bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Permanent Deformation of Unmodified and Rubber-Reinforced SMA Asphalt Mixtures Using Dynamic Creep Test
Authors: Katman Herda Yati , Ibrahim Mohd Rasdan , Karim Mohamed Rehan , Salim Mashaan Nuha , Koting Suhana
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the evaluation of permanent deformation of rubber-reinforced SMA asphalt mixtures by using dynamic creep test. The effect of trans-polyoctenamer as a cross-linking agent in permanent deformation of rubberized mixtures was also evaluated. Dynamic creep test was conducted at different stress levels (200 kPa, 400 kPa) and temperatures (40°C, 50°C). Permanent deformation parameters such as dynamic creep curve, ultimate strain, and creep strain slope (CSS) were used to analyse the results. Finally, the creep behaviour of the specimens was estimated by the Zhou three-stage creep model. The results show that crumb rubber and trans-polyoctenamer significantly affected the parameters especially at high stress and temperatures. Consistent findings were observed for all permanent deformation parameters. Moreover, based on Zhou model, it was concluded that resistance to permanent deformation was improved by application of crumb rubber and trans-polyoctenamer.
JPD-Coloring of the Monohedral Tiling for the Plane
Authors: El-Shehawy S. A. , Basher M.
Published: February 2015

We introduce a definition of coloring by using joint probability distribution “JPD-coloring” for the plane which is equipped by tilingI. We investigate the JPD-coloring of ther-monohedral tiling for the plane by mutually congruent regular convex polygons which are equilateral triangles atr= 3 or squares atr= 4 or regular hexagons atr= 6. Moreover we present some computations for determining the corresponding probability values which are used to color in the three studied cases by MAPLE-Package.
The Computation of the Magnitude of the Far Field for an Eccentric Circular Cylinder
Authors: Yılmaz Bülent
Published: February 2015

The specific case of scattering of a plane wave by a two-layered penetrable eccentric circular cylinder has been considered and it is about the validity of the on surface radiation condition method and its applications to the scattering of a plane wave by a two-layered penetrable eccentric circular cylinder. The transformation of the problem of scattering by the eccentric circular cylinder to the problem of scattering by the concentric circular cylinder by using higher order radiation conditions, is observed. Numerical results presented the magnitude of the far field.
Real-Time Scintigraphic Assessment of Intravenous Radium-223 Administration for Quality Control
Authors: Wright Chadwick L. , Monk J. Paul , Murrey Douglas A. , Hall Nathan C.
Published: February 2015

Radium-223 (223Ra) dichloride is an approved intravenous radiotherapy for patients with osseous metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In addition to the therapeutic alpha radiation, there is additional223Ra radiation generated which produces photons that can be imaged with conventional gamma cameras. No studies have evaluated real-time and quality imaging during intravenous223Ra administration to verify systemic circulation and exclude223Ra extravasation at the injection site. A retrospective review was performed for fifteen223Ra administrations for CRPC patients which were imaged using a large field of view portable gamma camera (LFOVPGC) for the purposes of quality control and patient safety. Dynamic imaging of the chest was performed before, during, and after the223Ra administration to verify systemic circulation, per institutional clinical protocol. Before and after223Ra administration, a static image was obtained of the intravenous access site. Dynamic imaging of the chest confirmed systemic administration early during the 1-minute injection period for all patients. There were no cases of focal223Ra extravasation at the site of intravenous access. These results verify that systemic223Ra administrations can be quantified with real-time imaging using an LFOVPGC. This simple approach can confirm and quantify systemic circulation of223Ra early during injection and exclude focal extravasation for the purposes of quality control.
Prevalence of Protozoa Species in Drinking and Environmental Water Sources in Sudan
Authors: Shanan Salah , Abd Hadi , Bayoumi Magdi , Saeed Amir , Sandström Gunnar
Published: February 2015

Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. In the environment, on the other hand, many genera of the protozoa are human and animal pathogens. Only limited information is available on these organisms in developing countries and so far no information on their presence is available from Sudan. It is necessary to establish a molecular identification of species of the protozoa from drinking and environmental water. 600 water samples were collected from five states (Gadarif, Khartoum, Kordofan, Juba, and Wad Madani) in Sudan and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. 57 out of 600 water samples were PCR positive for protozoa. 38 out of the 57 positive samples were identified by sequencing to contain 66 protozoa species including 19 (28.8%) amoebae, 17 (25.7%) Apicomplexa, 25 (37.9%) ciliates, and 5 (7.6%) flagellates. This study utilized molecular methods identified species belonging to all phyla of protozoa and presented a fast and accurate molecular detection and identification of pathogenic as well as free-living protozoa in water uncovering hazards facing public health.
Load Reconstruction Technique UsingD-Optimal Design and Markov Parameters
Authors: Gupta Deepak K. , Dhingra Anoop K.
Published: February 2015

