bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universality of the onset of activated transport in Lennard-Jones liquids with tunable coordination: Implications for the effects of pressure and directional bonding on the crossover to activated transport, configurational entropy, and fragility of glassforming liquids
Authors: Rabochiy Pyotr , Lubchenko Vassiliy
Published: February 2012

We establish, via classical density functional theory, that the crossover to activated transport in liquids takes place when the depth of the metastable minimum in the free energy corresponding to long-lived aperiodic structures reaches a certain near universal value. We show that the particle vibrational displacement is strongly correlated with this depth in a broad range of pressure and temperature, thus providing basis for a Lindemann-like criterion for the onset of activated transport in liquids. The configurational entropy at the crossover temperature Tcr, too, is found to be nearly system-independent, consistent with the random first order transition theory. We show that to reproduce existing data for the pressure dependence of Tcr, the liquid must increase its coordination with pressure. Upon increasing pressure at fixed coordination, the liquid's fragility is predicted to exhibit re-entrant behavior. This prediction is consistent with glycerol data but is in contrast with data in several organic liquids and polymers, whose fragility monotonically decreases with pressure in the so far accessed pressure range. Allowing for increase in coordination with pressure mitigates the disagreement, owing to the resulting decrease in the thermal expansivity. Finally, we rationalize the correlation between the isobaric and isochoric fragilities put forth by Casalini and Roland [Phys. Rev. E 72, 031503 (2005)10.1103/PhysRevE.72.031503] and make predictions on the limiting behavior of the fragility at high pressure.
Reduced density matrix hybrid approach: Application to electronic energy transfer
Authors: Berkelbach Timothy C. , Markland Thomas E. , Reichman David R.
Published: February 2012

Electronic energy transfer in the condensed phase, such as that occurring in photosynthetic complexes, frequently occurs in regimes where the energy scales of the system and environment are similar. This situation provides a challenge to theoretical investigation since most approaches are accurate only when a certain energetic parameter is small compared to others in the problem. Here we show that in these difficult regimes, the Ehrenfest approach provides a good starting point for a dynamical description of the energy transfer process due to its ability to accurately treat coupling to slow environmental modes. To further improve on the accuracy of the Ehrenfest approach, we use our reduced density matrix hybrid framework to treat the faster environmental modes quantum mechanically, at the level of a perturbative master equation. This combined approach is shown to provide an efficient and quantitative description of electronic energy transfer in a model dimer and the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex and is used to investigate the effect of environmental preparation on the resulting dynamics.
Low-energy electron collisions with glycine
Authors: Santos Josué S. dos , da Costa Romarly F. , Varella Márcio T. do N.
Published: February 2012

We report cross sections for elastic electron scattering by gas phase glycine (neutral form), obtained with the Schwinger multichannel method. The present results are the first obtained with a new implementation that combines parallelization with OpenMP directives and pseudopotentials. The position of the well known π* shape resonance ranged from 2.3 eV to 2.8 eV depending on the polarization model and conformer. For the most stable isomer, the present result (2.4 eV) is in fair agreement with electron transmission spectroscopy assignments (1.93 ± 0.05 eV) and available calculations. Our results also point out a shape resonance around 9.5 eV in the A′ symmetry that would be weakly coupled to vibrations of the hydroxyl group. Since electron attachment to a broad and lower lying σ* orbital located on the OH bond has been suggested the underlying mechanism leading to dissociative electron attachment at low energies, we sought for a shape resonance around ∼4 eV. Though we obtained cross sections with the target molecule at the equilibrium geometry and with stretched OH bond lengths, least-squares fits to the calculated eigenphase sums did not point out signatures of this anion state (though, in principle, it could be hidden in the large background). The low energy (∼1 eV) integral cross section strongly scales as the bond length is stretched, and this could indicate a virtual state pole, since dipole supported bound states are not expected at the geometries addressed here.
Composition and atomic order effects on the structural and magnetic transformations in ferromagnetic Ni–Co–Mn–Ga shape memory alloys
Authors: Segui C. , Cesari E.
Published: February 2012

Within a certain range of Co content, ferromagnetic Ni–Co–Mn–Ga shape memory alloys undergo martensitic transformation (MT) between ferromagnetic austenite and paramagnetic martensite. This brings about an enlarged magnetization change with respect to the ternary Ni–Mn–Ga, approaching the requirements for magnetic field-induced MT. The MT temperatures, as well as the martensite and austenite Curie temperatures, depend on composition and on the atomic order degree. Therefore, for a given composition, thermal treatments can induce different sequences of magnetic and structural transitions and consequent variation of both magnetization and transformation entropy changes. Analysis of the structural and magnetic transitions undergone by a set of selected Ni50−xCoxMn25+yGa25−y (x = 3–8, y = 5–7) alloys allows to build a phase diagram where the composition-–temperature regions for different crystallographic and magnetic states of the alloys are shown. The temperature changes produced by water quench from 1070 K and subsequent aging at 520 K modify such phase diagram, restricting the conditions under which the above-mentioned alloys show enhanced magnetization jump. Further, the effects of composition and thermal treatment on the transformation entropy change are evaluated and correlated with the magnetic contribution.
Emissive properties of SiO2 thin films through photonic windows
Authors: Hernández D. , Garín M. , Trifonov T. , Rodríguez A. , Alcubilla R.
Published: February 2012

