bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AIDA
Authors: He Tian , Blum Brian M. , Stankovic John A. , Abdelzaher Tarek
Published: August 2005

Sensor networks, a novel paradigm in distributed wireless communication technology, have been proposed for various applications including military surveillance and environmental monitoring. These systems deploy heterogeneous collections of sensors capable of observing and reporting on various dynamic properties of their surroundings in a time sensitive manner. Such systems suffer bandwidth, energy, and throughput constraints that limit the quantity of information transferred from end-to-end. These factors coupled with unpredictable traffic patterns and dynamic network topologies make the task of designing optimal protocols for such networks difficult. Mechanisms to perform data-centric aggregation utilizing application-specific knowledge provide a means to augmenting throughput, but have limitations due to their lack of adaptation and reliance on application-specific decisions. We, therefore, propose a novel aggregation scheme that adaptively performs application-independent data aggregation in a time sensitive manner. Our work isolates aggregation decisions into a module that resides between the network and the data-link layer and does not require any modifications to the currently existing MAC and network layer protocols. We take advantage of queuing delay and the broadcast nature of wireless communication to concatenate network units into an aggregate using a novel adaptive feedback scheme to schedule the delivery of this aggregate to the MAC layer for transmission. In our evaluation we show that end-to-end transmission delay is reduced by as much as 80% under heavy traffic loads. Additionally, we show as much as a 50% reduction in transmission energy consumption with an overall reduction in header overhead. Theoretical analysis, simulation, and a test-bed implementation on Berkeley's MICA motes are provided to validate our claims.
Synaptically Released GABA Activates Both Pre- and Postsynaptic GABAB Receptors in the Rat Globus Pallidus
Authors: Kaneda Katsuyuki , Kita Hitoshi
Published: August 2005

The globus pallidus (GP) contains abundant GABAergic synapses and GABAB receptors. To investigate whether synaptically released GABA can activate pre- and postsynaptic GABAB receptors in the GP, physiological recordings were performed using rat brain slice preparations. Cell-attached recordings from GABAA antagonist-treated preparations revealed that repetitive local stimulation induced a GABAB antagonist-sensitive pause in spontaneous firings of GP neurons. Whole cell recordings revealed that the repetitive stimulation evoked fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials followed by a slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in GP neurons. The slow IPSP was insensitive to a GABAA receptor antagonist, increased in amplitude with the application of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists, and was suppressed by the GABAB antagonist CGP55845 . The reversal potential of the slow IPSP was close to the potassium equilibrium potential. These results suggest that synaptically released GABA activated postsynaptic GABAB receptors and induced the pause and the slow IPSP. On the other hand, in the neurons that were treated to block postsynaptic GABAB responses, CGP55845 increased the amplitudes of repetitive local stimulation-induced GABAA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) but not the ionotropic glutamate-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents. Moreover, the GABAB receptor specific agonist baclofen reduced the frequency of miniature IPSCs without altering their amplitude distributions. These results suggest that synaptically released GABA also activated presynaptic GABAB autoreceptors, resulting in decreased GABA release in the GP. Together, we infer that both pre- and postsynaptic GABAB receptors may play crucial roles in the control of GP neuronal activity.
Functional Organization of Squirrel Monkey Primary Auditory Cortex: Responses to Frequency-Modulation Sweeps
Authors: Godey Benoit , Atencio Craig A. , Bonham Ben H. , Schreiner Christoph E. , Cheung Steven W.
Published: August 2005

The squirrel monkey twitter call is an exemplar of a broad class of species-specific vocalizations that contain naturally voiced frequency-modulated (FM) sweeps. To investigate how this prominent communication call element is represented in primary auditory cortex (AI), neuronal receptive field properties to pure-tone and synthetic, logarithmically spaced FM-sweep stimuli in 3 barbiturate-anesthetized squirrel monkeys are studied. Responses to pure tones are assessed by using standard measures of frequency response areas, whereas responses to FM sweeps are classified according to direction selectivity, best speed, and speed tuning preferences. Most neuronal clusters respond to FM sweeps in both directions and over a range of FM speeds. Center frequencies calculated from the average of high and low trigger frequency edges of FM response profiles are highly correlated with pure-tone characteristic frequencies (CFs). However, bandwidth estimates are only weakly correlated with their pure-tone counterparts. CF and direction selectivity are negatively correlated. Best speed maps reveal idiosyncratically positioned spatial aggregation of similar values. In contrast, direction selectivity maps show unambiguous spatial organization. Neuronal clusters selective for upward-directed FM sweeps are located in ventral–caudal AI, where CFs range from 0.5 to 1 kHz. Combinations of pure-tone and FM response parameters form 2 significant factors to account for response variations. These results are interpreted in the context of earlier FM investigations and neuronal encoding of dynamic sounds.
Serum Soluble Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Levels Are Elevated in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Hayashida Kazutaka , Kume Noriaki , Murase Takatoshi , Minami Manabu , Nakagawa Daisuke , Inada Tsukasa , Tanaka Masaru , Ueda Akira , Kominami Goro , Kambara Hirofumi , Kimura Takeshi , Kita Toru
Published: August 2005

Background—

Markers of cardiac injury, including troponin-T (TnT), are used to diagnose acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, markers for plaque instability may be more useful for diagnosing ACS at the earliest stage. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) appears to play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and ACS onset. LOX-1 is released in part as soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) by proteolytic cleavage.

