRSSA) twice across a 1-year period. At Time 1, children's performance on Standardized Achievement Tests are available for children in School Year 2. An exploratory factor analysis of the TRSSA at Time 1 yielded a viable short form of the scale composed of three associated factors (On-Task Classroom Involvement, Positive Orientation, and Maturity). Confirmatory factor analyses of the Short Form TRSSA yield evidence for these three factors at Time 2. The Short Form TRSSA demonstrates acceptable internal consistency and stability across time. As evidence for validity of the scale, the Short Form TRSSA is associated with children's self-reported school adjustment and academic performance.
Coordination and Diversification of Investments in Multimodal Transportation
Authors: Lambert James H. , Joshi Nilesh N. , Peterson Kenneth D. , Wadie Shadi M.
Published: April 2007

Across the nation, there are opportunities to improve multimodal coordination and prioritization of investments among transportation agencies. This article develops a method to coordinate and diversify transportation investments across travel modes and qualitative goals. The method helps decision makers to identify and prioritize investments for multimodal corridors, which involve large-scale coordination of transportation projects across modes. The article describes the developed method in two parts: prioritizing multimodal corridors at a macro level of analysis and coordinating modal projects at a micro level. The benefits of the method include (a) identification of efficient investment alternatives to meet travel demands when considering multiple modes relative to only single modes, (b) direction of funding to the multimodal corridors and modal projects where the needs are most urgent, and (c) increased transparency and accountability of multimodal agencies for funding that can be allocated across multiple modes. The article addresses multimodal transportation planning efforts with systematic, evidence-based approaches to coordinating long-range investments.
Taking Stock of Gaps to Be Closed
Authors: Carroll Deborah A. , Wagers Kristin A.
Published: April 2007

The Federal Highway Administration uses the term gaps to be closed to identify an incomplete roadway system. Through a national survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs), this article provides a comprehensive examination of the prevalence and location of gaps to be closed, reasons for the existence of such gaps, and the current state of practice for addressing the issue of gaps to be closed. The authors find that seven states currently have gaps to be closed, which can be attributed to a lack of funding, citizen and interest group opposition, the presence of historical landmarks, an impasse on construction plans, and other political and environmental issues. They also find evidence of formal policies and specific management approaches among the states to address the issue of gaps to be closed. Conclusions are drawn from the survey results and are provided as suggestions for states and local communities to address the issue of gaps to be closed.
Field Investigation of Highway Sign Damage Rates and Inspector Accuracy
Authors: Immaneni Venkata Pavan K. , Rasdorf William J. , Hummer Joseph E. , Yeom Chunho
Published: April 2007

This study sought to create a simulation model to provide the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) with recommendations to improve its sign inspection and replacement procedures. This research focuses on two key factors built into the model: (a) the rate at which signs are damaged beyond usefulness based on natural or man-made causes and (b) the accuracy rate of visual sign inspections based on retroreflectivity. The research team conducted nighttime rides with sign inspectors in 5 of 14 NCDOT divisions. During subsequent daytime rides, the team measured sign retroreflectivity to allow estimation of sign deterioration and inspector accuracy rates. Data were collected for white, yellow, red, and green signs and for sheeting Types I and III. About 2.3% of inspected signs (per year) were damaged to the point of needing replacement, and inspectors did not reject a large percentage of signs that had retroreflectivity values below the proposed minimum Federal Highway Administration standard.
Implementation of Food Biosecurity Management Plan Against Food Terrorism in On-Site Foodservice Operations
Authors: Yoon Eunju , Shanklin Carol W.
Published: April 2007

The authors investigated how often specific preventive measures against possible food terrorism threats were practiced in on-site foodservice operations and what characteristics those relatively well-secured operations possess. Information about 35 food biosecurity practices from six categories and nine operational characteristics were obtained from foodservice directors in health care operations and schools in Kansas during the spring of 2005. Basic descriptive analysis and canonical correlation analysis were used to address research questions. Based on the data analyses results, the on-site foodservice operations that were more cautious about possible food terrorism threats performed specific food biosecurity preventive measures more often.
Providing an Explanation for Service Failure: Context, Content, and Customer Responses
Authors: Sparks Beverley , Fredline Liz
Published: April 2007

This study investigated the role of explanations or accounts in mitigating the impact of service failure on customer satisfaction and loyalty in a hospitality context. The study used a between-subjects experimental design with different scenarios, which were presented to a sample of experienced hotel customers via a postal survey. The scenarios differed in terms of the severity of the service failure, the type of explanation (referential or justification) and the thoroughness of the explanation. The results suggest that referential explanations were associated with higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty than justifications, when the service failure was severe. Evidence was also found that account adequacy was an important mediator for the effect of thoroughness on satisfaction.
Administration of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone during Chicken Embryonic Development Prematurely Induces Pituitary Growth Hormone Cells
Authors: Jenkins S. A. , Muchow M. , Richards M. P. , McMurtry J. P. , Porter T. E.
Published: April 2007

Treatment of fetal rats and embryonic chickens with exogenous glucocorticoids induces premature GH cell differentiation. However, it is unknown whether the developing adrenal gland is capable of mounting this response autonomously. The present study determined whether stimulation of the adrenal gland in developing chicken embryos through administration of ACTH could induce a premature increase in GH cells. We found that plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels increased between embryonic day (e) 11 and e17, consistent with GH cell (somatotroph) ontogeny. Injection of ACTH into eggs on e9, e10, or e11 increased somatotrophs on e14. In contrast, thyroid-stimulating hormone, CRH, α-MSH, GHRH, and TRH were ineffective. Culture of e11 pituitary cells with ACTH failed to induce somatotrophs, suggesting an indirect action of ACTH on GH cells in vivo. Intravenous administration of ACTH dramatically increased plasma levels of corticosterone within 1 h and increased the percentage of pituitary somatotrophs within 24 h. Although ACTH administration increased the relative abundance of pituitary GH cells, there was no effect on plasma levels of GH, IGF-I, or IGF-II, or in hepatic expression of IGF-I or IGF-II mRNA. We conclude that ACTH administration can increase the population of GH cells in the embryonic pituitary. However, this treatment alone does not lead to downstream activation of hepatic IGF production. These findings indicate that the embryonic adrenal gland, and ultimately anterior pituitary corticotrophs, may function to regulate pituitary GH cell differentiation during embryonic development.