bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation ofAgrostis capillarisin a grassland system with stable heterogeneity due to terricolous ants
Authors: ROTHANZL JAN , KOTOUČOVÁ MAGDALENA , HRABINOVÁ IVANA , PLAČKOVÁ IVANA , HERBEN TOMÁŠ
Published: October 2006

We examined whether two different grassland microhabitats forming a stable mosaic (anthills and surrounding grassland) are colonized by different genotypes of a common grass,Agrostis capillaris, and thus maintain genetic variation in the species.

The potential of individualAgrostisgenotypes, coming from different microhabitats, to withstand burial by ants was examined under experimental burial conditions. The same genotypes were then planted into these microhabitats in a reciprocal fashion to test whether their performance differs according to their source microhabitat. Isozymes were used to identify genet diversities and mean genet sizes at the microhabitats. They were also used to determine whether there is any indication that different genets occupy each of these microhabitats.

The burial experiment showed a high genetic variation between clones, both in overall performance (mean over both environments) and in their plastic response to burial. Variation in the way individual clones respond differently to changes in their environment was observed. In contrast to the response in the burial experiment, no clone–origin interaction was found in the transplant experiment. The performance of all plants on the anthills was significantly lower than on other habitats.

Isozyme analyses showed that the number of genets (per ramet sampled) on anthills is significantly lower than in the surrounding grassland. It also indicated a partial separation of genets into these microhabitats compared with homogeneous grassland conditions.

The harsh environment of anthills therefore acts as a filter for the total pool ofAgrostisgenets in the grassland, with only the fastest growing clones able to survive under these conditions. AsAgrostisis capable of extensive clonal growth, it is able to cross microhabitats given sufficient time. Isozyme data showed that the contribution from generative reproduction is very low. Such a system indicates some ‘genet sorting’ through vegetative growth instead of genetic differentiation.
Dispersal limitation may result in the unimodal productivity‐diversity relationship: a new explanation for a general pattern
Authors: PÄRTEL MEELIS , ZOBEL MARTIN
Published: October 2006

Variation in diversity with habitat productivity has long been a central ecological topic. Plant diversity is mostly highest at intermediate productivity, exhibiting the unimodal (so‐called ‘hump‐back’) relationship. This relationship has been explained by both evolutionary and ecological processes, but the potential role of dispersal limitation has not been considered.

We used European flora data to show that dispersal limitation may contribute to the unimodal productivity‐diversity relationship. Species were characterized by their habitat productivity preference and dispersal probability (determined by the number of seeds and the presence of a dispersal syndrome). We calculated average relative dispersal probabilities for species assemblages occurring preferentially in different habitat productivity levels.

At low productivity levels, species without dispersal syndromes predominate (R2 = 0.89), but at high productivity levels, species with a low number of seeds are common (R2 = 0.89). The total relative dispersal probability, combining both the dispersal probabilities attributable to the number of seeds and to the presence of dispersal syndrome, had a unimodal relationship with habitat productivity (R2 = 0.86). Thus, the unimodal productivity‐diversity relationship may arise due to the minimal dispersal limitation of local richness in conditions of moderately low productivity. At very low productivity, the lack of dispersal syndromes may limit dispersal. At high productivity, the low number of seeds may limit dispersal.

Consequently, in conditions where species pool size and biotic interactions do not vary along productivity gradients, the variation in dispersal probabilities with productivity alone can produce unimodal relationships between diversity and productivity. Thus, dispersal limitation may contribute to the observed diversity pattern and ecosystem functioning to a greater extent than usually assumed.
Characterization of nanostructured binary molybdenum oxide catalyst precursors for propene oxidation
Authors: WAGNER J. B. , OTHMAN N. D. , SU D. S. , HAMID S. B. A. , SCHLÖGL R.
Published: October 2006

High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization of molybdenum oxide catalyst precursors is carried out for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to the active catalytic material. The precipitated material consists of both large‐unit cell crystals and randomly orientated clusters on a 3–5 nm scale. The crystalline clusters are embedded in non‐crystalline material, preventing the formation of large well‐defined inactive orthorhombic MoO3 crystals during activation of the catalyst material.
Modulated structures in Ni–Al–Cr alloy
Authors: JEZIERSKA ELŻBIETA , PILAWA MIROSŁAW
Published: October 2006

The crystal structures of the different modulated and layered martensites in Ni–Al–Cr alloy have been observed. The layered martensite can be well described by the L10 lattice with seven‐layered or five‐layered long‐period stacking of {110} close‐packed planes of the parent phase. Modulated martensite is considered as a lattice oscillation by shuffling of atoms.
Interfacial reactions and silicate formation in highly dispersed Lu2O3– SiO2 system
Authors: KĘPIŃSKI L. , KRAJCZYK L. , DROZD M.
Published: October 2006