Methods and Results—

We examined serum sLOX-1 levels in 521 patients, consisting of 427 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography, including 80 ACS patients, 173 symptomatic coronary heart disease patients, 122 patients with significant coronary stenosis without ischemia, and 52 patients without apparent coronary atherosclerosis plus 34 patients with noncardiac acute illness and 60 patients with noncardiac chronic illness. Time-dependent changes in sLOX-1 and TnT levels were analyzed in an additional 40 ACS patients. Serum sLOX-1 levels were significantly higher in ACS than the other groups and were associated with ACS as shown by multivariable logistic regression analyses. Given a cutoff value of 1.0 ng/mL, sLOX-1 can discriminate ACS from other groups with 81% and 75% of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. sLOX-1 can also discriminate ACS without ST elevation or abnormal Q waves and ACS without TnT elevation from non-ACS with 91% and 83% of sensitivity, respectively. Peak values of sLOX-1 in ACS were observed earlier than those of TnT.

Conclusions—

sLOX-1 appears to be a useful marker for early diagnosis of ACS.
Sleep-Related Changes in Cardiovascular Neural Regulation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Kuo Terry B.J. , Yang Cheryl C.H.
Published: August 2005

Background—

Sleep has significant effects on cardiovascular neural regulation. The aim of this study is to explore the possible change in sympathetic vasomotor activity and baroreflex sensitivity associated with spontaneous hypertension during each stage of the sleep-wake cycle.

Methods and Results—

Polysomnographic analysis was performed in freely moving spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) during their normal daytime sleep. Continuous spectral analyses of electroencephalogram and electromyogram were performed to define active waking, quiet sleep, and paradoxical sleep. Low-frequency power of the arterial pressure variability (BLF) was quantified to provide an index of sympathetic vasomotor activity. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity was assessed (1) by the slopes of the regression lines of the mean arterial pressure and R-R intervals pairs that ascended (BrrA) or descended (BrrD) successively and (2) by the magnitudes of the arterial pressure and R-R intervals transfer functions in the high-frequency (BrrHF) or low-frequency (BrrLF) ranges. SHR had significantly higher mean arterial pressure during each of the sleep-wake states. Although the values of BLF, BrrA, BrrD, BrrHF, and BrrLF in SHR did not differ from those of WKY during active waking, SHR had a significantly higher BLF and lower BrrA, BrrD, BrrHF, and BrrLF compared with WKY during quiet sleep and paradoxical sleep.

Conclusions—

SHR had enhanced sympathetic vasomotor activity but attenuated baroreflex sensitivity during sleep although each phenomenon was not evident when awake.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure Is Associated With the Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents
Authors: Weitzman Michael , Cook Stephen , Auinger Peggy , Florin Todd A. , Daniels Stephen , Nguyen Michael , Winickoff Jonathan P.
Published: August 2005

Background—

The metabolic syndrome predicts future coronary artery disease and type II diabetes and often emerges in childhood. Tobacco smoke potentially contributes to insulin resistance in this syndrome. This study evaluates the association of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and active smoking with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in US adolescents.

Methods and Results—

Data from 2273 subjects 12 to 19 years of age were examined from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III, 1988 to 1994). Serum cotinine levels, presence of household smokers, and self-report of smoking were used to determine ETS exposure and active smoking. The metabolic syndrome was defined as having ≥3 criteria from the National Cholesterol Education Panel definition. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Among adolescents, 5.6% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, and prevalence increased with tobacco exposure: 1.2% for nonexposed, 5.4% for those exposed to ETS, and 8.7% for active smokers (
P
<0.001). In adolescents at risk for overweight and overweight adolescents (body mass index above the 85th percentile), a similar relationship was observed: 5.6% for nonexposed, 19.6% for those exposed to ETS, and 23.6% for active smokers (
P
=0.01). In multivariable logistic regression analyses among all adolescents, ETS exposure was independently associated with the metabolic syndrome (ETS exposure: odds ratio, 4.7, 95% CI, 1.7 to 12.9; active smoking: odds ratio, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.8 to 13.4).

