bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R&D/Returns Causality: Absorptive Capacity or Organizational IQ
Authors: Knott Anne Marie
Published: November 2008

Absorptive capacity is the principle that assimilating new knowledge requires prior knowledge. The attendant prescription is to invest more in R&D to derive greater benefit from the R&D of others (spillovers). Empirical tests of R&D productivity typically find absorptive capacity (R&D * rival R&D) to be significant. This result poses a puzzle, however: What can a firm conducting 50% of industry R&D learn from a set of firms each conducting 5%? Aren't the laggard firms merely playing catch-up? Yet, if this is so, why is the interaction term significant?

One possible resolution to this puzzle is that the correlation between R&D spending and returns is really about innate ability (IQ) rather than investment behavior (absorptive capacity). In this view the causality between capability and behavior is reversed. It is not that firms obtain higher returns by investing more in R&D; it is that some firms have higher returns to R&D, thus they invest more. I conduct an empirical test of the competing views and find that (1) firms differ in the output elasticities of their own R&D (IQ) as well as the elasticities of spillovers from rivals, (2) absorptive capacity becomes insignificant when accounting for that heterogeneity, (3) R&D investment increases with IQ, but (4) R&D investment has no impact on a firm's ability to benefit from spillovers.
Progress on the electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wu Jihuai , Lan Zhang , Hao Sanchun , Li Pingjiang , Lin Jianming , Huang Miaoliang , Fang Leqing , Huang Yunfang
Published: November 2008

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have aroused intense interest over the past decade owing to their low cost and simple preparation procedures. Much effort has been devoted to the study of electrolytes that enable light-to-electrical power conversion for DSSC applications. This review focuses on recent progress in the field of liquid, solid-state, and quasi-solid-state electrolytes for DSSCs. It is believed that quasi-solid-state electrolytes, especially those utilizing thermosetting gels, are particularly applicable for fabricating high photoelectric performance and long-term stability of DSSCs in practical applications.
Catalysis at the interface of nano-oxides and nanozeolites
Authors: Ito Kyosuke , Jang Hui , Sakashita Koji , Asaoka Sachio
Published: November 2008

The catalysts that can efficiently hydro-reform higher n-paraffin to lower isoparaffins for environmentally friendly gasoline were studied. The catalysts were examined by the conversion of n-hexadecane, n-C16H34 to i-C6H14~i-C12H26. The tri-modally nanoporous (nanometer-size) catalysts composed of (Ni-Mo)/[γ-Al2O3], nano-oxide, and nanocrystalline zeolite have some active and selective performances because of the cooperation between (Ni-Mo)/[γ-Al2O3] and the composite of nano-oxide-nanozeolite. The (Ni-Mo)/[γ-Al2O3] component holding the skeletal isomerization activity enhances the cracking activity on the composite of nanoporous (np)-Al2O3-USY (ultra-stable Y-type zeolite) to result in i-C6H14~i-C12H26 as the isomerization of n-hexadecane followed the cracking reaction. The catalyst composed of nanocrystalline BEA (beta-type zeolite) or MFI (ZSM-5-type zeolite) zeolite can be more activated with the nano-SiO2 than with the nano-Al2O3. The catalyst composed of the dealuminated zeolite, USY (SiO2/Al2O3 = 12) cannot be activated with the nano-SiO2 but with the nano-Al2O3. This activation depends on the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the USY. It is considered that the catalytic property of the three components is partially due to the novel active sites formed concertedly at the interface of the nano-oxides and the nanozeolites. The novel sites have a major role for the isomerization and cracking as the moderate and strong acids and are generated when Si-OH in the nanopores of the USY resulted from the dealumination catches Al-OH in the nano-Al2O3 to form Si-O-Al-O-Al-O-Si instead of Si-O-Al-O-Si-O-Si-O.
Development of novel linear, block, and branched oligoelectrolytes and functionally targeting nanoparticles
Authors: Zaichenko Alexander , Mitina Natalya , Shevchuk Oleh , Rayevska Katerina , Lobaz Volodymyr , Skorokhoda Taras , Stoika Rostyslav
Published: November 2008

The objective of the present study is development of novel surface-active block, comb-like, and branched copolymers with peroxide-containing chains, as well as derived functional luminescent and magnetic nanoparticles. The main experimental approaches are based on tailored synthesis of the oligoperoxide surfactants of desired structures and derived coordinating complexes of transitional and rare earth elements. Oligoperoxide-based synthesis of luminescent, magnetic, and other functional nanocomposites with controlled size distribution, functionality, reactivity, and biocompatibility is described. Developed methods provide combining the formation of polymeric, metal, and metal-oxide nanoparticles with irreversible modification of their surface by functional fragments capable of radical and other reactions, including binding of physiologically active substances. Novel nanoparticles were studied by chemical, colloidal-chemical, and rheological methods, X-ray diffraction technique, luminescent spectroscopy, and transmission and scanning electronic microscopy. The availability of ditertiary peroxide fragments on the nanoparticle surface provides a possibility of radical grafting functional polymer chains. The developed functional nanoparticles have been used for phagocytosis measurement, as well as markers of pathological cells, antimicrobial remedies, and nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery.
Electrochromics for energy efficiency and indoor comfort
Authors: Granqvist Claes G.
Published: November 2008