Solid state interface reactions in highly dispersed Lu2O3– SiO2 binary oxide system were studied at 600–1100 °C with X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that at 600–900 °C an amorphous, nanometer thick Lu‐O‐Si layer covering SiO2 particles exists in the system. At higher temperatures the breakage of the layer into amorphous islands occurs and crystalline silicates with various structures are formed. In particular, Lu4[Si3O10][SiO4] silicate, analogue of B‐type Dy – Tm disilicates, forms at 1000 °C.
Microstructure and electrical properties of diborides modified by rapid thermal annealing
Authors: ZAGOZDZON‐WOSIK W. , RUSAKOVA I. , DARNE C. , ZHANG Z.‐H. , VAN DER HEIDE P. , MAJHI P.
Published: October 2006

Diborides of Ti, Hf and Zr are thermally, mechanically and chemically stable with good thermal and electrical conductivity. We tested their properties in front‐end processes used in Si integrated circuits (IC). Films were deposited by e‐beam evaporation either on Si, for the formation of contacts to the source/drain (S/D) regions, or on Si oxides, for the formation of metal gates in p‐type metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (PMOS) transistors. We focused on their crystallization caused by rapid thermal processing (RTP) at temperatures up to 1100 °C. Transmission electron microscopy was used for identification of nanocrystallites of TiB2, ZrB2, and HfB2. The grain growth was correlated with temperature and time of RTP. Of all borides, HfB2 resulted in the most complete crystallization with little amorphous phase left. There was no crystallographic degradation of the interface with Si or dielectrics, except for extreme thermal budgets. Complementary techniques were used for monitoring chemical stability and electrical parameters of test structures to assess the role of recrystallization in device behaviour.
Advances and problems with TEM characterization of Cr/CrN multilayer coatings
Authors: MORGIEL J. , MAJOR L. , MAJOR B. , LACKNER J. M. , NISTOR L.
Published: October 2006

Multilayer Cr/CrN/Cr/Cr(N,C) and Cr/CrN with 8 and 32 layer coatings were deposited on austenite substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The microstructure observations were performed using Philips CM20™, TECNAI G2 F20 – TWIN™ and JEOL EX4000™ transmission microscopes. The performed experiments indicated that lowering the argon flow from 60 to 30 cm3/s during chromium ablation changes buffer layers microstructure from nearly amorphous to nano‐crystalline. The nitride or carbo‐nitride layers turned out to be less sensitive to changes in nitrogen flow during deposition. The columnar microstructure of Cr layers is coarser than those in CrN ones under the same deposition condition. This observation proved also that relying on PLD technique as thin as 30 nm layers might be formed within multilayer Cr/CrN coatings.
Identification and quantification of microstructures formed during nanocrystallization of amorphous (Fe, Co)‐Nb‐(Si, B) systems
Authors: DEANKO M. , KEPAPTSOGLOU D. M. , MULLER D. , JANICKOVIC D. , SKORVANEK I. , HRISTOFOROU E. , SVEC P.
Published: October 2006

The effect of addition of Si and variation of the Fe/Co ratio on the evolution of the nanostructure was studied in a modification of the Fe–Nb–B system. The entire system (Fe, Co)73Nb7(Si, B)20 was prepared in an amorphous state by rapid quenching using the planar flow casting method over a wide range of Fe/Co atomic ratios, ranging from 0 to 1. Nanocrystallization was investigated by evolution of the electrical resistivity with time and temperature. The microstructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy as well as electron and X‐ray diffraction. The results from microscopy observations were used to determine the distribution of grain size, which in these alloys attain very small dimensions of ∼5–8 nm. New algorithms of microscope image analysis were used for grain size determination, crucial for quantifying the microprocesses controlling nucleation and growth from the amorphous rapidly quenched phase.
Microstructure evolution and strain localization in Cu and Cu‐8Al single crystals subjected to channel‐die compression
Authors: LEWANDOWSKA MAŁGORZATA , S̀WIĄTNICKI WIESŁAW , PIĄTKOWSKI ANDRZEJ , JASIEǸSKI ZDZISŁAW
Published: October 2006

Single crystals of pure Cu and Cu‐8%Al with two initial orientations, {112}〈111〉 and {112}〈110〉, were subjected to monotonic compression in channel‐die at room temperature (293 K). The dislocation microstructure and local crystallography were investigated by transmission electron microscopy after different amounts of deformation. Various factors, such as initial single crystal orientation, chemical composition and amount of plastic deformation, were analysed in order to determine their influence on the microstructure evolution, local orientation variations and strain localization phenomena.
Metal particles in a ceramic matrix − scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterization
Authors: KONOPKA K.
Published: October 2006