Conclusions—

Considering that tobacco and obesity are the 2 leading causes of preventable death in the United States, these findings of a dose-response, cotinine-confirmed relationship between tobacco smoke and metabolic syndrome among adolescents may have profound implications for the future health of the public.
Novel Mutation in Desmoplakin Causes Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Norman Mark , Simpson Michael , Mogensen Jens , Shaw Anthony , Hughes Sîan , Syrris Petros , Sen-Chowdhry Srijita , Rowland Edward , Crosby Andrew , McKenna William J.
Published: August 2005

Background—

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a familial heart muscle disease characterized by structural, electrical, and pathological abnormalities of the right ventricle (RV). Several disease loci have been identified. Mutations in desmoplakin have recently been isolated in both autosomal-dominant and autosomal-recessive forms of ARVC. Primary left ventricular (LV) variants of the disease are increasingly recognized. We report on a large family with autosomal-dominant left-sided ARVC.

Methods and Results—

The proband presented with sudden cardiac death and fibrofatty replacement of the LV myocardium. The family was evaluated. Diagnosis was based on modified diagnostic criteria for ARVC. Seven had inferior and/or lateral T-wave inversion on ECG, LV dilatation, and ventricular arrhythmia, predominantly extrasystoles of LV origin. Three had sustained ventricular tachycardia; 7 had late potentials on signal-averaged ECG. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients revealed wall-motion abnormalities of the RV and patchy, late gadolinium enhancement in the LV, suggestive of fibrosis. Linkage confirmed cosegregation to the desmoplakin intragenic marker D6S2975. A heterozygous, single adenine insertion (2034insA) in the desmoplakin gene was identified in affected individuals only. A frameshift introducing a premature stop codon with truncation of the rod and carboxy terminus of desmoplakin was confirmed by Western blot analysis.

Conclusions—

We have described a new dominant mutation in desmoplakin that causes left-sided ARVC, with arrhythmias of LV origin, lateral T-wave inversion, and late gadolinium enhancement in the LV on magnetic resonance images. Truncation of the carboxy terminus of desmoplakin and consequent disruption of intermediate filament binding may account for the predominant LV phenotype.
Oral Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide Activates Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate and Decreases Mean Arterial Pressure
Authors: Cataliotti Alessandro , Schirger John A. , Martin Fernando L. , Chen Horng H. , McKie Paul M. , Boerrigter Guido , Costello-Boerrigter Lisa C. , Harty Gail , Heublein Denise M. , Sandberg Sharon M. , James Kenneth D. , Miller Mark A. , Malkar Navdeep B. , Polowy Karen , Burnett John C.
Published: August 2005

Background—

The objective of this study was to address the feasibility and the biological activity of orally administered human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP). Proprietary technology has been developed in which short, amphiphilic oligomers are covalently attached to peptides. The conjugated peptides are intended to have an improved pharmacokinetic profile and to enable oral administration. We hypothesized that novel oral conjugated hBNP (CONJ-hBNP) increases plasma hBNP, activates cGMP, and reduces mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Methods and Results—

This randomized crossover-designed study tested the biological activity of oral CONJ-hBNP compared with oral native hBNP in normal conscious dogs. Measurements of MAP, plasma hBNP, and cGMP were made at baseline (BL) and repeated at 10, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after oral administration. Plasma hBNP was not detectable in dogs at BL. Plasma hBNP was detected after native hBNP and CONJ-HBNP administration. However, plasma hBNP concentration was significantly higher after CONJ-hBNP than after native hBNP administration (
P
=0.0374 between groups). Plasma cGMP increased after CONJ-hBNP for 60 minutes (from 10.8±3 to 36.8±26 pmol/mL;
P
<0.05), whereas it did not change after native hBNP (
P
=0.001 between groups). MAP decreased at 10 minutes and remained decreased for 60 minutes after CONJ-hBNP (from 113±8 to 101±12 mm Hg after 10 minutes to 97.5±10 mm Hg after 30 minutes to 99±13 mm Hg after 60 minutes) while remaining unchanged after native hBNP (
P
=0.0387 between groups).

Conclusions—

This study reports for the first time that novel conjugated oral BNP activates cGMP and significantly reduces MAP, thus implying an efficacious coupling of CONJ-hBNP to the natriuretic receptor-A. These data advance a new concept of orally administered chronic BNP therapy for cardiovascular diseases.
Compromised LCAT Function Is Associated With Increased Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hovingh G. Kees , Hutten Barbara A. , Holleboom Adriaan G. , Petersen Wilma , Rol Patrick , Stalenhoef Anton , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , de Groot Eric , Kastelein MD John J.P. , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert
Published: August 2005

Background—

Prospective epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite nearly 40 years of research, however, it is unclear whether this also holds true for individuals with severely reduced levels of HDL-C due to mutations in the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (
LCAT
) gene. Better insight into CVD risk in these individuals may provide clues toward the potential of LCAT as a pharmaceutical target to raise HDL-C levels.

