bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Globalisation's Challenge to the Islamic Ummah
Authors: Hassan Riaz 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe concept of ummah embodies the universalism of Islam and provides a framework for religious unity, which accommodates the cultural diversity of believers. It is an important part of historical as well as contemporary discourse on Islam. This paper provides an overview of the development and evolution of the concept of ummah and its usage in Islamic discourse to explain the current social, political and economic conditions of the Muslim world. It reports the findings about ummah consciousness and its relationship to modernity in Muslim countries of Southeast Asia, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East. It will examine the impact of globalisation on the Islamic ummah and how it is shaping the emerging struggle between 'hybridity' and 'authenticity' among Muslims and Islamic movements. The paper will explore the challenges of this struggle and its sociological implications for the 'de-centering' of the Muslim world into multiple autonomous regions. It will argue that the future of the Muslim ummah may gain strength not as a unified and unitary community, but as a differentiated community consisting of ummahs representing different Islamic regions. Each regional ummah will possess and embody a unique character that has been moulded by the history and temperament of its people. The paper will conclude with some observations on the future religious, intellectual, economic and political trajectories of Muslim countries.
Moralising Ancestors as Socio-moral Capital: A Study of a Transnational Chinese Lineage
Authors: Khun Eng Kuah-Pearce 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWithin the Chinese Diaspora, ancestor worship is an important cultural element that binds a group of people together and provides them with a sense of comfort, kinship and communal identity as they sink their cultural roots in a new country, luodi shenggen. Thus, ancestor worship is widely reproduced and practised by the Chinese in the Diaspora, as it is central to the Chinese understanding of the continuation of family and lineage. However, in Mainland Chinese villages, the practice of ancestor worship, which is still considered important by the villagers, was not allowed until the Open Door Policy in 1978. With this policy, emigrant villages, (qiaoxiang) embarked on an aggressive campaign to woo the Chinese in overseas communities to return to their native villages to help with economic development through various strategies. One of the strategies is to allow for the revival and practice of ancestor worship in the rural villages. This paper explores how ancestors continued to be regarded as important members of a transnational lineage in the Fujian Province in South China, and also in Singapore. Because of the central focus on ancestors and ancestor worship in the Chinese society, ancestors are moralised as a significant social capital by the Chinese State, local government and rural villagers, in an attempt to establish transnational guanxi linkages between the ancestral villages in rural China and their Diaspora members in Singapore. The Chinese State, with instrumental consideration, sees this transnational guanxi networks and the revival of ancestor worship as a strategy to encourage the Chinese Diaspora to visit their ancestral home and help with village development.
Scaling Baroclinic Eddy Fluxes: Vortices and Energy Balance
Authors: Thompson Andrew F. , Young William R. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The eddy heat flux generated by the statistically equilibrated baroclinic instability of a uniform, horizontal temperature gradient is studied using a two-mode f-plane quasigeostrophic model. An overview of the dependence of the eddy diffusivity D on the bottom friction κ, the deformation radius λ, the vertical variation of the large-scale flow U, and the domain size L is provided by numerical simulations at 70 different values of the two nondimensional control parameters κλ/U and L/λ. Strong, axisymmetric, well-separated baroclinic vortices dominate both the barotropic vorticity and the temperature fields. The core radius of a single vortex is significantly larger than λ but smaller than the eddy mixing length ℓmix. On the other hand, the typical vortex separation is comparable to ℓmix. Anticyclonic vortices are hot, and cyclonic vortices are cold. The motion of a single vortex is due to barotropic advection by other distant vortices, and the eddy heat flux is due to the systematic migration of hot anticyclones northward and cold cyclones southward. These features can be explained by scaling arguments and an analysis of the statistically steady energy balance. These arguments result in a relation between D and ℓmix. Earlier scaling theories based on coupled Kolmogorovian cascades do not account for these coherent structures and are shown to be unreliable. All of the major properties of this dilute vortex gas are exponentially sensitive to the strength of the bottom drag. As the bottom drag decreases, both the vortex cores and the vortex separation become larger. Provided that ℓmix remains significantly smaller than the domain size, then local mixing length arguments are applicable, and our main empirical result is ℓmix ≈ 4λ exp(0.3U/κλ).
Heat and Freshwater Transport through the Central Labrador Sea*
Authors: Straneo F. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The seasonal and interannual variations in the export of Labrador Sea Water (LSW), and in the heat and freshwater transport through the central Labrador Sea, are examined for two different periods: from 1964 to 1974, using Ocean Weather Station Bravo data, and from 1996 to 2000, using data collected from profiling floats. A typical seasonal cycle involves a 300-m thickening of LSW (convection) followed by an equivalent thinning (restratification). Restratification is characterized by a drift of properties toward boundary current values that is indicative of a vigorous lateral exchange. The net result is a convergence of heat and salt, between 200 and 700 m, that balances the net surface heat loss to the atmosphere and partially offsets the surface freshwater accumulation due to surface, lateral exchange. Interannual variations in the export of LSW can be explained by taking into account changes in the central Labrador Sea–boundary current density gradient, which governs the lateral exchange. Interannual variations in how much heat is converged into the region, on the other hand, mostly reflect changes in the temperature of LSW. This only partly explains, however, the increased convergence of heat that occurs during the late 1990s. In years in which convection does not occur, restratification trends continue throughout the entire year, albeit at a reduced rate.