Electrochromic (EC) oxide films with nanocrystalline and nanoporous structure constitute the basis of a number of devices for modulating the throughput of radiant energy. One example is in architectural windows capable of providing energy efficiency and indoor comfort simultaneously. This paper introduces EC technology with particular attention to applications to the built environment. The nanostructural features of the EC films are emphasized, and it is pointed out that reactive magnetron sputtering can be used for large area manufacturing. Electrochromics is discussed from the viewpoints of materials, device technology, and applications.
Control of deposition processes and structures of fibroin nanofilms by IR pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Senna Mamoru , Nakayama Sayuri
Published: November 2008

Control of structural and morphological features of silk fibroin (SF), one of the most popular and stable structural proteins, prepared by near infrared (1064 nm) pulsed laser deposition (PLD) are discussed, based mainly on the recent experimental studies made in the authors' laboratory. The small deposition rate and mingling of much larger units, called chunks or debris, are the main problems. The structure and properties of irradiation targets are highlighted, in an attempt to make the protein PLD technique affordable for practical purposes. Firm adhesion among fibroin powder particles is a straightforward way to avoid pull-out of the particles from the powder-consolidated target, being one of the main sources of debris. This alone cannot, however, satisfactorily increase the homogeneity of the nanostructures and increase the deposition rate. Finer control of the properties of grain-boundary in the target was therefore devised by using binders, including an autogenous one. A unique feature of the ablation mechanisms of fibroin was also discussed by taking account of the optical properties of fibroin, being transparent to a 1064 nm laser beam.
Novel-shaped LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 prepared by a hydroxide coprecipitation method
Authors: Tang Zexun , Gao Deshu , Chen Ping , Li Zhaohui , Wu Qiang
Published: November 2008

Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3(OH)2, a precursor of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 in new-generation Li-ion batteries, was prepared by a hydroxide coprecipitation method. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal that the precursor particles thus obtained, show regular shape with uniform size under optimized conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates that well-ordered layer-structured LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 was prepared after calcination at high temperature. The final product exhibited a spherical morphology with uniform size distribution (10 μm in diameter). At the terminal charging voltage of 4.3 and 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+), the testing cells of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 delivered a specific capacity of 161.2 and 184.1 mAh g-1, respectively. The high capacity retention of 98.0 and 96.1 % after charging to 4.3 and 4.5 V for 50 cycles, respectively, indicates that this material displays excellent cycling stability even at high cut-off voltage.
Cognitive and Affective Reactions of U.S. Consumers to Global Brands
Authors: Dimofte Claudiu V. , Johansson Johny K. , Ronkainen Ilkka A.
Published: November 2008

The authors find that U.S. consumers hold contradictory notions of what characterizes a global brand beyond its wide recognition, availability, and standardization across markets. In particular, they find that the association of brand globality with higher quality is not as strong as the literature has proposed and that affect directly influences how people perceive global brands. The initial results imply that previous research on globality effects may have confounded brand globality and brand strength and that the latter is responsible for the quality effect. A follow-up study shows that for most consumers, brand globality is associated with positive affect and that this affect is also reflected among consumers who are explicitly against global brands. The authors conclude that response to global brands is driven more by affect and less by cognition.
The Dishonesty of Honest People: A Theory of Self-Concept Maintenance
Authors: Mazar Nina , Amir On , Ariely Dan
Published: November 2008

People like to think of themselves as honest. However, dishonesty pays—and it often pays well. How do people resolve this tension? This research shows that people behave dishonestly enough to profit but honestly enough to delude themselves of their own integrity. A little bit of dishonesty gives a taste of profit without spoiling a positive self-view. Two mechanisms allow for such self-concept maintenance: inattention to moral standards and categorization malleability. Six experiments support the authors’ theory of self-concept maintenance and offer practical applications for curbing dishonesty in everyday life.
Endogeneity and Individual Consumer Choice
Authors: Kuksov Dmitri , Villas-Boas J. Miguel
Published: November 2008