Methods and Results—

Lipids, lipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) were assessed in 47 heterozygotes for
LCAT
gene mutations and 58 family controls. Compared with controls, heterozygotes presented with a mean 36% decrease in HDL-C levels (
P
<0.0001), a 23% increase in triglyceride levels (
P
<0.0001), and a 2.1-fold increase in CRP levels (
P
<0.0001). Mean carotid IMT was significantly increased in heterozygotes compared with family controls (0.623±0.13 versus 0.591±0.08 mm). After adjustment for age, gender, and alcohol use, this difference proved statistically significant (
P
<0.0015).

Conclusions—

The data show that heterozygosity for
LCAT
gene defects is associated with low HDL-C levels and elevated concentration of triglycerides and CRP in plasma. This phenotype underlies increased IMT in carriers versus controls, which suggests that LCAT protects against atherosclerosis. This in turn indicates that targeting LCAT to raise HDL-C may reduce CVD risk.
A One-Dimensional Mixed Layer Ocean Model for Use in Three-Dimensional Climate Simulations: Control Simulation Compared to Observations
Authors: Stephens Monica Y. , Oglesby Robert J. , Maxey Martin
Published: August 2005

A study has been made of the dynamic interactions between the surface layer of the ocean and the atmosphere using a climate model that contains a new approach to predicting the sea surface temperature (SST). The atmospheric conditions are simulated numerically with the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM3). The SST is determined by a modified Kraus–Turner-type one-dimensional mixed layer ocean model (MLOM) for the upper ocean that has been coupled to CCM3. The MLOM simulates vertical ocean dynamics and demonstrates the effects of the seasonal variation of mixed layer depth and convective instability on the SST. A purely thermodynamic slab ocean model (SOM) is currently available for use with CCM3 to predict the SST. A large-scale ocean general circulation model (OGCM) may also be coupled to CCM3; however, the OGCM is computationally intensive and is therefore not a good tool for conducting multiple sensitivity studies. The MLOM provides an alternative to the SOM that contains seasonally and spatially specified mixed layer depths. The SOM also contains a heat flux correction called Q-flux that crudely accounts for ocean heat transport by artificially specifying a heat flux that forces the SOM to replicate the observed SST. The results of the coupled MLOM–CCM3 reveal that the MLOM may be used on a global scale and can therefore replace the standard coupled SOM–CCM3 that contains no explicit ocean dynamics. Additionally, stand-alone experiments of the MLOM that are forced with realistic winds, heat, and moisture fluxes show that the MLOM closely approximates the observed seasonal cycle of SST.
The Influence of Ocean Thermocline Temperatures on the Earth’s Surface Climate
Authors: Oglesby Robert J. , Stephens Monica Y. , Saltzman Barry
Published: August 2005

A coupled mixed layer–atmospheric general circulation model has been used to evaluate the impact of ocean thermocline temperatures (and by proxy those of the deep ocean) on the surface climate of the earth. Particular attention has been devoted to temperature regimes both warmer and cooler than at present. The mixed layer ocean model (MLOM) simulates vertical dynamics and thermodynamics in the upper ocean, including wind mixing and buoyancy effects, and has been coupled to the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM3). Simulations were made with globally uniform thermocline warmings of +2°, +5°, and +10°C, as well as a globally uniform cooling of −5°C. A simulation was made with latitudinally varying changes in thermocline temperature such that the warming at mid- and high latitudes is much larger than at low latitudes. In all simulations, the response of surface temperature over both land and ocean was larger than that expected just as a result of the imposed thermocline temperature change, largely because of water vapor feedbacks. In this respect, the simulations were similar to those in which only changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide were imposed. In fact, when carbon dioxide was explicitly changed along with thermocline temperatures, the results were not much different than if only the thermocline temperatures were altered. Land versus ocean differences are explained largely by latent heat flux differences: the ocean is an infinite evaporative source, while land can be quite dry. The latitudinally varying case has a much larger response at mid- to high latitudes than at low latitudes; the high latitudes actually appear to effectively warm the low latitudes. Simulations exploring scenarios of glacial inception suggest that the deep ocean alone is not likely to be a key trigger but must operate in conjunction with other forcings, such as reduced carbon dioxide. Moist upland regions at mid- and high latitudes, and land regions adjacent to perennial sea ice, are the preferred locations for glacial inception in these runs. Finally, the model combination equilibrates very rapidly, meaning that a large number of simulations can be made for a fairly modest computational cost. A drawback to this is greatly reduced sensitivity to parameters such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, which requires a full response of the ocean. Thus, this approach can be considered intermediate between fixing, or prescribing, sea surface temperatures and a fully coupled modeling approach.
A Bayesian Climate Change Detection and Attribution Assessment
Authors: Lee Terry C. K. , Zwiers Francis W. , Hegerl Gabriele C. , Zhang Xuebin , Tsao Min
Published: August 2005