This paper is concerned with ceramic matrix (Al2O3) composites with introduced metal particles (Ni, Fe). The composites were obtained via sintering of powders under very high pressure (2.5 GPa). Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were chosen as the tools for the identification and description of the shape, size and distribution of the metal particles. The Al2O3–Ni composite contained agglomerates of the Ni particles surrounded by ceramic grains and nanometre‐size Ni particles located inside the ceramic grains and at the ceramic grain boundaries. In the Al2O3–Fe composite, the Fe particles were mostly surrounded by ceramic grains. Moreover, holes left by the Fe particles were found. The high pressure used in the fabrication of the composites changed the shape of the metal and ceramic powder grains via plastic deformation.
Pecularities of nanocrystal formation in rapidly quenched (FeCo)MoCuB amorphous alloys
Authors: KEPAPTSOGLOU D. M. , PALUGA M. , DEANKO M. , MÜLLER D. , CONDE C. F. , HRISTOFOROU E. , JANIČKOVIČ D. , ŠVEC P.
Published: October 2006

The effect of the substitution of Fe by Co on the enhancement of glass‐forming ability limits and subsequent nanocrystallization was studied in a rapidly quenched amorphous system (FexCoy)79Mo8Cu1B12 for y/x ranging from 0 to 1. The effect of Cu on nanocrystallization was investigated by comparison with Cu‐free amorphous Fe80Mo8B12. Systems partially crystallized at the surface layer were prepared for y/x = 0 using different quenching conditions. The effect of heat treatment of master alloys used for ribbon casting was also assessed. The microstructure and surface/bulk crystallization effects were analysed using transmission electron microscopy and electron and X‐ray diffraction in relation to the expected enhancement of high‐temperature soft magnetic properties, drastically reduced grain sizes (∼5 nm) and Co content. Unusual surface phenomena were observed, indicating the origin of possible nucleation sites for preferential crystallization in samples with low Co content.
Influence of tungsten on microstructure of mechanically alloyed γ‐TiAl
Authors: DYMEK S. , WRÓBEL M. , BLICHARSKI M.
Published: October 2006

This article presents preliminary results of the processing and characterization of γ‐TiAl alloy modified by W addition. An alloy with the target chemical composition of TiAl−5W (at.%) was synthesized by mechanical alloying. Two methods were used for powder compaction: hot pressing at 1300 °C and hot extrusion at 1100 °C. Hot extrusion turned out to be a superior consolidation technique over hot pressing. The matrix of final alloy was composed of a phase based on TiAl and a minor amount of Ti3Al. The grain size in the extruded alloy was much smaller than in the hot‐pressed one. Minute W particles formed a dispersoid.
Endocrine effects of social stimuli on maturing queens of the dampwood termiteZootermopsis angusticollis
Authors: BRENT COLIN S. , SCHAL COBY , VARGO EDWARD L.
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe reproductive physiology of social insects is often highly responsive to social stimuli from nestmates, but the mechanisms underlying this sensitivity are usually poorly understood. The effect of varied social conditions on the endocrinology and ovarian maturation in maturing female primary reproductives of the dampwood termiteZootermopsis angusticollisHagen is studied to better understand their developmental responses to conspecifics. Newly dealate queens are paired with a reproductive male, with another maturing female, or are allowed to mature in isolation. Developmental responses are tracked by monitoring rates of juvenile hormone (JH) production by corpora allatain vitro, haemolymph ecdysteroids titres and ovarian development after 5, 10, 15 and 30 days of maturation. Significant declines in rates of JH production rates are observed by days 5, 10 and 30, respectively, for females paired with males, left to mature in isolation or paired with a female. Ecdysteroid titres increase by day 5 and stay elevated in females nesting with males. By contrast, for CA from females that are isolated or paired with another female, the titres decline and stay low until at least day 15, but increase significantly by day 30. These hormonal differences correspond to differential rates of physiological maturation, with more rapid ovarian development occurring in females paired with a male, than in those nesting alone or with another female. The results suggest that JH and ecdysteroids modulate the ovarian response of alates to stimuli from nestmates during this period of maturation, and that JH and ecdysteroid titres may be regulated independently during this period of development.
Correlative analysis of Mycosphaerella graminicola pathogenicity and cell wall‐degrading enzymes produced in vitro: the importance of xylanase and polygalacturonase
Authors: Douaiher M.‐N. , Nowak E. , Durand R. , Halama P. , Reignault Ph.
Published: October 2006

Eight Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates were investigated for correlations between pathogenicity and the in vitro production of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. Isolate pathogenicity was evaluated in terms of lesion and production of pycnidia in wheat leaves. Additionally, the isolates were compared over time for their ability to produce in vitro significant levels of xylanase (EC 3·2·1·8), β‐xylosidase (EC 3·2·1·37), β‐1,3‐glucanase (EC 3·2·1·6), cellulose (EC 3·2·1·4) and polygalacturonase (EC 3·2·1·15) activities when grown in a liquid medium. Correlation tests and principal component analysis revealed a significant correlation between the in vitro production of xylanase and pectinase and pathogenicity components. Xylanase was correlated to necrosis frequency (r = 0·795), β‐xylosidase was correlated to the mean of the lesion length (r = −0·787), whereas polygalacturonase was correlated to the time when 50% of the leaves contained a lesion (r = 0·776), the lesion frequency (r = 0·646) and the time when 50% of the leaves showed pycnidia (r = −0·711). The results suggest that these two groups of cell wall‐degrading enzymes are therefore likely to be key determinants of pathogenicity in M. graminicola.
Development of a real‐time PCR‐based method for detection of Xylophilus ampelinus
Authors: Dreo T. , Gruden K. , Manceau C. , Janse J. D. , Ravnikar M.
Published: October 2006

