bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transitional justice and sanctions
Authors: Sottas Eric 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTransitional justice aims at once to restore victims' dignity, build confidence between warring groups and foster the institutional changes needed to bring about a new relationship within the population, in order to usher in the rule of law without endorsing practices that amount to total or partial impunity. In situations of post-conflict, however, governments are also faced with other pressing needs, such as disarming fighting forces, improving civilian security, compensating victims and relaunching the economy of a society in ruins. This article explores the relationship between these needs and transitional justice mechanisms, and critically evaluates their influence on the forms justice has taken in post-conflict situations.
Armed groups, sanctions and the implementation of international humanitarian law
Authors: La Rosa Anne-Marie , Wuerzner Carolin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWhile it is widely accepted that punishing the perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law is an important instrument in improving compliance with the law, little research has been done into the obligations on armed groups to impose sanctions and their possibilities for doing so. This article discusses characteristics of armed groups that influence their willingness and ability to comply with international humanitarian law and to punish those of their members who commit violations. It takes a holistic approach to these sanctions, and analyses the different methods of punishing members of armed groups, including disciplinary sanctions, penal sanctions imposed by the state and penal sanctions imposed by the group itself.
Sanctions as a means of obtaining greater respect for humanitarian law: a review of their effectiveness
Authors: La Rosa Anne-Marie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThere are several aspects to reviewing the role of punishment in ensuring greater respect for international humanitarian law. First, there is the question of improving compliance with the law, second, the focus on the punishment itself and, third, the characteristics of the perpetrators. The situation of armed groups is dealt with separately. The article also examines transitional justice as an accompanying measure and the problem of how to take care of the victims. Finally, suggestions are presented which could help the parties concerned in the establishment of a system of sanctions capable of having a lasting influence on the conduct of weapon bearers so as to obtain greater respect for international humanitarian law.
A Simple Test for Changes in Statistical Distributions
Authors: Benestad Rasmus E. 
Published: October 2008

It is often difficult to determine whether a variable is undergoing a systematic change. A conventional approach to determining whether a variable exhibits a long‐term change in terms of its statistical properties is to apply a trend test or some kind of time series analysis involving various degrees of complexity. Here it is shown that it is possible to indicate, through a simple test based entirely on mathematical logic, whether a series of numbers consists of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) numbers.Examples of the application of the i.i.d. test include testing monthly temperatures for new record values [Benestad, 2004], or studying future trends in extreme monthly precipitation based on large, multimodel ensembles of climate model simulations [Benestad, 2006].
Our Changing Planet:The View From Space
Authors: Lakshmi Venkat 
Published: October 2008

Through the use of satellite and aircraft‐acquired images, color photographs, and scientific analysis, Our Changing Planet: The View From Space takes a look at the four components of the Earth system: the atmosphere, the land surface, the oceans, and the cryosphere. The book also highlights signatures of global climate change and human intervention on Earth system variables and processes.The book begins with a general description of the atmosphere. The structure of clouds, water vapor, rainfall, hurricanes, and lightning and their impacts on global climate are explained. This is followed by an explanation of anthropogenic activity and its impact on the atmosphere, for example, ship and aircraft emissions and atmospheric pollution of ozone, dust, and other aerosols and chlorine compounds. The land surface section of the book first focuses on solid Earth aspects: faults in the Earth's interior and volcanoes. This is followed by a description of extreme events such as floods and outbreaks of epidemics and their links to vegetation and changes in vegetation and glaciers as a reflection of climate change. The section ends with the variables soil moisture and surface temperature.
AGU Governance and Organization Systems: Membership Input Sought
Authors: Geller Marvin 
Published: October 2008