This paper develops a technique for identifying dynamic loads acting on a structure based on impulse response of the structure, also referred to as the system Markov parameters, and structure response measured at optimally placed sensors on the structure. Inverse Markov parameters are computed from the forward Markov parameters using a linear prediction algorithm and have the roles of input and output reversed. The applied loads are then reconstructed by convolving the inverse Markov parameters with the system response to the loads measured at optimal locations on the structure. The structure essentially acts as its own load transducer. It has been noted that the computation of inverse Markov parameters, like most other inverse problems, is ill-conditioned which causes their convolution with the measured response to become quite sensitive to errors in system modeling and response measurements. The computation of inverse Markov parameters (and thereby the quality of load estimates) depends on the locations of sensors on the structure. To ensure that the computation of inverse Markov parameters is well-conditioned, a solution approach, based on the construction ofD-optimal designs, is presented to determine the optimal sensor locations such that precise load estimates are obtained.
Speckle Noise Reduction via Nonconvex High Total Variation Approach
Authors: Wu Yulian , Feng Xiangchu
Published: February 2015

We address the problem of speckle noise removal. The classical total variation is extensively used in this field to solve such problem, but this method suffers from the staircase-like artifacts and the loss of image details. In order to resolve these problems, a nonconvex total generalized variation (TGV) regularization is used to preserve both edges and details of the images. The TGV regularization which is able to remove the staircase effect has strong theoretical guarantee by means of its high order smooth feature. Our method combines the merits of both the TGV method and the nonconvex variational method and avoids their main drawbacks. Furthermore, we develop an efficient algorithm for solving the nonconvex TGV-based optimization problem. We experimentally demonstrate the excellent performance of the technique, both visually and quantitatively.
Retrospective Analysis of Bevacizumab in Combination with Fotemustine in Chinese Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Liu Zhiguang , Zhang Guanqun , Zhu Liang , Wang Jiangbo , Liu Dongbo , Lian Lifei , Liu Jianlin , Lai Tianbao , Zhuang Xiaorong
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the activity and safety of bevacizumab (BEV) and fotemustine (FTM) for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients and explore the potential prognostic parameters on survival. This study retrospectively analyzed all patients with GBM who were treated with at least one cycle of BEV and FTM from July 2010 to October 2012. A total of 176 patients with recurrent GBM were enrolled. The response rate and disease control rate were 46.6% and 90.9%, respectively. A 6-month PFS rate of 33.3% (95% CI: 26.5%–40.3%) and a median PFS of 5.0 (95% CI: 2.4–7.5) months were observed. The median OS was 8.0 (95% CI: 6.7–9.2) months. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors with a significant influence on the PFS of all patients were Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) (≥70 versus <70,HR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.39–0.73, andP=0.01) and MGMT status (methylated versus unmethylated,HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.52–0.97, andP=0.04). The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue, proteinuria, hypophonia, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia. In conclusion, combination of BEV with FTM is well tolerated and may derive some clinical benefits in recurrent GBM patients. Higher KPS and MGMT promoter hypermethylation were suggested to be associated with prolonged survival.
Offline Model Predictive Control Based on Weighted Projection over Polytopes
Authors: de Almeida Fabio Andrade
Published: February 2015

This work presents a novel offline model predictive control technique for tracking of constrained systems. The quadratic programming problem, commonly found in constrained control methods, is replaced by sequential offline set projections based on priority given to the decision variables. If a preference is established in terms of which decision variables are more desirable, the optimization problem can be solved by sequentially choosing the most important variables and performing a membership test with the projection of the constraint closed set over the related dimensions. Thus, real-time optimization is replaced by offline projection operations and online one-dimensional membership tests. This concept of decision variable prioritization is then applied to a form of model predictive control: feasible target tracking. Three quadratic programming problems are replaced by the proposed method. In the first problem, attainable steady-state demands are computed based on the performance of the plant. The reachable target command is then filtered in terms of dynamic admissibility, creating feasible inputs to the plant. Finally, the control is computed considering the current state and disturbance vectors along with the feasible and attainable command. Simulations of the method executing a path-following task are presented, demonstrating its benefits with negligible online computational burden.
Spatially Resolved Metabolic Phenotyping of Breast Cancer by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Guenther Sabine , Muirhead Laura J. , Speller Abigail V.M. , Golf Ottmar , Strittmatter Nicole , Ramakrishnan Rathi , Goldin Robert D. , Jones Emrys , Veselkov Kirill , Nicholson Jeremy , Darzi Ara , Takats Zoltan
Published: February 2015