A real‐time PCR MGB‐probe‐based detection method specific to Xylophilus ampelinus, the cause of grapevine bacterial blight, was developed. Used in combination with the DNeasy plant mini kit, the sensitivity of X. ampelinus detection was approximately 100 cells from tissue extracts, surpassing the sensitivity of an existing nested PCR method at least tenfold. In field samples a high correlation was observed between real‐time PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained and X. ampelinus isolation on artificial media. Isolation was successful from samples with Ct values below 25. Lower concentrations of X. ampelinus, with Ct values up to 36, could also be reliably detected in real‐time PCR. The newly developed method offers a reliable and sensitive test for X. ampelinus, suitable as a screening test, complementary to isolation on media or other methods, and could also be used for fast and specific identification of isolated colonies and for relative quantification of X. ampelinus bacteria.
Interrelations between framework‐building and encrusting skeletal organisms and microbes: more‐refined growth history of Lower Devonian bindstones
Authors: ADACHI NATSUKO , EZAKI YOICHI , PICKETT JOHN W.
Published: October 2006

The framework‐building stromatoporoid Stachyodes, the encrusting calcimicrobe Rothpletzella and encrusting Graticula‐like red algae are major contributors to red algal–calcimicrobial–stromatoporoid bindstones in the Lower Devonian Elmside Formation of the Yass Basin, New South Wales, Australia. The distribution and accumulation patterns of encrusting organisms within the red algal–calcimicrobial–stromatoporoid bindstones observed by optical microscopy and SEM imply a biotic interrelationship between skeletal organisms and microbes that reflects environmental changes. Rothpletzella is characterized by prostrate filaments with frequent branching and a high angle of bifurcation. Filaments of Graticula‐like red algae exhibit rare branching and a relatively low angle of bifurcation. In addition, they are prostrate at the base before becoming erect. Both Rothpletzella and the red algae successively encrust the surfaces of skeletal frameworks, but exhibit different distributions. Rothpletzella and other calcimicrobes cover both the lower and upper surfaces of frameworks, whereas red algae are limited to the upper surfaces. Their individual distributions are thus significantly influenced by the frameworks formed by the thin, laminar stromatoporoid Stachyodes, which create different microenvironments as by‐products. The limited distribution of the red algae was probably related to light levels or phototropism. Upper framework surfaces are variously encrusted by calcimicrobes and the red algae to form thick crusts with varying accumulation patterns. Micritization around the algal thalli, covering of calcimicrobes such as Wetheredella, and microbial micrites between algal thalli all suggest interruptions of algal growth that correspond to episodes of harsh environmental conditions. Transitions from Graticula‐like red algae to Rothpletzella reflect periods of deteriorating environmental change for skeletal organisms, which resulted in the predominance of microbial growth. In contrast, a resurgence of red algae on calcimicrobes suggests improved environmental change. Repeated accumulation patterns between Graticula‐like red algae and Rothpletzella indicate changing habitat environments and competitive relations within skeletal organisms and microbes. These relationships provide insight into understanding how skeletal organisms and microbes utilized space and how they interrelated with each other to produce Devonian reefal limestones.
Stimulating or conventional perineural catheters after hallux valgus repair: a double‐blind, pharmaco‐economic evaluation
Authors: Casati A. , Fanelli G. , Danelli G. , Baciarello M. , Ghisi D. , Nobili F. , Chelly J. E.
Published: October 2006

Background:  We prospectively evaluated direct analgesia‐related costs of continuous sciatic nerve block using either a stimulating or conventional catheter after hallux valgus repair.

Methods:  The perineural catheter was inserted through a stimulating introducer either blindly (group Conventional, n= 38) or while stimulating via the catheter (group Stimulating, n= 38). Nerve block was induced with 25 ml of mepivacaine 15 mg/ml, and was followed 3 h later by a patient‐controlled infusion of ropivacaine 2 mg/ml (basal infusion: 3 ml/h; incremental dose: 5 ml; lock‐out time: 30 min). Rescue tramadol [100 mg intravenous (i.v.)] was given if required. Local anesthetic consumption, need for rescue tramadol and post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) treatment, and patient’s satisfaction were recorded during first 24‐h infusion. Cost calculations were based on the acquisition cost of drugs and devices.