The AGU Statutes and Bylaws Committee was asked to examine the present system of AGU governance and organization, and to make recommendations for changes, if any seem warranted. Given the importance of this issue, the Statutes and Bylaws Committee feels it is important to involve the Union membership in this discussion through this article and perhaps by the expression of various views in future issues of Eos.Before proceeding to the issues, the Committee thought the following general introduction to AGU organization and governance should be presented because many members, even in some cases those elected to Council, are not aware of the present AGU organization and governance. The activities of AGU are governed by an elected Council comprising six Union officers, 11 section presidents, and 11 section presidents‐elect (for details, see http://www.agu.org/inside/officers_top.html).
Adenosine receptors and asthma in humans
Authors: Wilson C N 
Published: October 2008

According to an executive summary of the GINA dissemination committee report, it is now estimated that approximately 300 million people (5% of the global population or 1 in 20 persons) have asthma. Despite the scientific progress made over the past several decades toward improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma, there is still a great need for improved therapies, particularly oral therapies that enhance patient compliance and that target new mechanisms of action. Adenosine is an important signalling molecule in human asthma. By acting on extracellular G‐protein‐coupled ARs on a number of different cell types important in the pathophysiology of human asthma, adenosine affects bronchial reactivity, inflammation and airway remodelling. Four AR subtypes (A1, A2a, A2band A3) have been cloned in humans, are expressed in the lung, and are all targets for drug development for human asthma. This review summarizes what is known about these AR subtypes and their function in human asthma as well as the pros and cons of therapeutic approaches to these AR targets. A number of molecules with high affinity and high selectivity for the human AR subtypes have entered clinical trials or are poised to enter clinical trials as anti‐asthma treatments. With the availability of these molecules for testing in humans, the function of ARs in human asthma, as well as the safety and efficacy of approaches to the different AR targets, can now be determined.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 475–486; doi:fn1
Finding better therapeutic targets for patients with asthma: adenosine receptors?
Authors: Polosa R 
Published: October 2008

Recent observations suggest a potential pathophysiological function for adenosine signalling in chronic inflammation of the airways, and development of new selective agonists or antagonists for adenosine receptor subtypes has recently lead to a number of clinical trials of such agents in asthma. The review by Wilson in this issue of the BJP provides a critical perspective on adenosine receptors as rational targets for drug development for anti‐asthma drugs with a focus on their efficacy and safety. Important conclusions can be drawn about the function of adenosine receptors in human asthma and approaches to these important targets with novel therapeutic agents.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 441–443; doi:fn1
CBR1andCBR3pharmacogenetics and their influence on doxorubicin disposition in Asian breast cancer patients
Authors: Lal Suman , Sandanaraj Edwin , Wong Zee Wan , Ang Peter C.S. , Wong Nan Soon , Lee Edmund J.D. , Chowbay Balram 
Published: October 2008

The present study aimed to identify polymorphic genes encoding carbonyl reductases (CBR1,CBR3) and investigate their influence on doxorubicin disposition in Asian breast cancer patients (n = 62). Doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) was administered every 3 weeks for four to six cycles and the pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using non‐compartmental analysis (WinNonlin). The Mann–WhitneyU‐test was used to assess genotypic–phenotypic correlations. FiveCBR1(–48G>A, c.219G>C, c.627C>T, c.693G>A, +967G>A) andCBR3(c.11G>A, c.255C>T, c.279C>T, c.606G>A, c.730G>A) polymorphisms were identified. TheCBR1D2 diplotypes were characterized by the presence of at least one variant allele at the c.627C>Tand +967G>Aloci. Patients in theCBR1D1 diplotype group had significantly higher clearance (CL) normalized to body surface area (BSA) (CL/BSA[L/h/m2]: median 25.09; range 16.44–55.66) and significantly lower exposure levels; area under curve (AUC0–∞/dose/BSA [h/m5]; median 15.08; range 6.18–38.03) of doxorubicin compared with patients belonging to theCBR1D2 diplotype group (CL/BSA[L/h/m2]; median 20.88; range 8.68–31.79,P = 0.014; and AUC0–∞/dose/BSA[h/m5]; median 21.35; range 9.82–67.17,P = 0.007 respectively). No significant influence ofCBR3polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin were observed in Asian cancer patients. The present exploratory study shows thatCBR1D2 diplotypes correlate with significantly higher exposure levels of doxorubicin, suggesting the possibility of lowered intracellular conversion to doxorubicinol in these patients. Further evaluation of carbonyl reductase polymorphisms in influencing the treatment efficacy of doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy in Asian cancer patients are warranted. (Cancer Sci2008; 99: 2045–2054)
Combined mobilization and stimulation of tumor‐infiltrating dendritic cells and natural killer cells with Flt3 ligand and IL‐18 in vivo induces systemic antitumor immunity
Authors: Saito Tetsuya , Takayama Takuya , Osaki Tadashi , Nagai Shigenori , Suzuki Toshihiro , Sato Marimo , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Tahara Hideaki 
Published: October 2008

