bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Political Economy of Agricultural and Food Policies: Recent Contributions, New Insights, and Areas for Further Research
Authors: Swinnen Johan F.M.
Published: July 2011

This article reviews innovative research that has emerged in recent years, both in the general economics literature and as applied to agricultural and food policies. There have been important innovations and new insights in these fields, particularly regarding the micro‐foundations of political decision‐making, the impact of political institutions and ideology, and the role of the media. Data have also improved substantially. However, there are still important gaps in our understanding. Further research should focus on capturing interactions between explanatory variables, more refined measurement of (political) institutions and reforms, the effects of international agreements, broader representation of agents, more explicit modeling of crises, discontinuous effects, and the interaction of multiple policies.
Estimating classification probabilities in high-dimensional diagnostic studies
Authors: Appel Inka J. , Gronwald Wolfram , Spang Rainer
Published: July 2011

Motivation: Classification algorithms for high-dimensional biological data like gene expression profiles or metabolomic fingerprints are typically evaluated by the number of misclassifications across a test dataset. However, to judge the classification of a single case in the context of clinical diagnosis, we need to assess the uncertainties associated with that individual case rather than the average accuracy across many cases. Reliability of individual classifications can be expressed in terms of class probabilities. While classification algorithms are a well-developed area of research, the estimation of class probabilities is considerably less progressed in biology, with only a few classification algorithms that provide estimated class probabilities.

Results: We compared several probability estimators in the context of classification of metabolomics profiles. Evaluation criteria included sparseness biases, calibration of the estimator, the variance of the estimator and its performance in identifying highly reliable classifications. We observed that several of them display artifacts that compromise their use in practice. Classification probabilities based on a combination of local cross-validation error rates and monotone regression prove superior in metabolomic profiling.

Availability: The source code written in R is freely available at http://compdiag.uni-regensburg.de/software/probEstimation.shtml.

Contact:  inka.appel@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Metoclopramide Versus Ondansetron for the Treatment of Vomiting in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis
Authors: Al‐Ansari Khalid , Alomary Salim , Abdulateef Hala , Alshawagfa Mohammed , Kamal Khalid
Published: July 2011

Objective:

To compare the efficacy and safety of ondansetron versus less expensive metoclopramide in the treatment of children with persistent vomiting with acute gastroenteritis.

Materials and Methods:

A double‐blind trial including consecutive consented patients ages 1 to 14 years was conducted in an urban infirmary setting from June 2008 through December 2008. Children were randomized to receive a single dose of intravenous ondansetron or metoclopramide. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients with cessation of vomiting shortly after completion of the study medication infusion in each group. Observed adverse effects and diarrhea frequency during admission and in follow‐up were recorded to assess safety.

Results:

One hundred sixty‐seven previously healthy children (median age 3 years) diagnosed as having acute gastroenteritis with persistent vomiting completed treatment and observation. Cessation of vomiting was achieved in 68/84 patients (81%) of the ondansetron and 60/83 (72%) of the metoclopramide groups, P = 0.14. Mean time to complete cessation of vomiting was 39 minutes (SD 111) for ondansetron, and 61 minutes (SD 110) for metoclopramide, P = 0.2. The mean length of infirmary stay was 550 minutes (SD 427) for ondansetron and 575 minutes (SD 449) for metoclopramide, P = 0.71. Revisit rate, readmissions rate, and frequency of diarrhea after discharge were similar in the 2 treatment groups. No adverse reaction or other safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions:

In the sample size tested, intravenous metoclopramide therapy did not differ from ondansetron in the treatment of persistent vomiting for children with gastroenteritis admitted for intravenous fluid hydration.
Factors Associated With Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ruiz‐Extremera Ángeles , Carazo Ángel , Salmerón Ángela , León Josefa , Casado Jorge , Goicoechea Alejandro , Fernandez José Manuel , Garofano Maximiliano , Ocete Esther , Martín Ana Belén , Pavón Esther , Salmerón Javier
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

Obesity is associated with high prevalence of hepatic steatosis. We speculate that determinant factors of susceptibility to hepatic steatosis in obesity could differ between children and adolescents.

Patients and Methods:

Blood biochemical parameters, systemic oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and adipokine levels were determined in 157 obese children and adolescents. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: children and adolescents, identified as such in accordance with Tanner stage and the measured level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Steatosis was evaluated by ultrasonography in 127 subjects.

Results:

Steatosis prevalence was 44.8%. In the “children” group, those with hepatic steatosis presented higher levels of erythrocyte oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and resistin, lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and lower enzymatic activities of erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GRd) and glutathione oxidase (GPx). In the “adolescents” group, those with hepatic steatosis presented higher values for body mass index z score (BMIz), insulin, peptide C, homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA‐IR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides, GSSG, and leptin. These subjects also presented lower values for soluble leptin receptor, GRd, and GPx. In the “children” group, the only independent factor of steatosis was a decrease in GRd activity (odds ratio [OR] 0.165, 95% CI 0.03–0.84, P = 0.030). Moreover, in the “adolescent” group, the independent factors were higher for GSSG (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.6–28.7, P = 0.010) and HOMA‐IR (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.17–3.1, P = 0.009).