In many markets, there is likely to be correlation both across periods in terms of the choices of one consumer and across consumers in terms of their choices in each period. The former is caused by consumer heterogeneity, and the latter may be the result of demand common shocks across consumers. Furthermore, if firms partially observe these common shocks, their market decisions may end up being endogenous and correlated with the common shocks. Because researchers cannot typically fully observe consumer heterogeneity and the common shocks, the estimation method must account for the endogeneity of firms’ decisions. In this article, the authors present a test for endogeneity under unobserved consumer heterogeneity and common shocks, which is based on a quasi-likelihood estimation method, to estimate the model parameters consistently when endogenous firm behavior, unobserved heterogeneity, and common shocks are present. The test examines the differences in general method of moments coefficient estimates of a model with and without instrumenting for the explanatory variables. The authors show theoretically that in their estimation method, unobserved heterogeneity does not affect the consistency of the parameter estimates, but if it is not accounted for, endogeneity may bias the results. They present estimation results from simulated and scanner panel data.
Quantitative assessment of total phenol contents of European oak (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) by diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy on solid wood surfaces
Authors: Zahri Sofia , Moubarik Amine , Charrier Fatima , Chaix Gilles , Baillères Henri , Nepveu Gérard , Charrier Bertrand
Published: November 2008

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with multivariate analysis techniques was applied to assess phenol content of European oak. NIRS data were firstly collected directly from solid heartwood surfaces: in doing so, the spectra were recorded separately from the longitudinal radial and the transverse section surfaces by diffuse reflectance. The spectral data were then pretreated by several pre-processing procedures, such as multiplicative scatter correction, first derivative, second derivative and standard normal variate. The tannin contents of sawmill collected from the longitudinal radial and transverse section surfaces were determined by quantitative extraction with water/methanol (1:4, by vol). Then, total phenol contents in tannin extracts were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The NIR data were correlated against the Folin-Ciocalteu results. Calibration models built with partial least squares regression displayed strong correlation – as expressed by high determination correlation coefficient (r2) and high ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) – between measured and predicted total phenols content, and weak calibration and prediction errors (RMSEC, RMSEP). The best calibration was provided with second derivative spectra (r2 value of 0.93 for the longitudinal radial plane and of 0.91 for the transverse section plane). This study illustrates that the NIRS technique when used in conjunction with multivariate analysis could provide reliable, quick and non-destructive assessment of European oak heartwood extractives.
Effect of autohydrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus wood on lignin structure. Part 1: Comparison of different lignin fractions formed during water prehydrolysis
Authors: Leschinsky Moritz , Zuckerstätter Gerhard , Weber Hedda K. , Patt Rudolf , Sixta Herbert
Published: November 2008

The effect of autohydrolysis of Eucalyptus globulus wood was studied with regard to conditions applied in a prehydrolysis-kraft process on the physico-chemical properties of lignin obtained in both the wood residue and hydrolysate. As a reference, milled wood lignin (MWL) was isolated from native wood and compared to three lignin fractions formed during prehydrolysis: 1) lignin from the wood residue isolated as MWL, 2) lignin precipitated from the prehydrolysate during cooling and separated by centrifugation, and 3) lignin degradation products soluble in the prehydrolysate extracted with ethylacetate. All lignin fractions were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, methoxy group determination, elemental analysis, size exclusion chromatography and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that extensive lignin degradation occurs during prehydrolysis through homolytic cleavage of the aryl-ether bonds resulting in a substantial molecular weight loss of the residual lignin in the treated wood and in the lignin fractions isolated from the prehydrolysate. The aryl-ether cleavage is coupled with a strong increase in phenolic hydroxyl groups and a decrease in aliphatic hydroxyl groups. Indication for condensation reactions were found by NMR spectroscopy.
Shear properties of wood measured by the asymmetric four-point bending test of notched specimen
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

The asymmetric four-point bending test for obtaining shear properties of wood was examined. Rectangular bars with various notches on top and bottom surfaces of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Sarg.) were prepared as a specimen. The shear modulus, proportional limit stress, and shear strength were measured. The influence of notch configuration on the shear properties was examined independently by finite element calculations. The influence of notch configuration was not significant in experiments, while it was found relevant in finite element analyses. Although the pure shear stress condition could not be realized after the initiation of failure, the measurement of shear properties of solid wood simply by the asymmetric four-point bending test was feasible.
From Backlash to Bingo: Ronald Reagan and Federal Indian Policy
Authors: Kotlowski Dean J.
Published: November 2008

Ronald Reagan's contribution to federal Indian policy proved mixed. Remarks by members of his administration recalled the heyday of termination, and Reagan's budget cuts fell hard on Native Americans. Reagan also played to non-Indian backlash by supporting legislation that restricted tribal rights to file claims on land disputes. Still, the administration continued the policy of tribal self-determination, begun under Richard M. Nixon. Reagan signed legislation to restore the Klamaths to federal trust responsibility, to help tribes “contract out” to run many federal services themselves, and to recognize and regulate gaming on Indian reservations. Most importantly, Reagan affirmed “government to government” relationships between the federal government, states, and tribes. Federal Indian policy mirrored other aspects of U.S. politics in the 1980s, including reductions in domestic spending, white reaction against minority civil rights gains, and the extolling of entrepreneurship. But the administration's ability, and even its willingness, to reverse the trend toward tribal self-determination proved limited.
Unveiling the bovine embryo transcriptome during the maternal-to-embryonic transition
Authors: Vigneault Christian , Gravel Catherine , Vallée Maud , McGraw Serge , Sirard Marc-André
Published: November 2008