A Decomposition of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation into Physical Components Using Its Sensitivity to Vertical Diffusivity
Authors: Mignot Juliette , Levermann Anders , Griesel Alexa 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The sensitivity of the Atlantic Ocean meridional overturning circulation to the vertical diffusion coefficient κ in the global coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea ice model CLIMBER-3α is investigated. An important feature of the three-dimensional ocean model is its low-diffusive tracer advection scheme. The strength Mmax of the Atlantic overturning is decomposed into three components: 1) the flow MS exported southward at 30°S, 2) the large-scale upward flow that balances vertical diffusion in the Atlantic, and 3) a wind-dependent upwelling flux Wbound along the Atlantic boundaries that is not due to vertical diffusion. The export of water at 30°S varies only weakly with κ, but is strongly correlated with the strength of the overflow over the Greenland–Scotland ridge. The location of deep convection is found to be mixing dependent such that a shift from the Nordic seas to the Irminger Sea is detected for high values of κ. The ratio R = MS/Mmax gives a measure of the interhemispheric overturning efficiency and is found to decrease linearly with κ. The diffusion-induced upwelling in the Atlantic is mostly due to the uniform background value of κ while parameterization of enhanced mixing over rough topography and in stratified areas gives only a weak contribution to the overturning strength. It increases linearly with κ. This is consistent with the classic 2/3 scaling law only when taking the linear variation of the density difference to κ into account. The value of Wbound is roughly constant with κ but depends linearly on the wind stress strength in the North Atlantic. The pycnocline depth is not sensitive to changes in κ in the model used herein, and the results suggest that it is primarily set by the forcing of the Southern Ocean winds. The scaling of the total overturning strength with κ depends on the combined sensitivity of each of the terms to κ. In the range of background diffusivity values in which no switch in deep convection sites is detected, Mmax scales linearly with the vertical diffusivity. It is argued that scalings have, in general, to be interpreted with care because of the generally very small range of κ but also because of possible shifts in important physical processes such as deep convection location.
Generation and Initial Evolution of a Mode Water θ–S Anomaly*
Authors: Johnson Gregory C. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Generation and evolution of an isopycnal potential temperature–salinity (θ–S), or spiciness, anomaly is studied around 20°–23°S, 110°W in the austral winter of 2004. Two profiling CTD floats deployed in the region in January 2004 provide the observations. The anomaly (defined as relative to water properties of the preceding summer) is very large (initially about 0.35 in S and about 0.9°C in θ). It is associated with the winter ventilation of a thick, low-potential-vorticity layer known as South Pacific Eastern Subtropical Mode Water. Regional lateral θ and S distributions at the surface predispose the ocean to formation of this water mass and allow significant anomalies to be generated there with relative ease. The water mass is potentially important for climate in that, after northwestward advection in the South Equatorial Current, it contributes to the Equatorial Undercurrent and eventually resurfaces in the cold tongue of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The anomaly studied is strong enough to predispose a portion of the water column to salt fingering, increasing vertical mixing. Although lateral processes are no doubt important in evolution of the anomaly, the vertical mixing appears to be sufficiently vigorous to reduce it significantly within 6 months after its formation by spreading it to denser horizons through diapycnal fluxes. By that time the anomaly is most likely sufficiently diffuse so that subsequent evolution from diapycnal fluxes is significantly reduced as it makes its way toward the equator.
Somatic activation of a conditional KrasG12D allele causes ineffective erythropoiesis in vivo
Authors: Braun Benjamin S. , Archard Joehleen A. , Van Ziffle Jessica A. G. , Tuveson David A. , Jacks Tyler E. , Shannon Kevin 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSomatic activation of a conditional targeted KrasG12D allele induces a fatal myeloproliferative disease in mice that closely models juvenile and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. These mice consistently develop severe and progressive anemia despite adequate numbers of clonogenic erythroid progenitors in the bone marrow and expanded splenic hematopoiesis. Ineffective erythropoiesis is characterized by impaired differentiation. These results demonstrate that endogenous levels of oncogenic Ras have cell lineage-specific effects and support efforts to modulate Ras signaling for therapy of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders.
The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Iceland: a retrospective population based study
Authors: Leosdottir Margret , Reimarsdottir Gudrun , Gottskalksson Gizur , Torfason Bjarni , Vigfusdottir Margret , Arnar David O 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation have expanded considerably in recent years, resulting in steadily growing numbers of ICD recipients worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the overall experience with ICDs in Iceland.

