bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Infrastructures: Governing and Experiencing the Fabric of the City
Authors: McFARLANE COLIN , RUTHERFORD JONATHAN 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThere has been a profusion of work in recent years exploring the links between infrastructure and the city. This has entailed a conceptualization of cities and infrastructure that recognizes their mutual constitution and the inherently political nature of networked urban infrastructure. In introducing this symposium, we find that a comparative approach to infrastructure can reveal a diversity of ways in which the urban fabric is produced, managed and distributed, and comes to matter in everyday life. We argue for a more globally informed conceptualization of the politics of infrastructure by exploring three key themes in the symposium: fragmentation, inequality and crisis.RésuméCes dernières années, les études abondent sur les liens entre infrastructures et ville. Il en a découlé une conceptualisation des villes et des infrastructures qui prend en compte leur constitution mutuelle ainsi que la nature intrinsèquement politique des réseaux d’infrastructures urbains. Pour lancer ce symposium, nous estimons qu’une approche comparative des infrastructures est en mesure de révéler diverses façons dont le tissu urbain est produit, administré et réparti, et dont il devient important dans la vie au quotidien. Nous préconisons une conceptualisation des politiques d’infrastructures qui bénéficierait d’un éclairage à un échelon plus mondial tout en explorant trois thèmes clés du symposium : fragmentation, inégalité et crise.
The Role of Small Towns in Regional Development and Poverty Reduction in Ghana
Authors: OWUSU GEORGE 
Published: June 2008

AbstractGhana, like many other countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, lacks a clearly articulated urban development strategy. Urban growth has been rapid but largely uncontrolled. Ghana's adoption of a decentralization programme in 1988 focused some attention on small towns. The country's more recent adoption of the Millennium Development Goals and other specific poverty reduction strategies requires more concerted state promotion of small towns. Improved service provision and delivery through small towns is a necessary component of any successful poverty reduction or regional development strategy.Résumé Le Ghana, comme de nombreux autres pays de l’Afrique subsaharienne, manque de stratégie d’aménagement urbain claire et explicite. L’expansion urbaine a été rapide et généralement non maîtrisée. Le Ghana ayant lancé un programme de décentralisation en 1988, les petites villes ont bénéficié d’un certain intérêt. L’adoption plus récente des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement, ainsi que d’autres stratégies de réduction de la pauvreté, implique davantage de concertation dans la promotion gouvernementale des petites villes. Une amélioration de la mise à disposition des services dans les petites villes constitue un élément nécessaire à toute réussite en matière de réduction de la pauvreté ou de stratégie de développement régional.
Psoriasis: consensus on topical therapies
Authors: Van De Kerkhof PCM , Barker J , Griffiths CEM , Kragballe K , Mason J , Menter A , Papp K 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective  A consensus conference was convened to evaluate the topical treatment of psoriasis.Participants  Members of the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) with broad clinical experience in the treatment of psoriasis and a specialist in meta‐ and pharmacoeconomic analyses were invited to participate on the consensus panel. Those accepting the invitation convened in Saariselkä, Finland.Evidence  An advisory group on topical treatments was nominated by the organizing panel members. All participants reported at the consensus conference on evidence based data with respect to disease severity assessment, the available data on efficacy and safety and on a comparative efficacy/safety analysis.Consensus process  At the consensus conference, the presentations were discussed and conclusions, which were reached by the group, were recorded. Active participants of the group wrote assigned sections of this consensus document with a majority of participants agreed on the conclusions.
A tool to evaluate rapidly the quality of clinical trials on topical acne treatment
Authors: Revuz J , Moyse D , Poli F , Pawin H , Faure M , Chivot M , Beylot C , Dréno B ,   for the Groupe Expert Acné (GEA)
Published: June 2008

AbstractPracticing dermatologists rarely evaluate therapeutic trials. This study was designed to build a simple evaluation tool, use it to evaluate the quality of published trials and thereby consider their applicability. Reports on 146 therapeutic trials, published from 1969 to 2004, were selected. A 50‐item list was used for an initial assessment. After comparison with existing grids, a shortened nine‐item list was established and used for this analysis. The results were analyzed item by item (logistic regression) and globally (principal component analysis). An index was then established and validated using Cronbach's coefficient α. The overall quality of trials was poor: 9% to 73% positive response range. This rate increased after 1990 for six items. Two factors explained almost 60% of the total variance: factor 1 summing six items concerning the formal content of the articles and factor 2 its underlying basis. Using the sum of these six variables, Cronbach's coefficient α reached 0.716; their mean sum improved from 1969 to 1970–2001–2005. The significantly improved quality of trials, based on the mean sum over time, supports well‐founded basis of this tool. Regarding the application of evidence‐based medicine in clinical practice, this tool is user friendly and should facilitate the updating of our knowledge.
