bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power Asymmetry and Negotiations in International River Basins
Authors: Dinar Shlomi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRealist thinkers traditionally argue that when the upstream state is the river basin's hegemon, cooperation is least likely to materialize. Conversely, when the downstream state is the basin's hegemon, cooperation is likely to ensue, yet the agreement is often imposed and shaped along the interests of the stronger party. Implied in both scenarios is that the otherwise weaker riparian, in aggregate power terms, is not in a position to achieve its aims and satisfy its needs in an optimal fashion. Its capabilities are inferior to those of its adversary. In effect, it has little alternative but to accept the desires of the stronger riparian. By considering a set of international water agreements and hydro-political contexts, this article challenges the realist conception of power in international river basins. Particularly, it demonstrates that otherwise weaker states may influence the hydro-political context and subsequent international agreements. Cooperation, in general, materializes when both states, but particularly the stronger state, realize that benefits can accrue from coordination and joint action. In other words, to harness the river in an efficient manner, cooperation must ensue and the downstream state's participation is important. Even when the benefits to cooperation are not clear, i.e. when the upstream riparian does not foresee immediate economic incentives to cooperation, coordination may still be attained through the manipulation of incentives (or strategic interaction).
Greek Immigration Policy at the Turn of the 21st Century. Lack of Political Will or Purposeful Mismanagement?
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis article traces the development of Greek immigration policy during the last two decades with a view to explaining the role that parties, trade unions and other actors including the Church for instance have played in shaping this policy. The article outlines the reactive and piecemeal character of the policy, its important weakness in dealing effectively with immigration flows and the excessive red tape that characterises it. It is noted that nearly 20 years after the first migrants arrived in the country, Greek immigration policy remains short-sighted, dealing with immigration as a necessary evil and not as an opportunity. This lack of vision and the closed character of the policy has been supported directly or indirectly by both parties and trade unions. The two major parties have been until recently largely agreed in their exclusionary views towards immigrants. It is only since 2004 that the Socialist party has changed its plans but it remains uncertain whether and how it would implement its radical (by Greek standards) pro-immigrant policies if it came to power. Overall, Greek political elites lack the political will to adopt a proactive and realistic migration policy plan. This is partly because migration neither wins nor loses national elections. And partly because they fear that stating publicly that Greece should accept economic immigrants through legal channels and that immigrants should become part of Greek society on a basis of equality and plurality would cost them votes.
Immigration Policies in Portugal: Limits and Compromise in the Quest for Regulation
Authors: Sabino Catarina , Peixoto João , Abreu Alexandre 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe main objective of this article is to describe the key elements of the making of immigration control policies in Portugal until 2007. First, the main policy initiatives and measures concerning the admission of foreigners are presented. Second, the mechanisms and difficulties surrounding the issue of immigration control are discussed, and a tension is identified between the structural demand for foreign labour and the measures taken for control. Third, the positions of the main political parties and of the most relevant stakeholders are highlighted. The evidence indicates that despite continued attempts to control immigration, the stated policy objectives are at odds with the outcome, characterised by endemic irregular migration. The factors hindering regulation are both internal and external, encompassing the economic, social, institutional and legal domains. Given the limits to control, policy-makers have sought to achieve a compromise by enacting frequent regularization programmes while seeking to improve admission and control. In this process, the main political parties have exhibited a significant degree of consensus, which may be partially accounted for by the convergence among the other stakeholders (employers, trade unions, Catholic organisations and immigrants' associations) and by the increasing, albeit contradictory, acceptance of immigration by public opinion.
Islamists in Jordan: Promoters of or Obstacles to Female Empowerment and Gender Equality?
Authors: Roald Anne Sofie 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis study deals with the Muslim Brotherhood's reception of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations against Women) in Jordan. In view of the Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) and interviews with several political actors in Jordanian society it is possible to evaluate Islamist ideas on women's rights. The main aim is to investigate whether Jordanian Islamists are promoters of or obstacles to female empowerment and gender equality. By analyzing various political stands it became apparent that Islamists, on the one hand, reject CEDAW, gender empowerment, and gender equality, and on the other promote issues which in the long run may empower women in Jordanian society. There is thus an unintentional trend towards female empowerment in the organization of the Muslim Brotherhood despite its opposition to such female politics.