A Bayesian analysis of the evidence for human-induced climate change in global surface temperature observations is described. The analysis uses the standard optimal detection approach and explicitly incorporates prior knowledge about uncertainty and the influence of humans on the climate. This knowledge is expressed through prior distributions that are noncommittal on the climate change question. Evidence for detection and attribution is assessed probabilistically using clearly defined criteria. Detection requires that there is high likelihood that a given climate-model-simulated response to historical changes in greenhouse gas concentration and sulphate aerosol loading has been identified in observations. Attribution entails a more complex process that involves both the elimination of other plausible explanations of change and an assessment of the likelihood that the climate-model-simulated response to historical forcing changes is correct. The Bayesian formalism used in this study deals with this latter aspect of attribution in a more satisfactory way than the standard attribution consistency test. Very strong evidence is found to support the detection of an anthropogenic influence on the climate of the twentieth century. However, the evidence from the Bayesian attribution assessment is not as strong, possibly due to the limited length of the available observational record or sources of external forcing on the climate system that have not been accounted for in this study. It is estimated that strong evidence from a Bayesian attribution assessment using a relatively stringent attribution criterion may be available by 2020.
Sensitivity of the Ocean’s Climate to Diapycnal Diffusivity in an EMIC. Part II: Global Warming Scenario
Authors: Dalan Fabio , Stone Peter H. , Sokolov Andrei P.
Published: August 2005

The sensitivity of the ocean’s climate to the diapycnal diffusivity in the ocean is studied for a global warming scenario in which CO2 increases by 1% yr−1 for 75 yr. The thermohaline circulation slows down for about 100 yr and recovers afterward, for any value of the diapycnal diffusivity. The rates of slowdown and of recovery, as well as the percentage recovery of the circulation at the end of 1000-yr integrations, are variable, but a direct relation with the diapycnal diffusivity cannot be found. At year 70 (when CO2 has doubled) an increase of the diapycnal diffusivity from 0.1 to 1.0 cm2 s−1 leads to a decrease in surface air temperature of about 0.4 K and an increase in sea level rise of about 4 cm. The steric height gradient is divided into thermal component and haline component. It appears that, in the first 60 yr of simulated global warming, temperature variations dominate the salinity ones in weakly diffusive models, whereas the opposite occurs in strongly diffusive models.

The analysis of the vertical heat balance reveals that deep-ocean heat uptake is due to reduced upward isopycnal diffusive flux and parameterized-eddy advective flux. Surface warming, induced by enhanced CO2 in the atmosphere, leads to a reduction of the isopycnal slope, which translates into a reduction of the above fluxes. The amount of reduction is directly related to the magnitude of the isopycnal diffusive flux and parameterized-eddy advective flux at equilibrium. These latter fluxes depend on the thickness of the thermocline at equilibrium and hence on the diapycnal diffusion. Thus, the increase of deep-ocean heat uptake with diapycnal diffusivity is an indirect effect that the latter parameter has on the isopycnal diffusion and parameterized-eddy advection.
The Water and Energy Budget of the Arctic Atmosphere
Authors: Semmler Tido , Jacob Daniela , Schlünzen K. Heinke , Podzun Ralf
Published: August 2005

The Arctic plays a major role in the global circulation, and its water and energy budget is not as well explored as that in other regions of the world. The aim of this study is to calculate the climatological mean water and energy fluxes depending on the season and on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) through the lower, lateral, and upper boundaries of the Arctic atmosphere north of 70°N. The relevant fluxes are derived from results of the regional climate model (REMO 5.1), which is applied to the Arctic region for the time period 1979–2000. Model forcing data are a combination of 15-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-15) data and analysis data. The annual and seasonal total water and energy fluxes derived from REMO 5.1 results are very similar to the fluxes calculated from observational and reanalysis data, although there are some differences in the components. The agreement between simulated and observed total fluxes shows that these fluxes are reliable. Even if differences between high and low NAO situations occur in our simulation consistent with previous studies, these differences are mostly smaller than the large uncertainties due to a small sample size of the NAO high and low composites.
Public Diplomacy, Global Communication and World Order: An Analysis Based on Theory of Living Systems
Authors: Gunaratne Shelton A.
Published: August 2005