Bovine early embryos are transcriptionally inactive and subsist through the initial developmental stages by the consumption of the maternal supplies provided by the oocyte until its own genome activation. In bovine, the activation of transcription occurs during the 8- to 16-cell stages and is associated with a phase called the maternal-to-embryonic transition (MET) where maternal mRNA are replaced by embryonic ones. Although the importance of the MET is well accepted, since its inhibition blocks embryonic development, very little is known about the transcripts expressed at this crucial step in embryogenesis. In this study, we generated and characterized a cDNA library enriched in embryonic transcripts expressed at the MET in bovine. Suppression subtractive hybridization followed by microarray hybridization was used to isolate more than 300 different transcripts overexpressed in untreated late eight-cell embryos compared with those treated with the transcriptional inhibitor, α-amanitin. Validation by quantitative RT-PCR of 15 genes from this library revealed that they had remarkable consistency with the microarray data. The transcripts isolated in this cDNA library have an interesting composition in terms of molecular functions; the majority is involved in gene transcription, RNA processing, or protein biosynthesis, and some are potentially involved in the maintenance of pluripotency observed in embryos. This collection of genes associated with the MET is a novel and potent tool that will be helpful in the understanding of particular events such as the reprogramming of somatic cells by nuclear transfer or for the improvement of embryonic culture conditions.
Effects of m-Tyrosine on Feeding and Survival of Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Gautam Bal K , Henderson Gregg
Published: November 2008

Amino acids are important to all animal life. Termites rely mainly on microorganisms to retrieve these nitrogen sources from their food. One naturally occurring amino acid, m-tyrosine, has been reported to be toxic to bacteria and weeds. Its direct effects on termite survival are unknown however. Both no-choice and choice bioassays using five different doses of m-tyrosine were conducted to determine the feeding response and survival of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), in the laboratory. In no-choice tests, although all doses of m-tyrosine tested reduced filter paper consumption, only the highest dose tested (0.05 M) had significantly lower consumption compared with the control. This dose also caused significantly high termite mortality. In a five-choice bioassay, all doses of m-tyrosine tested reduced filter paper consumption significantly compared with the control. No mortality was observed in the choice tests, and very little feeding of filter paper treated with m-tyrosine occurred. From these experiments, we conclude that m-tyrosine is toxic to Formosan subterranean termites and acts as a feeding deterrent, and therefore, may be a promising wood preservative.
Cancer Survivorship: A Pediatric Perspective
Authors: Landier Wendy , Bhatia Smita
Published: November 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Quantify the magnitude of long-term complications and the burden of morbidity faced by cancer survivors.Detail the relationship between therapeutic exposures and specific long-term complications, identify those at highest risk, and follow up these patients using standardized follow-up guidelines.Evaluate and manage childhood cancer survivors.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The last four decades have seen tremendous improvements in the survival of children diagnosed with cancer, with 5-year survival rates now at 80%. The burgeoning population of childhood cancer survivors creates an obligation to understand the health and well-being of these individuals. The use of cancer therapy at an early age can produce complications that may not become apparent until years later; it has been demonstrated quite conclusively that approximately two thirds of these survivors will experience at least one late effect and about one third will experience a late effect that is severe or life threatening. Long-term complications in childhood cancer survivors, such as impairment in growth and development, neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiopulmonary compromise, endocrine dysfunction, renal impairment, gastrointestinal dysfunction, musculoskeletal sequelae, and subsequent malignancies, are not only related to the specific therapy employed, but may also be determined by individual host characteristics. This review describes some of the known late effects described in childhood cancer survivors in order to suggest reasonable starting points for evaluation of specific long-term problems in this unique and growing population.
Angiogenesis Inhibition in Non-GIST Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Sleijfer Stefan , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Blay Jean-Yves
Published: November 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis in non-GIST STSs.Choose endpoints for screening studies in non-GIST STSs.Identify the several tumor entities that comprise the group of STSs.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Because angiogenesis is of crucial importance in the pathogenesis of cancer, blocking the function of proangiogenic factors has been shown to improve the outcomes of patients with several cancer types. Given the poor survival durations of patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs), which has remained stable at a median of 12 months over the last 20 year, there is an unmet need for novel agents active against these tumors. Like in other tumors, accumulating evidence points at an important role for angiogenic factors in STSs, rendering these factors attractive treatment targets. This review discusses the currently available evidence supporting a role for angiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of STSs and the first preliminary study results obtained with angiogenesis inhibitors.
Some Useful Statistics for a Change
Authors: Peck Steven L.
Published: November 2008

