bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Stage Portal Vein Ligation Facilitates Liver Regeneration in Rats
Authors: Sugimoto T. , Yamada T. , Iwata H. , Sekino T. , Matsumoto S. , Ishida N. , Manabe H. , Kimura M. , Takemura H.
Published: February 2009

Background/Aims: Recent reports have demonstrated that some patients are unable to undergo scheduled liver resection after preoperative portal vein embolization due to insufficient hypertrophy of the future remnant liver. The present study examined whether two-stage portal vein ligation (PVL) increases hypertrophy of the future remnant liver compared to conventional PVL in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into 3 groups: group A, ligation of left primary branch; group B, ligation of right and left primary branches; group C, ligation of the left primary branch, followed by 2-stage PVL 7 days postoperatively. To evaluate liver regeneration, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (LI), mitotic index (MI) in the caudate lobe and weight ratio of caudate lobe to body weight were measured. Results: The weight ratio of caudate lobe to body weight was significantly higher in group C than in groups A or B 14 days postoperatively. In groups A and B, LI and MI in the caudate lobe peaked 2 days postoperatively, then decreased to preoperative levels by 7–8 days postoperatively, but remained significantly elevated until 10–14 days postoperatively in group C. Conclusion: Two-stage PVL increases hypertrophy of the future remnant liver compared to conventional PVL in rats.
Patient’s Perspectives Important for Early Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Baars Judith E. , Siegel Corey A. , Kuipers Ernst J. , van der Woude C. Janneke
Published: February 2009

Background/Aim: We hypothesized that limited information is given to patients on the risks and benefits of individual therapy, and feedback is lacking to verify if patients correctly interpreted the given information. We assessed the perspectives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) concerning the treatment-associated risks/benefits of infliximab. Methods: Patients were asked to complete a survey regarding the benefits and risks of infliximab. Results are reported as descriptive statistics. Comparisons between groups were analyzed using independent t tests and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: In total, 152 IBD patientscompleted the questionnaire. Fifty-seven percent (78/138) estimated the 1-year remission rate from infliximab to be >50%. Seventy-one percent (104/146) indicated they would not take a drug with risks reflecting those estimated for infliximab if the 1-year remission rate was <75%. Crohn’s disease patients and those recalling a discussion regarding the risks/benefits of infliximab treatment had higher estimates of the 1-year remission rate with infliximab than ulcerative colitis patients (p = 0.03) and patients who did not recall previous information (p = 0.03). Perceptions were independent of age and disease duration. Conclusion: IBD patients misperceive the risks and benefits of infliximab. The majority of patients would not accept treatment-related risks if the 1-year remission rate was <75%. Counseling on treatment-associated risks and benefits should be ameliorated.
The Maya Ball Game
Authors: Blümchen Gerhard
Published: February 2009

The Maya ball game (MBG) originated more than 3,000 years ago. As best as is now known from archaeological and iconographical sources as well as the structure of the sport courts, this was a very physically taxing and important part of Mayan culture. The objective of this paper was to determine the physical load on those who participated in MBG as best as could be done from present perspectives. The load appears to be similar to that observed in soccer-tennis, in which heart rate rises to 140–160 beats/min and systolic blood pressure to 150–170 mm Hg. This is considered a light-to-moderate workload (4.5–5.5 metabolic equivalents) comparable to intensities reached in baseball, cycling (10 km/h), cross-country skiing (7 km/h), tournament dancing, swimming (2 km/h), doubles tennis and hiking (7 km/h). Thus, the cardiovascular demands of popular sports seem to have remained relatively similar through several millennia.
No Genetic Association between Polymorphisms of Heme Oxygenase 1 and 2 and Alzheimer’s Disease in a Japanese Population
Authors: Shibata Nobuto , Ohnuma Tohru , Baba Hajime , Arai Heii
Published: February 2009

Background/Aims: Recently, it has been shown that the heme oxygenases HMOX1 and HMOX2 might play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: To investigate whether there is any association between the HMOX1 and HMOX2 genes and AD, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each gene were genotyped in 180 AD patients and 132 age-matched controls using TaqMan technology. Results: Our study failed to detect any association between the SNPs of the HMOX1 and HMOX2 genes and AD. In addition, we did not observe any synergetic association between the SNPs studied and apolipoprotein E in our AD patients. Conclusion: Further genetic studies are needed to clarify the relationship between the two genes and AD.
Characteristic Profiles of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Different Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kim Kyung Ran , Lee Kang Soo , Cheong Hae-Kwan , Eom Jin-Sup , Oh Byoung Hoon , Hong Chang Hyung
Published: February 2009