This article analyses the dynamics of the world order, as well as the nature of public diplomacy conducted through both global and national media of communication, within a theoretical framework derived from the fundamental concepts associated with Eastern philosophy, world-systems analysis and the theory of living systems (encompassing the paradigms of cognition, autopoiesis and dissipative structures). First, it explains the clash of classical physics and new physics that has opened the door for new theoretical directions for the social sciences. Second, it explains the theory of living systems, which offers a paradigm shift for the social sciences. Third, it looks at the nature of public diplomacy and the methods used by competing elements in the centre-periphery structure of the world system to influence public opinion. Fourth, it concludes that because all living systems, including the world-system, are predominantly non-linear and thermodynamically far from equilibrium, the clash of antinomic ideologies will never cease. Moreover, because no observer can hope to accurately measure the initial conditions of the coherent superposition of public diplomacy, empirical science cannot predict the boomerang-and-bullet effects of public diplomacy.
Social Complexity and the Micro-Macro Link
Authors: Ríos Diego
Published: August 2005

This article analyses the problem of the micro-macro link. Two alternative frameworks have traditionally been offered to account for this relationship - methodological individualism and methodological holism. The author upholds four theses. First, these two alternatives are incapable of accounting for all possible relationships between microsociological regularities and macrosociological generalizations. Second, there are at least three different ways to formalize micro-macro relationships: parallelism, localism and convergentism. Third, high-level and low-level explanations provide radically different kinds of information. Finally, the author explores a possible naturalization of the debate. The article as a whole can be read as a contribution to the problem of social complexity.
Art and Social Value Regimes
Authors: Gielen Pascal
Published: August 2005

How are artistic choices made and what arguments play a part in this process? In this article selection mechanisms were analysed by means of mainly qualitative research methods, such as participant observation in artistic institutions and governmental bodies, in-depth interviews with policy-makers and decision-makers, research in the records and analyses of documents. Artistic selections were compared for two fields of research in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking community in Belgium), namely that of contemporary dance and that of the field of visual art. In addition to the empirical research, theories of sociology of art were explored. By doing so, the necessary and appropriate conceptual tools were researched in order to answer the central issue. Particularly, the French discussion between Pierre Bourdieu and Nathalie Heinich proved to be very inspiring. The tension between the two sociological views provided the necessary material for the development of a conceptual model that can explain the argumentations sociologically for artistic selections. The author goes on to crystallize a conceptual model that explains the value regimes in which artistic selections are made. The article concludes with some empirical findings and the interpretation of these findings within the expounded model.
Entrepreneurship and ‘the social’: Towards a deference-emotion theory
Authors: Goss David
Published: August 2005

This article offers an alternative to the dominant individualistic theories of entrepreneurship. It develops Scheff’s notion of the deference-emotion system to propose a theory of entrepreneurial conduct that emphasizes social interaction and emotion. This theory proposes that the emotions of pride and shame, produced by the giving and withholding of deference, can motivate action that resists the innovation-inhibiting effect of social sanctions. By suggesting a social basis for the generation and reproduction of entrepreneurial conduct, it is able to explain the frequently volatile and inconsistent nature of this conduct, an important dimension of entrepreneurial behaviour that, whilst recognized empirically, normally escapes theoretical attention. The article advocates making social situations rather than individuals the analytical starting point for fresh and potentially valuable insights into the nature of entrepreneurial behaviour.
The effects of mentoring on academic careers over time: Testing performance and political perspectives
Authors: Kirchmeyer Catherine
Published: August 2005

Mentors have been associated with protégé career success. In this study, two perspectives on the means by which mentoring advances careers were compared. The performance perspective implies that the effects of mentoring on career advancement operate through performance whereas the political perspective assumes direct effects. Hypotheses derived from the perspectives were tested at early and middle-career stages in a sample of American academics. The amount of mentoring as measured by the number of traditional mentors and other developers predicted achieved rank and the relationship was not mediated by publication productivity. This finding supports the political perspective. In addition, the presence of an outside developer was associated with more publications and having an emotionally-close relationship was associated with higher salary.
The Trust/Control Duality
Authors: Möllering Guido
Published: August 2005

The article offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between trust and control by conceptualizing the two concepts as a trust/control duality instead of a dualism. This entails that trust and control each assume the existence of the other, refer to each other and create each other, but remain irreducible to each other. The duality perspective assumes that the basic underlying problem is how actors reach positive expectations of the behaviour of other actors by whom they may be positively or negatively affected. On the basis of an assumption of embedded agency, the duality perspective on trust/control holds that actors form positive expectations of others by interpreting complex interactions between structural influences on actors and the possibility of either benevolent or malevolent action. As certainty cannot be reached, positive expectations also require suspension. The duality perspective is illustrated and applied throughout the article by reference to the empirical case of a publisher who wrote a diary on the process of negotiating a book deal with a prominent author-politician. Implications of the proposed trust/control perspective are presented, discussing the pitfalls of ignoring or adopting it as well as the opportunities leading from embracing it.
Trust, Governance and Performance
Authors: Rus Andrej , Iglič Hajdeja
Published: August 2005