Stauffer, Howard B. 2008. Contemporary Bayesian and frequentist statistical research methods for natural resource scientists. Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey. xv + 400 p. $100.00, ISBN: 978‐0‐470‐16504‐1.
ESTIMABILITY OF DENSITY DEPENDENCE IN MODELS OF TIME SERIES DATA
Authors: Knape Jonas
Published: November 2008

Estimation of density dependence from time series data on population abundance is hampered in the presence of observation or measurement errors. Fitting state–space models has been proposed as a solution that reduces the bias in estimates of density dependence caused by ignoring observation errors. While this is often true, I show that, for specific parameter values, there are identifiability issues in the linear state–space model when the strength of density dependence and the observation and process error variances are all unknown. Using simulation to explore properties of the estimators, I illustrate that, unless assumptions are imposed on the process or observation error variances, the variance of the estimator of density dependence varies critically with the strength of the density dependence. Under compensatory dynamics, the stronger the density dependence the more difficult it is to estimate in the presence of observation errors. The identifiability issues disappear when density dependence is estimated from the state–space model with the observation error variance known to the correct value. Direct estimates of observation variance in abundance censuses could therefore prove helpful in estimating density dependence but care needs to be taken to assess the uncertainty in variance estimates.
THE IMPACT OF CANNIBALISM IN THE PREY ON PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEMS
Authors: Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: November 2008

Cannibalism is ubiquitous in natural communities and has the potential to alter the functional relationship of predator–prey interactions. Although cannibalistic species are frequently subject to predation, the consequences of cannibalism in the prey for predator–prey interactions are poorly understood. Using a dragonfly larvae system, I provide the first experimental evidence that cannibalism in the prey creates behavior‐ and density‐mediated indirect effects that result in nonlinear predator–prey interactions. As a consequence, cannibalism in the prey altered the functional relationship of the predator and its prey and reduced the impact of the predator on prey mortality by 47%. By parameterizing a mechanistic predation model, I show that the nonlethal interaction between cannibals and predators reduced cannibalism rates, which explained almost two times more of the observed mortality reduction than the consumption of cannibals. However, only a model that accounted for both behavioral interactions and the consumption of cannibals could predict ∼100% of the observed mortality. Using the mechanistic model, I discuss the long‐term effects of cannibalism on community dynamics and how they can differ from effects of simple density‐dependent mortality. In general, these results demonstrate the importance of accounting for the trophic structure in cannibalistic populations and the resulting nonlinear interactions to predict predator–prey dynamics.
Statistical inference, Type II error, and decision making under the US Endangered Species Act
Authors: Brosi Berry J , Biber Eric G
Published: November 2008

Critical conservation decisions have been made based on the spurious belief that “no statistically significant difference between two groups means the groups are the same”. We demonstrate this using the case of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), an endangered species in the US. Such faulty statistical logic has been recognized before, but ecologists have typically recommended assessing post hoc statistical power as a remedy. Statisticians, however, have shown that observed power will necessarily be low when no differences are found between two populations. Alternatives to assessments of statistical power include equivalence testing (a method rarely used by ecologists) and Bayesian or likelihood methods. Although scientists play a central role in ameliorating this problem, the courts could also assist by requiring litigated federal agency decisions to consider the risks of both Type I and Type II errors.
Decadal Changes in Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium in a Deciduous Forest Soil
Authors: Johnson D. W. , Todd D. E. , Trettin C. F. , Mulholland P. J.
Published: November 2008

Decadal changes in soil exchangeable K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ concentrations and contents from 1972 to 2004 in eight intensively monitored plots on Walker Branch Watershed were compared with estimates of increments or decrements in vegetation and detritus. The results from these eight plots compared favorably with those from a more extensive set from 24 soil sampling plots sampled in 1972 and 2004. Increases in exchangeable K+ were noted between 1972 and 1982, but few changes were noted between 1982 and 2004 despite significant increments in vegetation and detritus and significant potential losses by leaching. Total K contents of soils in the 0‐ to 60‐cm sampling depth were very large and a slight amount of weathering could have replenished the K+ lost from exchanges sites. With one notable exception, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations and contents decreased continuously during the sampling period. Decreases in exchangeable Ca2+ could be attributed mostly to increments in biomass and detritus, whereas decreases in exchangeable Mg2+ could not and were attributed to leaching. The major exception to these patterns was in the case of exchangeable Ca2+, where significant increases were noted in one plot and attributed to Ca release from the decomposition of Ca‐rich coarse woody debris from oak (Quercus spp.) mortality. With minor exceptions, soils and changes in soils among the eight intensively sampled core plots were similar to those in a more extensive set of plots distributed across the watershed. This study shows that averaging among plots can mask significant and important spatial patterns in soil change that must be taken into account in assessing long‐term trends.
Cokriging Spatial Interpolation of Soil Water Dependent Repellency Parameters Determined with Two Different Tests
Authors: Regalado Carlos M. , Ritter Axel
Published: November 2008