Conclusions:

Factors associated with hepatic steatosis differ between obese children and adolescents. Oxidative stress is seen to be the main process in children, whereas in adolescents oxidative stress and insulin resistance are significant factors for steatosis.
Cryobacterium flavum sp. nov. and Cryobacterium luteum sp. nov., isolated from glacier ice
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Hongcan , Wen Ying , Zhou Yuguang , Xin Yuhua
Published: July 2011

Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, strains Hh8T, Hh15T and Hh40-2, were isolated from the No. 1 glacier in Xinjiang, north-west China. Colonies of strain Hh8T were orange–yellow, convex and round on PYG plates. Strain Hh8T grew at 0–19 °C and pH 5.5–10.5. Colonies of strain Hh15T, which was able to grow at 0–20 °C and pH 5.5–12, were lemon yellow, convex and round on PYG plates. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these three strains were related to members of the genus

Cryobacterium

. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strains were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 1 A. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA–DNA relatedness data, two novel species, Cryobacterium flavum sp. nov. (type strain Hh8T  = CGMCC 1.11215T  = NBRC 107879T) and Cryobacterium luteum sp. nov. (type strain Hh15T  = CGMCC 1.11210T  = NBRC 107880T), are proposed.
Regulation of the integrase and cassette promoters of the class 1 integron by nucleoid-associated proteins
Authors: Cagle Caran A. , Shearer Julia E. S. , Summers Anne O.
Published: July 2011

The integrase IntI1 catalyses recombination of antibiotic-resistance gene cassettes in the integron, a widely found bacterial mobile element active in spreading antibiotic multi-resistance. We have previously shown that resistance cassette recombination rate and specificity depend on the amount of intracellular integrase. Here, we used in vivo and in vitro methods to examine convergent expression of the integrase promoter (Pint
) and of the cassette promoters (Pc
and P2
) in the prototypical plasmid-borne class 1 integron, In2. Highly conserved Pint
has near consensus −10 and −35 hexamers for σ70 RNA polymerase, but there are 11 naturally occurring arrangements of Pc
alone or combinations of the Pc
+P2
cassette promoters (note that P2
occurs with a 14 or 17 bp spacer). Using a bi-directional reporter vector, we found that Pint
is a strong promoter in vivo, but its expression is reduced by converging transcription from Pc
and P2
. In addition to cis-acting convergence control of integrase expression, the regulator site prediction program, prodoric 8.9, identified sites for global regulators FIS, LexA, IHF and H-NS in and near the integron promoters. In strains mutated in each global regulator, we found that: (1) FIS repressed integrase and cassette expression; (2) LexA repressed Pint
and P2
with the 14 bp spacer version of P2
and FIS was necessary for maximum LexA repression; (3) IHF activated Pint
when it faced the strong 17 bp spacer P2
but did not elevate its expression versus LexA-repressed P2
with the 14 bp spacer; and (4) H-NS repressed both Pint
and the 14 bp P2
but activated the 17 bp P2
cassette promoters. Mobility shift assays showed that FIS and IHF interact directly with the promoter regions and DNase I footprinting confirmed extensive protection by FIS of wild-type In2 integron promoter sequence. Thus, nucleoid-associated proteins, known to act directly in site-specific recombination, also control integron gene expression directly and possibly indirectly.
Nutrient-dependent, rapid transition of Vibrio cholerae to coccoid morphology and expression of the toxin co-regulated pilus in this form
Authors: Krebs Shelly J. , Taylor Ronald K.
Published: July 2011

The acute diarrhoeal disease cholera is caused by the aquatic pathogen Vibrio cholerae upon ingestion of contaminated food or water by the human host. The mechanisms by which V. cholerae is able to persist and survive in the host and aquatic environments have been studied for years; however, little is known about the factors involved in the adaptation or response of V. cholerae transitioning between these two environments. The transition from bacillary to coccoid morphology is thought to be one mechanism of survival that V. cholerae uses in response to environmental stress. Coccoid morphology has been observed for V. cholerae while in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, during times of nutrient limitation, and in the water-diluted stool of cholera-infected patients. In this study we sought conditions to study the coccoid morphology of V. cholerae, and found that coccoid-shaped cells can express and produce the virulence factor toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP) and are able to colonize the infant mouse to the same extent as bacillus-shaped cells. This study suggests that TCP may be one factor that V. cholerae utilizes for adaptation and survival during the transition between the host and the aquatic environment.
Vested interests in addiction research and policy. Alcohol industry use of social aspect public relations organizations against preventative health measures
Authors: Miller Peter G. , de Groot Florentine , McKenzie Stephen , Droste Nicolas
Published: July 2011

Aim  It has been proposed that alcohol industry ‘social aspects/public relations’ organizations (SAPROs) serve the agenda of lending credibility to industry claims of corporate responsibility while promoting ineffective industry‐friendly interventions (such as school‐based education or TV advertising campaigns) and creating doubt about interventions which have a strong evidence base (such as higher taxes on alcoholic beverages). This paper investigated whether submissions to Australia's National Preventative Health Taskforce (NPHT) from alcohol industry bodies regarding the Australian SAPRO, Drinkwise, have used this organization to demonstrate corporate responsibility while promoting industry‐friendly interventions.