This article explores the relationship between trust and control by investigating the direct and indirect effects of different types of trust on company performance. A survey of small and medium size firms in Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina is used to demonstrate how the level of trust entrepreneurs have in institutions and business partners influences the choice of governance mechanisms that coordinate economic activities among actors. The article shows that the institutional environment in Slovenia generates more trust, which enables actors to base their business relationships on trust rather than contract. In addition, when actors rely on trust it is usually institutional trust rather than interpersonal trust. In contrast, Bosnia, with a weaker institutional environment, generates less trust, leading actors to base their economic relationships on contract. However, when trust is used in Bosnia as a basis of business relationships it is likely to be centred on interpersonal trust. These results have important implications for the understanding of the process by which trust affects economic performance. The use of institutional trust as a basis for a governance mechanism may lead to increased economic performance of companies due to the inclusive nature of sociability patterns and tie formation since institutions generalize trust beyond a specific set of exchange partners. The use of interpersonal trust may limit economic potential due to its reliance on strong ties embedded within cohesive groups marked with closure.
A Particular Case of the Possible
Authors: Andersen Torbjørn Herlof
Published: August 2005

Much of the literature on sexual abuse of males tends to emphasize the harmful effects of the abuse. ‘Deviants’ from assumed causal assessments do not seem to attract equal attention. Some abused males apparently manage remarkably well, even with a considerable amount of supposed risk factors in their history. This article explores how a man in his fifties appears to have managed to handle and make sense of highly complicated and difficult lived-through experiences during youth, including four years of sexual abuse. He is one of 15 men interviewed as part of a qualitative research project on sexually abused males. His story contains some surprising features and illustrates many aspects of sexual abuse otherwise dispersed throughout the entire research data. The article points in the direction of overcoming problems and hindrances, describes one possible solution, and hopefully contributes to the base of ‘non-tragic’ knowledge in the field of sexual abuse of males.
Women Who Succeeded in Leaving Public Assistance for a Living-wage Job
Authors: Gray Karen A.
Published: August 2005

Many women who leave welfare for work simply join the ranks of the working poor (Bowie et al., 2001; Edin and Lein, 1997; Gueron and Pauly, 1991; Levitan and Shapiro, 1987; Rank, 1994). Little is known about women who leave public assistance for a living-wage job or how they succeed in doing so. This article examines findings from in-depth interviews of women who successfully left public assistance for a living-wage job. The respondents suggested that formal assistance, such as a holistic job-training program, and informal assistance, such as the financial support of family and/or friends (with no expectations for reciprocity) are necessary for women to obtain and maintain a living-wage job. Implications for welfare policy are discussed.
New Entrants to HIV Care Are Presenting Only at Marginally Earlier Stages of Disease but May Increasingly Represent Groups Perceived at Lower Risk
Authors: Loupa Chariclia V. , Lederman Michael M. , Valdez Hernán , Salata Robert A. , McComsey Grace A. , Gripshover Barbara , Fulton Scott , Lisgaris Michelle V. , Kucia Michelle , Asaad Robert , Cline Jennifer , Rodríguez Benigno
Published: August 2005

Background: Treatment has improved HIV infection prognosis, but whether risk and health care seeking behavior have improved is unclear. Methods: New entrants to HIV care at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, between 1995 and 2002, with no history of AIDS-defining illnesses or antiretroviral exposure were included. Results: Of new patients, 806 (80%) met the inclusion criteria. Median age increased during the study period(35.2 to 38.6 years; P < .001); proportions of females and non-whites increased nonsignificantly. Prevalence of AIDS-defining illnesses decreased from 1995 to 1996 (25.0% to 14.2%; P <.001) but remained stable thereafter. Category B conditions and sexually transmitted diseases decreased significantly(31.7% to 9.1%; P = .039 and 22.5% to 8.0%; P = .003), as did hepatitis B and C seroprevalence (8.3% to 3.6%; P = .05 and 26.2% to 14.3%; P = .003). Median CD4 counts and HIV RNA did not change significantly. Conclusions: Prevalence of Category B conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, and hepatitis B and C declined significantly in this study. Prevalence of AIDS-defining illnesses decreased early in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era only, whereas markers of HIV disease stage remained stable, suggesting a need for earlier recognition of infection. Decreasing sexually transmitted diseases and hepatitis coinfections suggest that HIV infection is increasingly seen in populations previously perceived at lower risk.
The Influence of Solid-State Morphology on the Dart Impact Strength of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Blown Films
Authors: Krishnaswamy Rajendra K. , Sukhadia Ashish M.
Published: August 2005