Background/Aims: The purposes of this study were to describe restrictions in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to assess different patterns of IADL in each MCI subtype. Methods: A total of 566 participants, those not cognitively impaired (NCI; n = 311) and MCI patients (n = 255), 60–94 years old (71.25 ± 6.00), were examined. Neuropsychological tests were administered to participants, and each MCI patient was classified into one of four subtypes. They completed the Barthel ADL and Seoul-IADL (S-IADL) for ADL measures. Results: There was a significant difference between NCI and MCI in terms of total S-IADL scores. ANOVA and a post hoc Dunnett analysis revealed that MCI patients performed significantly worse on four out of a total 15 items (i.e. telephone, transportation, finances and household appliances). ANCOVA showed a significant difference in S-IADL-MCI (4 of 15 items) between NCI and amnestic MCI-multiple domains after adjusting for age, gender, education and Geriatric Depression Scale (F = 4.257, d.f. = 1,556, p = 0.002). Conclusion: These findings suggest that scorings of specific IADL items are different in MCI subjects, and these items can possibly help in the identification of MCI subtypes, especially amnestic MCI-multiple domains.
Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose with Positron Emission Tomography Revealed Bone Marrow Involvement in Sarcoidosis Patients with Anaemia
Authors: de Prost Nicolas , Kerrou Khaldoun , Sibony Mathilde , Talbot Jean-Noël , Wislez Marie , Cadranel Jacques
Published: February 2009

Background: Anaemia occurs in 13–28% of sarcoidosis patients. It is associated with bone marrow infiltration by epitheliod granulomas in about 50% of cases, but its pathophysiology remains unclear. Objectives: It was the aim of this study to describe a series of sarcoidosis patients with and without anaemia who underwent metabolic imaging with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose with positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET). Methods: The files of 3 sarcoidosis patients who exhibited anaemia and underwent metabolic imaging with 18F-FDG PET were reviewed in comparison with those of all sarcoidosis patients (n = 7) who underwent 18F-FDG PET during the same period of time. Results: In the 3 cases, symptomatic anaemia was associated with bone marrow sarcoidosis as attested by 18F-FDG PET and confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. This observation is strengthened by the lack of bone marrow hypermetabolism by PET scan in the 7 control patients. Corticosteroids dramatically improved anaemia in 2 cases which correlated with a dramatic decrease in bone marrow glucose uptake. In contrast, there was a moderate increase in haemoglobin level in the third case and no change in metabolic imaging. Conclusion: Whole-body 18F-FDG PET imaging should be considered in sarcoidosis patients with symptomatic anaemia. It can noninvasively suggest bone marrow involvement, indicate sarcoidosis treatment and monitor its efficiency.
Hypersensitivity to Oxaliplatin: An Investigation of Incidence and Risk Factors, and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Brian H. , Bradley Thomas , Tai Julia , Budman Daniel R.
Published: February 2009

Background: Hypersensitivity is a well-known complication of the platinum agents cisplatin and carboplatin. Although hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin has been noted, the incidence varies significantly in reports. Risk factors for developing reactions specifically to oxaliplatin have not been evaluated. We report the 5-year incidence of hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin in our clinical program, the patient and disease characteristics associated with its occurrence, and review the literature. Methods: Clinical information on all patients treated with oxaliplatin between September 2002 and August 2007 was retrospectively reviewed. Data from patients who experienced hypersensitivity were compared to patients treated with this agent who did not. Risk factors investigated included age, sex, diagnosis, disease stage, presence of preexisting allergies, chemotherapy received, and use of oxaliplatin in front-line versus salvage therapy. Results: 247 patients received oxaliplatin, with 29 experiencing hypersensitivity, for an incidence of 11.7% (95% CI 7.7–15.8). Grade 3/4 events occurred in 1.6%. Hypersensitivity was associated with younger mean age (54.9 ± 12.5 vs. 60.4 ± 12.4 years with reactions vs. those without, p = 0.02), female gender (17.2% of females vs. 6.4% of males, p = 0.01) and with use of oxaliplatin as salvage therapy (23.9% second-line or higher vs. 9.1% front-line, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate an incidence of hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin of 11.7%, with grade 3/4 events in 1.6%. As use of this agent becomes more widespread, increased vigilance for this potentially serious complication should be high, especially amongst younger patients, females, and with the use of oxaliplatin as salvage therapy; three newly recognized potential risk factors.
Capecitabine and Celecoxib as Second-Line Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic and Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Pino Maria S. , Milella Michele , Gelibter Alain , Sperduti Isabella , De Marco Salvatore , Nuzzo Carmen , Bria Emilio , Carpanese Livio , Ruggeri Enzo M. , Carlini Paolo , Cognetti Francesco
Published: February 2009

