bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Phenomenology of Koan Meditation in Zen Buddhism
Authors: Grenard Jerry 
Published: September 2008

AbstractZen students described their experiences when working with koans, and a phenomenological method was used to identify the structure of those experiences. Zen koans are statements or stories developed in China and Japan by Zen masters in order to help students transform their conscious awareness of the world. Eight participants including 3 females and 5 males from Southern California with 1 to 30 years of experience in Zen answered open-ended questions about koan practice in one tape-recorded session for each participant. Reflection yielded the following thematic clusters: (a) motivation, (b) approaches to working with koans, (c) experiences while working with koans, (d) experiences of insight into koans, (e) working with a teacher, and (f) transformation. Participants described positive transformations including better control of emotions and concentration, better awareness of prejudices and biases with the ability to suppress those types of habitual associations, and a new relation to and acceptance of spiritual questions and doubts.
Toward a Phenomenological Psychology of Art Appreciation
Authors: Roald Tone 
Published: September 2008

AbstractExperiences with art have been of longstanding concern for phenomenologists, yet the psychological question of the appearing of art appreciation has not been addressed. This article attends to this lack, exemplifying the merits of a phenomenological psychological investigation based on three semi-structured interviews conducted with museum visitors. The interviews were subjected to meaning condensation as well as to descriptions of the first aesthetic reception, the retrospective interpretation, and the “horizons of expectations” included in the meeting with art. The findings show that art appreciation appears as variations in experiential forms comprised of gratifying experiences of beauty, challenges to the understanding, and bodily-informed alterations of the emotions. The phenomenological psychology of actual, lived experience can embrace the phenomenological theories of art appreciation by Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty, yet highlight the psychological importance of experiences with art.
Muddling the Waters of Treaty Interpretation? Relevant Rules of International Law in the MOX Plant OSPAR Arbitration and EC – Biotech Case
Authors: Baetens Freya 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article addresses whether the decisions in the MOX Plant OSPAR Arbitration and the EC – Biotech Case clarify or obscure systemic integration of relevant rules of international law. The OSPAR award has clearly generated greater confusion, both formally and substantively, by not staying the proceedings or interpreting the OSPAR Convention in light of relevant rules of international and regional law. Similarly, the Panel in the EC – Biotech case broke from the progressive example in US – Shrimp in its reluctance to employ the different legal means for considering other international law. However, attempts to “cross-fertilise” treaties by reference to other rules of international law should not be pursued overzealously, as it may create resistance among states towards the development of international law.
Sector-Specific and Public Law Approaches to (International) Regulatory Law: A Rationale for the Combined Use of Global Administrative Law and New Governance as Tools for the New ‘International’ Law
Authors: Chatzimanoli Despina 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe complexity of contemporary relations and problems, exacerbated by the intricacies of international interaction, pose an enormous challenge to law in general and international law in particular. This paper focuses on two of the various reactions of the legal doctrine to this complexity: on the one hand, the embracement of the novel circumstances and phenomena in their own right – the new governance approaches (NG); on the other hand, the insistence on traditional legal tools but under a renewed understanding thereof in line with changing circumstances – the global administrative law approaches (GAL). The first part of the argument here is that within particular regulatory contexts NG and GAL find their expression in sector-specific and public law approaches, respectively. The paper goes on to essentially argue for a lato sensu public law analysis to be undertaken cumulatively with – and not alternatively to – the sector-specific analysis. This serves to further support the view that NG and GAL are not antithetical; they are rather complementary, and in fact they seem to show a lot of promise in mitigating the (normative) defects of each other.
East Asia Institutionalises: China, Japan and the Vogue for Free Trade
Authors: Webster Timothy 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn the past decade East Asia has taken steps to increase regional integration. This paper examines the vogue for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) currently raging in China and Japan. After mapping the regional links that knit East Asia together during the 1990s and 2000s, the focus then shifts to the specific trade agreements that China and Japan have signed. Both countries exhibit a particular FTA “style;” Japan has adopted a more orthodox and comprehensive approach to its treaties, while China has shown greater flexibility and gradualism when dealing with FTA partners. It is still unclear whether these efforts will lead to a region-wide FTA, or a continued crisscrossing of bilateral arrangements. In either case, China's eagerness to adapt to partner country expectations likely gives it an edge in becoming the regional hub of East Asia.
The Effect of Wind–Wave–Current Interaction on Air–Sea Momentum Fluxes and Ocean Response in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Fan Yalin , Ginis Isaac , Hara Tetsu 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In this paper, the wind–wave–current interaction mechanisms in tropical cyclones and their effect on the surface wave and ocean responses are investigated through a set of numerical experiments. The key element of the authors’ modeling approach is the air–sea interface model, which consists of a wave boundary layer model and an air–sea momentum flux budget model. The results show that the time and spatial variations in the surface wave field, as well as the wave–current interaction, significantly reduce momentum flux into the currents in the right rear quadrant of the hurricane. The reduction of the momentum flux into the ocean consequently reduces the magnitude of the subsurface current and sea surface temperature cooling to the right of the hurricane track and the rate of upwelling/downwelling in the thermocline. During wind–wave–current interaction, the momentum flux into the ocean is mainly affected by reducing the wind speed relative to currents, whereas the wave field is mostly affected by refraction due to the spatially varying currents. In the area where the current is strongly and roughly aligned with wave propagation direction, the wave spectrum of longer waves is reduced, the peak frequency is shifted to a higher frequency, and the angular distribution of the wave energy is widened.
Comparative Analysis of Traditional, Modern, and Renovated Streets in Physical, Visual, and Life Aspects; A Case Study on Buca District — Izmir (Turkey)
Authors: Kilicaslan Cigdem , Malkoc Emine , Turel Hatice Sonmez 
Published: September 2008