Variations in Ocean Surface Temperature due to Near-Surface Flow: Straining the Cool Skin Layer
Authors: Wells Andrew J. , Cenedese Claudia , Farrar J. Thomas , Zappa Christopher J. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The aqueous thermal boundary layer near to the ocean surface, or skin layer, has thickness O(1 mm) and plays an important role in controlling the exchange of heat between the atmosphere and the ocean. Theoretical arguments and experimental measurements are used to investigate the dynamics of the skin layer under the influence of an upwelling flow, which is imposed in addition to free convection below a cooled water surface. Previous theories of straining flow in the skin layer are considered and a simple extension of a surface straining model is posed to describe the combination of turbulence and an upwelling flow. An additional theory is also proposed, conceptually based on the buoyancy-driven instability of a laminar straining flow cooled from above. In all three theories considered two distinct regimes are observed for different values of the Péclet number, which characterizes the ratio of advection to diffusion within the skin layer. For large Péclet numbers, the upwelling flow dominates and increases the free surface temperature, or skin temperature, to follow the scaling expected for a laminar straining flow. For small Péclet numbers, it is shown that any flow that is steady or varies over long time scales produces only a small change in skin temperature by direct straining of the skin layer. Experimental measurements demonstrate that a strong upwelling flow increases the skin temperature and suggest that the mean change in skin temperature with Péclet number is consistent with the theoretical trends for large Péclet number flow. However, all of the models considered consistently underpredict the measured skin temperature, both with and without an upwelling flow, possibly a result of surfactant effects not included in the models.
Spasticity, an impairment that is poorly defined and poorly measured
Authors: Malhotra S. , Pandyan AD , Day CR , Jones PW , Hermens H. 
Published: May 2009

Objective: To explore, following a literature review, whether there is a consistent definition and a unified assessment framework for the term `spasticity'. The congruence between the definitions of spasticity and the corresponding methods of measurement were also explored. Data sources: The search was performed on the electronic databases Web of Science, Science Direct and MEDLINE. Review methods: A systematic literature search of publications written in English between the years 1980 and 2006 was performed with the following keywords: spasticity and tone. The search was limited to the following keywords: stroke, hemiplegia, upper, hand and arm. Results: Two hundred and fifty references contributed to this review (190 clinical trials, 46 literature reviews, and 14 case reports). Seventy-eight used the Lance definition; 88 equated spasticity with increased muscle tone; 78 provided no definition; and six others used their own definitions for spasticity. Most papers used a single measure and some used more than one. Forty-seven papers used neurophysiological methods of testing, 228 used biomechanical methods of measurement or assessment, 25 used miscellaneous clinical measures (e.g. spasm frequency scales) and 19 did not explicitly describe a measure. Conclusion: The term spasticity is inconsistently defined and this inconsistency will need to be resolved. Often, the measures used did not correspond to the clinical features of spasticity that were defined within a paper (i.e. internal validity was compromised). There is need to ensure that this lack of congruence is addressed in future research.
The addition of electrical stimulation to progressive resistance training does not enhance the wrist strength of people with tetraplegia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Glinsky Joanne , Harvey Lisa , van Es Pauline , Chee Shane , Gandevia Simon C 
Published: May 2009

Objective: To determine whether the addition of electrical stimulation to progressive resistance training increases the voluntary strength of the wrist muscles in people with tetraplegia. Design: Assessor-blind within-subject randomised controlled trial. Setting: Two Australian spinal cord injury units and the community. Participants: Sixty-four wrists of 32 people with tetraplegia and bilateral weakness of the wrist extensor or flexor muscles (grade 2 - 4 Medical Research Council grades). Interventions: Participants' wrists were randomly allocated to one of two conditions. Wrist muscles of the experimental arm received electrical stimulation superimposed on progressive resistance training. The wrist muscles of the contralateral arm received sham electrical stimulation superimposed on progressive resistance training. Both arms received 6 sets of 10 contractions three times a week for eight weeks such that the only difference between arms was the application of electrical stimulation. Main Measures: The primary outcome was maximal voluntary isometric strength. Secondary outcomes were a fatigue resistance ratio representing voluntary and electrically-stimulated endurance. Measurements were taken at the start and end of the eight-week treatment period. Results: The mean treatment effect (95% Confidence Interval) of electrical stimulation for voluntary strength was 0.04 Nm (95% CI, -0.5 to 0.6; p =0.89). The mean treatment effect (95% CI) for fatigue ratio representing voluntary endurance and electrically-stimulated endurance was -0.01 (95% CI, -0.1 to 0.1; p =0.78) and -0.07 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.1; p =0.47), respectively. Conclusions: Voluntary strength of the wrist is not enhanced by the addition of electrical stimulation to progressive resistance training programs in people with tetraplegia.
Arthroscopic Suture Material and Knot Type
Authors: Swan Kenneth G. , Baldini Todd , McCarty Eric C. 