In this work, we study the selective emission properties of silicon-based three-dimensional photonic crystals coated with thin films of silicon dioxide presenting temperature emission measurements at 600 K of oxidized macroporous silicon structures. The photonic band gap of the structure is centered at 9 μm with 2.5 μm bandwidth. Through this photonic window defined by the gap, a narrow emission peak arises from the oxide layer. We propose the given structure as a selective thermal source for infrared spectroscopy applications in the fingerprint spectral region (6–12 μm wavelength).
Characterization of germanium/silicon p–n junction fabricated by low temperature direct wafer bonding and layer exfoliation
Authors: Gity Farzan , Yeol Byun Ki , Lee Ko-Hsin , Cherkaoui Karim , Hayes John M. , Morrison Alan P. , Colinge Cindy , Corbett Brian
Published: February 2012

The current transport across a p-Ge/n-Si diode structure obtained by direct wafer bonding and layer exfoliation is analysed. A low temperature anneal at 400 °C for 30 min was used to improve the forward characteristics of the diode with the on/off ratio at −1 V being >8000. Post anneal, the transport mechanism has a strong tunnelling component. This fabrication technique using a low thermal budget (T ≤ 400 °C) is an attractive option for heterogeneous integration.
Diagonalization of Bounded Linear Operators on Separable Quaternionic Hilbert Space
Authors: Feng Youling , Cao Yang , Wang Haijun
Published: February 2012

By using the representation of its complex-conjugate pairs, we have investigated the diagonalization of a bounded linear operator on separable infinite-dimensional right quaternionic Hilbert space. The sufficient condition for diagonalizability of quaternionic operators is derived. The result is applied to anti-Hermitian operators, which is essential for solving Schr\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm \ddot{o}}$\end{document}ödinger equation in quaternionic quantum mechanics.
LiFePO4 nanoparticles encapsulated in graphene-containing carbon nanofibers for use as energy storage materials
Authors: Toprakci Ozan , Toprakci Hatice A. K. , Ji Liwen , Lin Zhan , Gu Renpeng , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: February 2012

LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofibers, in which LiFePO4 nanoparticles were encapsulated in graphene-containing carbon nanofiber matrix, were synthesized by using a combination of electrospinning and sol-gel techniques. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was used as the electrospinning media and the carbon source. Graphene was incorporated in order to increase the conductivity of the composite. PAN was dissolved in N,N–dimethylformamide (DMF). LiFePO4 precursor and graphene were dispersed in DMF separately and were mixed with PAN solution before electrospinning. Electrospun fibers were heat-treated to obtain LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofibers. The structure of LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofibers was determined by X–ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and microstructure of LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofibers was evaluated in coin-type cells. Graphene flakes were found to be well-dispersed in the carbonaceous matrix and increased the electrochemical performance of the composite nanofibers. As a result, cells containing LiFePO4/graphene/C composite nanofiber cathodes showed good electrochemical performance, in terms of capacity, cycle life, and rate capability.
Optimising bait-station delivery of population-control agents to brushtail possums: field test of spatial model predictions
Authors: Monks Adrian , Tompkins Daniel M.
Published: February 2012

Context
Low-volume control agents based on new biotechnologies are likely to be point-delivered to wildlife populations using devices such as bait stations. However, data and theory to underpin the development of strategies for such a use of bait stations are lacking.

Aims
In a large-scale replicated field trial of brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations, we estimated the levels of coverage achieved with bait-station grids at three densities (0.2, 0.6 and 1.0 ha–1), with and without pre-feeding, to test the predictions of an existing model of bait-station delivery based on relationships derived from leghold trapping.

Methods
We first marked possums using conventional capture–mark–recapture techniques, and then estimated population coverage by recovering animals poisoned by encapsulated cyanide delivered by the bait stations.

Key results
The two key model predictions, that 90% population coverage could be achieved at 0.6 bait stations per hectare and that pre-feeding was not required to achieve this level, were not upheld by the field trials. Instead, there was a poor fit between model predictions and observed levels of population coverage. An investigation of key model assumptions demonstrated issues with both model structure and parameterisation.

Conclusions
Neither previously documented relationships for possum interactions with leghold traps, nor correlations between possum interaction rates with such devices and bait stations, are generically applicable across all populations.