Method  Submissions to the Australian National Preventative Health Taskforce (NPHT) discussion paper Australia, the healthiest country by 2020 (n = 375) were examined to identify those with primary alcohol content. A thematic analysis of the resulting 33 submissions was conducted to determine which organization, institution or individual discussed Drinkwise.

Setting  Australia.

Findings  Nine of the 33 submissions discussed Drinkwise; all were submitted by the alcohol industry or its affiliates. Every industry submission referred to Drinkwise either as providing evidence of social responsibility or by suggesting the industry‐friendly actions of Drinkwise as alternatives to those recommended by the NPHT report.

Conclusions  Drinkwise has been used by the alcohol industry to create an impression of social responsibility while promoting interventions that maintain profits and campaigning against effective interventions such as higher taxes on alcohol.
A molecular study of congenital erythropoietic porphyria in cattle
Authors: Agerholm J. S. , Thulstrup P.W. , Bjerrum M. J. , Bendixen C. , Jørgensen C. B. , Fredholm M.
Published: July 2011

Previous studies have shown that congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) in cattle is caused by an inherited deficiency of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen III synthase (UROS) encoded by the UROS gene. In this study, we have established the pedigree of an extended Holstein family in which the disease is segregating in a manner consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. Biochemical analyses demonstrated accumulation of uroporphyrin, thus confirming that it is indeed insufficient activity of UROS which is the cause of the disease. We have therefore sequenced all nine exons of UROS in affected and non‐affected individuals without detecting any potential causative mutations. However, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the spliceosome attachment region in intron 8 of UROS is shown to segregate with the disease allele. Our study supports the hypothesis that CEP in cattle is caused by a mutation affecting UROS; however, additional functional studies are needed to identify the causative mutation.
Significant associations of polymorphisms in the prolactin gene with growth traits in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: He X. P. , Xia J. H. , Wang C. M. , Pang H. Y. , Yue G. H.
Published: July 2011

Prolactin (encoded by PRL) is a multifunctional hormone involved in osmoregulation, reproduction, growth, development, immunomodulation, endocrine and metabolic regulation. We cloned the full‐length cDNA of Asian seabass PRL, searched for polymorphism in the DNA sequence, and conducted association analyses. Twelve SNPs and one 4‐bp deletion were identified in PRL. The SNP c.264+127C>G was used for linkage mapping, and this gene was mapped to linkage group 11. The c.264+980_983delTTGT, c.264+127C>G, c.264+138T>G, c.264+269T>C and c.330C>G polymorphisms were genotyped in 521 individuals with growth trait records. Association analyses between single markers and growth traits revealed that the c.264+269T>C SNP was significantly associated with body weight (BW), total length (TL), standard length (SL) and Fulton’s condition factor (KTL and KSL), while the other four were not. Analysis of haplotypes showed that there were 10 haplotypes and 22 haplotype combinations in the population. The differences of BW, TL, KTL and KSL among different haplotype combinations were significant.
Identifying from recent sediment records the effects of nutrients and climate on diatom dynamics in Loch Leven
Authors: BENNION HELEN , CARVALHO LAURENCE , SAYER CARL D. , SIMPSON GAVIN L. , WISCHNEWSKI JULIANE
Published: July 2011

1. Changes in nutrients and climate have occurred over approximately the same timescales in many European lake catchments. Here, we attempt to interpret the sedimentary diatom record of a large shallow lake, Loch Leven, in relation to these pressures using information gained from analysis of long‐term data sets of water quality, climate and planktonic diatoms.

2. The core data indicate the enrichment of Loch Leven starting in c. 1800–1850, most likely from agricultural practices in the catchment, with a more marked phase since c. 1940–1950 caused by increased phosphorus inputs from sewage treatment works, land drainage and a woollen mill.

3. While the recent diatom plankton remains are dominated by taxa associated with nutrient‐rich conditions, an increase in Aulacoseira subarctica relative to Stephanodiscus taxa since the mid‐1980s suggests that reductions in external catchment sources of nutrients (since 1985) may have resulted in partial recovery. This observation accords well with the long‐term monitoring series of water chemistry and phytoplankton.

4. On a decadal‐centennial scale, the eutrophication signal in the sediment record outweighs any evidence of climate as a control on the diatom community. However, at an inter‐annual scale, while the diatom data exhibit high variability, there are several changes in species composition in the recent fossil record that may be attributed to climatic controls.