Published: May 2009

Background Several new arthroscopic suture materials are available. It is important for surgeons to know which suture-knot combination provides the strongest construct. Hypothesis The newer, polyblend sutures have dissimilar load-to-failure characteristics. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The load to failure of 4 knots was evaluated (surgeon's, Duncan loop, Samsung Medical Center [SMC], and Roeder) using 5 No. 2 suture materials (Ethibond, Ticron, FiberWire, ForceFiber, MaxBraid). One surgeon tied all knots. Fifteen samples were tested for each suture-knot configuration. Knots were pretensioned to 10 N, then loaded to failure at a rate of 1.0 mm/s. Failure load recorded was the maximum load applied between 0 and 3 mm of displacement. Cyclic loading of suture-knot samples was performed on 3 knots (surgeon's, Duncan loop, and SMC) using 4 suture materials (Ethibond, FiberWire, ForceFiber, MaxBraid). Six samples were tested for each suture-knot configuration. Knots were cyclically loaded from 5 to 40 N at 0.5 Hz for 1000 cycles, then loaded to failure. Data were compared with analysis of variance and the Tukey multiple range test and considered significant at P <. 05. Results The surgeon's and SMC knots were strongest, particularly if tied using MaxBraid or ForceFiber. With single load-to-failure testing, MaxBraid was significantly stronger than Ethibond, Ticron, or FiberWire, regardless of knot type used. ForceFiber was stronger than Ethibond and Ticron with any knot type, and stronger than FiberWire when tied with a surgeon's knot or Roeder knot. The MaxBraid surgeon's knot (246 N) and MaxBraid SMC knot (239 N) were more than twice as strong as the Ethibond surgeon's knot (111 N) and Ethibond SMC (118 N). With cyclic loading, MaxBraid and ForceFiber were stronger than FiberWire and Ethibond, regardless of knot type tied. The SMC knot using MaxBraid withstood the highest load, and was stronger than the Duncan loop tied with MaxBraid. When stricter criteria (1-mm and 2-mm displacement) for failure were used, MaxBraid and ForceFiber remained superior to other sutures, including FiberWire, but knot type became less significant. Conclusion Nonabsorbable polyblend sutures are stronger than traditional sutures, but not all polyblend sutures are alike. MaxBraid and ForceFiber provide a stronger knot than FiberWire, Ethibond, and Ticron, particularly if tied using a surgeon's or SMC knot. Clinical Relevance The SMC knot using MaxBraid provides the strongest knot/suture combination of knots and sutures tested.
Self-care strategies and barriers among kidney transplant recipients: a qualitative study
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Prohaska Thomas R. , Gallant Mary , Siminoff Laura A. 
Published: May 2009

Objectives: We investigated kidney transplant recipients' self-reported levels of exercise and fluid intake. We also examined attitudes about, barriers to undertaking, and strategies used to initiate and maintain adequate self-care for fluid intake, exercise and dietary practices. Methods: A qualitative approach was used and supplemented by quantitative data to examine self-care among kidney transplant recipients (n = 82), including a semi-structured interview and survey of physical activity. Results: One-third of patients (33%) reported drinking the recommended 3 L of fluid each day. However, the majority (60%) reported not receiving this or any specific fluid intake recommendation. Twenty percent reported engaging in moderate to regular physical activity while 78% were sedentary. However, many reported that clinicians did not specify the amount of exercise (39%) or did not discuss exercise (15%). Attitudes towards fluid intake, exercise and maintaining a low-salt diet were mostly positive; patients expressed relatively more negative attitudes towards maintaining a low-cholesterol diet. Major barriers to fluid intake were not feeling thirsty, difficulty breaking the habit of limiting fluid intake formed while on dialysis, feeling full and limited access to fluids. Patients devised creative strategies to initiate and maintain appropriate hydration, physical activity and dietary levels, including intentionally drinking when not thirsty, modifying the environment, tracking intake and relying on social supports. Conclusions: Few kidney recipients practiced optimal self-care for fluid intake or physical activity. Most patients encountered barriers to self-care that should be ameliorated to assist patients with managing their transplant. Understanding barriers and strategies is essential for developing educational interventions.
Safety and efficacy of single-agent lenalidomide in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Richardson Paul , Jagannath Sundar , Hussein Mohamad , Berenson James , Singhal Seema , Irwin David , Williams Stephanie F. , Bensinger William , Badros Ashraf Z. , Vescio Robert , Kenvin Laurie , Yu Zhinuan , Olesnyckyj Marta , Zeldis Jerome , Knight Robert , Anderson Kenneth C. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is effective for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM); however, toxicities from dexamethasone can be dose limiting. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed and refractory MM. Patients (N = 222) received lenalidomide 30 mg/day once daily (days 1-21 every 28 days) until disease progression or intolerance. Response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and safety were assessed. Overall, 67% of patients had received 3 or more prior treatment regimens. Partial response or better was reported in 26% of patients, with minimal response 18%. There was no difference between patients who had received 2 or fewer versus 3 or more prior treatment regimens (45% vs 44%, respectively). Median values for TTP, PFS, and OS were 5.2, 4.9, and 23.2 months, respectively. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (60%), thrombocytopenia (39%), and anemia (20%), which proved manageable with dose reduction. Grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia occurred in 4% of patients. Lenalidomide monotherapy is active in relapsed and refractory MM with acceptable toxicities. These data support treatment with single-agent lenalidomide, as well as its use in steroid-sparing combination approaches. The study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00065351.