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by varying responses to therapeutic agents and significant differences in long-term survival. Thus, there remains an unmet need for early diagnostic and prognostic tools and improved histologic characterization for more accurate disease stratification and personalized therapeutic intervention. This study evaluated a comprehensive metabolic phenotyping method in breast cancer tissue that uses desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI MSI), both as a novel diagnostic tool and as a method to further characterize metabolic changes in breast cancer tissue and the tumor microenvironment. In this prospective single-center study, 126 intraoperative tissue biopsies from tumor and tumor bed from 50 patients undergoing surgical resections were subject to DESI MSI. Global DESI MSI models were able to distinguish adipose, stromal, and glandular tissue based on their metabolomic fingerprint. Tumor tissue and tumor-associated stroma showed evident changes in their fatty acid and phospholipid composition compared with normal glandular and stromal tissue. Diagnosis of breast cancer was achieved with an accuracy of 98.2% based on DESI MSI data (PPV 0.96, NVP 1, specificity 0.96, sensitivity 1). In the tumor group, correlation between metabolomic profile and tumor grade/hormone receptor status was found. Overall classification accuracy was 87.7% (PPV 0.92, NPV 0.9, specificity 0.9, sensitivity 0.92). These results demonstrate that DESI MSI may be a valuable tool in the improved diagnosis of breast cancer in the future. The identified tumor-associated metabolic changes support theories of de novo lipogenesis in tumor tissue and the role of stroma tissue in tumor growth and development and overall disease prognosis. Cancer Res; 75(9); 1828–37. ©2015 AACR.
Caffeine and Caffeic Acid Inhibit Growth and Modify Estrogen Receptor and Insulin-like Growth Factor I Receptor Levels in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Rosendahl Ann H. , Perks Claire M. , Zeng Li , Markkula Andrea , Simonsson Maria , Rose Carsten , Ingvar Christian , Holly Jeff M.P. , Jernström Helena
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Epidemiologic studies indicate that dietary factors, such as coffee, may influence breast cancer and modulate hormone receptor status. The purpose of this translational study was to investigate how coffee may affect breast cancer growth in relation to estrogen receptor-α (ER) status.

Experimental Design: The influence of coffee consumption on patient and tumor characteristics and disease-free survival was assessed in a population-based cohort of 1,090 patients with invasive primary breast cancer in Sweden. Cellular and molecular effects by the coffee constituents caffeine and caffeic acid were evaluated in ER+ (MCF-7) and ER− (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells.

Results: Moderate (2–4 cups/day) to high (≥5 cups/day) coffee intake was associated with smaller invasive primary tumors (Ptrend = 0.013) and lower proportion of ER+ tumors (Ptrend = 0.018), compared with patients with low consumption (≤1 cup/day). Moderate to high consumption was associated with lower risk for breast cancer events in tamoxifen-treated patients with ER+ tumors (adjusted HR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.97). Caffeine and caffeic acid suppressed the growth of ER+ (P ≤ 0.01) and ER− (P ≤ 0.03) cells. Caffeine significantly reduced ER and cyclin D1 abundance in ER+ cells. Caffeine also reduced the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGFIR) and pAkt levels in both ER+ and ER− cells. Together, these effects resulted in impaired cell-cycle progression and enhanced cell death.

Conclusions: The clinical and experimental findings demonstrate various anticancer properties of caffeine and caffeic acid against both ER+ and ER− breast cancer that may sensitize tumor cells to tamoxifen and reduce breast cancer growth. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1877–87. ©2015 AACR.
Ketamine Attenuates the ACTH Response to Hypoxia in Late-Gestation Ovine Fetus
Authors: Chang Eileen I. , Wood Charles E.
Published: February 2015

Background: Ketamine, a noncompetitive N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is a commonly used dissociative anesthetic in neonatology. We have proposed that ketamine reduces fetal stress responsiveness to stimuli that involve reduced oxygen supply to the fetal brain. Previously, we have shown that ketamine inhibits plasma ACTH levels in late-gestation fetal sheep subjected to brachiocephalic artery occlusion (BCO), an ischemic hypoxia model that might activate some of the same direct and reflex responses as hypoxia. Objectives: We performed the current study to test the hypothesis that ketamine pretreatment will reduce fetal ACTH responses to hypoxic hypoxia (HH). Methods: Fetal sheep were chronically catheterized at least 5 days prior to study. Ketamine (3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to the fetus 10 min prior to normoxia or a period of hypoxia induced by administration of nitrogen gas to the maternal trachea for 30 min. Results: Hypoxia significantly increased both fetal ACTH and cortisol levels in both the control and ketamine groups (p < 0.0005, interaction effect of time·stimulus in two-way ANOVA), and the ACTH response was blunted by ketamine (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Ketamine reduced fetal ACTH responses to HH, possibly due to antagonism of the NMDA receptors in the fetal brain. Interestingly, in contrast to the responses to BCO, ACTH responses to HH were only partially inhibited, suggesting that multiple neurotransmitter pathways mediate the ACTH response to HH.
First-Rank Symptoms and Premorbid Adjustment in Young Individuals at Increased Risk of Developing Psychosis
Authors: Morcillo Carmen , Stochl Jan , Russo Debra A. , Zambrana Antonio , Ratnayake Navanthi , Jones Peter B. , Perez Jesus
Published: February 2015