Located within the borders of a conservation development plan, a traditional street structure, a renovated street structure which holds traditionalism and modernism together and a modern street structure constructed within the present settlement have been studied comparatively to determine the degree to which the existing urban structure meets the expectations of today's people. After an initial search of the literature, including development plans for the study area, the concept of `the street' was examined in detail and the place of streets as the lowest spatial unit in social life evaluated. During the data collection phase expert and student groups, including landscape architects, investigated the area by public survey and direct observation to produce information for consideration by the researchers and an expert panel. Physical structure and life-style analyses were carried out through on the spot observation together with a public survey using face-to-face interviews and a computer-based visual analysis. During the last phase of the study, all the data obtained were evaluated by the research group and recommendations to direct future activity in planning, designing and primary conservation were developed on the basis of the selected street samples.
Working with Diverse Communities in East Calgary, Alberta
Authors: Lam Both Peter , Neff Ron 
Published: September 2008

• Summary: This article draws on the findings of diversity audit study done at the East Area Office of the City of Calgary, in Canada. It identifies existing strengths and gaps in addressing diversity and social inclusion within the office staff and in the program planning, design and delivery to the diverse communities in the east of Calgary. • Findings: Although staff of the area office feel a strong sense of belong in the workplace and work collaboratively with each other in different streams, it was identified that more collaboration needs to be established between the community social workers and community recreation coordinators. It was also found that almost all staff in the area office have no knowledge for procedures to report discrimination in the work place. On the other hand, the community consultations have identified that East Area Office needs to develop close relationship with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities, which at the time of the study were not specifically targeted with programs by the office. • Application: Building from the disconnect between program planning, design and delivery on the one hand, and the inclusion of all the diverse communities on the other hand, the authors present opportunities for dialogue and partnership development to enhance collaborative work between the communities and the East Area Office. Through this collaboration, programs will be planned, designed and delivered with appropriate cultural sensitivity. As well, the authors emphasize the need to strengthen collaborative work between the community social workers (CSWs) and the community recreation coordinators (CRCs), which are the two staff streams working in East Area Office so that their efforts can complement each other.
A comprehensive comparison of the continual reassessment method to the standard 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme in Phase I dose-finding studies
Authors: Iasonos Alexia , Wilton Andrew S , Riedel Elyn R , Seshan Venkatraman E , Spriggs David R 
Published: September 2008