5. The study highlights the value of a palaeolimnological approach, particularly when coupled with long‐term data sets, for developing our understanding of environmental change at a range of temporal scales. The diatom record in the sediment can be used effectively to track recovery from eutrophication, but requires greater understanding of contemporary ecology to fully interpret climate impacts.

6. The study illustrates the complexity of ecosystem response to synchronous changes in nutrients and climate, and the difficulty of disentangling the effects of these multiple, interacting pressures.
An expression of love – midwives’ experiences in the encounter with lesbian women and their partners
Authors: Spidsberg Bente Dahl , Sørlie Venke
Published: July 2011

spidsberg b.d. & sørlie v. (2011) An expression of love –midwives’ experiences in the encounter with lesbian women and their partners. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 796–805.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive study of midwives’ lived experiences of caring for lesbian women and their partners.

Background.  A growing body of qualitative studies describes lesbian women’s experiences of maternity care. Studies about midwives’ caring experiences in the encounter are needed to improve care for lesbian women and their partners.

Method.  A qualitative study, using a phenomenological‐hermeneutical method influenced by Ricoeur was conducted. Eleven midwives were recruited by snowball method. Interviews were conducted in 2009 and participants were encouraged to share events in their midwifery practice encountering lesbian women.

Findings.  The midwives described the lesbian love‐relationship as strong and caring, but including elements of difference which could make the couple vulnerable. It was important for midwives to acknowledge their own attitudes and culturally sensitive non‐verbal communication; also to consider the co‐mother’s needs and role as different compared with those of fathers. Although caring for lesbian couples was seen as unproblematic, midwives described experiences of ambivalence or anxiety in the encounter and they had noticed that some couples had had negative experiences with maternity care.

Conclusion.  Studies are required to map content, consequences and coping strategies regarding the ambivalent or uncertain caring situations and to assess a co‐mother’s particular role and needs during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period to provide tailored care for lesbian couples.
Sleep, arousal and health‐related quality of life in men and women with coronary artery disease
Authors: Johansson Anna , Svanborg Eva , Swahn Eva , Ejdebäck Jan , Tygesen Hans , Edell‐Gustafsson Ulla
Published: July 2011

Aim.  To evaluate whether there are gender differences in insomnia, sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%), general arousal, disease‐specific and health‐related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease, compared with an age‐ and gender‐matched randomly selected group from the general population.

Background.  There are gender difference effects of sleep disturbances in the general population, but this perspective among patients with coronary artery disease has been poorly analysed.

Design.  In this prospective study, comparative, descriptive and model testing designs were used.

Method.  The patients with coronary artery disease, 556 men and 324 women aged 25–86, were compared with a matched population‐based group. Data were collected by validated and reliability‐tested questionnaires.

Results.  The prevalence of severe insomnia varied between 17–44% in all four groups. The severe insomniac coronary artery disease patients displayed a two‐ or threefold higher presleep arousal, had two hours shorter nocturnal sleep duration/night and were more limited in their physical exercise level than the population‐based group. Gender differences in sleep quality, sleep efficiency (%) and general arousal disappeared with increased insomnia severity.

Conclusions.  Independent of gender, age and comorbidity, physical exercise, general arousal behaviour and delayed poststress recovery after mental stress were found to have a negative impact on the coronary artery disease patients’ sleep quality and sleep efficiency (%), interfering with their health‐related quality of life. The variables significantly explained 41% of the sleep quality outcome and 29% of the sleep efficiency (%).

Relevance to clinical practice.  Insomnia because of hyperarousal behaviour can be an important factor in the development of an individual self‐care management programme supported by a healthcare team.
Development and validation of a tissue cage model of acute inflammation in the cat
Authors: PELLIGAND L. , HOUSE A. K. , SUMMERS B. A. , HATZIS A. , TIVERS M. , ELLIOTT J. , LEES P.
Published: July 2011

Pelligand, L., House, A. K., Summers, B. A., Hatzis, A., Tivers, M., Elliott, J., Lees, P. Development and validation of a tissue cage model of acute inflammation in the cat. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 239–248.

Four cylindrical silicon tissue cages (TC, internal volume: 6.7 ± 0.11 cm3) were inserted subcutaneously in 29 young healthy cats. A mild inflammatory reaction was induced by intracaveal injection of 1 mL of a 2%λ‐carrageenan solution. TC exudate was subsequently sampled at predetermined times (up to 120 h) to measure exudate leucocyte counts and the concentrations of protein and eicosanoids. TC remained in situ for 9–10 months and were well tolerated. Leucocyte counts peaked at 34 h (50.1 ± 57.6 × 103 cells/mm3) and returned towards baseline after 72 h. Protein concentration increased from 26.2 ± 2.7 g/L to a peak of 35.9 ± 6.0 g/L at 12 h before returning to baseline at 48 h. Exudate prostaglandin (PG)E2 concentration peaked at 24 h (11.7 ± 13.7 ng/mL) and returned to baseline by 120 h. Repeated collection of fluid from noninjected cages did not increase transudate PGE2. Ketoprofen (2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) suppressed exudate PGE2 at 24 h. The carrageenan‐stimulated TC model is an ethical and novel means of investigating soft tissue inflammation in the cat, in which exudate PGE2 acts as surrogate marker of cyclooxygenase‐2 activity. This model will facilitate the investigation of in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti‐inflammatory drugs in this species.
Role of interstitial cells of Cajal in the generation and modulation of motor activity induced by cholinergic neurotransmission in the stomach
Authors: Zhang R.‐X. , Wang X.‐Y. , Chen D. , Huizinga J. D.
Published: July 2011