Molecular Analysis of Malassezia Species Isolated from Hospitalized Neonates
Authors: Zomorodain Kamiar , Mirhendi Hossein , Tarazooie Bita , Kordbacheh Parivash , Zeraati Hojjat , Nayeri Fatemeh 
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Malassezia species are a part of the skin microflora of neonates. Under certain circumstances, they can cause diseases ranging from simple pustulosis to lifethreatening fungemia in newborn infants. Little information is available about the epidemiology of Malassezia species in neonates. In the present study, we successfully isolated Malassezia yeasts from 68.7% of hospitalized neonates. Using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR‐RFPL), M. furfur (88.06%) was identified as the most isolated species, followed in frequency by M. globosa (10.48%), M. obtusa (0.73%), and M. slooffiae (0.73%). Among the variables studied, only a longer stay in the ward resulted in a higher colonization rate. Using multiple logistic regression, only the type of hospital and ward had some effects on the colonization rate. Our results supported the hypothesis that neonates acquire Malassezia flora through direct contact with their mothers or hospital personnel.
Apoptosis and Necrosis in the Ischemic Zone Adjacent to Third Degree Burns
Authors: Singer Adam J. , McClain Steve A. , Taira Breena R. , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Zong Wexing 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Burns are characterized by a central zone of necrosis surrounded by a zone of potentially reversible ischemia. The authors explored the contribution of necrosis and apoptosis to cell death in the zone of ischemia.Methods:  A previously established rat contact thermal injury model that utilizes a brass comb to produce four distinctive burns sites separated by three “interspaces” of unburned skin was used. The interspaces represent the zone of stasis or ischemia while the burn sites represent the zone of coagulation. With this model, most unburned interspaces progress to necrosis over 2 to 3 days. Full‐thickness 3‐mm biopsies were obtained from the interspaces, burns, and normal skin controls at 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after injury. Slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as activated cleaved caspase‐3 (CC3a) for evidence of apoptosis and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) for evidence of necrosis.Results:  Necrosis was not seen at 30 minutes, but was found in a large number of cells within the epidermis, sebaceous glands, and follicles at 24 and 48 hours. Faint nuclear CC3a staining indicative of apoptosis was present in a minority of cells within the epidermis, dermal fibroblasts, dermal follicles, and dermal sebaceous glands at 30 minutes and to a lesser degree at 24 and 48 hours.Conclusions:  Both early apoptosis and delayed necrosis are present in the zone of ischemia, contributing to injury progression. Necrosis appears to play a larger role than apoptosis in injury progression in the comb burn model.
Untreated Hypertension and the Emergency Department: A Chance to Intervene?
Authors: Umscheid Craig A. , Maguire Maureen G. , Pines Jesse M. , Everett Worth W. , Baren Jill M. , Townsend Raymond R. , Mines Daniel , Szyld Demian , Gross Robert 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Untreated hypertension (HTN) is a major public health problem. Screening for untreated HTN in the emergency department (ED) may lead to appropriate treatment of more patients. The authors investigated the accuracy of identifying HTN in the ED, the proportion of ED patients with untreated HTN, patient characteristics predicting untreated HTN, and provider documentation of untreated HTN.Methods:  The authors performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study on a random sample of 2,061 adults treated at an urban academic ED. The validity of six candidate definitions of HTN in the ED was assessed in a subsample using outpatient clinic records as the reference standard. “Untreated HTN” was HTN without a HTN medication listed in the ED history. “Documentation of untreated HTN was documentation of HTN as a visit problem, specific referral for HTN, or ED discharge with a HTN” information sheet or a HTN medication. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations.Results:  The preferred definition of HTN in the ED had sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 80% to 90%), specificity of 78% (95% CI = 69% to 85%), and accuracy of 83% (95% CI = 78% to 87%). Of the 42% (95% CI = 40% to 44%) of ED patients with HTN, 43% (95% CI = 39% to 46%) had untreated HTN. Patients who were younger and male, without primary care physicians, with fewer prior ED visits, and without cardiovascular comorbidities, had higher odds of untreated HTN. Of those with untreated HTN, 8% (95% CI = 5% to 11%) had their untreated HTN documented.Conclusions:  Untreated HTN was common in the ED but rarely documented. Providers can use ED blood pressures along with patient characteristics to identify those with untreated HTN for referral to primary care.