In this study, we report on the influence of lamellar morphology and orientation on the dart impact strength of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blown films. Evidence confirming the importance of lamellar anisotropy on the impact strength performance of such films is presented. Specifically, lower degree of lamellar orientation (more random orientation) is shown to favor higher impact strengths. We also note that the films stretch considerably during the measurement of dart impact strength with the initial morphology influencing the stretching process.
On the nature of cancer and why anticancer vaccines don't work
Authors: Prehn Richmond T
Published: August 2005

In this essay I suggest that the major difficulty in producing effective anti-cancer vaccines lies in the fact that most cancers have little immunogenicity because of a basic paucity of tumor-specific antigenicity. The lack of antigenicity, despite extensive genomic instability, could be explained if most tumor mutations occur in silenced genes. A further problem is that an immune reaction against tumor antigens, especially in moderate or low amount, may be stimulatory rather than inhibitory to tumor growth.
Psychosocial predictors of eating habits among adults in their mid-30s: The Oslo Youth Study follow-up 1991–1999
Authors: Kvaavik Elisabeth , Lien Nanna , Tell Grethe S , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: August 2005

Background

The predictive value of the psychosocial constructs of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) on subsequent dietary habits has not been previously investigated in a multivariate approach that includes demographic factors and past dietary behaviour among adults. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent TPB constructs, including intention, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and perceived social norms, measured at age 25 predicted four eating behaviours (intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, total fat and added sugar) eight years later.

Methods

Two hundred and forty men and 279 women that participated in the Oslo Youth Study were followed from 1991 to 1999 (mean age 25 and 33 years, respectively). Questionnaires at baseline (1991) included the constructs of the TPB and dietary habits, and at follow-up (1999) questionnaires included demographic factors and diet. For the assessment of diet, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with a few food items was used at baseline while an extensive semi-quantitative FFQ was used at follow-up.

Results

Among men, attitudes, subjective norms and previous eating behaviour were significant predictors of fruit and vegetable intake, while education and past eating behaviour were predictive of whole grain intake in multivariate analyses predicting dietary intake at follow-up. For women, perceived behavioural control, perceived social norms and past behaviour were predictive of fruit and vegetable intake, while subjective norms, education and past eating behaviour were predictive of whole grain intake. For total fat intake, intention was predictive for men and perceived behavioural control for women. Household income and past consumption of sugar-rich foods were significant predictors of added sugar intake among men, while past intake of sugar-rich foods was a significant predictor of added sugar intake among women.

Conclusion

After adjusting for potential confounding factors, all psychosocial factors assessed among young adults appeared predictive of one or more eating behaviours reported eight years later. Results point to the influence of psychosocial factors on future eating behaviours and the potential for interventions targeting such factors.
HIV/AIDS: global trends, global funds and delivery bottlenecks
Authors: Coovadia Hoosen M , Hadingham Jacqui
Published: August 2005

Globalisation affects all facets of human life, including health and well being. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has highlighted the global nature of human health and welfare and globalisation has given rise to a trend toward finding common solutions to global health challenges. Numerous international funds have been set up in recent times to address global health challenges such as HIV.

However, despite increasingly large amounts of funding for health initiatives being made available to poorer regions of the world, HIV infection rates and prevalence continue to increase world wide. As a result, the AIDS epidemic is expanding and intensifying globally. Worst affected are undoubtedly the poorer regions of the world as combinations of poverty, disease, famine, political and economic instability and weak health infrastructure exacerbate the severe and far-reaching impacts of the epidemic.

One of the major reasons for the apparent ineffectiveness of global interventions is historical weaknesses in the health systems of underdeveloped countries, which contribute to bottlenecks in the distribution and utilisation of funds. Strengthening these health systems, although a vital component in addressing the global epidemic, must however be accompanied by mitigation of other determinants as well. These are intrinsically complex and include social and environmental factors, sexual behaviour, issues of human rights and biological factors, all of which contribute to HIV transmission, progression and mortality. An equally important factor is ensuring an equitable balance between prevention and treatment programmes in order to holistically address the challenges presented by the epidemic.
Urinary diseases and ethnobotany among pastoral nomads in the Middle East
Authors: Abu-Rabia Aref
Published: August 2005

This article is derived from a broad, twenty-year study of ethnobotany and folk medicine among pastoral nomads in the Middle East which took place from 1984 to 2004. The article presents examples of different treatments of diseases and disorders of the urinary tract carried out by healer herbalists. The preparation of remedies includes boiling infusions, extraction of dry or fresh leaves, flowers, seeds or whole plants. Some of these plants were used both as food and as medicine, by ingesting different parts of the plants, such as leaves, flowers, fruits, and so on, either while soft, cooked or dried. Data were collected by using unstructured interviews and by observation. These plants were identified by healers, patients, and university botanists. This paper identified eighty-five plant species, which belong to thirty-six families. The most representative families are: Asteraceae (8), Brassicaceae (6), Poaceae (6), Umbelliferae (6).