The nonlinear behavior of water repellency (WR) with respect to soil water content (θg) may be described by curve parameters derived from two widespread methodologies such as the water drop penetration time (WDPT) and molarity of an ethanol droplet (MED) tests. While the former measures WR persistence in terms of the infiltration time of a water drop sitting on the soil surface, the latter quantifies the repellency degree as contact angle or 90° surface tension, γ90° From a hydrologic point of view, the WDPT test may be considered more closely related to the natural infiltration process of the soil, but the infiltration times become prohibitively large (on the order of hours) in highly repellent soils; thus, the MED test is more convenient. This study was conducted to determine whether the spatial interpolation of time‐consuming WDPT measurements may be complemented with less time‐demanding WR parameters derived from the MED test. Measurements from saturation to oven dryness using both MED and WDPT were performed on 140 topsoil samples from a humid evergreen forest watershed of the Garajonay National Park (Canary Islands). We found useful links between curve parameters derived from the MED and WDPT tests. The area below the WR–θg curve measured with the WDPT test (SWDPT) was found to be correlated with that measured with the MED test (SMED) and with the θg at which repellency is triggered (θg‐min). By contrast, previously published relations that established a logarithmic relationship between 1/WDPT and γ90° were valid only in the dry soil state, but must be ruled out if soil water content is taken into account. We took advantage of the existence of such parameter correlations to show how cokriging geostatistical tools may be applied to improve the spatial interpolation of SWDPT, with SMED or θg‐min as subsidiary variables. In general, cokriging was superior to kriging in terms of mean variance minimization with little extra labor cost. A minimal‐effort spatial sampling strategy may be designed taking into account these considerations.
Honouring Māori Subjectivities within Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa
Authors: Ritchie Jenny
Published: November 2008

For the past decade educators working within early childhood services in Aotearoa have been challenged to deliver a curriculum that requires inclusive representation of Māori, the indigenous people, their language and culture. This article reflects on some responses to the challenge of this ‘bicultural’ curriculum, drawing upon research which has sought to identify some pathways which are enabling and honouring of this indigenous representation.
The Politics of Difference and Diversity: From Young Children's Violence to Creative Power Expressions
Authors: Pacini-Ketchabaw Veronica , Berikoff Ahna
Published: November 2008

This article reinterprets practising for diversity and difference discursively and contextually using post-colonial, anti-racist feminist, and post-structural lenses. Working with data from a participatory action research project, the article critically reflects on normalized and standardized discourses of difference and diversity by interrogating how young children negotiate racialized identities and power relations during everyday dialogues. The article concludes with a discussion of the challenges and possibilities of practising for social justice.
T-2 Toxin-induced Toxicity in Pregnant Mice and Rats
Authors: Doi Kunio , Ishigami Noriaki , Sehata Shinya
Published: November 2008

T-2 toxin is a cytotoxic secondary fungal metabolite that belongs to the trichothecene mycotoxin family. This mycotoxin is a well known inhibitor of protein synthesis through its high binding affinity to peptidyl transferase, which is an integral part of the ribosomal 60s subunit, and it also inhibits the synthesis of DNA and RNA, probably secondary to the inhibition of protein synthesis. In addition, T-2 toxin is said to induce apoptosis in many types of cells bearing high proliferating activity. T-2 toxin readily passes the placenta and is distributed to embryo/fetal tissues, which include many component cells bearing high proliferating activity. This paper reviews the reported data related to T-2 toxin-induced maternal and fetal toxicities in pregnant mice and rats. The mechanisms of T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis in maternal and fetal tissues are also discussed in this paper.
Polyanionic Drugs and Viral Oncogenesis: a Novel Approach to Control Infection, Tumor-associated Inflammation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Urbinati Chiara , Chiodelli Paola , Rusnati Marco
Published: November 2008

Polyanionic macromolecules are extremely abundant both in the extracellular environment and inside the cell, where they are readily accessible to many proteins for interactions that play a variety of biological roles. Among polyanions, heparin, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are widely distributed in biological fluids, at the cell membrane and inside the cell, where they are implicated in several physiological and/or pathological processes such as infectious diseases, angiogenesis and tumor growth. At a molecular level, these processes are mainly mediated by microbial proteins, cytokines and receptors that exert their functions by binding to HSPGs and/or GSLs, suggesting the possibility to use polyanionic antagonists as efficient drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. Polysulfated (PS) or polysulfonated (PSN) compounds are a heterogeneous group of natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic molecules whose prototypes are heparin and suramin. Different structural features confer to PS/PSN compounds the capacity to bind and inhibit the biological activities of those same heparin-binding proteins implicated in infectious diseases and cancer. In this review we will discuss the state of the art and the possible future development of polyanionic drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.
Usage and Usability of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) among the Coordination Centers for Clinical Trials (KKS)
Authors: Luntz S.P. , Knaup P. , Krockenberger K.
Published: November 2008

Objectives:
With Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) the conduction of clinical trials should be standardized so that the results are comparable and traceable. This aim can only be reached if the staff of clinical trials really uses the SOPs. Therefore, we conducted a survey to explore the use and usability of SOPs in clinical trials and to identify problems for their handling.