Objective: An increasing number of patients with advanced pancreatic or biliary tract cancer who progress after a gemcitabine-containing regimen are candidates for further chemotherapy. We therefore evaluated a fully oral regimen of capecitabine and celecoxib (CapCel) as second-line treatment in these patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients with documented progressive disease after first-line treatment were enrolled. Capecitabine was administered at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 b.i.d. for 2 consecutive weeks followed by 1 week of rest; celecoxib was given continuously at 200 mg b.i.d. Progression-free survival at 3 months was the primary study endpoint. Results: The CapCel combination was associated with an overall response rate of 9% and median survival duration of 19 weeks. Sixty percent of patients were free from progression 3 months after the start of treatment. Multivariate analysis identified a positive clinical benefit response and a decline in CA 19.9 serum levels >25% compared with baseline levels as independent predictors of prolonged survival. The treatment protocol was well tolerated with negligible hematological toxicity. The most common grade 3 non-hematological toxicities were hypertransaminasemia, diarrhea and asthenia. Conclusions: The CapCel combination is a safe treatment option with moderate activity in patients with pancreatic/biliary tract cancer after failure of a previous gemcitabine-containing regimen.
Long-Term Cardiac-Targeted RNA Interference for the Treatment of Heart Failure Restores Cardiac Function and Reduces Pathological Hypertrophy
Authors: Suckau Lennart , Fechner Henry , Chemaly Elie , Krohn Stefanie , Hadri Lahouaria , Kockskämper Jens , Westermann Dirk , Bisping Egbert , Ly Hung , Wang Xiaomin , Kawase Yoshiaki , Chen Jiqiu , Liang Lifan , Sipo Isaac , Vetter Roland , Weger Stefan , Kurreck Jens , Erdmann Volker , Tschope Carsten , Pieske Burkert , Lebeche Djamel , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Hajjar Roger J. , Poller Wolfgang C.
Published: February 2009

Background—

RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential to be a novel therapeutic strategy in diverse areas of medicine. Here, we report on targeted RNAi for the treatment of heart failure, an important disorder in humans that results from multiple causes. Successful treatment of heart failure is demonstrated in a rat model of transaortic banding by RNAi targeting of phospholamban, a key regulator of cardiac Ca
2+
homeostasis. Whereas gene therapy rests on recombinant protein expression as its basic principle, RNAi therapy uses regulatory RNAs to achieve its effect.

Methods and Results—

We describe structural requirements to obtain high RNAi activity from adenoviral and adeno-associated virus (AAV9) vectors and show that an adenoviral short hairpin RNA vector (AdV-shRNA) silenced phospholamban in cardiomyocytes (primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes) and improved hemodynamics in heart-failure rats 1 month after aortic root injection. For simplified long-term therapy, we developed a dimeric cardiotropic adeno-associated virus vector (rAAV9-shPLB) to deliver RNAi activity to the heart via intravenous injection. Cardiac phospholamban protein was reduced to 25%, and suppression of sacroplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase in the HF groups was rescued. In contrast to traditional vectors, rAAV9 showed high affinity for myocardium but low affinity for liver and other organs. rAAV9-shPLB therapy restored diastolic (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, dp/dt
min
, and τ) and systolic (fractional shortening) functional parameters to normal ranges. The massive cardiac dilation was normalized, and cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte diameter, and cardiac fibrosis were reduced significantly. Importantly, no evidence was found of microRNA deregulation or hepatotoxicity during these RNAi therapies.

Conclusions—

Our data show for the first time the high efficacy of an RNAi therapeutic strategy in a cardiac disease.
Nuclear Factor-κB Activation Contributes to Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction via Oxidative Stress in Overweight/Obese Middle-Aged and Older Humans
Authors: Pierce Gary L. , Lesniewski Lisa A. , Lawson Brooke R. , Beske Stacy D. , Seals Douglas R.
Published: February 2009

Background—

We tested the hypothesis that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity contributes to vascular endothelial dysfunction with aging and obesity in humans.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in 14 nondiabetic overweight or obese (body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
) middle-aged and older (age 52 to 68 years) adults. Salsalate (nonacetylated salicylate, 4500 mg/d), a compound that inhibits NF-κB activity, or placebo was administered for 4-day periods. Plasma salicylate concentrations reached the midtherapeutic range (21.8±1.1 mg/100 mL,
P
≤0.0001 versus placebo) by day 4 of salsalate treatment. Salsalate increased expression of the inhibitor of NF-κB and reduced total and nuclear expression of NF-κB in endothelial cells obtained from the subjects (all
P
<0.05). Salsalate increased brachial artery flow-mediated dilation by 74% (from 4.0±0.4% to 6.6±0.5%,
P
<0.001) but did not affect endothelium-independent dilation (
P
=0.83). The change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation with salsalate was inversely related to baseline flow-mediated dilation (
r
=−0.77,
P
<0.01). Infusion of vitamin C increased brachial artery flow-mediated dilation during placebo (
P
<0.001) but not after salsalate (
P
=0.23). Salsalate reduced nitrotyrosine (
P
=0.06) and expression of NADPH oxidase p47
phox
(
P
<0.05) in endothelial cells obtained from the subjects but did not influence circulating or endothelial cell inflammatory proteins.