It was hypothesized that if dendritic cells (DC) could be efficiently manipulated in vivo, this might enable functional maturation and retention of their potent functions and might represent a more promising approach in DC immunotherapy. The present study focused on the modulation of DC in tumor microenvironment using Fms‐like thyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) combined with interferon‐γ‐inducing factor (IL‐18). Tumor‐inoculated mice were treated with in vivo electroporation (IVE) of expression plasmids carrying complementary DNA of Flt3L. As a combination therapy, mice in the other group were treated with intra‐tumoral injection of adenoviral vector carrying IL‐18 gene (Ad.IL‐18). Significant antitumor effect was observed in mice treated with Ad.IL‐18 alone when compared with that of control (P < 0.01). Complete eradication was observed more frequently (100%versus 33%: P < 0.05) in the mice treated with Flt3L and Ad.IL‐18 when compared with the mice treated with Ad.IL‐18 alone. In un‐injected distant tumor, significant antitumor responses were observed only in the mice treated with combination therapy. Lymphoid cells in lymph nodes of mice treated with combination therapy showed significant cytolytic activity against inoculated tumor cells and YAC‐1 cells when compared with the lymphoid cells in other groups. In the tumor microenvironment, combination therapy resulted in the recruitment of mobilized DC into the tumor bed, although Flt3L–IVE alone had an effect in the peri‐tumoral area. Tumor‐infiltrating DC in mice treated with combination therapy showed higher CD86 expression and more potent allogeneic T‐cell stimulatory capacity. These results may suggest that local expression of IL‐18 combined with in vivo DC mobilization with Flt3L is clinically applicable as a new strategy of DC immunotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2028–2036)
Association between increment of serum VEGF level and prognosis after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Shim Ju Hyun , Park Joong‐Won , Kim Ji Hoon , An Min , Kong Sun‐Young , Nam Byung‐Ho , Choi Joon‐Il , Kim Hyun Beom , Lee Woo Jin , Kim Chang‐Min 
Published: October 2008