Implications
While the existing model of bait-station delivery to possums fits the data for some field operations and trials, it is not applicable to all populations. Incorporating habitat and seasonal effects on possum home-range behaviour could potentially improve model prediction. Our results also have implications for the accuracy of index-based methods of possum population monitoring that use leghold traps, such as the Residual Trap Catch Index.
Revisiting inward rectification: K ions permeate through Kir2.1 channels during high-affinity block by spermidine
Authors: Liu Tai-An , Chang Hsueh-Kai , Shieh Ru-Chi
Published: February 2012

Outward currents through Kir2.1 channels play crucial roles in controlling the electrical properties of excitable cells, and such currents are subjected to voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg2+ and polyamines that bind to both high- and low-affinity sites on the channels. Under physiological conditions, high-affinity block is saturated and yet outward Kir2.1 currents can still occur, implying that high-affinity polyamine block cannot completely eliminate outward Kir2.1 currents. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that high-affinity spermidine block, rather than completely occluding the single-channel pore, induces a subconducting state in which conductance is 20% that of the fully open channel. In a D172N mutant lacking the high-affinity polyamine-binding site, spermidine does not induce such a substate. However, the kinetics for the transitions between the substate and zero-current state in wild-type channels is the same as that of low-affinity block in the D172N mutant, supporting the notion that these are identical molecular events. Thus, the residual outward current after high-affinity spermidine block is susceptible to low-affinity block, which determines the final amplitude of the outward current. This study provides a detailed insight into the mechanism underlying the emergence of outward Kir2.1 currents regulated by inward rectification attributed to high- and low-affinity polyamine blocks.
Responses to changes in sprat abundance of common tern breeding numbers at 12 colonies in the Firth of Forth, east Scotland
Authors: Jennings Gemma , McGlashan Derek J. , Furness Robert W.
Published: February 2012

Jennings, G., McGlashan, D. J. and Furness, R. W. 2012. Responses to changes in sprat abundance of common tern breeding numbers at 12 colonies in the Firth of Forth, east Scotland. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 572–577. Breeding numbers collected in 12 common tern Sterna hirundo colonies in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, along with sprat landings data for the area, were used to investigate how the dynamics of a shared prey resource may affect different colonies in a region. Between 1969 and 2010, breeding numbers fluctuated much more at individual colonies than across the region as a whole, with the largest colonies showing opposite trends, suggesting relocation by birds. This indicates that data from individual colonies may be less useful than regional numbers when using seabirds as indicators. Tern breeding numbers in the region were reduced when the sprat stock (Sprattus sprattus) collapsed in the early 1980s after targeted fishing, but recovered during recent decades when the stock was unfished. This should be considered for reopening the Firth of Forth sprat fishery, as well as in the management of other shared prey stocks.
Properties of auditory stream formation
Authors: Moore Brian C. J. , Gockel Hedwig E.
Published: February 2012

A sequence of sounds may be heard as coming from a single source (called fusion or coherence) or from two or more sources (called fission or stream segregation). Each perceived source is called a ‘stream’. When the differences between successive sounds are very large, fission nearly always occurs, whereas when the differences are very small, fusion nearly always occurs. When the differences are intermediate in size, the percept often ‘flips’ between one stream and multiple streams, a property called ‘bistability’. The flips do not generally occur regularly in time. The tendency to hear two streams builds up over time, but can be partially or completely reset by a sudden change in the properties of the sequence or by switches in attention. Stream formation depends partly on the extent to which successive sounds excite different ‘channels’ in the peripheral auditory system. However, other factors can play a strong role; multiple streams may be heard when successive sounds are presented to the same ear and have essentially identical excitation patterns in the cochlea. Differences between successive sounds in temporal envelope, fundamental frequency, phase spectrum and lateralization can all induce a percept of multiple streams. Regularities in the temporal pattern of elements within a stream can help in stabilizing that stream.
Nursing students’ knowledge and beliefs about care of older adults in a shifting context of nursing education
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer , Dahlke Sherry , Phinney Alison
Published: February 2012

baumbusch j., dahlke s. & phinney a. (2012) Nursing students’ knowledge and beliefs about care of older adults in a shifting context of nursing education. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(11), 2550–2558.

Aim.  To a report a study of improvements in students’ knowledge and beliefs about nursing care of older adults following completion of an introductory course with integrated adult/older adult content.

Background.  Nursing schools are under pressure to provide accelerated programmes to meet growing workforce demands and provide students with the knowledge they require to care for an ageing population. Thus, stand‐alone courses in gerontological nursing are being eliminated and integrated with general adult content. The effect of this approach remains poorly understood.

Design.  A one‐group pretest‐post‐test design was used.

Methods.  Data were collected between September–December 2010. Students completed the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz, the Perceptions of Caring for Older People Scale, and open‐ended questions about their experiences before and after completing a course with integrated adult/older content.

Results.  Students’ knowledge and beliefs about nursing care of older adults demonstrated an important improvement following completion of the course. Qualitative findings reflected three themes: relating to older people; neglect by the system; having time to learn.