Conclusions—

Our findings provide the first direct evidence that NF-κB, in part via stimulation of oxidative stress, plays an important role in mediating vascular endothelial dysfunction in overweight and obese middle-aged and older humans.
A Simplified Approach to the Treatment of Uncomplicated Hypertension
Authors: Feldman Ross D. , Zou Guang Y. , Vandervoort Margaret K. , Wong Cindy J. , Nelson Sigrid A.E. , Feagan Brian G.
Published: February 2009

Notwithstanding the availability of antihypertensive drugs and practice guidelines, blood pressure control remains suboptimal. The complexity of current treatment guidelines may contribute to this problem. To determine whether a simplified treatment algorithm is more effective than guideline-based management, we studied 45 family practices in southwestern Ontario, Canada, using a cluster randomization trial comparing the simplified treatment algorithm with the Canadian Hypertension Education Program guidelines. The simplified treatment algorithm consisted of the following: (1) initial therapy with a low-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/diuretic or angiotensin receptor blocker/diuretic combination; (2) up-titration of combination therapy to the highest dose; (3) addition of a calcium channel blocker and up-titration; and (4) addition of a non—first-line antihypertensive agent. The proportion of patients treated to target blood pressure (systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg for patients without diabetes mellitus or systolic blood pressure <130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg for diabetic patients) at 6 months was analyzed at the practice level. The proportion of patients achieving target was significantly higher in the intervention group (64.7% versus 52.7%; absolute difference: 12.0%; 95% CI: 1.5% to 22.4%;
P
=0.026). Multivariate analysis of patient-level data showed that assignment to the intervention arm increased the chance of reaching the target by 20% (
P
=0.028), when adjusted for other covariates. In conclusion, the Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension Study indicates that a simplified antihypertensive algorithm using initial low-dose fixed-dose combination therapy is superior to guideline-based practice for the management of hypertension.
Influence of the SST Rise on Baroclinic Instability Wave Activity under an Aquaplanet Condition
Authors: Kodama Chihiro , Iwasaki Toshiki
Published: February 2009

The influence of the sea surface temperature (SST) rise on extratropical baroclinic instability wave activity is investigated using an aquaplanet general circulation model (GCM). Two types of runs were performed: the High+3 run, in which the SST is increased by 3 K only at high latitudes, and the All+3 run, in which the SST is increased uniformly by 3 K all over the globe. These SST rises were intended to reproduce essential changes of the surface air temperature due to global warming. Wave activity changes are analyzed and discussed from the viewpoint of the energetics.

In the High+3 run, midlatitude meridional temperature gradient is decreased in the lower troposphere and the wave energy is suppressed in the extratropics. In the All+3 run, although the large tropical latent heat release greatly enhances the midlatitude meridional temperature gradient in the upper troposphere, global mean wave energy does not change significantly. These results suggest that the low-level baroclinicity is much more important for baroclinic instability wave activity than upper-level baroclinicity. A poleward shift of wave energy, seen in global warming simulations, is evident in the All+3 run. Wave energy generation analysis suggests that the poleward shift of wave activity may be caused by the enhanced and poleward-shifted baroclinicity in the higher latitudes and the increased static stability in the lower latitudes. Poleward expansion of the high-baroclinicity region is still an open question.
Decadal Predictability of the Atlantic Ocean in a Coupled GCM: Forecast Skill and Optimal Perturbations Using Linear Inverse Modeling
Authors: Hawkins Ed , Sutton Rowan
Published: February 2009

The decadal predictability of three-dimensional Atlantic Ocean anomalies is examined in a coupled global climate model [the third climate configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (HadCM3)] using a linear inverse modeling (LIM) approach. It is found that the evolution of temperature and salinity in the Atlantic, and the strength of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC), can be effectively described by a linear dynamical system forced by white noise. The forecasts produced using this linear model are more skillful than other reference forecasts for several decades. Furthermore, significant nonnormal amplification is found under several different norms. The regions from which this growth occurs are found to be fairly shallow and located in the far North Atlantic. Initially, anomalies in the Nordic seas impact the MOC and the anomalies then grow to fill the entire Atlantic basin, especially at depth, over one to three decades. It is found that the structure of the optimal initial condition for amplification is sensitive to the norm employed, but the initial growth seems to be dominated by MOC-related basin-scale changes, irrespective of the choice of norm. The consistent identification of the far North Atlantic as the most sensitive region for small perturbations suggests that additional observations in this region would be optimal for constraining decadal climate predictions.
A Two-Scale Approximation for Efficient Representation of Nonlinear Energy Transfers in a Wind Wave Spectrum. Part II: Application to Observed Wave Spectra
Authors: Perrie William , Resio Donald T.
Published: February 2009

In Part I of this series, a new method for estimating nonlinear transfer rates in wind waves, based on a two-scale approximation (TSA) to the full Boltzmann integral (FBI) for quadruplet wave–wave interactions, was presented, and this new method was tested for idealized spectral data. Here, the focus is on comparisons of the TSA and the discrete interaction approximation (DIA) with the FBI for observed wave spectra from field measurements. Observed wave spectra are taken from a wave gauge array in Currituck Sound and a directional waverider off the coast near the Field Research Facility at Duck, North Carolina. Results show that the TSA compares much more favorably to the FBI than does the DIA, even for cases in which the parametric component of the formulation does not capture the spectral energy distribution very well. These results remain valid for the TSA estimates when the FBI results are significantly affected by the directional distribution of energy. It is also shown that although nonlinear transfers are substantially weaker in swell portions of the spectrum these interactions contribute significantly to the spectral evolution and net energy balance in long-distance swell propagation.
Processing of Oversampled Signals in Range on Polarimetric Weather Radars with Mismatched Channels
Authors: Torres Sebastián M.
Published: February 2009