Methods
This was a retrospective single centre study set at the University Hospital in Iceland. Data on all ICD implantations in Iceland from the first implantation in 1992 till the end of 2002 was reviewed.

Results
Sixty-two patients (71% male) received an ICD during this period. There was an increase in the number of implants by year and the number of new implants in 2001 and 2002 amounted to 56 and 38 per million, respectively. The mean age at implantation was 58 (+/-14) years. Forty patients (65%) had coronary artery disease. The most common indications for ICD implantation were cardiac arrest, 32 (52%) and another 26 (42%) had experienced ventricular tachycardia without cardiac arrest. The most common adverse event was inappropriate shocks. Twenty-eight patients (45%) received therapy from their ICDs, with the majority receiving appropriate therapy. Of the thirteen patients deceased before or during the study period, no case of sudden arrhythmic death was observed.

Conclusion
This study shows that the experience with ICDs in Iceland is in most respects similar to other Western countries.
The insecure airway: a comparison of knots and commercial devices for securing endotracheal tubes
Authors: Lovett Paris B , Flaxman Alexander , Stürmann Kai M , Bijur Polly 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundEndotracheal Tubes (ETTs) are commonly secured using adhesive tape, cloth tape, or commercial devices. The objectives of the study were (1) To compare degrees of movement of ETTs secured with 6 different commercial devices and (2) To compare movement of ETTs secured with cloth tape tied with 3 different knots (hitches).MethodsA 17 cm diameter PVC tube with 14 mm "mouth" hole in the side served as a mannequin. ETTs were subjected to repeated jerks, using a cable and pulley system. Measurements: (1) Total movement of ETTs relative to "mouth" (measure used for devices) (2) Slippage of ETT through securing knot (measure used for knots).ResultsAmong commercial devices, the Dale®showed less movement than other devices, although some differences between devices did not reach significance. Among knots, Magnus and Clove Hitches produced less slippage than the Cow Hitch, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionAmong devices tested, the Dale®was most secure. Within the scope offered by the small sample sizes, there were no statistically significant differences between the knots in this study.
Disordered semantic representation in schizophrenic temporal cortex revealed by neuromagnetic response patterns
Authors: Löw Andreas , Rockstroh Brigitte , Elbert Thomas , Silberman Yaron , Bentin Shlomo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Loosening of associations and thought disruption are key features of schizophrenic psychopathology. Alterations in neural networks underlying this basic abnormality have not yet been sufficiently identified. Previously, we demonstrated that spatio-temporal clustering of magnetic brain responses to pictorial stimuli map categorical representations in temporal cortex. This result has opened the possibility to quantify associative strength within and across semantic categories in schizophrenic patients. We hypothesized that in contrast to controls, schizophrenic patients exhibit disordered representations of semantic categories.

Methods
The spatio-temporal clusters of brain magnetic activities elicited by object pictures related to super-ordinate (flowers, animals, furniture, clothes) and base-level (e.g. tulip, rose, orchid, sunflower) categories were analysed in the source space for the time epochs 170–210 and 210–450 ms following stimulus onset and were compared between 10 schizophrenic patients and 10 control subjects.

Results
Spatio-temporal correlations of responses elicited by base-level concepts and the difference of within vs. across super-ordinate categories were distinctly lower in patients than in controls. Additionally, in contrast to the well-defined categorical representation in control subjects, unsupervised clustering indicated poorly defined representation of semantic categories in patients. Within the patient group, distinctiveness of categorical representation in the temporal cortex was positively related to negative symptoms and tended to be inversely related to positive symptoms.

Conclusion
Schizophrenic patients show a less organized representation of semantic categories in clusters of magnetic brain responses than healthy adults. This atypical neural network architecture may be a correlate of loosening of associations, promoting positive symptoms.
Association between two distinct executive tasks in schizophrenia: a functional transcranial Doppler sonography study
Authors: Feldmann Deborah , Schuepbach Daniel , von Rickenbach Bettina , Theodoridou Anastasia , Hell Daniel 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder involving impairments in executive functioning, which are important cognitive processes that can be assessed by planning tasks such as the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and tasks of rule learning/abstraction such as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). We undertook this study to investigate the association between performance during separate phases of SOC and WCST, including mean cerebral blood flow velocity (MFV) measurements in chronic schizophrenia.