Conclusions.  Findings from this study suggest that even when integrated with general adult content, students’ knowledge and beliefs about older adult care can be positively influenced. Furthermore research is needed to examine long‐term integration of students’ learning about older adult care. Nursing faculty with expertise in nursing care of older adults must develop resources and supports for their colleagues to build capacity among nurse educators and integrate older adult content throughout nursing programmes to enhance nursing practice with an ageing population.
Socio‐economic risk factors for incident restless legs syndrome in the general population
Authors: SZENTKIRALYI ANDRAS , FENDRICH KONSTANZE , HOFFMANN WOLFGANG , HAPPE SVENJA , BERGER KLAUS
Published: February 2012

Few and controversial data exist about the relationship between socio‐economic status and restless legs syndrome, and prospective analyses are lacking. We aimed to explore the associations between socio‐economic factors and incident restless legs syndrome in the general population. Two prospective population‐based cohort studies were conducted: the Dortmund Health Study with a mean follow‐up of 2.2 years; and the Study of Health in Pomerania with a mean follow‐up of 5.2 years. The studies included 1312 subjects and 4308 subjects, respectively. Restless legs syndrome was assessed twice according to the standard minimal criteria. The modified Winkler Index of social class, education, job status, partnership and income were assessed by interviews at baseline. The risk of restless legs syndrome associated with each socio‐economic factor was estimated by multivariable logistic regression adjusted for behavioural factors and co‐morbidities. Female gender, being retired and unemployment were independent risk factors of incident restless legs syndrome in both studies. Low level of education and income were independently associated with incident restless legs syndrome only in the Dortmund Health Study, but not in the other study. Migrational background and shiftwork were further independent risk factors of restless legs syndrome that were only assessed in the Dortmund Health Study. People with less favourable socio‐economic situation are at an increased risk of developing restless legs syndrome. Behavioural variables and co‐morbidities did not explain this association, thus further studies are required to reveal the mechanism behind the proposed relationship.
Reliability and accuracy of anthropometry performed by community health workers among infants under 6 months in rural Kenya
Authors: Mwangome Martha K. , Fegan Greg , Mbunya Ronald , Prentice Andrew M. , Berkley James A.
Published: February 2012

Objective  To assess the inter‐observer variability and accuracy of Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and weight‐for‐length Z score (WFLz) among infants aged <6 months performed by community health workers (CHWs) in Kilifi District, Kenya.

Methods  A cross‐sectional repeatability study estimated inter‐observer variation and accuracy of measurements initially undertaken by an expert anthropometrist, nurses and public health technicians. Then, after training, 18 CHWs (three at each of six sites) repeatedly measured MUAC, weight and length of infants aged <6 months. Intra‐class correlations (ICCs) and the Pitman’s statistic were calculated.

Results  Among CHWs, ICCs pooled across the six sites (924 infants) were 0.96 (95% CI 0.95–0.96) for MUAC and 0.71 (95% CI 0.68–0.74) for WFLz. MUAC measures by CHWs differed little from their trainers: the mean difference in MUAC was 0.65 mm (95% CI 0.023–1.07), with no significant difference in variance (P = 0.075).

Conclusion  Mid Upper Arm Circumference is more reliably measured by CHWs than WFLz among infants aged <6 months. Further work is needed to define cut‐off values based on MUAC’s ability to predict mortality among younger infants.
Novel high‐throughput RNAi vectors for plant biotechnology
Authors: Schmidt Nadja , Merker Matthias , Becker Dirk
Published: February 2012

With 2 figures and 1 table

The knockdown of genes through RNA interference (RNAi) inducing vectors with one promoter regulating a sense and antisense sequence of the target gene separated by a spacer/intron region has been rampant in plant kingdom. Those constructs are difficult to clone because of long homologies. This study is the first to successfully use RNAi constructs with two promoters in inverse orientation flanking a DNA sequence of the target gene in plants. Different double‐promoter constructs containing a β‐d‐glucuronidase gene–targeting sequence with constitutive 35S promoters or inducible heat shock promoters GmHSP17.5‐E (Glycine max) were tested. We were able to knock down the β‐d‐glucuronidase expression in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum after transformation with these new RNAi constructs. The change in gene expression was tested with molecular, histochemical and fluorimetric methods. The results showed a very high and reliable knockdown rate for constitutive promoters. Owing to their consistent knockdown and the uncomplicated cloning, these new RNAi vectors are of outstanding importance for genomics and plant biotechnology.
Emu Oil: A novel therapeutic for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract?
Authors: Abimosleh Suzanne M , Tran Cuong D , Howarth Gordon S
Published: February 2012