Background An extensive literature has covered the statistical properties of the Continual Reassessment Method (CRM) and the modifications of this method. While there are some applications of CRM designs in recent Phase I trials, the standard method (SM) of escalating doses after three patients with an option for an additional three patients SM remains very popular, mainly due to its simplicity. From a practical perspective, clinicians are interested in designs that can estimate the MTD using fewer patients for a fixed number of doses, or can test more dose levels for a given sample size. Purpose This article compares CRM-based methods with the SM in terms of the number of patients needed to reach the MTD, total sample size required, and trial duration. Methods The comparisons are performed under two alternative schemes: a fixed or a varying sample approach with the implementation of a stopping rule. The stopping rule halts the trial if the confidence interval around the MTD is within a pre-specified bound. Our simulations evaluated several CRM-based methods under different scenarios by varying the number of dose levels from five to eight and the location of the true MTD. Results CRM and SM are comparable in terms of how fast they reach the MTD and the total sample size required when testing a limited number of dose levels (≤5), but as the number of dose levels increases, CRM reaches the MTD in fewer patients when used with a fixed sample of 20 patients. However, a sample size of 20—25 patients is not sufficient to achieve a narrow precision around the estimated toxicity rate at the MTD. Limitations We focused on methods with practical design features that are of interest to clinicians. However, there are several alternative CRM-based designs that are not investigated in this manuscript, and hence our results are not generalizable to other designs. Conclusions We show that CRM-based methods are an improvement over the SM in terms of accuracy and optimal dose allocation in almost all cases, except when the true dose is among the lower levels. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 465—477. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Sample size calculations for 3-level cluster randomized trials
Authors: Teerenstra Steven , Moerbeek Mirjam , van Achterberg Theo , Pelzer Ben J , Borm George F 
Published: September 2008

Background The first applications of cluster randomized trials with three instead of two levels are beginning to appear in health research, for instance, in trials where different strategies to implement best-practice guidelines are compared. In such trials, the strategy is implemented in health care units (`clusters') and aims at changing the behavior of health care professionals working in this unit (`subjects'), while the effects are measured at patient level (`evaluations'). Purpose To guide the choice of number of clusters, number of subjects per cluster, and number of evaluations per subject. Methods We derive a sample size formula and investigate the influence of sample allocation on power or number of clusters required. Results The required sample size is the product of the sample size in absence of correlation and two variance inflation factors (VIFs) that describe the clustering of evaluations within subjects and of subjects within cluster, respectively. Because each VIF is expressed in terms of an interpretable Pearson correlation, subject matter knowledge can be incorporated. Moreover, these Pearson's correlations are related to intracluster correlations (ICCs) from comparable, but 2-level cluster randomized trials. Formulas are obtained to guide the sample allocation (number of clusters, subjects, and evaluations) for minimizing total sample size, minimizing the number of clusters, or maximizing power given a budget constraint. Limitations Empirical estimates of variance components or ICCs from 3-level cluster trials are scarce which limits reliably powering. Conclusions When parameterized in terms of Pearson correlations, the two variance inflation factors give quantitative insight into the impact of the number of clusters, subjects and evaluations on power. Moreover, subject matter knowledge as well as ICCs from 2-level cluster randomized trials can be incorporated in the sample size calculation, when empirical estimates of variance components or ICCs from a pilot or comparable 3-level study are lacking. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 486—495. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Definition, assessment and treatment of wheezing disorders in preschool children: an evidence-based approach
Authors: Brand P. L. P. , Baraldi E. , Bisgaard H. , Boner A. L. , Castro-Rodriguez J. A. , Custovic A. , de Blic J. , de Jongste J. C. , Eber E. , Everard M. L. , Frey U. , Gappa M. , Garcia-Marcos L. , Grigg J. , Lenney W. , Le Souëf P. , McKenzie S. , Merkus P. J. F. M. , Midulla F. , Paton J. Y. , Piacentini G. , Pohunek P. , Rossi G. A. , Seddon P. , Silverman M. , Sly P. D. , Stick S. , Valiulis A. , van Aalderen W. M. C. , Wildhaber J. H. , Wennergren G. , Wilson N. , Zivkovic Z. , Bush A. 
Published: September 2008

There is poor agreement on definitions of different phenotypes of preschool wheezing disorders. The present Task Force proposes to use the terms episodic (viral) wheeze to describe children who wheeze intermittently and are well between episodes, and multiple-trigger wheeze for children who wheeze both during and outside discrete episodes. Investigations are only needed when in doubt about the diagnosis.Based on the limited evidence available, inhaled short-acting β2-agonists by metered-dose inhaler/spacer combination are recommended for symptomatic relief. Educating parents regarding causative factors and treatment is useful. Exposure to tobacco smoke should be avoided; allergen avoidance may be considered when sensitisation has been established. Maintenance treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is recommended for multiple-trigger wheeze; benefits are often small. Montelukast is recommended for the treatment of episodic (viral) wheeze and can be started when symptoms of a viral cold develop.Given the large overlap in phenotypes, and the fact that patients can move from one phenotype to another, inhaled corticosteroids and montelukast may be considered on a trial basis in almost any preschool child with recurrent wheeze, but should be discontinued if there is no clear clinical benefit.Large well-designed randomised controlled trials with clear descriptions of patients are needed to improve the present recommendations on the treatment of these common syndromes.
Occupational asthma caused byArabidopsis thaliana: a case of laboratory plant allergy
Authors: Yates B. , De Soyza A. , Harkawat R. , Stenton C. 
Published: September 2008