Results:  Both techniques were similarly effective, but local anesthetic consumption and need for rescue analgesics were lower in the Stimulating group [respectively, 120 vs. 153 ml (P= 0.004) and 21% vs. 60% (P= 0.001)]. The analgesia‐related costs for 24 h were similar when 100‐ml bags of ropivacaine 2 mg/ml were used (66 € vs. 67 €; P= 0.26). When 200‐ml bags of ropivacaine were used, the analgesia‐related costs were higher in the Stimulating group than the Conventional group (75 € vs. 55 €; P= 0.0005).

Conclusions:  Direct costs of continuous sciatic nerve block ranged from 55 to 75 €. Stimulating catheters reduced local anesthetic consumption and need for rescue analgesics. This was only cost effective when 100‐ml bags of 2 mg/ml ropivacaine were used, while the cheapest combination was the use of conventional catheters and 200‐ml bags of ropivacaine.
Medical emergency teams: a role for expanding intensive care?
Authors: ÅNeman A. , Parr M.
Published: October 2006

Background:  A high incidence of preventable adverse events and deaths in hospitals has triggered initiatives to improve the quality of care of acutely ill in‐hospital patients. System changes involving the introduction of medical emergency teams, outreach services or rapid response teams are an integral part of these initiatives. The rationale for implementing a designated team is that early recognition and rapid institution of adequate therapy for the deteriorating patient can improve outcome. The concept of bringing intensive care expertise to any acutely ill patient irrespective of location within the hospital is envisioned as “critical care without walls”.

Methods:  Studies were identified by a PubMed search and cited references in key publications provided additional material including www‐resources. More than 80 studies were identified and selected for review, however, no formal search strategy for a systematic review or meta‐analysis was attempted. Only studies published in English were considered.

Results:  Several non‐randomized, before‐and‐after cohort studies demonstrate that implementation of medical emergency teams and equivalents can reduce the incidence of cardiac arrests, unexpected deaths, and unplanned intensive care admissions. However, one recent randomized, controlled trial of medical emergency teams failed to demonstrate any differences in outcomes.

Conclusion:  Several key operational issues need to be addressed before introducing medical emergency response teams based on current evidence. These issues include differences in healthcare systems and performance, patient case‐mix, resources available, composition of the teams and calling criteria, and strategies for education, audit and governance.
Ultrastructure of coccoid viable but non‐culturable Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Chaiyanan Saipin , Chaiyanan Sitthipan , Grim Christopher , Maugel Timothy , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R.
Published: October 2006

Morphology of viable but non‐culturable Vibrio cholerae was monitored for 2 years by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological changes included very small coccoid forms, after extended incubation at 4°C and room temperature, and sequential transformation from curved rods to irregular (∼1 μm) rods to ∼0.8 μm coccoid cells and, ultimately, to tiny coccoid forms (0.07–0.4 μm). Irregular rod‐shaped and coccoid cells were equally distributed in microcosms during the first 30–60 days of incubation at both temperatures, but only coccoid cells were observed after incubation for 60 days at 4°C. When V. cholerae O1 and O139, maintained for 30–60 days at both temperatures, were heated to 45°C for 60 s, after serial passage through 0.45 μm and 0.1 μm filters, and plating on Luria–Bertania (LB) agar, only cells larger than 1 μm yielded colonies on LB agar. Approximately 0.1% of heat‐treated cultures were culturable. Cell division in the smallest coccoid cells was observed, yielding daughter cells of equal size, whereas other coccoid cells revealed bleb‐like, cell wall evagination, followed by transfer of nuclear material. Coccoid cells of V. cholerae O1 and O139 incubated at 4°C for more than 1 year remained substrate responsive and antigenic.
Persistence in a Putting Task During Perceived Failure: Influence of State‐attributions and Attributional Style
Authors: Foll David Le , Rascle Olivier , Higgins N.C.
Published: October 2006

Dans cette étude, on a examiné l’influence de l’état des attributions et le style attributionnel (AS) sur la persistance à court‐terme d’un échec perçu à une tâche de putting. 101 élèves débutants en golf ont participéà cette recherche. Deux épreuves de 8 putts ont été interrompues chacune pendant trois minutes. Durant cette période, on a mesuré la persistance individuelle en comptant le nombre de fois que le sujet essayait de putter. L’analyse des résultats montre que le style attributionnel influence la persistance à court‐terme contrairement à l’état des attributions. Les sujets ayant un AS “fort contrôle personnel” font montre de plus de persistance que ceux ayant un AS “faible contrôle personnel”. Ces résultats confirment ceux obtenus lors de recherches antérieures sur les bénéfices motivationnels d’un style attributionnel “optimiste” dans des situations d’échec lors de la réalisation d’une tâche. Des attributions instables sont particulièrement bénéfiques aux sujets ayant un AS externe/incontrôlable. Ces derniers ont un niveau significativement plus élevé de persistance que les sujets ayant un AS externe/incontrôlable mais qui ont fait des attributions causales stables.