Background  Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are intimately linked to the enteric nervous system and a better understanding of the interactions between the two systems is going to advance our understanding of gut motor control. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of ICC in the generation of gastric motor activity induced by cholinergic neurotransmission.

Methods  Gastric motor activity was evoked through activation of intrinsic cholinergic neural activity, in in vitro muscle strips by electrical field stimulation, in the in vitro whole stomach by distension and in vivo by fluoroscopy after gavaging the stomach with barium sulfate. The cholinergic activity was assessed as that component of the effect of the stimulus that was sensitive to atropine. These experiments were carried out in wild‐type and Ws/Ws rats that have few intramuscular ICC (ICC‐IM) in the stomach.

Key Results  Under all three experimental conditions, cholinergic activity was prominent in both wild‐type and W mutant rats providing evidence against the hypothesis that cholinergic neurotransmission to smooth muscle is primarily mediated by ICC‐IM. Strong cholinergic activity in Ws/Ws rats was not due to upregulation of muscarinic receptors in ICC but possibly in smooth muscle of the antrum.

Conclusions & Inferences  Pacemaker ICC play a prominent role in the expression of motor activity induced by cholinergic activity and our data suggest that cholinergic neurotransmission to ICC affects the pacemaker frequency.
HOW DOES ADVERTISING AFFECT MARKET PERFORMANCE? A NOTE ON GENERIC ADVERTISING
Authors: HAMILTON STEPHEN F. , RICHARDS TIMOTHY J. , STIEGERT KYLE W.
Published: July 2011

We propose a novel approach to estimating the effect of advertising on market performance that relies on the preferences of firms participating in generic advertising programs. Generic advertising campaigns provide a unique window to observe advertising effects on market performance, because rotations in market demand systematically redistribute advertising rents among firms according to observable characteristics on producer size. We examine producer attitudes towards generic advertising in the “Beef. It's What's for Dinner!” campaign of the U.S. Beef Checkoff program, the subject of the recent and controversial Supreme Court ruling on generic advertising as a form of government speech. We find the likelihood producers favor an expansion of the advertising program increases in their operating scale. This finding is consistent with an advertising campaign that has led to a counterclockwise rotation of market demand and a commensurate increase in market performance in the U.S. beef market. (JEL L1, M37, Q13)
Quality of maternal thinking and mother‐child interaction in at‐risk contexts
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ GUACIMARA , RODRIGO MARÍA JOSÉ , JANSSENS JAN M.A.M. , TRIANA BEATRIZ
Published: July 2011

Rodríguez, G., Rodrigo, M. J., Janssens, J. M. A. M. & Triana, B. (2011). Quality of maternal thinking and mother‐child interaction in at‐risk contexts.Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 545–552.

This study investigates how the maternal level of perspectivistic reasoning and the level of socialization goals in the representation of their actions are related to the quality of mother‐child behaviors as well as to the expert ratings on maternal practices in at‐risk contexts. It also investigated whether there is any direct link between mother and child behaviors and expert ratings. A sample of 75 mothers of children between 8 and 12 years old reported on their level of perspectivistic reasoning and were characterized by the social workers of municipal services as being coercive, neglectful or meeting their child’s needs. Interactions during a collaborative task were observed to obtain information on level of socialization goals and mother‐child behaviors. Structural equation models showed that mothers’ higher levels of perspectivism and higher levels of socialization goals positively predicted the mother’s and child’s sensitivity and active involvement in the task and negatively predicted avoidance and passivity. Higher levels of perspectivism consistently predicted experts’ views on maternal practices. However, only mother’s avoidance predicted negatively expert ratings on coercion practice, indicating that expert views were mostly derived from the mothers’ perspective on their child. The implications of these results for parental assessment and intervention programs are discussed.
Trade Liberalisation and Labour Income Share Variation: An Interpretation of China’s Deviation from the Stolper–Samuelson Theorem
Authors: Huang Xianhai , Xu Sheng , Lu Jing
Published: July 2011