Background: Individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis represent a heterogeneous group with a high rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders. There is little information on whether certain qualitative aspects of psychotic symptoms among CHR individuals may be predictive of future psychosis. This study focused on describing the prevalence of first-rank symptoms (FRS) among a sample of CHR individuals and its association with future transition to psychosis and, from a neurodevelopmental perspective, the level of adjustment of individuals at CHR during their childhood was also analysed. Sampling and Methods: Participants comprised 60 individuals at CHR (according to the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States, CAARMS) at the time of their referral to an early intervention service and 60 healthy volunteers (HVs). All subjects were assessed by senior research clinicians using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). FRS were defined according to Kurt Schneider's original classification, and information was collected from PANSS, CAARMS and clinical reports. Early premorbid functioning was measured using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS). We grouped individuals by number and type of FRS and analysed transitions to full-blown psychosis over a 2-year follow-up period. We also correlated the general social and functional adjustment of these individuals during their childhood (6-11 years of age) with the future development of mental states at CHR and FRS. Results: Over 69% of CHR individuals had more than one DSM-IV psychiatric diagnosis, mainly within the affective and anxiety diagnostic spectra. At least one FRS was present in 43.3% of CHR individuals, and 21.6% of these had more than one. Auditory hallucinations and passivity experiences were the most commonly reported. Only 10% of individuals at CHR made a transition to first-episode psychosis (FEP) over 2 years and, except for passivity experiences, the presence of one or more FRS was not significantly associated with the transition to FEP. CHR individuals, especially those with FRS, had poorer premorbid functioning and adjustment as children across educational, social and peer relationship domains than HVs. However, this was not associated with FEP 2 years later. Conclusions: FRS might not be indicators of psychosis alone but of different psychiatric disorders. In line with the neurodevelopmental model of psychosis, individuals at CHR might be exhibiting several vulnerability traits and manifestations of abnormal developmental processes that might predict a future psychiatric disorder and/or long-term impairment.
The Indications for Hepatectomy for Multinodular Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Experience from a Single Institution
Authors: Zhou Yuan-da , Li Hui-kai , Cui Yun-long , Zhang Ti , Li Qiang
Published: February 2015

Aims: This study was conducted in order to investigate the indications for hepatecomy for multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma (MNHCC) in single institution. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records from 55 MNHCC patients, mainly with Child-Pugh A liver function, who underwent hepatectomy from January 2006 to December 2008. Both short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. In addition, the prognostic significance of clinicopathological factors on overall survival (OS) was investigated by univariate analysis using the log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used in a subsequent multivariate analysis. Results: The perioperative morbidity rate (grade II or higher) was 18.2% (n = 10), and the in-hospital mortality rate was 3.6%. The median OS was 23.9 months (range, 2.5-84 months), whereas the median disease-free survival was 8.75 months (range, 1-65 months). Independent prognostic risk factors of 5-year OS included the number of tumors >2 (p = 0.032) and gross morphology indicating multiple tumor nodules scattered throughout the liver (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were acceptable. The number of tumors >2 and gross morphology indicating multiple tumor nodules scattered throughout the liver were independent prognostic risk factors for patients with MNHCC after hepatectomy. Patients with both of these features had a very poor prognosis and were not considered suitable for surgery.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Effects on Neural Precursor Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis in the Foetal Subventricular Zone
Authors: Tolcos Mary , Markwick Rachel , OʼDowd Rachael , Martin Veronica , Turnley Ann , Rees Sandra
Published: February 2015