Processing oversampled signals in range with a whitening transformation has been proposed as a means to reduce the variance of meteorological variable estimates on polarimetric Doppler weather radars. However, the original formulation to construct decorrelation transformations does not account for mismatches in the polarimetric channels, which results in abnormally biased polarimetric variable estimates if the two channels are not perfectly matched. This paper extends the initial formulation and demonstrates that, by properly accounting for the differences in the polarimetric channels, it is always possible to produce optimum estimates of all meteorological variables. Simulation analyses based on the reported characteristics of existing polarimetric radars are included to illustrate the performance of the proposed transformations.
Eastward-Propagating Undular Bores over Cape York Peninsula
Authors: Goler Robert A.
Published: February 2009

The existence of eastward-propagating bores over Cape York Peninsula is shown from data obtained during the Gulf Lines Experiment (GLEX) conducted during September and October 2002 and from numerical modeling experiments. The disturbances were detected regularly at two stations, observable on 24 days during the 40-day experiment. The passage of a typical disturbance exhibits a sudden increase in pressure of around 1 hPa, often accompanied by undulations, and a change in the wind speed and direction from an easterly to a westerly flow. Disturbances were not observed during days of strong easterly flow. A two-dimensional nonhydrostatic mesoscale model is used to examine the formation of these disturbances. It is shown that the west coast sea breeze is shallow and does not penetrate far inland because of the opposing low-level easterly flow. In contrast, the east coast sea breeze is deeper and is less stable because it is modified by daytime convective mixing as it crosses the peninsula. As the east coast sea breeze overrides the west coast sea breeze, the west coast sea breeze produces an eastward-propagating bore on the stable layer laid down by the east coast sea breeze. About 2 h after generation, the bore becomes undular. These eastward-propagating disturbances are shown to be associated with the westward-propagating north Australian cloud line and the northeasterly morning glory. In addition, it is shown here that an undular bore can be formed when cold-air downdrafts from afternoon deep convection enter the stable layer created by the east coast sea breeze. Four events from GLEX are believed to have been formed in this way. The eastward-propagating disturbances produced in this way are accompanied neither by the north Australian cloud line nor by the northeasterly morning glory.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2007
Authors: Avila Lixion A. , Rhome Jamie
Published: February 2009

The hurricane season of 2007 in the eastern North Pacific Ocean basin is summarized, individual tropical cyclones are described, and a forecast verification is presented. The 2007 eastern North Pacific season was not an active one. There were 11 tropical storms, of which only 4 became hurricanes. Only one cyclone became a major hurricane. One hurricane struck Mexico and one tropical storm made landfall near the Guatemala–Mexico border. The 2007 National Hurricane Center forecast track errors were lower than the previous 5-yr means at all forecast lead times, and especially so for the 72-, 96-, and 120-h periods when the errors were 16%, 22%, and 20% lower, respectively. The official intensity forecasts had only limited skill.
Strong Cross-Barrier Flow under Stable Conditions Producing Intense Winter Orographic Precipitation: A Case Study over the Subtropical Central Andes
Authors: Viale Maximiliano , Norte Federico A.
Published: February 2009

The most intense orographic precipitation event over the subtropical central Andes (36°–30°S) during winter 2005 was examined using observational data and a regional model simulation. The Eta-Programa Regional de Meteorología (PRM) model forecast was evaluated and used to explore the airflow structure that generated this heavy precipitation event, with a focus on orographic influences. Even though the model did not realistically reproduce any near-surface variables, nor the precipitation shadow in the leeside lowlands, its reliable forecast of heavy precipitation over the windward side and the wind fields suggests that it can be used as a valuable forecasting tool for such events in the region.

The synoptic flow of the 26–29 August 2005 storm responded to a well-defined dipole from low to upper levels with anomalous low (high) geopotential heights at midlatitudes (subtropical) latitudes located off the southeast Pacific coast, resulting in a large meridional geopotential height gradient that drove a strong anomalous cross-barrier flow. Precipitation enhancement in the Andes was observed during the entire event; however, the highest rates were in the prefrontal sector under the low-level stable stratification and cross-barrier winds exceeding 2.5 standard deviations (σ) from the climatological monthly mean. The combination of strong cross-mountain winds with the stable stratification in the air mass of a frontal system, impinging on the high Andes range, appears to be the major factor in determining the flow structure that produced the pattern of precipitation enhancement, with uplift maximized near mountaintops and low-level blocking upwindleading to the formation of a low-level along-barrier jet. Additionally, only the upstream wind anomalies for the 15 heaviest events over a 10-yr (1967–76) period were investigated. They exhibited strong anomalous northwesterly winds for 14 of the 15 events, whereas for the remaining event there were no available observations to evaluate. Thus, these anomalies may also be exploited for forecasting capabilities.
Playing Well Together
Authors: Knoke David
Published: February 2009