We prospectively investigated the association between a change of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient prognosis. The study involved 147 patients with unresectable HCC treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between July and December 2005. Serum samples were collected from each patient before TACE, and 1–2 days and 1 month after TACE. Serum VEGF concentrations were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The loge(VEGF/platelets) increased transiently 1–2 days after TACE and declined thereafter. Frequency of previous TACE did not correlate with loge(VEGF/platelets). This study found that loge(VEGF/platelets) 1–2 days after TACE, but not loge(VEGF/platelets) at baseline, was strongly correlated with vascular or nodal invasion and AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer)/UICC (International Union Against Cancer) stage, and was significantly greater in men. Relative changes in serum VEGF/platelet levels 1–2 days after TACE (ΔVEGF) > 0.5 were directly correlated with tumor size, vascular invasion and modified UICC and AJCC/UICC stage (P < 0.05 for each). Additionally, ΔVEGF > 0.5 was significantly correlated with newly developed extrahepatic metastases one and six months after TACE (P = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively). Progression free survival of patients with ΔVEGF > 0.5 was significantly worse (P < 0.001) and ΔVEGF > 0.5 was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio, 3.111; P < 0.001). This study showed that a high increment in serum VEGF level 1–2 days after TACE in HCC patients was associated with distant metastasis and unfavorable outcomes. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2037–2044)
Factors affecting abundance and distribution of submerged and floating macrophytes in Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Ngari A. N. , Kinyamario J. I. , Ntiba M. J. , Mavuti K. M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMacrophytes have been shown to perform important ecological roles in Lake Naivasha. Consequently, various studies regarding the impact of biotic factors on the macrophytes have been advanced but related studies on environmental parameters have lagged behind. In an attempt to address this gap, sampling on floating species and submergents was carried out in eight sampling sites in 2003 to investigate how they were influenced by a set of environmental factors. Soil texture (sandy sediments; P < 0.05, regression coefficient = −0.749) and wind were the most important environmental parameters influencing the distribution and abundance of floating macrophytes. Combination of soil texture and lake‐bed slope explained the most (86.3%) variation encountered in the submergents. Continuous translocation of the floating dominant water hyacinth to the western parts by wind has led to displacement of the submergents from those areas. In view of these findings, the maintenance and preservation of the steep Crescent Lake basin whose substratum is dominated by sand thus hosting most submergents remain important, if the whole functional purpose of the macrophytes is to be sustained.
The role of hepatitis E virus testing in drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: DALTON H. R. , FELLOWS H. J. , STABLEFORTH W. , JOSEPH M. , THURAIRAJAH P. H. , WARSHOW U. , HAZELDINE S. , REMNARACE R. , IJAZ S. , HUSSAINI S. H. , BENDALL R. P. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryBackground  Locally acquired hepatitis E is an emerging infection in developed countries and can be misdiagnosed as drug‐induced liver injury.Aim  To study the role of hepatitis E virus (HEV) testing in drug‐induced liver injury.Methods  Retrospective review of a cohort of patients with suspected drug‐induced liver injury (n = 69) and hepatitis E (n = 45). The standard criteria for drug‐induced liver injury were applied. Patients with suspected drug‐induced liver injury who met these criteria were retrospectively tested for HEV on stored sera taken at the time of presentation. The two cohorts were compared to determine variables that predicted either of the diagnoses.Results  Forty‐seven out of 69 patients had criterion‐referenced drug‐induced liver injury. 22/47 were HEV negative and thus had confirmed drug‐induced liver injury. 19/47 were not tested for HEV, as there was no sera available from the time of presentation. 6/47 were HEV positive and thus did not have drug‐induced liver injury, but had hepatitis E infection. Compared to patients with confirmed drug‐induced liver injury, patients with hepatitis E were significantly more likely to be male (OR 3.09, CI 1.05–9.08); less likely to present in November and December (0.03, CI 0.01–0.52); have lower serum bilirubin (P = 0.015); and higher serum alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase/alkaline phosphatase ratio (P < 0.001).Conclusion  The diagnosis of drug‐induced liver injury is not secure without testing for HEV.
Clinical trial: effects of adefovir dipivoxil therapy in Asian and Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: LIM S. G. , MARCELLIN P. , TASSOPOULOS N. , HADZIYANNIS S. , CHANG T. T. , TONG M. , SIEVERT W. , HU P. , ARTERBURN S. , BROSGART C. L. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATOR GROUPS FOR STUDIES 437 AND 438
Published: October 2008