Gastrointestinal diseases characterized by inflammation, including the inflammatory bowel diseases, chemotherapy‐induced mucositis and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced enteropathy, currently have variably effective treatment options, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recently, naturally‐sourced agents including prebiotics, probiotics, plant‐extracts and marine‐derived oils known to possess anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. However, animal‐derived oils are yet to be extensively tested. Emu Oil is extracted from the subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat of the Emu, a flightless bird native to Australia, and predominantly comprises fatty acids. Despite the limited rigorous scientific studies conducted to date, with largely anecdotal claims, Emu Oil, when administered topically and orally, has been shown to possess significant anti‐inflammatory properties in vivo. These include a CD‐1 mouse model of croton oil‐induced auricular inflammation, experimentally‐induced polyarthritis and dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis. Recently, Emu Oil has been demonstrated to endow partial protection against chemotherapy‐induced mucositis, with early indications of improved intestinal repair. Emu Oil could therefore form the basis of an adjunct to conventional treatment approaches for inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Expression of dopamine receptors in human lower esophageal sphincter
Authors: Liu Xin‐Bo , Liu Jun‐Feng
Published: February 2012

Background and Aim:  Dopamine (DA) is considered to be an important modulator of enteric function. Recent experiments have suggested that DA receptors are widely expressed in animal gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of DA receptors (D1R, D2R, D3R, D4R, D5R) in sling fibers and clasp fibers from the human lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Methods:  Muscle strips of sling and clasp fibers from the LES were obtained from patients undergoing esophago‐gastrectomy, and circular muscle strips from the esophagus and stomach were used as controls. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to determine the expression of the five subtypes of DA receptors.

Results:  Messenger RNA and protein for three of five DA receptors were identified in the sling and clasp fibers of the LES. Expression was highest for D1R, then D5R and D2R in decreasing levels. D3R and D4R mRNA and protein were not identified in the muscle strips.

Conclusion:  D1R, D2R, D5R can be detected in the human LES, and probably contribute to LES function. D3R and D4R are not expressed, and probably do not contribute to LES function in humans.
Bilateral cerebellar epithelioid hemangioblastoma with possible ependymal differentiation in a patient with von Hippel–Lindau disease
Authors: Yang Qing‐xu , Li Yang , Tian Xiao‐ying , Liao Bing , Jiang Xiao‐zhen , Li Zhi
Published: February 2012

There are controversies regarding the histogenesis of stromal cells of hemangioblastoma, and no hypothesis has conclusively been proven. We report a case of unusual hemangioblastoma in a middle‐aged man with von Hippel‐Lindau disease. Neuroimaging revealed multifocal gadolinium‐enhancing masses were located within both sides of the cerebellar hemisphere. Histologically, only small areas showing the typical morphology of hemangioblastoma were recognized in masses. Most areas of masses were composed of cohesive epithelioid tumor cells with abundant cytoplasm and distinct boundaries. Epithelioid tumor cells were arranged around blood vessels, exhibiting perivascular anuclear zone structures like ependymoma. The epithelioid tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin, CD99, neuron‐specific enolase, GFAP and focally positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and D2‐40 in a dot‐like pattern. Variable‐sized lipid droplets and glycogen particles were noted in the cytoplasm of epithelioid tumor cells under an electron microscope. A diagnosis of epithelioid cellular hemangioblastoma with possible ependymal differentiation (WHO grade I) was made. To our knowledge, only a few cases of hemangioblastoma show epithelioid appearance or EMA immunoreactivity. The present case indicates that the stromal cells of hemangioblastoma might originate from primitive neuroectodermal cells, and they have the capacity to show a distinctive sign of glial or ependymal differentiation.
“Part of the Very Concept”: Wittgensteinian Moral Philosophy1
Authors: Carter Drew
Published: February 2012