Corporate social capital involves the likelihood of ego actors accessing and using the resources held by their network alters to facilitate work-related goals. Corporate social capital networks span multiple levels of analysis from individuals, to workteams, organizations, and organizational field-nets. Repeated interactions strengthen social capital ties by building trust and confidence among actors, reducing the temptation to behave opportunistically towards partners, and facilitating numerous favorable outcomes. However, these relations can become liabilities when agents use their individual social capital to benefit their organizations. Social capital concepts may help to explain the evolution of the strategic alliance network in the Global Information Sector, a multi-industry system whose collaborative agreements grew exponentially from 1989 to 2000, creating a complex network of overlapping partnerships. The evolving alliance network comprises a collective structure of corporate social capital, an organizational field-net that simultaneously facilitates and constrains its member firms' opportunities.
Working identities? Antagonistic discursive resources and managerial identity
Authors: Clarke Caroline A. , Brown Andrew D. , Hailey Veronica Hope
Published: February 2009

In this article, we analyse the principal antagonistic discourses on which managers in a large UK-based engineering company drew in their efforts to construct versions of their selves. Predicated on an understanding that subjectively construed discursive identities are available to individuals as in-progress narratives that are contingent and fragile, the research contribution we make is threefold. First, we argue that managers may draw on mutually antagonistic discursive resources in authoring conceptions of their selves. Second, we contend that rather than being relatively coherent or completely fluid and fragmented managers' identity narratives may incorporate contrasting positions or antagonisms. Third, we show that managers' identity work constituted a continuing quest to (re)-author their selves as moral beings. Antagonisms in managers' identities, we suggest, may appropriately be analysed as the complex and ambiguous effects of organizationally based disciplinary practices and individuals' discursive responses to them.
Muslim businesswomen doing boundary work: The negotiation of Islam, gender and ethnicity within entrepreneurial contexts
Authors: Essers Caroline , Benschop Yvonne
Published: February 2009

This article discusses how female entrepreneurs of Moroccan and Turkish origin in the Netherlands construct their ethnic, gender and entrepreneurial identities in relation to their Muslim identity. We contribute to theory development on the interrelationship of work identities with gender, ethnicity and religion through an intersectional analysis of these women's gender and ethnic identities within their entrepreneurial contexts and in relation to their Muslim identity. We draw on four narratives to illustrate how the women interviewed perform creative boundary work at these hitherto under-researched intersections. Islam is employed as a boundary to let religious norms and values prevail over cultural ones and to make space for individualism, honour and entrepreneurship. Moreover, different individual religious identities are crafted to stretch the boundaries of what is allowed for female entrepreneurs in order to resist traditional, dogmatic interpretations of Islam. Our study contributes to studies on entrepreneurship by showing how these female entrepreneurs gain agency at the crossroads of gender, ethnicity and religion.
Between narration and interaction: Situating first-line supervisor identity work
Authors: Down Simon , Reveley James
Published: February 2009

This article examines how frontline managers establish managerial identities. It combines narrational and Goffmanesque conceptions of managerial identity work in a longitudinal study of one first-line supervisor at a restructured Australian industrial plant. We argue that, singly, neither self-narration nor dramaturgical performance accounts for the practical discursive work that constructs managerial `identity'. We demonstrate that frontline manager identity work is an iterative process in which self-narration and dramaturgical performance are almost seamlessly interwoven. The supervisor uses these different identity work stratagems simultaneously, and they are processually co-dependent. We conclude, therefore, that organizational scholars who study how persons construct managerial identities should take Goffman's dramaturgical perspective more seriously. It is an indispensible complement to the analysis of identity narratives, because successful performances undergird managers' attempts to craft stable narrative identities.
Variations in Smoking After Admission To Psychiatric Inpatient Units and Impact of a Partial Smoking Ban On Smoking and On Smoking-Related Perceptions
Authors: Keizer Ineke , Descloux Virginie , Eytan Ariel
Published: February 2009

Background: Smoke-related problems are particularly frequent in psychiatry, with additional concerns about iatrogenic effects on smoking in inpatient settings.

Aims: To study the impact of a partial smoking ban on psychiatric patients and staff members.

Methods: Using a pre- and post-intervention design, comparison of smoke-related characteristics and perceptions permitted changes after the introduction of smoking restrictions in 2002 to be studied. Ninety-one inpatients and 110 staff members participated in 2001 before intervention, and 134 inpatients and 85 staff members participated in 2005.