Predictive Value of T‐wave Abnormalities at the Time of Emergency Department Presentation in Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Lin Kathy B. , Shofer Frances S. , McCusker Christine , Meshberg Emily , Hollander Judd E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:  T‐wave abnormalities on electrocardiograms (ECGs) are common, but their ability to predict 30‐day cardiovascular outcomes at the time of emergency department (ED) presentation is unknown. The authors determined the association between T‐wave abnormalities on the presenting ECG and cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days of presentation in patients with potential acute coronary syndromes (ACSs).Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of ED patients that presented with a potential ACS. Patients were excluded if they had a prior myocardial infarction, ST‐segment elevation or depressions, right or left bundle branch block, or Q‐waves on the initial ECG. Data included demographics, medical and cardiac history, and ECG findings including the presence or absence of T‐wave flattening, inversions of 1–5 mm, and inversions >5 mm. Investigators followed the hospital course for admitted patients, and 30‐day follow‐up was performed on all patients. The main outcome was a composite of death, acute myocardial infarction, revascularization, coronary stenosis greater than 50%, or a stress test with reversible ischemia.Results:  Of 8,298 patient visits, 5,582 met criteria for inclusion: 4,166 (74.6%) had no T‐wave abnormalities, 721 (12.9%) had T‐wave flattening in two or more leads, 659 (11.8%) had T‐wave inversions of 1–5 mm, and 36 (0.64%) had T‐wave inversions >5 mm. The composite endpoint was more common in patients with T‐wave flattening (8.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; relative risk [RR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 1.9), T‐wave inversions 1–5 mm (13.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.8 to 3.1), and T‐wave inversions >5 mm (19.4% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.7 to 6.1), or any T‐wave abnormality (10.8% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.0001; RR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.3), even after adjustment for initial troponin. This association also existed in the subset of patients without known coronary artery disease.Conclusions:  In patients with potential ACS presenting to the ED, T‐wave abnormalities are associated with higher rates of 30‐day cardiovascular events.
Generalist predators in organically and conventionally managed grass‐clover fields: implications for conservation biological control
Authors: Birkhofer K , Fließbach A , Wise D.H , Scheu S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOrganically managed agroecosystems rely in part on biological control to prevent pest outbreaks. Generalist predators (Araneae, Carabidae and Staphylinidae) are a major component of the natural enemy community in agroecosystems. We assessed the seasonal dynamics of major generalist predator groups in conventionally and organically managed grass–clover fields that primarily differed by fertilisation strategy. We further established an experiment, manipulating the abundant wolf spider genus Pardosa, to identify the importance of these predators for herbivore suppression in the same system and growth period. Organic management significantly enhanced ground‐active spider numbers early and late in the growing season, with potentially positive effects of plant cover and non‐pest decomposer prey. However, enhancing spider numbers in the field experiment did not improve biological control in organically managed grass–clover fields. Similar to the survey results, reduced densities of Pardosa had no short‐term effect on any prey taxa; however, spider guild structure changed in response to Pardosa manipulation. In the presence of fewer Pardosa, other ground‐running spiders were more abundant; therefore, their impact on herbivore numbers may have been elevated, possibly cancelling increases in herbivore numbers because of reduced predation by Pardosa. Our results indicate positive effects of organic farming on spider activity density; however, our survey data and the predator manipulation experiment failed to find evidence that ground‐running spiders reduced herbivore numbers. We therefore suggest that a positive impact of organic fertilisers on wolf spiders in grass–clover agroecosystems may not necessarily improve biological control when compared with conventional farming.
Orbital venous malformation: percutaneous treatment using an electrolytically detachable fibred coil
Authors: Diolaiuti Sara , Iizuka Tateyuki , Schroth Gerhard , Remonda Luca , Laedrach Kurt , El‐Koussy Marwan , Frueh Beatrice E. , Goldblum David 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To report the efficacy of percutaneous treatment of an orbital venous malformation with an electrolytically detachable fibred coil.Methods:  We report an instance of radiography‐guided percutaneous treatment with an electrolytically detachable fibred coil in a 16‐year‐old boy with acute, spontaneous, painless proptosis on the left side, which progressed with time.Results:  Magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and orbitophlebography revealed a low‐flow, intraorbital venous malformation. Percutaneous puncture and drainage were followed by a short remission. Following an acute recurrence, a single detachable fibred coil was deployed via a percutaneous approach under angiographic guidance. No radiological or clinical recurrences were observed over 4 years.Conclusions:  Embolization of a deep orbital venous malformation with detachable fibred coils via a percutaneous approach can be highly effective, and may be considered before proceeding with open surgery.