X is “part of the very concept” of Y. This formulation recurs throughout Raimond Gaita's philosophy and informs Christopher Cordner's. I elucidate the formulation's meaning and the nature of the necessity posited, then conclude with a criticism. One cannot love evil. One cannot love cow dung. For Gaita, these claims differ in type. The first testifies to a conceptual relation, but the second to a “mere fact.” I see no clear basis for assigning to claims one type over another, which challenges the footing of Wittgensteinian moral philosophy. Why do no moral“mere facts” partly define our form of life?
Objective Bayesian Analysis of Skew‐tDistributions
Authors: BRANCO MARCIA D'ELIA , GENTON MARC G. , LISEO BRUNERO
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We study the Jeffreys prior and its properties for the shape parameter of univariate skew‐tdistributions with linear and nonlinear Student'stskewing functions. In both cases, we show that the resulting priors for the shape parameter are symmetric around zero and proper. Moreover, we propose a Student'stapproximation of the Jeffreys prior that makes an objective Bayesian analysis easy to perform. We carry out a Monte Carlo simulation study that demonstrates an overall better behaviour of the maximum aposterioriestimator compared with the maximum likelihood estimator. We also compare the frequentist coverage of the credible intervals based on the Jeffreys prior and its approximation and show that they are similar. We further discuss location‐scale models under scale mixtures of skew‐normal distributions and show some conditions for the existence of the posterior distribution and its moments. Finally, we present three numerical examples to illustrate the implications of our results on inference for skew‐tdistributions.
POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITS OF MEDICAL SCIENCE: DEBATES OVER DOUBLE‐BLIND CLINICAL TRIALS OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Authors: Cadge Wendy
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  This article traces the intellectual history of scientific studies of intercessory prayer published in English between 1965 and the present by focusing on the conflict and discussion they prompted in the medical literature. I analyze these debates with attention to how researchers articulate the possibilities and limits medical science has for studying intercessory prayer over time. I delineate three groups of researchers and commentators: those who think intercessory prayer can and should be studied scientifically, those who are more skeptical and articulate the limits of science around this topic, and those who focus primarily on the pragmatic applications of this knowledge. I analyze these contests as examples of what Thomas Gieryn calls “epistemic authority” as medical researchers engage in what he describes as “boundary‐work” or “the discursive attribution of selected qualities to scientists, scientific methods, and scientific claims for the purposes of drawing a rhetorical boundary between science and some less authoritative residual non‐science.” (Gieryn 1999, 4 (Gieryn 1999, 4)).
EUTOPIA: THE PROMISE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND THE REALIGNMENT OF WESTERN AXIALITY
Authors: Marangudakis Manussos
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  This essay discusses the deep perceptual and social changes that the advanced applications of biotechnology could bring in the West. It examines the probable collapse of a fundamental perceptual bipolarity on which the Western mind and social mobilization have been based since its inception in the West: Athens‐‐Jerusalem. This collapse will quite possibly radically reshape Western perceptions of self and nature and will remodel established constellations and modes of social mobilization and social organization. The radical collapse of the preceding established feature of Western modernity is due to take place in the field of biotechnology, since the latter promises to produce a deliverable perfection of flesh and an equally corporeal personal bliss. I call this promise ``eutopia,'' an actual and tangible utopia‐‐ ``a laboratory on the hill.''
CAPITAL‐ENHANCED EQUILIBRIUM EXCHANGE RATE IN THE PRESENCE OF STRUCTURAL BREAKS: EVIDENCE FROM THE VISEGRAD COUNTRIES*
Authors: KOUKOURITAKIS MINOAS
Published: February 2012

In this paper I test the validity of the capital‐enhanced equilibrium exchange rate (CHEER) approach for the four Visegrad new EU countries. Recent unit root and cointegration techniques with structural breaks in the data have been used. The CHEER approach is empirically validated only for the Czech Republic, while for Poland and Slovakia there is evidence of plausible economic relationships between the nominal exchange rate and each of the price and interest rate differentials. In contrast, such a relationship cannot be identified for Hungary.
Spinoza's Three Gods and the Modes of Communication
Authors: Balibar Etienne
Published: February 2012

The paper, which retains a hypothetical character, argues that Spinoza's propositions referring to God (or involving the use of the name ‘God’, essentially in the Ethics), can be read in a fruitful manner apart from any pre‐established hypothesis concerning his own ‘theological preferences’, as definite descriptions of three ‘ideas of God’ which have the same logical status: one (akin to Jewish Monotheism) which identifies the idea of God with the idea of the Law, one (akin to a heretic ‘Socinian’ version of Christianity) which identifies it with the idea of Human Love, and one (akin to a form of Cosmotheism, rather than ‘Pantheism’) which identifies it with Nature. Evidence of this analytic tripartition can be found in the letter of the texts themselves. If accepted (at least as a thought experiment), it would carry three interesting consequences: 1) to renew our understanding of the theory of the ‘three kinds of knowledge’, which have obvious affinities with the three possible ways of understanding the idea of God; 2) to emphasize the critical move associated by Spinoza with each of the three ideas of God (passing from an anthropomorphic legislator to an impersonal command, passing from an imaginary community of similarities to a practical community of singularities, and passing from a teleological and harmonious idea of nature to a causal, even conflictual, idea of its infinite power); 3) to locate the essential ethical and political questions associated with religion on the ‘vectors’ which lead from one idea to another, and represent themselves practical conatus: obedience, utility, order. It is also assumed that such a reading enhances the relevance of Spinoza's philosophy with respect to contemporary debates about religion and secularism.
Mark, Image, Sign: A Semiotic Approach to Spinoza
Authors: Vinciguerra Lorenzo
Published: February 2012

Instead of reading Spinoza's account of the imagination in an anthropocentric way, as dependent on the traditional doctrine of human faculties, the author considers it as a consequence of his physics and cosmology. Knowledge by signs, as Spinoza calls imagination, has to be rooted in his theory of marks and images, and concerns all beings (human and non human) that are capable of marking and being marked by other bodies in the infinite semiosis of nature.
Injury severity scoring systems: a review of application to practice
Authors: Kim Young‐Ju
Published: February 2012

Aim: This study reviews the historical development of injury severity scoring systems and their application to clinical practice.