Results: After reinforcement of smoking restrictions, no significant changes in smoking prevalence or severity were observed, but there was a change in attitude for patients, more of whom were considering stopping. Daily cigarette consumption after admission changed significantly between 2001 and 2005. A marked decrease after three days in hospital as compared to the week before entry was observed in 2005 ( p = 0.005), whereas in 2001 the trend was towards increase ( p = 0.06). Furthermore, although the perception of quantity of smoke decreased ( p = 0.0005) for both patients and staff, discomfort related to smoke remained unchanged. Conclusion: The introduction of a partial smoking ban had favourable effects on patients' cigarette consumption and attitudes, but more efforts need to be pursued.
A Screening Instrument for Psychological Distress in Botswana: Validation of the Setswana Version of the 28-Item General Health Questionnaire
Authors: Segopolo Mondy T. , Selemogwe Morekwe M. , Plattner Ilse E. , Ketlogetswe Naledi , Feinstein Anthony
Published: February 2009

Objectives: To develop a Setswana version of the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) for use in Botswana.

Methods: A sample of 126 subjects attending primary healthcare clinics completed the GHQ-28, which contains four subscales of seven questions each for the following domains: somatic concerns, anxiety, social function and depression. All subjects were also interviewed with the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS). Psychiatric casesness was ascertained by CIS scores greater than 20 and an overall severity of symptoms rating (OSR) of ≥2 on a 0—4 point scale. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was undertaken to assess which GHQ cut-off score gave the best casesness yield as defined by the combined CIS and OSR assessments.

Results: Of the 126 subjects enrolled, 122 completed the study, with 18 (14.5%) meeting criteria for caseness. There were no gender differences with respect to GHQ or CIS scores. The ROC analysis revealed that the GHQ threshold of 7/8 gave the best sensitivity (88%) and specificity (67%) results. The internal consistency of the translated GHQ was maintained with Cronbach α scores ranging from 0.76 to 0.91 for the subscales.

Conclusions: The Setswana GHQ-28 represents a valid instrument of screening for psychological distress in a primary healthcare setting in Botswana.
Self-Monitoring in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Bachner-Melman Rachel , Zohar Ada H. , Kremer Ilana , Komer Maria , Blank Shulamit , Golan Moria , Ebstein Richard P.
Published: February 2009

Background: A possible connection between Mark Snyder's concept of self-monitoring and anorexia nervosa (AN) has not previously been examined.

Aims: We hypothesized that AN symptomatology correlates positively with the Other-Directedness aspect of Snyder's self-monitoring construct and negatively with its Extraversion aspect.

Method: 194 women with a history of AN were classified as currently ill ( n = 17), partially recovered ( n = 106) and recovered ( n = 71).These women and 100 female controls with no history of an eating disorder completed Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale (SMS) and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). `Other-Directedness' and `Acting and Extraversion'subscales were derived from an exploratory factor analysis of the Hebrew version of the SMS. Mean total and subscale scores were compared across groups, and correlations were calculated between EAT-26 scores and SMS total and subscale scores.

Results: Both subscales of the SMS correlated significantly with total scores but not with one another. As expected, AN symptomatology and EAT-26 scores were associated positively with Other-Directedness yet negatively with Acting and Extraversion, rendering the correlation with total SMS scores insignificant.

Conclusion: Different aspects of Snyder's self-monitoring construct correlate in opposite directions with eating pathology and AN symptomatology. AN appears to be associated with high Other-Directedness but low Acting and Extroversion.
Psychological Impact of Systemic Training Failure On Mental Health and Career Satisfaction of UK Trainees: Lessons From an Online Attitudes Survey
Authors: Lydall Gregory J. , Malik Amit , Blizard Robert , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: February 2009

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the psychological and career-planning impact of the new postgraduate training system Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) on junior doctor applicants in the UK. We hypothesized that certain junior doctor groups were more vulnerable to distress during the process than others.

Method: Online, anonymous, cross-sectional attitudes survey of applicants in June 2007. Participants were Medical Training Application System (MTAS) applicants of all grades in the UK.

Results: Of 1,002 responders, 703 (70%) reported four or more depressive symptoms; 231 (23%) reported increased suicidal thinking; 932 (93%) increased stress; 856 (85%) increased worry; 374 (37%) consumed more alcohol. Some 941 (94%) attributed increased stress to `MMC/MTAS'. Female sex (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.95) and not receiving a job offer (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.35, 2.56) predicted higher number of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: At the onset of MMC, MTAS applicants reported negative process experiences, psychological distress and poor coping (including increased alcohol use), with possible implications for mental health, career planning and patient care.
Syllable Timing and Pausing: Evidence from Cantonese
Authors: Perry Conrad , Wong Richard Kwok-Shing , Matthews Stephen
Published: February 2009