Exposure to adverse prenatal factors can result in abnormal brain development, contributing to the aetiology of several neurological disorders. Intrauterine insults could occur during neurogenesis and gliogenesis, disrupting these events. Here we investigate the effects of chronic placental insufficiency (CPI) on cell proliferation and the microenvironment in the subventricular zone (SVZ). At 30 days of gestation (DG; term ∼67 DG), CPI was induced in pregnant guinea pigs via unilateral uterine artery ligation to produce growth-restricted (GR) foetuses (n = 7); controls (n = 6) were from the unoperated horn. At 60 DG, foetal brains were stained immunohistochemically to identify proliferating cells (Ki67), immature neurons (polysialylated neuronal cell adhesion molecule), astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein), microglia (ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1, Iba-1) and the microvasculature (von Willebrand factor) in the SVZ. There was no overall difference (p > 0.05) in the total number of Ki67-immunoreactive (IR) cells, the percentage of SVZ occupied by blood vessels or the density of Iba-1-IR microglia in control versus GR foetuses. However, regression analysis across both groups revealed that both the number of Ki67-IR cells and the percentage of SVZ occupied by blood vessels in the ventral SVZ were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with brain weight. Furthermore, in the SVZ (dorsal and ventral) the density of blood vessels positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the number of Ki67-IR cells. Double-labelling immunofluorescence suggested that the majority of proliferating cells were likely to be neural precursor cells. Thus, we have demonstrated an association between angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the foetal neurogenic niche and have identified a window of opportunity for the administration of trophic support to enhance a neuroregenerative response.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Multicenter Clinical Study of Escherichia coli-Lyophilized Lysate for the Prophylaxis of Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Wagenlehner Florian M.E. , Ballarini Stefania , Pilatz Adrian , Weidner Wolfgang , Lehr Lorenz , Naber Kurt G.
Published: February 2015

Background: One strategy for managing recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) is prevention. This study tested OM-89S, a lyophilized lysate of 18 Escherichia coli strains manufactured using a modified lytic process. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind trial in 451 female subjects with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. Period 1 of the study tested 6 mg of OM-89S versus placebo (3 months), plus a 3-month observation. Period 2 of the study was a 3-month treatment period (each monthly cycle consisted of 6 mg of OM-89S daily for 10 days and placebo for 20 days, vs. 50 mg nitrofurantoin daily for 30 days), plus a 3-month observation. Results: There was no difference in the mean rate of UTI episodes between the OM-89S (0.66 ± 0.93) and placebo groups (0.63 ± 0.86; p = 0.95) in period 1. Similar findings were obtained for period 2. OM-89S was well-tolerated. Conclusions: Our results did not demonstrate a preventive effect of OM-89S compared to placebo. This may be due to the low number of UTIs that occurred during the study, the high number of protocol violations, and/or the modified manufacturing process used for OM-89S.
Una mirada a la caracterización de la primera infancia: contextos y métodos
Authors: Cano-Díaz Luz Helena , Pulido Álvarez Adriana Cristina , Giraldo-Huertas Juan José
Published: February 2015

Responde a una revisión de la literatura sobre experiencias de caracterización en la primera infancia. Tuvimos como objetivo identificar y describir metodologías para el diagnóstico situacional de la niñez temprana. Para esto consultamos bases de datos científicas, Google académico y páginas oficiales de las experiencias identificadas. Caracterización no lo encontramos como descriptor de búsqueda, por lo que se utilizaron términos equivalentes. Se hallaron trabajos que reportan la relación entre características socio-demográficas y los resultados de encuestas transversales, estudios epidemiológicos y evaluaciones del desarrollo infantil. Se resumen los contextos y métodos de cuatro experiencias de caracterización de la niñez y la adolescencia, donde se evidencia el uso complementario de técnicas de recolección de datos con el deseo de responder a una visión multidimensional del desarrollo.
A new species of Japanagromyza Sasakawa (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from the Brazilian Amazon with notes on biology
Authors: MONTEIRO NILTON JUVENCIO SANTIAGO , CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA , ESPOSITO MARIA CRISTINA
Published: February 2015

Japanagromyza sasakawai sp. n. is described from the Brazilian Amazon, based on the male, female, third instar larva and puparium. This species is a leaf-miner of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae), which is an introduced plant from the Old World tropics used in Brazil as an ornamental. The male aedeagus of J. sasakawai sp. n. differs from other species mainly in having the mesophallus covered with many spine-like processes. This is the third record of Japanagromyza Sasakawa in Brazil and first in the Brazilian Amazon. The key to Neotropical species of Japanagromyza by Sousa & Couri (2014) is modified to include this new species.
The Leegin Factors—A Mixed Bag
Authors: Steiner Robert L.
Published: February 2015

The Court provided Leegin factors to judge whether resale price maintenance (RPM) is pro- or anticompetitive. A welcome factor recognizes that incumbent dealers have adopted RPM when threatened by more efficient, price-cutting retailers. I show why manufacturers need promotional allowance programs to obtain desired retailer services whether prices for their brands are deeply cut or maintained. An erroneous factor asserts that interbrand competition leads to lower prices, presumably by disciplining margins at both stages. Extensive historical evidence establishes that vigorous interbrand competition produces towering retail margins, often elevating retail prices. It is intrabrand competition on leading brands that depresses retail margins while elevating those of manufacturers. After analyzing Nine West and Leegin, the article proposes a structured rule of reason procedure that importantly applies to RPM and distribution restraints alike. It commences with a market power screen and then identifies tests by which manufacturers with market power might successfully meet their burden.
Resale Price Maintenance for Beginners: Beware of the Pitfalls
Authors: Romano Salvatore A.
Published: February 2015