By constructing a two‐country, three‐commodity, three‐sector theoretical model, we show that trade liberalisation has double effects, i.e., ‘factor price effect’ and ‘technology progress effect’, on labour income share. China’s deviation from the Stolper–Samuelson Theorem is mainly due to the negative effect of technology progress, which weakens the positive pulling effect of trade liberalisation on labour income share. Based on the panel data of 29 provinces and cities in China dated from 1987 to 2006, we build up an empirical model. We find that because of the offsetting cancellation of opposite effects, the overall effect of trade liberalisation on labour income share is insignificant. However, when eliminating the negative effect of technology progress on labour income share, the effect of trade liberalisation becomes significantly positive. Moreover, the positive effect of trade liberalisation has become smaller in recent years. This is because of the transformation of export structure, which has led to a decrease in the positive effect of export on labour income share.
Exports, Ownership and Firm Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Xiaonan , Hong Junjie
Published: July 2011

This paper examines the linkage between exports, ownership and firm productivity. Based on a panel data set that covers over 70,000 Chinese firms from 2001 to 2005, the estimation results provide strong evidence that exports play an important role in enhancing firm productivity. Foreign ownership improves firm performance, but foreign‐owned exporters benefit less from exporting activities compared with domestic exporters. These results are robust to a variety of methods used and consideration of endogeneity issue. We also find that the productivity gain from exporting is greater for new entrants into the international market, and the benefit declines when firms become more experienced. Firms that involve more in exports are more likely to develop new product, suggesting that export‐market participation promotes innovation.
IKs blockade in border zone arrhythmias from guinea‐pig ventricular myocardium submitted to simulated ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Puddu Paolo Emilio , Sallé Laurent , Gérard Jean‐Louis , Rouet René , Ducroq Joffrey
Published: July 2011

I
Ks blockade might be a promising way to treat tachyarrhythmia because of the accumulation of activated potassium channels. However, IKs blockade during ischemia/reperfusion has not been investigated. Thus, the electrophysiological effects of two IKs blockers, chromanol 293B (10 μm) and HMR 1556 (1 μm), were assessed in an in vitro model of border zone between normal and ischemic/reperfused right ventricular myocardium from guinea‐pigs, and classic electrophysiological parameters and the incidence of arrhythmias were studied. HMR 1556 and chromanol 293B exhibited slight conventional class III effects on action potential duration in the normal zone (NZ) (APD90: −2 ± 5%, not significant (NS); +6 ± 3%, NS; and +5 ± 1%, P < 0.05, respectively, in control, HMR 1556, and chromanol 293B groups) but failed to oppose its decrease after 30 min of simulated ischemic superfusion (APD90: −52 ± 5%, P < 0.01; −64 ± 5%, P < 0.01; and −61 ± 3%, P < 0.01, respectively, in control, HMR 1556, and chromanol 293B groups), leading to repolarization dispersion between normal and ischemic zones. Chromanol 293B and HMR 1556 prolonged APD90 during reperfusion, respectively, by +11 ± 1%, P < 0.01 and +25 ± 4%, P < 0.01 in the NZ and by +13 ± 3%, NS and +31 ± 2%, P < 0.01 in the simulated ischemic zone. Both compounds exhibited neutral arrhythmogenic effects during ischemia or reperfusion. Thus, IKs blockade was neutral on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias during ischemia and reperfusion in guinea‐pig ventricular tissue.
CONSTRUCTING CARIBBEAN CHRONOLOGIES: COMPARATIVE RADIOCARBON DATING OF SHELL AND WOOD ARTEFACTS FROM PRE‐COLUMBIAN SITES IN CUBA
Authors: COOPER J. , THOMAS K. D.
Published: July 2011

The lack of robust chronological frameworks for pre‐Columbian archaeology in the Caribbean limits the interpretive potential of ongoing studies of inter‐site and inter‐island interaction. This paper reviews the dating of 28 wood and shell artefacts from sites in northern Cuba in an attempt to date pre‐Columbian activity in the region and develop dating methodologies for the study of pre‐Columbian interaction in the Caribbean. This research compares dates from wood and shell artefacts from the waterlogged site of Los Buchillones in north‐central Cuba with dates from shell artefacts from sites on eight islands in the Sabana–Camaguey archipelago in the Bahama Channel. In addition to providing a chronological framework based on absolute dates for pre‐Columbian activity in northern Cuba, this paper also considers the methodological issues of using shell for dating pre‐Columbian activity in the Caribbean.
Oral mucosa model based on a collagen–elastin matrix
Authors: Golinski P. A. , Gröger S. , Herrmann J. M. , Bernd A. , Meyle J.
Published: July 2011

Golinski PA, Gröger S, Herrmann JM, Bernd A, Meyle J. Oral mucosa model based on a collagen–elastin matrix. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 704–711. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  The collagen‐elastin matrix (Matriderm®) is used to treat deep and full‐thickness burns and was recently described as a suitable scaffold for tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biocompatibility of Matriderm® for gingival use through creation of an oral mucosa model ex vivo.