We examined the relationship between the acoustic duration of syllables and the silent pauses that follow them in Cantonese. The results showed that at major syntactic junctures, acoustic plus silent pause durations were quite similar for a number of different syllable types whose acoustic durations differed substantially. In addition, it appeared that CV: syllables, which had the longest acoustic duration of all syllable types that were examined, were also the least likely to have silent pauses after them. These results suggest that cross-language differences between the probability that silent pauses are used at major syntactic junctures might potentially be explained by the accuracy at which timing slots can be assigned for syllables, rather than more complex explanations that have been proposed.
Measuring Phonological Development: A Follow-up Study of Five Children Acquiring Finnish
Authors: Saaristo-Helin Katri
Published: February 2009

This study applies the Phonological Mean Length of Utterance measurement (PMLU; Ingram & Ingram, 2001; Ingram, 2002) to the data of five children acquiring Finnish and evaluates their phonological development longitudinally at four different age points: 2;0, 2;6, 3;0, and 3;6. The children's results on PMLU and related measures are discussed together with remarks on individual differences regarding the acquisition of consonants, consonant clusters and word length. During the period analyzed the children's phonetic inventories increase and they gradually overcome the constraints against long words and consonant sequences. The PMLU method's ability to reflect the qualitative changes and individual differences between the children is found to be limited in some respects, although overall development can be noted in the values. The PMLU method's strengths and weaknesses are evaluated critically and improvements suggested.
I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up: Can High-Ability Students Recover From Early Mistakes in CAT?
Authors: Rulison Kelly L. , Loken Eric
Published: February 2009

A difficult result to interpret in Computerized Adaptive Tests (CATs) occurs when an ability estimate initially drops and then ascends continuously until the test ends, suggesting that the true ability may be higher than implied by the final estimate. This study explains why this asymmetry occurs and shows that early mistakes by high-ability students can lead to considerable underestimation, even in tests with 45 items. The opposite response pattern, where low-ability students start with lucky guesses, leads to much less bias. The authors show that using Barton and Lord's four-parameter model (4PM) and a less informative prior can lower bias and root mean square error (RMSE) for high-ability students with a poor start, as the CAT algorithm ascends more quickly after initial underperformance. Results also show that the 4PM slightly outperforms a CAT in which less discriminating items are initially used. The practical implications and relevance for psychological measurement more generally are discussed.
Board Characteristics, Managerial Incentives, and the Choice Between Foreign Acquisitions and International Joint Ventures
Authors: Datta Deepak K. , Musteen Martina , Herrmann Pol
Published: February 2009

Drawing on the agency theory, corporate governance, and international business literatures, the authors link board characteristics and managerial incentives to the choice between acquisitions and joint ventures by firms entering foreign markets. Hypothesized relationships are examined in the context of 383 acquisition and 171 joint venture entries undertaken by relatively nondiversified firms in the U.S. manufacturing sector during the period 1991 to 1999. Findings indicate that firms with boards characterized by a higher proportion of outside directors and independent leadership structures (i.e., the absence of duality) are more inclined to favor acquisitions over joint ventures in foreign market entry. Likewise, the data reveal that firms where insiders have greater equity ownership and compensation structures that are more closely linked to long-term firm performance prefer acquisitions over joint ventures. Implications of the findings along with directions for future research are discussed.
Explaining Change: Theorizing and Testing Dynamic Mediated Longitudinal Relationships
Authors: Pitariu Adrian H. , Ployhart Robert E.
Published: February 2009

Many disciplines of scholarship have developed theories that involve dynamic mediated (and multilevel) relationships among constructs. However, most research does not hypothesize or test these dynamic relationships in a manner consistent with theory. In this article, the authors address this disconnect by first noting the theoretical and methodological limitations of ignoring dynamic mediated (and multilevel) relationships. Specifically, the authors show that theory testing suffers and statistical conclusions are often erroneous when dynamic mediation is ignored. The authors then present several ways of conceptualizing dynamic mediated relationships and then turn to summarizing two statistical models for analyzing such data. They conclude with a brief example from a team performance context.
Exercise intervention in brain injury: a pilot randomized study of Tai Chi Qigong
Authors: Blake H. , Batson M.
Published: February 2009

Objective: To examine the effects of a brief Tai Chi Chuan Qigong (`Qigong') exercise intervention on individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Design: A single-centre randomized controlled trial pilot study.

Setting: A registered charity day centre in the community.

Subjects: Twenty individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Intervention: Intervention participants attended a Qigong exercise session for one hour per week over eight weeks. Control participants engaged in non-exercise-based social and leisure activities for the same intervention period.

Measures: Outcome was assessed at baseline and post intervention using the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire and the Social Support for Exercise Habits Scale, to measure perceived mood, self-esteem, flexibility, coordination, physical activity and social support.

Results: Groups were comparable at baseline. After the intervention, mood was improved in the exercise group when compared with controls (U = 22.0, P =0.02). Improvements in self-esteem (Z = 2.397, P =0.01) and mood (Z = —2.032, P =0.04) across the study period were also evident in the exercise group only. There were no significant differences in physical functioning between groups. In view of the sample size, these findings are inconclusive.

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that a brief Qigong exercise intervention programme may improve mood and self-esteem for individuals with traumatic brain injury. This needs to be tested in a large-scale randomized trial.