Type 17 CD8+ T cells display enhanced antitumor immunity
Authors: Hinrichs Christian S. , Kaiser Andrew , Paulos Chrystal M. , Cassard Lydie , Sanchez-Perez Luis , Heemskerk Bianca , Wrzesinski Claudia , Borman Zachary A. , Muranski Pawel , Restifo Nicholas P. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Interleukin-17 (IL-17)–secreting CD8+ T cells have been described, but they have not been thoroughly studied and they do not have a known role in cancer immunotherapy. We skewed CD8+ T cells to secrete IL-17 through priming in Th17-polarizing conditions. IL-17–producing CD8+ T cells demonstrated reduced expression of Eomes and diminished cytolytic differentiation in vitro. However, after adoptive transfer, these cells converted to interferon-γ–producing effector cells and mediated regression of large, established tumors. This improved antitumor immunity was associated with increased expression of IL-7R-alpha, decreased expression of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1, and enhanced persistence of the transferred cells. This report is the first description of a cancer therapy with IL-17–secreting CD8+ T cells. These findings have implications for the improvement of CD8+ T cell–based adoptive immunotherapy.
Effect of the effluent released from the canine internal mammary artery after intraluminal and extraluminal perfusion of acetylcholine and adenosine diphosphate
Authors: Matsuda Nilce Mitiko , Pearson Paul J , Schaff Hartzell V , Piccinato Carlos E , Rodrigues Alfredo J , Evora Paulo Roberto Barbosa 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSegments of the canine internal mammary artery (35 mm in length) were suspended in vitro in an organ chamber containing physiological salt solution (95% O2/5% CO2, pH = 7.4, 37°C). Segments were individually cannulated and perfused at 5 ml/minute using a roller pump. Vasorelaxant activity of the effluent from the perfused internal mammary arteries was bioassayed by measuring the decrease in tension induced by the effluent of the coronary artery endothelium-free ring which had been contracted with prostaglandin F2α(2 × 10-6M). Intraluminal perfusion of adenosine diphosphate (10-5M) induced significant increase in relaxant activity in the effluent from the perfused blood vessel. However, when adenosine diphosphate (10-5M) was added extraluminally to the internal mammary artery, no change in relaxant activity in the effluent was noted. In contrast, acetylcholine produced significant increase in the relaxant activity on the effluent of the perfused internal mammary artery with both intraluminal and extraluminal perfusion. The intraluminal and extraluminal release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) by acetylcholine (10-5M) can be inhibited by site-specific administration of atropine (10-5M). These experiments indicate that certain agonists can induce the release of EDRF only by binding to intravascular receptors while other agonists can induce endothelium-dependent vasodilatation by acting on neural side receptors.
Mechanism of inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on resistin expression induced by tumor necrosis factor-α in macrophages
Authors: Shyu Kou-Gi , Chua Su-Kiat , Wang Bao-Wai , Kuan Peiliang 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Atorvastatin has been shown to reduce resistin expression in macrophages after pro-inflammatory stimulation. However, the mechanism of reducing resistin expression by atorvastatin is not known. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of atorvastatin for reducing resistin expression after proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation in cultured macrophages. Cultured macrophages were obtained from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TNF-α stimulation increased resistin protein and mRNA expression and atorvastatin inhibited the induction of resistin by TNF-α. Addition of mevalonate induced resistin protein expression similar to TNF-α stimulation. However, atorvastatin did not have effect on resistin protein expression induced by mevalonate. SP600125 and JNK small interfering RNA (siRNA) completely attenuated the resistin protein expression induced by TNF-α and mevalonate. TNF-α induced phosphorylation of Rac, while atorvastatin and Rac-1 inhibitor inhibited the phosphorylation of Rac induced by TNF-α. The gel shift and promoter activity assay showed that TNF-α increased AP-1-binding activity and resistin promoter activity, while SP600125 and atorvastatin inhibited the AP-1-binding activity and resistin promoter activity induced by TNF-α. Recombinant resistin and TNF-α significantly reduced glucose uptake in cultured macrophages, while atorvastatin reversed the reduced glucose uptake by TNF-α. In conclusion, JNK and Rac pathway mediates the inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on resistin expression induced by TNF-α.