The Supreme Court's 2007 Leegin decision provided that minimum resale price maintenance (RPM) agreements are to be evaluated under the rule of reason. However, the Court's rule of reason analytical approach does not provide clear guidance for practitioners to advise clients considering the adoption of such programs. The decision has faced resistance from its inception, including proposed legislation in Congress, which would reinstate the per se rule, and opposition from a number of states, whose laws, case precedent, or interpretation could support future application of the per se approach. This article points out the obstacles confronting suppliers looking to adopt RPM programs. The lower courts and enforcement agencies have thus far failed to devise clear guidance for practitioners regarding the application of Leegin's rule of reason analysis to the implementation of RPM programs. The article examines the obstacles and recommends alternatives to consider in advising clients who are entertaining the adoption of RPM policies.
On the Pretrial Use of Economists
Authors: Rubinfeld Daniel L.
Published: February 2015

Oliver Williamson's advocacy of a greater role for economists pretrial was prescient. This article explains the value of such pretrial intervention (in aligning incentives and encouraging settlement) from law and economics perspectives, and advocates greater use of court-appointed economic experts. The article also offers a brief critical commentary on Williamson's views with respect to predation.
Should Crisis Cartels Exist amid Crises?
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis
Published: February 2015

Crisis cartels are likely to appear in industries where production facilities are durable and specialized and consumer demand falls due to adverse market conditions. A number of antitrust statutes incorporate exemptions as a means of avoiding condemnation of certain cartelistic conduct. Such statutes include provisions that specifically exempt certain enterprises and conduct from the scope of the antitrust legislation because of the overriding social objectives behind antitrust statutes. In the European Union the problem of structural overcapacity after the second oil shock was exacerbated by increased competition at an international level that induced further reductions in capacity utilization in some industries. Such capacity reductions may not represent reductions of the least efficient capacity. Thus, agreements among competitors to reduce capacity are likely to lead to better long term prospects for the economy. The EU and U.S. authorities have also accepted the financial constraints argument in their assessment of cartels and have thus been lenient on the imposed fines.
Developments in Vertical Agreements
Authors: Vettas Nikolaos
Published: February 2015

This article discusses issues related to vertical agreements. I focus on recent developments in the treatment of such agreements by European Commission competition law, including the new vertical agreements Block Exempt Regulation and the accompanying Guidelines that came into effect in June of 2010. The main structure of the old Regulation has been maintained. The general direction of the changes in the Regulation and especially in the Guidelines is in line with a more effects-based and economics-based approach to competition policy that has been adopted gradually in the EC over the last decade as well as with the developments in the United States concerning the treatment of resale price maintenance. However, since it is extremely unlikely that vertical agreements that involve only firms with small market shares will have an anticompetitive effect, the adoption of a de minimis approach for all vertical agreements appears advisable for the future.
Good Riddance to Market Definition?
Authors: Cameron Duncan , Glick Mark , Mangum David
Published: February 2015

Professor Kaplow contends that the use of market definition and market shares in antitrust analysis is fundamentally flawed and should be abandoned. We challenge that conclusion by showing that it is based on a misperception of the purpose and practice of market definition, an overstatement of the flaws of market definition, and an overstatement of the workability of the direct measurement of market power that Professor Kaplow proposes as a replacement. Ultimately, market definition is a useful, albeit imperfect, tool that requires care to apply properly. In our view, market definition is a valuable part of a full-blown competitive analysis that provides an analytical construct—a multipart test—that helps regulators, judges, juries, and advocates make sense of dynamic conditions, evaluate the forces at play, and reach a reasoned decision.
Free Riding and Conflict in Hybrid Shopping Environments: Implications for Retailers, Manufacturers, and Regulators
Authors: Kalyanam Kirthi , Tsay Andy A.
Published: February 2015

Shoppers increasingly utilize multiple distribution channels. One variation of this behavior is hybrid shopping—jumping across channels in the path to a single purchase.

Hybrid shopping can create coordination challenges for the distribution system. These include two types of free riding: using the presentation and services offered by a brick-and-mortar channel but maki ng the purchase in an online channel (recently termed “showrooming”) or, conversely, first obtaining information online before ultimately purchasing in a physical store.