Method:
Standardized, validated questionnaire among the staff of all 12 coordination centers for clinical trials in Germany (n = 238), anonymous, descriptive analyses

Results:
A return rate of 58.8 % was reached. When having questions about the daily work 18.4% more likely ask a colleague than read the corresponding SOP (13.8%). For the relevance of SOPs 16.9% of the staff regard less than 10% of SOPs as relevant for them. Exclusively working with electronic SOPs are 4%.

Conclusions:
The results of the survey indicate that improvements for the handling of SOPs are necessary. They could be used to design a computer-based information retrieval system for SOPs to increase the easeof- use and usefulness of SOPs in clinical trials.
Contraception Usage and Workforce Trends Through 2022
Authors: Strasser Julia , Schenk Ellen , Luo Qian , Bodas Mandar , Murray Maria , Chen Candice
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study uses a national data set of medical prescription claims to examine contraception service and workforce changes from January 2019 through December 2022 in the US.
Trends in the Management of Anterior Mitral Leaflet Regurgitation
Authors: Khairallah Sherif , Rahouma Mohamed , Gambardella Ivancarmine , Habib Robert , Gaudino Mario , Girardi Leonard , Mick Stephanie L.
Published: April 2024

Importance

The overall prevalence of mitral valve replacement (MVR) or MV repair at the time of cardiac surgery in the setting of isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative pathologic status in the US population is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of MVR and MV repair using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a cross-sectional study, all patients diagnosed with isolated anterior mitral leaflet degenerative regurgitation who underwent either surgical MVR or MV repair between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2022, were identified. Linear regression analysis was used to assess trends over time.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Assessment of the trends in MV repair and MVR over time.

Results

A total of 16 259 patients (9624 [59.2%] men) were identified, and the median age was 68 (IQR, 58-74) years. A total of 7214 patients (44.4%) had MVR, and 9045 (55.6%) had MV repair. There was a declining trend of MV repair from 58.0% in 2011 to 51.6% in 2022 (P = .05). The MVR group was older (median [IQR] age, 70 [62-77] vs 67 [58-74] years; P < .001) and had more comorbidities. A total of 85.1% of all patients underwent concomitant procedures. In 81.7% of MVR cases, no attempt at MV repair was made. The median (IQR) annual hospital volume was lower with MVR vs MV repair (2.50 [1.50-5.00] vs 4.00 [2.00-7.00]; P < .001). Conventional surgical approaches were most common (91.5%) but with a declining trend (P < .001). Minimally invasive approaches were used in 13.1% (robotic, 4.6%), and with an inclining trend from 5.0% in 2011 to 12.0% in 2022 (P < .001). Annuloplasty was performed in 88.8% of MV repair cases. Its use as a sole mean of MV repair decreased from 48.0% in 2011 to 13.9% in 2022 (P < .001). Repair maneuvers in addition to annuloplasty were neochordae (overall 40.1%, increasing from 22.5% in 2011 to 62.3% in 2022; P < .001), leaflet resection (overall 10.2%, decreasing from 13.1% in 2011 to 7.9% in 2022, P = .002), edge-to-edge MV repair (overall 5.3%, decreasing from 6.9% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2022; P = 0.04), and chordal transfer (overall 2.4%, decreasing from 2.7% in 2011 to 0.7% in 2022; P = .004).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, MV repair was the preferred option for degenerative mitral valve disease but was only slightly more commonly performed than MVR for isolated anterior leaflet pathologic status. A large proportion of MVR was performed without an MV repair attempt, suggesting reluctance to repair this pathologic condition.
Burden of Childhood Cancer and the Social and Economic Challenges in Adulthood
Authors: Hernádfői Márk Viktor , Koch Dóra Kornélia , Kói Tamás , Imrei Marcell , Nagy Rita , Máté Vanda , Garai Réka , Donnet Jessica , Balogh József , Kovács Gábor T. , Párniczky Andrea , Hegyi Péter , Garami Miklós
Published: April 2024

Importance

Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-, medium-, and long-term somatic effects, reports on psychosocial reintegration are often conflicting; therefore, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence to obtain the clearest understanding and the most comprehensive answer.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the socioeconomic attainment of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with their unaffected peers.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data obtained from a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases on October 23, 2021; the search was updated until July 31, 2023.

Study Selection

Eligible articles reported on educational attainment, employment, family formation, quality of life (QoL), or health-risk behavior-related outcomes of CCSs, and compared them with their unaffected peers. Study selection was performed in duplicate by 4 blinded independent coauthors.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was performed in duplicate by 4 independent authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures were odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95% CIs; data were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

The search identified 43 913 articles, 280 of which were eligible for analysis, reporting data on a total of 389 502 survivors. CCSs were less likely to complete higher levels of education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40-1.18), had higher odds of health-related unemployment (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.90-4.57), and showed lower rates of marriage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) and parenthood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.74) compared with population-based controls.