Background: A variety of injury severity scoring systems have been developed and applied since more than four decades. It is increasingly important for nurses to be familiar with these scoring systems, their strengths and weaknesses, and their applications to nursing practice.

Design: Systematic literature review.

Methods: The injury severity scoring systems developed from the 1970s to 2011 were identified via electronic database searches, footnote chasing and contact with clinical experts. The most frequently used scoring systems in the literature were classified according to the criteria used in each scoring system.

Conclusions: All injury severity scoring systems are valuable but have certain problems. A universal scoring system applicable for various purposes appears difficult to achieve. However, the understanding and proper use of scoring systems will allow us to perform critical evaluations and continual refinement of trauma management.

Relevance to clinical practice: As nurses and researchers, it is critical that we should know the application of these injury severity scoring systems to ensure their quality and appropriate utilization.
A community‐randomized controlled trial against sugary snacking among infants and toddlers
Authors: Mohebbi Simin Z. , Virtanen Jorma I. , Vehkalahti Miira M.
Published: February 2012

Mohebbi SZ, Virtanen JI, Vehkalahti MM. A community‐randomized controlled trial against sugary snacking among infants and toddlers. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40 (Suppl. 1): 43–48. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – 
Objectives:  We evaluated the impact of educational interventions on sugary snacking in infants and toddlers in Tehran, Iran.

Methods:  A 6‐month intervention was integrated into health staff duties. We assigned 12‐ to 15‐month‐olds (n = 242) and their mothers attending the vaccination offices of 18 randomly selected public health centers into the following groups: pamphlet and reminder (A), pamphlet only (B), and one control group (C). The mothers were interviewed at baseline and after follow‐up. We recorded the frequency of sugary snacking for both the children and their mothers and calculated changes over 6 months. A reduction in the children’s snacking frequency indicated a positive outcome. The family’s residential area (affluent/nonaffluent) indicated its socioeconomic level. Associations between the children’s and their mothers’ snacking frequency were assessed by means of Spearman correlation. The outcomes of each intervention group were compared separately to those of the control group by means of the Mann–Whitney test. In addition, we performed intention to treat analysis. Factors related to a positive outcome were explained by means of logistic regression models.

Results:  In all groups, the child’s and mother’s snacking at baseline correlated (r = 0.4). A positive outcome was found for 62% of the children in group A and for 49% and 32% in groups B and C, respectively. In group A, a reduction in the children’s snacking frequency was found despite their residential area (P < 0.05). Controlling for intervention effects, the logistic regression model showed that residential area was unrelated to the positive outcome.

Conclusions:  Oral health education with reminders provided to mothers by general health staff is a valuable tool for reducing sugary snacking in infants and toddlers in a country with developing oral health systems.
Orthodontic treatment attitude versus orthodontic treatment need: differences by gender, age, socioeconomical status and geographical context
Authors: Deli Roberto , Macrì Ludovica A. , Radico Paola , Pantanali Francesca , Grieco Domenico L. , Gualano Maria R. , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: February 2012

Deli R, Macrì LA, Radico P, Pantanali F, Grieco DL, Gualano MR, La Torre G. Orthodontic treatment attitude versus orthodontic treatment need: differences by gender, age, socio‐economical status and geographical context. Community Dent Oral Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40 (Suppl. 1): 71–76. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – 
Objectives:  To investigate the relationship between the attitude towards orthodontic treatment and the objective level of orthodontic need, and variables like gender, socioeconomic status and geographical context, among 6‐ to 16‐year‐old children.

Methods:  The attitude of 2284 Italian children towards orthodontics was assessed using the Child Orthodontic Attitude Survey (COAS) questionnaire, previously validated for Italian‐speaking children. The level of orthodontic need was evaluated by using the Risk of Malocclusion Assessment (ROMA) Index while socioeconomic status (SES) was based on parental job activities. The univariate analysis was performed using chi‐square tests to find differences between groups for categorical variables, while multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression models.

Results:  Individuals with a higher SES had a statistically significant lower need of orthodontic treatment (P = 0.003). Children with a very high SES were from northern (20.8%) and central Italy (65.9%), while only 13.3% lived in southern Italy (P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that females, older children, in‐treatment subjects and children from the region of Puglia were more likely to have orthodontics (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.66–2.64, OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.15, OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11–1.97, OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05–1.95, respectively).