SummaryBackground  Two‐thirds of the 350 million people infected with chronic hepatitis B virus live in the Asia‐Pacific region.Aim  To compare the effects of adefovir dipivoxil therapy between Asian and Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B.Methods  The safety and efficacy of 10 mg of adefovir dipivoxil was compared to placebo in 501 Asian (n = 259) or Caucasian (n = 242) HBeAg+ and HBeAg− chronic hepatitis B virus patients treated for 48 weeks in two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies.Results  At week 48, histological improvement was observed in 60% and 56% of Caucasian and Asian patients, respectively. Change in serum hepatitis B virus DNA from baseline to week 48 for the adefovir dipivoxil‐treated patients was −3.89 and −3.70 log10 copies/mL in Caucasian and Asian patients, respectively, while 34 per cent of Caucasian patients and 39 per cent of Asian patients had undetectable serum hepatitis B virus DNA (<400 copies/mL) at week 48. The percentage of patients achieving alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization at week 48 was similar in both groups (Caucasian 64 per cent, Asian 63 per cent). No patients developed resistance through week 48. No differences in adverse events or grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities were observed between groups.Conclusions  There were no significant differences in treatment response between Asians and Caucasians. Adefovir dipivoxil was well tolerated and no resistance developed up to week 48 in both racial groups.
Resource use in patients with Crohn’s disease treated with infliximab
Authors: SARO C. , DE LA COBA C. , CASADO M. Á. , MORALES J. M. , OTERO B. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryAim  To estimate the impact of infliximab (IFX) on hospital resources for patients with Crohn’s disease.Methods  Resource use data for at least 1 year before (B‐IFX) and after (A‐IFX) infliximab administration were retrospectively collected for all patients treated with IFX at the Hospital Cabueñes (Spain). Direct costs calculated were: hospital‐stays, surgeries, out‐patient visits, diagnostic and laboratory tests, pharmacological treatments, and day‐care hospitalization for IFX administration.Results  Patients (n = 34; mean age at treatment: 43.6 years) with 9.8 and 4.3 years (B‐IFX and A‐IFX, respectively) had their costs estimated. Partial or complete response was achieved in 82% of patients. Total annual B‐IFX costs per patient were €4464, of which 62.4% was for hospitalization, 3.1% for surgery, 8.7% for consultation visits, 16.2% for diagnostic and laboratory tests, and 9.6% for other treatments. Total annual A‐IFX costs per patient were €10 594; of which 6.4% was for hospitalization, 0.8% for surgery, 4.2% for consultation visits, 7.6% for diagnostic and laboratory tests, 5.5% for other treatments, and 75.5% for IFX and its administration. The primary cost item was hospitalization (€2783) during the B‐IFX period as opposed to IFX itself (€7996) during the subsequent A‐IFX period.Conclusions  In routine practice, IFX appears to be an effective treatment by reducing hospital‐stays, but increases overall budgetary cost for patients with Crohn’s disease.
Early versus late surgery for ileo‐caecal Crohn’s disease
Authors: ARATARI A. , PAPI C. , LEANDRO G. , VISCIDO A. , CAPURSO L. , CAPRILLI R. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryBackground  Surgical resection is almost inevitable in Crohn’s disease. Surgery is usually performed for refractory or complicated disease: no studies appear to have been carried out, so far, to evaluate the potential benefits of performing surgery early in the course of the disease.Aim  To compare the long‐term course of Crohn’s disease following ileo‐caecal resection performed at the time of diagnosis (early surgery) or during the course of the disease (late surgery).Patients and methods  Overall 207 patients with ileo‐caecal Crohn’s disease at their first resection were reviewed: 83 patients underwent surgery at the time of diagnosis (early surgery), while 124 underwent surgery 54.2 months (range 1–438) after diagnosis (late surgery). The mean follow‐up after surgery was 147 months (range 12–534). The primary endpoint was clinical recurrence, defined as need for corticosteroids for symptomatic disease in the presence of endoscopic and/or radiologic recurrence. Secondary endpoints were need for immunosuppressants and surgical recurrence. Statistical analysis: Kaplan–Meier survival method and Cox proportional hazards regression model.Results  Within 10 years after surgery, the cumulative probability of clinical recurrence was significantly lower in the early surgery group (Log Rank test P = 0.01). A trend was observed regarding the need for immunosuppressants (P = 0.05). No difference was observed regarding surgical recurrence. At multivariate analysis, early surgery was the only independent variable associated with a reduced risk of clinical recurrence (Hazard ratio, HR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.92, P = 0.02), but not with need for immunosuppressants and surgical recurrence (HR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.30, P = 0.15; HR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.35, P = 0.25, respectively).Conclusion  Early surgery prolongs clinical remission compared to surgery performed during the course of the disease, but the natural history of disease is not modified.