Material and Methods:  Gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes were cultured. A dermal area on the base of the collagen–elastin matrix was repopulated with fibroblasts. After 14 days, keratinocytes were seeded on this dermal area to engineer a multilayered mucosa. Analysis of the architecture was performed using light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical detection of collagen IV and cytokeratin was carried out.

Results:  Based on this scaffold we generated a multilayered oral mucosa‐like structure. Histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analysis of the dermal/epidermal junction showed a typical basement membrane and hemidesmosomal structures. Neighboring keratinocytes formed desmosomes in the epidermal sections. Cytokeratin was detectable in all epidermal layers. These experiments revealed that the collagen–elastin matrix was highly biocompatible with gingival cells under ex vivo conditions.

Conclusion:  Employing tissue‐engineering techniques with dermal and epidermal cells from the gingiva, a multilayered oral mucosa was generated and characterized with respect to biocompatibility for Matriderm®. The results indicate that Matriderm® is suitable for the ex vivo growth of gingival tissue cells and is a useful scaffold with possible applications in periodontal therapy.
Marathon of eponyms: 20 Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: July 2011

Oral Diseases (2009) 17, 619–620

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarizes data about Treacher Collins syndrome.
Unique predisposing factors for male urinary tract infections
Authors: Hogan LaMicha , Young Cathy , Gabbert Wrennah , Armstrong Myrna L.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: While naturally occurring male host defense mechanisms prevent many urinary tract infections (UTI), this article describes two purposeful forms of urethral play (UP) that could be unique predisposing factors to increased UTI susceptibility.

Data sources: Medical literature has documented unconventional penile and urethral activities since the mid 1700s. In a recent web‐based study, Rinard et al. report 74 comments from national and international respondents performing UP: various websites also validate UP practice.

Conclusions: Respondents reported inserting liquids and foreign objects into the urethra. Inserted liquids included water, hot candle wax, baby oil, after‐shave lotions, and dental gel. Foreign objects frequently mentioned were the insertion of smooth stainless steel surgical dilators often used in surgical urological procedures; the respondents and the websites call this “urethral sounding.” These practices were used to “aid erections and sexual experimentation, enlarge the urethra, and stimulate their partner.” Other respondents discussed catheter insertion. Other objects such as cotton‐tipped swabs, spoons, and pencils, were also inserted. UTIs have been reported as a result of UP.

Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners' knowledge of these seemingly unconventional urethral activities requires a thorough assessment and history for pediatric and adult males presenting with new, recurrent, or unresolved UTI symptoms, as well as applicable health education.
Mental Maps1
Authors: BLUMSON BEN
Published: July 2011

It’s often hypothesized that the structure of mental representation is map‐like rather than language‐like. The possibility arises as a counterexample to the argument from the best explanation of productivity and systematicity to the language of thought hypothesis—the hypothesis that mental structure is compositional and recursive. In this paper, I argue that the analogy with maps does not undermine the argument, because maps and language have the same kind of compositional and recursive structure.
Hybrid Method of Engineering Analysis: Combining Meshfree Method with Distance Fields and Collocation Technique
Authors: Tsukanov Igor , Posireddy Sudhir R.
Published: July 2011

This paper describes a numerical technique for solving engineering analysis problems that combine radial basis functions and collocation technique with meshfree method with distance fields, also known as solution structure method. The proposed hybrid technique enables exact treatment of all prescribed boundary conditions at every point on the geometric boundary and can be efficiently implemented for both structured and unstructured grids of basis functions. Ability to use unstructured grids empowers the meshfree method with distance fields with higher level of geometric flexibility. By providing exact treatment of the boundary conditions, the new approach makes it possible to exclude boundary conditions from the collocation equations. This reduces the size of the algebraic system, which results in faster solutions. At the same time, the boundary collocation points can be used to enforce the governing equation of the problem, which enhances the solution’s accuracy. Application of the proposed method to solution of heat transfer problems is illustrated on a number of benchmark problems. Modeling results are compared with those obtained by the traditional collocation technique and meshfree method with distance fields.
Heat Transfer in Trailing Edge Wedge-Shaped Pin-Fin Channels With Slot Ejection Under High Rotation Numbers
Authors: Rallabandi Akhilesh P. , Liu Yao-Hsien , Han Je-Chin
Published: July 2011

The heat transfer characteristics of a rotating pin-fin roughened wedge-shaped channel have been studied. The model incorporates ejection through slots machined on the narrower end of the wedge, simulating a rotor blade trailing edge. The copper plate regional average method is used to determine the heat transfer coefficient; pressure taps have been used to estimate the flow discharged through each slot. Tests have been conducted at high rotation (≈1) and buoyancy (≈2) numbers, in a pressurized rotating rig. Reynolds numbers investigated range from 10,000 to 40,000 and inlet rotation numbers range from 0 to 0.8. Pin-fins studied are made of copper. Results show high heat transfer in the proximity of the slot. A significant enhancement in heat transfer due to the pin-fins, compared with a smooth channel, is observed. Results also show a strong rotation effect, increasing significantly the heat transfer on the trailing surface and reducing the heat transfer on the leading surface.
Analysis of the Dynamic Behavioral Performance of Mechanical Systems With Multi–Clearance Joints
Authors: Megahed S.M. , Haroun A.F.
Published: July 2011