Conclusions:  The orthodontic treatment attitude largely depends on age, gender and geographical context but is not influenced by the real level of orthodontic therapy need.
Spatial and temporal patterns of vertical distribution for three planktivorous fishes in Lake Washington
Authors: Quinn Thomas P. , Sergeant Christopher J. , Beaudreau Anne H. , Beauchamp David A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract –  We sampled three limnetic fish species: juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), three‐spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) in Lake Washington to quantify species‐specific patterns of diel vertical migration (DVM). Catch‐per‐unit‐effort data analysed from 15 years of midwater trawling documented seasonal and diel differences in vertical distributions for each species. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that the patterns of DVM in Lake Washington were affected by life history, size and morphology. Sockeye salmon showed clear DVM in spring but essentially no DVM in fall, remaining in deep water, whereas three‐spine sticklebacks were prevalent at the surface at night in both seasons. In fall, distribution patterns may be explained by differences in thermal performance (e.g., sticklebacks favouring warm water), but the patterns were also consistent with inter‐specific differences in predation risk. Younger sockeye salmon and longfin smelt were present in greater proportions higher in the water column during dusk and night periods than older conspecifics. Compared with sockeye salmon, the greater use by three‐spine sticklebacks of surface waters throughout the diel cycle during weak thermal stratification in spring was consistent with the hypothesis that sticklebacks’ armour reduces predation risk, but use of this warmer, metabolically beneficial stratum may also have promoted growth. This study illustrates variation in the vertical distribution of three sympatric planktivores and offers broader implications for the DVM phenomenon and applied lake ecology.
Rare species drive local trait diversity in two geographically disjunct examples of a naturally rare alpine ecosystem in New Zealand
Authors: Richardson Sarah J. , Williams Peter A. , Mason Norman W. H. , Buxton Rowan P. , Courtney Shannel P. , Rance Brian D. , Clarkson Beverley R. , Hoare Robert J. B. , St. John Mark G. , Wiser Susan K.
Published: February 2012

Question

Is there evidence for similar community assembly processes in two geographically disjunct examples of a rare alpine ecosystem?

Location

Two alpine granite gravel fields 610 km apart along a fault line in western South Island, New Zealand – the Lookout Range and Mt Titiroa.

Methods

Plot‐based vascular plant composition and traits for 86 species (height, seed length, leaf size and nutrient concentrations) were used to examine community structure reflecting assembly processes. We examined species richness, trait values averaged across species and plots, relationships between trait pairs using standardized major axis (SMA) regression and phylogenetically independent contrasts (PIC), relationships between abundance and trait values, and functional diversity indices against null models. Lastly, we partitioned taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity within and across alpine ranges.

Results

Functional and phylogenetic turnover of diversity between the two locations was low (2.9% and 6.3%, respectively) relative to turnover of taxonomic diversity (75%). Species‐level traits were similar between the two locations, except leaf P, which was higher at Mt Titiroa. Plot‐level average traits were all significantly higher on Mt Titiroa. Relationships between species‐level traits were typically non‐significant at both locations, or significant only at a single location. In contrast, relationships between plot‐level trait values were frequently significant and consistent across the two locations. At both locations, dominant species had a narrow range of similar trait values, while rare species had a wide range of values. Within plots, we found both trait convergence and divergence. Associations of trait values among dominant and rare species were largely non‐random but inconsistent between the two locations.

Conclusions

The two locations had a similar pool of trait values but often differed in how those traits were assembled. Results demonstrate that dominant species are subject to rigorous filters during community assembly leading to trait convergence, but rare species contributed to trait diversity and trait divergence. Models of community assembly can often predict traits of dominant species but must consider the importance of rare species as a source of local trait diversity, even in species‐poor communities under severe environmental conditions.
Oral health in nursing home residents with different cognitive statuses
Authors: Chen Xi , Clark Jennifer J. J. , Naorungroj Supawadee
Published: February 2012

Objective:  To compare oral health in nursing home (NH) residents with different cognitive statuses.

Background:  Oral health is a significant issue for NH residents because of its relationships to quality of life, systemic health and well‐being. It is known that oral health is poor in NH residents. However, how oral health differs in NH residents with different cognitive statuses remains unclear.

Materials and methods:  Nine hundred and two NH residents were retrospectively recruited from a community‐based geriatric dental clinic in Minnesota, USA. Comprehensive medical, dental, cognitive and functional assessments were completed for the participants. On the basis of medical history and cognitive status, participants were categorized into three groups: without cognitive impairment (non‐impaired group), with cognitive impairment but no dementia (impaired group) and with dementia (demented group). ANOVA, Chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare medical, dental and functional statuses between groups.

Results:  Oral hygiene was poor in NH residents. Forty per cent of participants in the impaired group were edentulous, significantly higher than the edentulism rate in the demented group (29%, p = 0.01). More than 60% of the participants lost 16 or more teeth prior to examination. Depending on their cognitive status, 82–92% of the participants arrived with one or more caries or retained root. Dentate participants in the impaired and demented groups averaged about six caries or retained roots, significantly more than 4.7 caries or retained roots in the non‐impaired group (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:  Oral health was poor but slightly different in NH residents with different cognitive and functional statuses.