This study investigated the influence of state‐attributions and attributional style (AS) on short‐term persistence in a putting task during perceived failure. Participants were 101 novice golf students. Two trials of eight putts each were interrupted by a 3‐minute free period during which individual persistence was measured by calculating the number of putts attempted in the free period. Analyses revealed that attributional style influenced short‐term putting persistence but state‐attributions did not. Participants with a “high personal control” AS showed greater persistence than those with a “low personal control” AS, which supports past research on the positive motivational benefits of a more “optimistic” attributional style in task failure situations. Moreover, unstable attributions were particularly protective for individuals with an external/uncontrollable AS, in that they promoted significantly higher levels of persistence than was shown by external/uncontrollable AS individuals who made stable causal attributions.
Marginal Employment Subsidization: A New Concept and a Reappraisal*
Authors: Knabe Andreas , Schöb Ronnie , Weimann Joachim
Published: October 2006

In this paper, we attempt to renew the interest in marginal employment subsidies. Such subsidies are paid only for a firm's additional employment exceeding some reference level and create larger employment stimuli at lower fiscal costs than general wage subsidies for all workers. If the hiring of a new employee also entails subsidizing an incumbent worker (double marginal subsidization), the replacement of regular paid workers by outsourcing employment to newly established firms – a standard critique of marginal employment subsidies – can be avoided. This additional subsidy reduces the incentive to crowd out regular employment and results in even larger employment effects. Applying the subsidy scheme to the low‐skill labor market in Germany, we show that employment can be substantially increased without imposing additional fiscal burden.
The Stability Pact – Rationales, Problems, Alternatives
Authors: Lindbeck Assar , Niepelt Dirk
Published: October 2006

We analyze economic rationales for, and possible alternatives to, the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). We identify various cross‐country spillover effects and domestic policy failures as potential rationales. The two sets of problems suggest different corrective measures, and different measures than those applied in the context of the SGP. We contrast the ‘legalistic’ perspective adopted in the Pact with a more incentive‐based approach and discuss how the legalistic perspective gives rise to enforcement problems in connection with the implementation of the SGP's sanctions.
Growth Elasticity of Poverty: Alternative Estimates and a Note of Caution
Authors: Ram Rati
Published: October 2006

Estimates of the elasticity of headcount poverty with respect to income suggested in many influential studies appear too high and imply a more important role for income‐growth in poverty‐reduction than is appropriate. Direct estimates based on aggregate data for several different periods are much smaller at about −1, which (in absolute terms) is no larger than one‐half of those suggested in the literature. Researchers and policymakers are urged to use the lower estimate for any real‐world application in a global or cross‐country context. In such contexts, when per capita income increases by X percent during any period, decline in headcount poverty during the period should be expected to be of the order of X percent, and not, as most influential studies suggest, 2X percent.
Which Countries are Studied Most by Economists? An Examination of the Regional Distribution of Economic Research
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Hartley James E. , Schneider Patricia Higino
Published: October 2006

This paper examines the distribution of economic research as catalogued in the Journal of Economic Literature across countries of the world and attempts to explain those patterns. We report the number of articles published on each country and estimate a series of regressions to understand this pattern. We find that measures of a country's size (physical and economic), connections with the outside world and data availability explain much of the pattern of research. We also find that tourism receipts, whether English is an official language, and the number of economic research institutions are significantly correlated with the amount of research done on a country. After controlling for all the variables, we find only three regions (all in Africa) with significantly less research published by economists in Journal of Economic Literature cataloged articles than North America.
Governance and the wine commodity chain: Upstream and downstream strategies in New Zealand and Chilean wine firms
Authors: Gwynne Robert N.
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  This paper explores the theme of governance as it relates to the evolution of global commodity chains in agro‐industry and their incorporation of wine firms in two countries of the semi‐periphery, New Zealand and Chile. The paper goes on to specifically examine the upstream and downstream relationships of selected New Zealand and Chilean wine firms to the wider commodity chains in which they are involved. Brief case studies will analyse the downstream and upstream links to the commodity chain of key wine firms in both countries. Such cases provide indicative evidence of the underlying processes of the commodity chain that are constantly changing.
Identity Texts and Literacy Development among Preschool English Language Learners: Enhancing Learning Opportunities for Children at Risk for Learning Disabilities
Authors: Bernhard Judith K. , Cummins Jim , Campoy F. Isabel , Ada Alma Flor , Winsler Adam , Bleiker Charles
Published: October 2006