In this investigation, the effect of revolute joints’ clearance on the dynamic performance of mechanical systems is reported. A computation algorithm is developed with the aid of SolidWorks/CosmosMotion software package. A slider-crank mechanism with one and two clearance-joints is studied and analyzed when working in vertical and in horizontal planes. The simulation results point out that the presence of such clearance in the joints of the system understudy leads to high peaks in the characteristic curves of its kinematic and dynamic performance. For a multiclearance joints mechanism, the maximum impact force at its joints takes its highest value at the nearest joint to the input link. This study also shows that, when the mechanism works in horizontal plane, the rate of impacts at each clearance-joint increases and consequently the clearance-joints and actuators will deteriorate faster.
A Review of X-Ray Flow Visualization With Applications to Multiphase Flows
Authors: Heindel Theodore J.
Published: July 2011

Flow visualization and characterization of multiphase flows have been the quest of many fluid mechanicians. The process is fairly straight forward only when there is good optical access (i.e., the vessel is not opaque or there are appropriate viewing ports) and the flow is transparent, implying a very low volume fraction of the dispersed phase; however, when optical access is not good or the fluid is opaque, alternative methods must be developed. Several different noninvasive visualization tools have been developed to provide high-quality qualitative and quantitative data of various multiphase flow characteristics, and overviews of these methods have appeared in the literature. X-ray imaging is one family of noninvasive measurement techniques used extensively for product testing and evaluation of static objects with complex structures. X-rays can also be used to visualize and characterize multiphase flows. This paper provides a review of the current status of X-ray flow visualization and details various X-ray flow visualization methods that can provide qualitative and quantitative information about the characteristics of complex multiphase flows.
Experiments on Bounded Vortex Flows and Related Particle Transport
Authors: Huang Y. , Marshall J. S.
Published: July 2011

The flow field generated by the combination of a downward-oriented annular slot jet with a circumferential velocity component and a suction port in the space between two horizontal planes is referred to as a bounded vortex flow. The current paper reports on an experimental study of the flow field and its ability to transport particles. Particle image velocimetry measurement shows that the ratio of the inlet to outlet flow rate and the ratio of the plate separation distance to the jet inlet radius control the wall-normal vortex strength and entrainment of the jet into the suction port. A toroidal vortex ring was also observed to form in certain cases. In particle experiments a separatrix curve is observed beyond which particles roll outward and within which particles roll inward; thus forming a cleaned region with radius that decreases with increase in the flow rate ratio.
CuO/CeO2 Nanocomposites: An XPS Study
Authors: Natile Marta Maria , Galenda Alessandro , Glisenti Antonella
Published: July 2011

CuO/CeO2 nanocomposite powders were prepared by wet impregnation of nanosized ceria powders. The samples are characterized by a nominal (i.e. calculated from the weighted amount of precursors) Cu/Ce atomic ratio: 0.05 (Accession #1081), 0.1 (Accession #1082), 0.2 (Accession #1083), 0.35 (Accession #1084) and 0.5 (Accession #1085). The surface properties and the influence of the Cu/Ce atomic ratio are investigated by means of XPS. Besides the wide scan spectra, detailed spectra for the Ce 3d, Ce 4d, Cu 2p and O 1s regions and related data are presented and discussed. XP analysis reveals the presence of CuO; in the samples with lower Cu/Ce atomic ratio traces of Cu2O are also evident. The surface Cu/Ce atomic ratio obtained from XPS data is always higher than the nominal one suggesting the surface segregation of copper.
CuxO - TiO2 Composites (x=1, 2) Studied by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Barreca Davide , Carraro Giorgio , Gasparotto Alberto
Published: July 2011

CuxO - TiO2 (x=1, 2) nanocomposites were synthesized by an innovative Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) strategy, based on the initial growth of CuxO matrices (1) and on the subsequent dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles (2). Cu(hfa)2•TMEDA (hfa=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) and Ti(O-iPr)2(dpm)2 (O-iPr = isopropoxide; dpm=2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate) were used as copper and titanium molecular sources, respectively. The syntheses were carried out under O2+H2O atmospheres on Si(100) substrates. In step (1), pure and homogeneous single-phase Cu2O/CuO nanosystems were obtained at 400/550 °C, with total pressures of 3.0/10.0 mbar, respectively. Interestingly, the obtained nanocomposites were characterized by the surface formation of Cu(I)-Cu(II) mixtures, due to the occurrence of interactions between CuxO and TiO2. This work is dedicated to the characterization of two representative samples by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), focusing in particular on the analysis on the O 1s, Cu 2p and Ti 2p core levels.