A 36-yr-old male never-smoker with an 8-yr history of hay fever but no past history of asthma undertook a 3-yr research project involving the plantArabidopsis thaliana.The subject was based in a small laboratory with an attached growing room. After 30 months of research, he began to develop breathlessness within 5–10 min of entering the laboratory.Initial investigations confirmed asthma with airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity was 3.01/4.75 L; predicted values were 3.67/4.43 L) and increased airway responsiveness. Serial peak expiratory flow measurements showed a work-related pattern. A supervised workplace challenge test led to a fall in FEV1from the baseline value of 3.10 L to 1.95 L within 20 min of entering the growing room. Skin-prick solutions were prepared from Arabidopsis leaves and flower heads; positive 4-mm responses were obtained to the flower heads (i.e.to the pollen).Arabidopsis is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is used extensively in plant biology research as its genome is small, has been fully sequenced and is easily manipulated. The present article represents the first reported case of occupational asthma due toArabidopsis thaliana.
Combining classifiers for improved classification of proteins from sequence or structure
Authors: Melvin Iain , Weston Jason , Leslie Christina S , Noble William S 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundPredicting a protein's structural or functional class from its amino acid sequence or structure is a fundamental problem in computational biology. Recently, there has been considerable interest in using discriminative learning algorithms, in particular support vector machines (SVMs), for classification of proteins. However, because sufficiently many positive examples are required to train such classifiers, all SVM-based methods are hampered by limited coverage.ResultsIn this study, we develop a hybrid machine learning approach for classifying proteins, and we apply the method to the problem of assigning proteins to structural categories based on their sequences or their 3D structures. The method combines a full-coverage but lower accuracy nearest neighbor method with higher accuracy but reduced coverage multiclass SVMs to produce a full coverage classifier with overall improved accuracy. The hybrid approach is based on the simple idea of "punting" from one method to another using a learned threshold.ConclusionIn cross-validated experiments on the SCOP hierarchy, the hybrid methods consistently outperform the individual component methods at all levels of coverage.Code and data sets are available athttp://noble.gs.washington.edu/proj/sabretooth
Quality assessment parameters for EST-derived SNPs from catfish
Authors: Wang Shaolin , Sha Zhenxia , Sonstegard Tad S , Liu Hong , Xu Peng , Somridhivej Benjaporn , Peatman Eric , Kucuktas Huseyin , Liu Zhanjiang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundSNPs are abundant, codominantly inherited, and sequence-tagged markers. They are highly adaptable to large-scale automated genotyping, and therefore, are most suitable for association studies and applicable to comparative genome analysis. However, discovery of SNPs requires genome sequencing efforts through whole genome sequencing or deep sequencing of reduced representation libraries. Such genome resources are not yet available for many species including catfish. A large resource of ESTs is to become available in catfish allowing identification of large number of SNPs, but reliability of EST-derived SNPs are relatively low because of sequencing errors. This project was designed to answer some of the questions relevant to quality assessment of EST-derived SNPs.Resultswo factors were found to be most significant for validation of EST-derived SNPs: the contig size (number of sequences in the contig) and the minor allele sequence frequency. The larger the contigs were, the greater the validation rate although the validation rate was reasonably high when the contigs contain four or more EST sequences with the minor allele sequence being represented at least twice in the contigs. Sequence quality surrounding the SNP under test is also crucially important. PCR extension appeared to be limited to a very short distance, prohibiting successful genotyping when an intron was present, a surprising finding.ConclusionStringent quality assessment measures should be used when working with EST-derived SNPs. In particular, contigs containing four or more ESTs should be used and the minor allele sequence should be represented at least twice. Genotyping primers should be designed from a single exon, completely avoiding introns. Application of such quality assessment measures, along with large resources of ESTs, should provide effective means for SNP identification in species where genome sequence resources are lacking.