There is little research on English language learners (ELLs) in relation to learning disability (LD) assessment and identification. More important, there is a scarcity of research on models and strategies that enhance learning opportunities and outcomes for ELLs prior to an LD diagnosis. We describe in this article an innovative language intervention program involving the creation of bilingual, student self-authored identity texts. Called the Early Authors Program (EAP), the intervention stands as an example of how spaces and opportunities for literacy development among young ELLs can be created in a classroom instructional environment. The EAP, which reached 800 families, was evaluated using a combination of methods and instruments. The goal of the evaluation component was to collect data spanning one year from 325 randomly selected participating children in both control and experimental groups. Among its several beneficial outcomes, the EAP had demonstrably positive effects on children's language scores and appears to have strengthened their identities and fostered their self-esteem. Because a proportion of these students would be at risk for LD, we propose the implementation of programs of this type generally for ELL children, and especially for those considered likely to have future school-related difficulties.
Storm Signals: An Analysis of the Trade Policy Review of the European Communities
Authors: Tharakan P. K. M.
Published: October 2006

Trade Policy Review of the European Communities 2004 provides greater transparency, and better understanding of the trade policies of the EC. The WTO Secretariat's Report and the Comments of the Representatives rightly warn of the possibility of major problems arising because of the shortcomings of the Common Agricultural Policy of the EC, and the systematic back‐loading in the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. The discrepancy between the simultaneous allegiance to multilateralism and preferential trade arrangements is another difficulty which the EC and some other members of the WTO are facing. As a major player on the international trade scene, the EC's policy decisions will have a crucial effect on multilateral trade negotiations.
Why NAMA Liberalisation is Good for Developing Countries
Authors: Legrain Philippe
Published: October 2006

This paper reviews the criticisms that have been made of the view that trade liberalisation benefits developing countries. In particular, it focuses on mainstream NGOs’ criticisms of the NAMA negotiations. The paper firmly concludes that the belief that trade liberalisation hampers development opportunities is mistaken. Developing countries have a strong interest in a successful outcome to the NAMA negotiations and the Doha Round as a whole.
Enlarging the Vision for Trade Policy Space: Special and Differentiated Treatment and Infant Industry Issues
Authors: Messerlin Patrick A.
Published: October 2006

NAMA liberalisation alone will not be sufficient to make the Doha Round a pro‐development Round. It is important to enlarge the vision to include, for example, services and certain aspects of intellectual property rights. Further the ‘policy space’ notion often mentioned when discussing trade‐development relations should not be defined as limited to trade policy. It should include the many non‐trade instruments (e.g. subsidies or taxes on goods and factors of production) that a government could use for development purposes. Infant industry protection is the oldest, but most risky, use of trade policy as a development policy. As a policy it could be successful only in a very limited number of sectors and it has little chance of providing the broad impetus needed for development.
A Hierarchical Model for Extreme Wind Speeds
Authors: Fawcett Lee , Walshaw David
Published: October 2006

A typical extreme value analysis is often carried out on the basis of simplistic inferential procedures, though the data being analysed may be structurally complex. Here we develop a hierarchical model for hourly gust maximum wind speed data, which attempts to identify site and seasonal effects for the marginal densities of hourly maxima, as well as for the serial dependence at each location. A Gaussian model for the random effects exploits the meteorological structure in the data, enabling increased precision for inferences at individual sites and in individual seasons. The Bayesian framework that is adopted is also exploited to obtain predictive return level estimates at each site, which incorporate uncertainty due to model estimation, as well as the randomness that is inherent in the processes that are involved.
A Parametric Approach for Measuring the Effect of the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases
Authors: Park Yousung , Choi Jai Won , Lee Dong-Hee
Published: October 2006

The World Health Organization revises the international classification of diseases about every 10 years to stay abreast of advances in medical science and to compare international health statistics. However, the new revision (i.e. the 10th revision) introduces discontinuities in mortality trends, making it impossible to compare the mortality statistics before and after the revision directly. The US National Center for Health Statistics published comparability ratios to correct the discontinuities between the two sets of mortality data: one coded by the ninth revision and the other by the 10th revision. We propose a parametric two-stage model to produce new comparability ratios and use these ratios to correct the discontinuities. The asymptotic behaviour of the comparability ratios is investigated. Our model not only measures the extent of discontinuities in trends in mortality but also can be used to forecast future mortality. Comparing with the National Center for Health Statistics’s ratios, our comparability ratios smooth out the discontinuities better for most causes.
The petrosquamosal sinus in humans
Authors: San Millán Ruíz Diego , Gailloud Philippe , Yilmaz Hasan , Perren Fabienne , Rathgeb Jean‐Paul , Rüfenacht Daniel A. , Fasel Jean H. D.
Published: October 2006

This article provides a comprehensive description of the morphology of the human petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) derived from original observations made on 13 corrosion casts of the cranial venous system combined with routine clinical imaging studies in two patients. The PSS is not a rare finding in the adult human. In particular, continuous developments in imaging techniques have made radiologists become increasingly aware of this anatomical entity in recent years. The role of the PSS as a major encephalic drainage pathway and its potential implication in pathological conditions such as intracranial venous hypertension are discussed.
Safely treating hypokalaemia in high dependency cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Sladdin Claire , Lee Geraldine
Published: October 2006