This article explores the implications of hybrid shopping for retailers and manufacturers, and their evolving responses to the prospective free riding. These include price matching, restrictions on product offerings that provide channels with some degree of exclusivity, service enhancements that leverage multichannel capabilities, and schemes that compensate channel members for contributing to the sale. For each of the developments considered, findings and responses provide implications for competition policy and antitrust.
Competition vs. Financial Stability in the Aftermath of the Crisis in the UK
Authors: Kokkoris Ioannis
Published: February 2015

The article addresses the status quo of competition enforcement during financial crises and presents the balance between competition law and financial stability during the recent crisis. The debate of the balance between competition and financial stability remains at the forefront. On the one hand, it seems plausible to expect that, once a certain threshold is reached, an increase in the level of competition will tend to increase risk-taking incentives and the probability of bank failure. On the other hand, competition cannot be eliminated in the financial services sector because it ensures efficiency, a broader range and higher quality of products to final consumers, innovation, and lower prices.
Antitrust as a Multidisciplinary Field: Introduction and Overview of the Symposium
Authors: Gundlach Gregory T.
Published: February 2015

The focus of antitrust is competition. For over a century, the mandate of antitrust has been to evaluate aggressive commercial conduct and then judge its purposes and effects to determine whether to permit or forbid such conduct as procompetitive or anticompetitive. In this capacity, like all law, antitrust has evolved over time, responding to new insights and understanding regarding competition and competitive conduct. This symposium in the Antitrust Bulletin, Antitrust as a Multidisciplinary Field, takes stock of this evolution by focusing on new insights from economics and existing insights from the business disciplines for shaping the intellectual foundations of antitrust.
Positive beliefs about anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia are associated with eating disorder symptomatology
Authors: Griffiths Scott , Mond Jonathan M , Murray Stuart B , Touyz Stephen
Published: February 2015

Objective:

The ego-syntonic nature of anorexia nervosa means that sufferers often deny their symptoms or experience them as positive or comforting. Positive beliefs about eating disorder symptoms may contribute to the development and/or maintenance of eating-disordered behaviour. To date, however, research in this field has been confined to women and anorexia nervosa. Given increasing scientific interest in muscle dysmorphia, a potential eating disorder with ego-syntonic qualities, there is a need to extend current research to include men and muscle dysmorphia. The present study examined whether positive beliefs about anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia were associated with more marked eating disorder symptoms and explored sex differences in these associations.

Method:

Male and female university students ( n = 492) read descriptions of a male or female character with clinically significant symptoms of anorexia nervosa or muscle dysmorphia. Participants subsequently answered questions about the characters and completed a measure of disordered eating. Knowledge, personal history and interpersonal familiarity with the conditions were assessed.

Results:

Results from two simultaneous multiple regressions showed that more positive beliefs about anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia were uniquely associated with more eating disorder symptoms for both male and female participants. Effect sizes for these relationships were medium to large (partial eta-squared = 0.09–0.10). The relationships were not moderated by the sex of the participant, nor the sex of the character.

Conclusions:

Although preliminary, these findings suggest that, among young men and women, positive beliefs about anorexia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia may contribute to the development and maintenance of these conditions. Some symptoms of muscle dysmorphia may be perceived as ego-syntonic, providing another parallel with anorexia nervosa.
Comparative study of the performance of diamond-coated drills on the delamination in drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics: Assessing the influence of the temperature of the drill
Authors: Pinho LV , Carou D , Davim JP
Published: February 2015

Drilling processes are a topic of great importance for the manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced plastics parts. The characteristics of the carbon fiber reinforced plastics contribute to the appearance of a phenomenon called delamination during drilling, which is responsible for the greater part of the rejected parts in various industries. The present work aims to study and characterize the phenomenon of “peel-up” and “push-out” delamination, which occurs in drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates at the entrance and exit of the drill, respectively. The work focuses on the study of the influence of the machining parameters: feed rate and spindle speed on the delamination damage. In addition, the influence of the temperature at the entrance of the tool was also studied. For this purpose, three different tools: one conventional and two specific for drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates were used. The results of the work recognised as the most influential factors the feed rate and the tool, at the entrance and at the exit, respectively. Regarding the tools, the diamond-coated tools were the best to diminish the delamination damage. Finally, for the range of parameters tested, the peel-up delamination decreases as the temperature reached at the beginning of the drilling process increases.
Enhanced Transport of Materials into Enamel Nanopores via Electrokinetic Flow
Authors: Gan H.Y. , Sousa F.B. , Carlo H.L. , Maciel P.P. , Macena M.S. , Han J.
Published: February 2015

The ability to infiltrate various molecules and resins into dental enamel is highly desirable in dentistry, yet transporting materials into dental enamel is limited by the nanometric scale of their pores. Materials that cannot be infiltrated into enamel by diffusion/capillarity are often considered molecules with sizes above a critical threshold, which are often considered to be larger than the pores of enamel. We challenge this notion by reporting the use of electrokinetic flow to transport solutions with molecules with sizes above a critical threshold—namely, an aqueous solution with a high refractive index (Thoulet’s solution) and a curable fluid resin infiltrant (without acid etching)—deep into the normal enamel layer. Volume infiltration by Thoulet’s solution is increased by 5- to 6-fold, and resin infiltration depths as large as 600 to 2,000 µm were achieved, in contrast to ~10 µm resulting from diffusion/capillarity. Incubation with demineralization solution for 192 h resulted in significant demineralization at noninfiltrated histologic points but not at resin infiltrated. These results open new avenues for the transport of materials in dental enamel.
Genetic Association of ARHGAP21 Gene Variant with Mandibular Prognathism
Authors: Perillo L. , Monsurrò A. , Bonci E. , Torella A. , Mutarelli M. , Nigro V.
Published: February 2015