A Theoretical and Numerical Study of Urban Heat Island–Induced Circulation and Convection
Authors: Han Ji-Young , Baik Jong-Jin 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Urban heat island–induced circulation and convection in three dimensions are investigated theoretically and numerically in the context of the response of a stably stratified uniform flow to specified low-level heating that represents an urban heat island. In a linear, theoretical part of the investigation, an analytic solution for the perturbation vertical velocity in a three-dimensional, time-dependent, hydrostatic, nonrotating, inviscid, Boussinesq airflow system is obtained. The solution reveals a typical internal gravity wave field, including low-level upward motion downwind of the heating center. Precipitation enhancement observed downwind of urban areas may be partly due to this downwind upward motion. The comparison of two- and three-dimensional flow fields indicates that the dispersion of gravity wave energy into an additional dimension results in a faster approach to a quasi-steady state and a weaker quasi-steady flow well above the concentrated heating region in three dimensions.
In a nonlinear, numerical modeling part of the investigation, extensive dry and moist simulations using a nonhydrostatic, compressible model with advanced physical parameterizations [Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS)] are performed. While the maximum perturbation vertical velocity in the linear internal gravity wave field exists in the downwind region close to the heating center, the maximum updraft in three-dimensional dry simulations propagates downwind and then becomes quasi stationary. In three-dimensional moist simulations, it is demonstrated that the downwind upward motion induced by an urban heat island can initiate moist convection and result in downwind precipitation. The cloud induced by the downwind upward motion grows rapidly to become deep convective clouds. Heavy rainfalls are localized in a region not far from the heating center by a convective precipitating system that is nearly stationary. The differences in results between two and three dimensions are explained by the presence of (moist) convergence in an additional dimension. The numerical simulation results indicate that the intensity and horizontal structure of the urban heat island affect those of circulation and convection and hence the distribution of surface precipitation.
The Geometry of Model Error
Authors: Judd Kevin , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Rosmond Thomas E. , Smith Leonard A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
This paper investigates the nature of model error in complex deterministic nonlinear systems such as weather forecasting models. Forecasting systems incorporate two components, a forecast model and a data assimilation method. The latter projects a collection of observations of reality into a model state. Key features of model error can be understood in terms of geometric properties of the data projection and a model attracting manifold. Model error can be resolved into two components: a projection error, which can be understood as the model’s attractor being in the wrong location given the data projection, and direction error, which can be understood as the trajectories of the model moving in the wrong direction compared to the projection of reality into model space. This investigation introduces some new tools and concepts, including the shadowing filter, causal and noncausal shadow analyses, and various geometric diagnostics. Various properties of forecast errors and model errors are described with reference to low-dimensional systems, like Lorenz’s equations; then, an operational weather forecasting system is shown to have the same predicted behavior. The concepts and tools introduced show promise for the diagnosis of model error and the improvement of ensemble forecasting systems.
Abrupt Seasonal Migration of the ITCZ into the Summer Hemisphere
Authors: Xian Peng , Miller Ron L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough the maximum of solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere moves gradually from one hemisphere to the other as part of the seasonal cycle, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) moves abruptly into the summer hemisphere. An axisymmetric circulation model is developed to study this rapid transition. The model consists of an upper and lower layer of the Hadley circulation (HC), with the surface layer attached to a slab ocean and the lower layer connected to the upper layer by a constant lapse rate. The model is forced by solar heating, and the ITCZ is prescribed to coincide with the warmest sea surface temperature (SST). The collocation of tropical rainfall with warm SST allows the model ITCZ migration to be understood in terms of the relative influence of solar heating and atmospheric dynamics upon ocean temperature. Atmospheric dynamics allow the ITCZ to move off the equator by flattening the meridional temperature gradient that would exist in radiative–convective equilibrium. For the present-day tropical oceanic mixed layer depth and ITCZ width, the model exhibits an abrupt seasonal transition of the ITCZ across the equator. It is found that there are two determinative factors on the abrupt transition of the ITCZ: the nonlinear meridional advection of angular momentum by the circulation and ocean thermal inertia. As a result of nonlinear dynamics, angular momentum is well mixed, resulting in minimum atmospheric temperature at the equator and a similar equatorial minimum in SST. This inhibits convection over the equator while favoring a rapid seasonal transition of the ITCZ between the warmer surface water on either side of this latitude.