In Australia, there were national issues on the use of potassium ampoules (resulting in patient deaths), which led to the removal of the ampoules from clinical areas. A decision was made by the Medication Safety Committee at a metropolitan Melbourne hospital to remove potassium ampoules from ward areas as part of the establishment of a hospital‐wide potassium guideline. As a result, the nurses in the cardiothoracic ward Practice Review Committee identified the need to review the proposed practice of treating hypokalaemia with 30 mmol of potassium chloride (KCL) in 1000 mL over an extended period in postoperative cardiothoracic patients. The challenge was to develop a practice to safely administer intravenous KCL in fluid restricted patients in addition to the hospital guidelines to prevent hypokalaemic‐induced cardiac dysrhythmias. A literature search revealed there were no clear or uniform approaches to guide our practice in addressing this clinical problem. The Practice Review Committee developed a KCL administration guideline based on a review of the available literature. The Practice Review Committee developed a ward‐based guideline that addressed infusion concentration, duration of administration, responsiveness of nurses to severity of hypokalaemia and the evaluation of treatment by measuring serum potassium after replacement. This ward‐based guideline was based on benchmarking from similar institutions and relevant literature. The review process provided an opportunity for the staff to critique their practice to improve patient care and allowed regular evaluation of the implemented practice guideline. The ward‐based guideline required a revision as patients’ renal function was not being taken into consideration prior to potassium infusions being administered. The implementation of the ward‐based guideline into practice has been well received by the staff as it has allowed consistent practice and timely treatment of hypokalaemia.
A process for solvent/detergent treatment of plasma for transfusion at blood centers that use a disposable‐bag system
Authors: Burnouf Thierry , Goubran Hadi Alphonse , Radosevich Miryana , Sayed Makram A. , Gorgy George , El‐Ekiaby Magdy
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Solvent/detergent (S/D) inactivates enveloped viruses in plasma. The current technology requires a plasma fractionation facility and is applied to large plasma pools, which increases the cost and risks of exposure to S/D‐resistant pathogens and lowers the content of protein S and α2‐antiplasmin. Two S/D treatment procedures for single donations or minipools of plasma have been developed with a single‐use bag system.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Frozen plasma samples were thawed and treated in disposable bags with either 2 percent tri(n‐butyl)phosphate (TnBP) at 37°C or 1 percent TnBP and 1 percent Triton X‐45 at 31°C for 4 hours. Plasma samples were extracted three times with 7.5 percent sterile castor oil to remove TnBP and Triton X‐45. The TnBP‐treated plasma samples were further subjected to a clarifying centrifugation (3800 × g, 30 min). Final plasma samples were dispensed into individual bags and frozen at −30°C. Plasma quality was assessed at each step of the procedures.

RESULTS: Both processes yielded greater than 90 percent mean recovery of coagulation factors (clottable fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and factors VIII, V, VII, IX, X, and XI), anticoagulants (protein C, protein S), protease inhibitors (antithrombin, α2‐antiplasmin), total protein, albumin, and immunoglobulins. Global coagulation tests of the treated plasma samples were normal. Final TnBP and Triton X‐45 content was less than 10 and 50 ppm, respectively.

CONCLUSION: S/D treatment of plasma can be performed in a closed‐bag system under conditions that maintain plasma protein quality. The technology is simple, presents advantages over the industrial large‐scale S/D plasma process, and could be performed in blood centers.
International comparison of the technical efficiency of component preparation
Authors: Veihola Marketta , Aroviita Pekka , Linna Miika , Sintonen Harri , Kekomäki Riitta
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Under economical constraints, blood centers need to identify ways to improve their efficiency. Because there is little evidence regarding the technical efficiency of blood centers, international comparisons may be useful in identifying efficiency discrepancies and can reveal opportunities for enhancing efficiency, such as allocating resources more effectively.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected for years 2000 through 2002 from 16 blood centers in 10 European countries. Input variables included working hours, whole‐blood (WB) collections, premises, and equipment, and the output variables were red blood cells and platelets (PLTs). A nonparametric method, data envelopment analysis (DEA), was used in the analyses of technical efficiency in blood component preparation departments. Efficiency scores were calculated with DEA linear programming techniques and evaluated for site characteristics that possibly affect efficiency, such as the production method of PLTs and the proportion of BCs (buffy coats) from WB and BC PLTs from all PLTs produced.

RESULTS: With working hours and equipment as inputs, median technical efficiency was 60 percent (range, 41%‐100%). Four departments were efficient (efficiency, >90%), and 12 were inefficient (range, 41‐89). Efficiency remained roughly the same in 13 departments through the 3‐year study period and decreased in 3. Efficiency was mainly affected by staffing levels (working hours). Efficiency did not directly relate to production volume, method, or any other site characteristic.

CONCLUSIONS: The major cause of inefficiency was excess staffing resulting from a suboptimal combination of manpower and production output levels. Further research is needed to manage factors affecting efficiency, such as the fluctuation of demand in production planning.