Conclusion and Relevance

Study findings suggest that CCSs face several socioeconomic difficulties; as a result, the next goal of pediatric oncology should be to minimize adverse effects, as well as to provide lifelong survivorship support aimed at maximizing social reintegration.
Reagent‐Free Covalent Immobilization of Biomolecules in a Microfluidic Organ‐On‐A‐Chip
Authors: Ashok Deepu , Singh Jasneil , Jiang Shouyuan , Waterhouse Anna , Bilek Marcela
Published: April 2024

Microfluidic systems have become integral for lab‐on‐a‐chip and organ‐on‐a‐chip applications across numerous disciplines. These systems, typically fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips on glass substrates, lack the bioactivity required for such applications. To overcome this, biomolecules are immobilized using either oxygen (O2) plasma treatment or chemical reagents like amino silanes. However, O2 plasma treatments are unstable and cannot covalently immobilize biomolecules, while wet‐chemistry approaches are toxic, time‐consuming, and expensive. A novel microfluidic platform that combines two plasma surface treatments: Plasma‐activated coating (PAC) and atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), to enable reagent‐free covalent immobilization of biomolecules is described here. These surface treatments, unlike O2 plasma, covalently immobilized fibronectin on PDMS and glass, and significantly improved endothelial cell attachment and proliferation. By combining PAC and APPJ, a hybrid microfluidic platform with equivalent bond strength to standard O2 plasma devices, but with significantly enhanced endothelial cell growth in and artery‐on‐a‐chip model, is developed. This platform is also amenable to high‐shear applications such as coronary shear, with endothelial cells aligning with flow, as seen in human arteries. By providing reagent‐free covalent immobilization of biomolecules within a microfluidic system, this technology has the potential to radically improve organ‐on‐a‐chip development as well as lab‐on‐a‐chip systems, point‐of‐care diagnostics, and sensors.
Skin‐Inspired Bimodal Receptors for Object Recognition and Temperature Sensing Simulation
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Liu Andeng , Shi Yating , Luo Yingjin , Li Jianing , Ye Meidan , Guo Wenxi
Published: April 2024

Skin contacts with objects with different thermal conductivity and tactile perception will produce different temperature and tactile sensations. Here, an innovative creation is presented known as the BB‐Skin, a highly realistic bionic bimodal electronic skin, meticulously designed to mirror the thermal sensitivity and tactile perception found in human skin. This technology allows for precise object recognition and offers remote temperature sensing feedback. The BB‐Skin comprises temperature sensing, heating, and tribo‐electrode modules. Through the utilization of machine learning algorithms that measure the thermal conductivity and electronegativity of materials, a bimodal bionic robot object recognition system is developed, achieving an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 98.11%. The bimodal nature of the system, based on different types of electrical signals that operate independently, significantly enhances the reliability of the device. Moreover, harnessing the inherent capabilities of the BB‐Skin, a novel remote temperature sensing and feedback system is successfully implemented. This system adeptly replicates the temperature perception when remotely touching objects and provides users with feedback through gloves embedded with heating and cooling modules.
One‐Step Photo‐Patterning Process for Multi‐Modal and Transformative Structural Coloration: Toward Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Thiyagarajan Kaliannan , Ji Sungjoon , Han Jiseok , Cha Chaenyung , Kim Taesung
Published: April 2024

The selective interactions of light with matter enable the existence of colors in nature. Through the precise modification of material properties, photonic crystals, plasmonic nanoparticles, and dielectric metasurfaces can produce bright and vivid structural colors. However, this approach is rendered inadequate by its complex fabrication processes, limited working area, and lack of inherent material‐property tuning. Here, a novel one‐step fabrication process based on ultraviolet‐curable chitosan (UVCC) for generating structural multicolor patterns in polydimethylsiloxane in a single bending event is presented. UV exposure through a grayscale photomask controls the polymerization of the UVCC, enabling manipulation of its thickness, thereby allowing the production of size‐, wavelength‐, and amplitude‐controllable wrinkles under compressive stress. This enables the exhibition of selective structural coloration in response to incoming incident light. Upon the release of applied stresses, the wrinkles disappear, and the bilayer device becomes transparent again. Notably, repeating the process allows for dynamic covert–overt switching of the structural colors. This firm control over the active‐layer thickness, simple device structure, cost‐effectiveness, facile fabrication process, and vibrant‐color tuning ability make this one‐step photopatterning approach more competitive for structural‐color applications. Finally, the authenticity of a cosmetic cream is evaluated to demonstrate the anti‐counterfeiting effect of the UVCC circumference wrinkles.