Methods
Functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) was used to assess bilateral MFV changes in the middle (MCA) and anterior (ACA) cerebral arteries. Twenty-two patients with chronic schizophrenia and 20 healthy subjects with similar sociodemographic characteristics performed SOC and WCST during fTCD measurements of the MCA and the ACA. The SOC was varied in terms of easy and difficult problems, and also in terms of separate phases, namely mental planning and movement execution. The WCST performance was assessed separately for maintaining set and set shifting. This allowed us to examine the impact of problem difficulty and the impact of separate phases of a planning task on distinct intervals of WCST. Simultaneous registration of MFV was carried out to investigate the linkage of brain perfusion during the tasks.

Results
In patients, slowing of movement execution during easy problems (SOC) was associated with slowing during maintaining set (WCST) (P < 0.01). In healthy subjects, faster planning and movement execution during predominantly difficult problems were associated with increased performance of WCST during set shifting (P < 0.01). In the MCA, patients showed a significant and positive correlation of MFV between movement execution and WCST (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate performance and brain perfusion abnormalities in the association pattern of two different tasks of executive functioning in schizophrenia, and they support the notion that executive functions have a pathological functional correlate predominantly in the lateral hemispheres of the brain. This study also underpins the scientific potential of fTCD in assessing brain perfusion in patients with schizophrenia.
Induction of revertant fibres in the mdx mouse using antisense oligonucleotides
Authors: Fall Abbie M , Johnsen Russell , Honeyman Kaite , Iversen Pat , Fletcher Susan , Wilton Stephen D 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal genetic disorder caused by dystrophin gene mutations that result in premature termination of translation and the absence of functional protein. Despite the primary dystrophin gene lesion, immunostaining studies have shown that at least 50% of DMD patients, mdx mice and a canine model of DMD have rare dystrophin-positive or 'revertant' fibres. Fine epitope mapping has shown that the majority of transcripts responsible for revertant fibres exclude multiple exons, one of which includes the dystrophin mutation.

Methods
The mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy has a nonsense mutation in exon 23 of the dystrophin gene. We have shown that antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) can induce the removal of this exon, resulting in an in-frame mRNA transcript encoding a shortened but functional dystrophin protein. To emulate one exonic combination associated with revertant fibres, we target multiple exons for removal by the application of a group of AOs combined as a "cocktail".

Results
Exons 19–25 were consistently excluded from the dystrophin gene transcript using a cocktail of AOs. This corresponds to an alternatively processed gene transcript that has been sporadically detected in untreated dystrophic mouse muscle, and is presumed to give rise to a revertant dystrophin isoform. The transcript and the resultant correctly localised smaller protein were confirmed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates the feasibility of AO cocktails to by-pass dystrophin mutation hotspots through multi-exon skipping. Multi-exon skipping could be important in expediting an exon skipping therapy to treat DMD, so that the same AO formulations may be applied to several different mutations within particular domains of the dystrophin gene.
Induction of antitumor immunity through xenoplacental immunization
Authors: Zhong Zhaohui , Kusznieruk Kornel P , Popov Igor A , Riordan Neil H , Izadi Hamid , Yijian Li , Sher Salman , Szczurko Orest M , Agadjanyan Michael G , Tullis Richard H , Harandi Amir , Reznik Boris N , Mamikonyan Grigor V , Ichim Thomas E 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHistorically cancer vaccines have yielded suboptimal clinical results. We have developed a novel strategy for eliciting antitumor immunity based upon homology between neoplastic tissue and the developing placenta. Placenta formation shares several key processes with neoplasia, namely: angiogenesis, activation of matrix metalloproteases, and active suppression of immune function. Immune responses against xenoantigens are well known to break self-tolerance. Utilizing xenogeneic placental protein extracts as a vaccine, we have successfully induced anti-tumor immunity against B16 melanoma in C57/BL6 mice, whereas control xenogeneic extracts and B16 tumor extracts where ineffective, or actually promoted tumor growth, respectively. Furthermore, dendritic cells were able to prime tumor immunity when pulsed with the placental xenoantigens. While vaccination-induced tumor regression was abolished in mice depleted of CD4 T cells, both CD4 and CD8 cells were needed to adoptively transfer immunity to naïve mice. Supporting the role of CD8 cells in controlling tumor growth are findings that only freshly isolated CD8 cells from immunized mice were capable of inducing tumor cell caspases-3 activation ex vivo. These data suggest feasibility of using xenogeneic placental preparations as a multivalent vaccine potently targeting not just tumor antigens, but processes that are essential for tumor maintenance of malignant potential.