Mandibular prognathism (MP) is a recognizable phenotype associated with dentoskeletal class III malocclusion. MP is a complex genetic trait, although familial recurrence also suggests the contribution of single inherited variations. To date, the genetic causes of MP have been investigated using linkage analysis or association studies in pooled families. Here for the first time, next-generation sequencing was used to study a single family with a large number of MP-affected members and to identify MP-related candidate genes. A 6-generation kindred with MP segregating as an autosomal dominant character was recruited. To identify family members affected by MP, a standard cephalometric procedure was used. In 5 MP subjects separated by the largest number of meioses, whole-exome sequencing was performed. Five promising missense gene variants ( BMP3, ANXA2, FLNB, HOXA2, and ARHGAP21) associated with MP were selected and genotyped in most other family members. In this family, MP seemed to consist of 2 distinct genetic branches. Interestingly, the Gly1121Ser variant in the ARHGAP21 gene was found to be shared by all MP individuals in the larger branch of the family with nearly complete penetrance. This variant is rare in the Caucasian population (frequency 0.00034) and is predicted as damaging by all bioinformatic algorithms. ARHGAP21 protein strengthens cell-cell adhesions and may be regulated by bone morphogenetic factors, thus influencing mandibular growth. Further studies in both animal models and human patients are required to clarify the significance of this association.
Cross-Strait Tourism and Generational Cohorts
Authors: Chung Jin Young , Chen Chun-Chu , Lin Yueh-Hsiu
Published: February 2015

This study utilized generational cohort theory to enhance understanding of the motivation and destination image of Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan (i.e., cross-strait tourism). With 350 Chinese tourists traveling to Taiwan, unique characteristics of four generations were identified (e.g., the Republican generation was more highly motivated to visit friends and relatives than the other generations, the Social Reform generation had greater hedonic motivation for visiting Taiwan than either the Consolidation or the Republican generations). The inconsistent characteristics between cohorts could be attributed to generational differences in past historical experiences. Thus, findings suggest that an individual’s life experience could play an important role in forming an image of the destination where the experience is related to, and also suggest that cross-strait tourism, one of the unique contexts of quasi-states tourism between politically divided countries, has a strong generational component, and tourism policies between such countries must take this into account.
The British Columbia Alcohol and other Drug Monitoring System: Overview and Early Progress
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Buxton Jane , Duff Cameron , Marsh David , MacDonald Scott , Michelow Warren , Richard Krista , Saewyc Elizabeth , Hanson Robert , Cohen Irwin , Corrado Ray , Chow Clifton , Ivsins Andrew , Nicholson Dean , Pakula Basia , Puri Ajay , Rehm Jürgen , Sturge Jodi , Tu Andrew , Zhao Jinhui
Published: February 2015

This pilot project is a province-wide and nationally=supported collaboration intended to add value to existing monitoring and surveillance exercises that currently exist and are being developed in Canada. The fundamental aim is to create a system that generates a timely flow of data on hazardous patterns of substance use and related harms so as to inform public debate, to support effective policy, and to facilitate policy-relevant epidemiological research. Pilot and feasibility exercises have been conducted in relation to developing consistent questions in surveys of general and special populations, treatment system data, data on the contents of drugs seized by police, interviews with police, rates of alcohol and other drug mortality and morbidity, alcohol sales data, and data from the emergency departments. Wherever possible, links with the equivalent national data collection processes have been established to create consistencies. This article provides a general overview of the BC pilot monitoring system and discusses some potential advantages of planning and designing a comprehensive system with built-in consistencies across data collection elements.
Monitoring Alcohol and other Drug Treatment: What Would an Optimal System Look Like?
Authors: Rush Brian , Corea Larry , Martin Garth
Published: February 2015

This article focuses on the state of the art in the design, development, Operation and evaluation of information systems intended to monitor the delivery of specialized alcohol and drug treatment services. We draw particular attention to the conceptual frameworks that guide an overall treatment information system and that can serve as a template for planning new systems or reviewing existing ones. Several key principles are articulated including an open systems perspective to help manage change; active participation and buy-in from a wide range of key stakeholders; and a heavy emphasis on utilization (influence) of the results. We also highlight the ways in which an alcohol and drug services research agenda might intersect with these information systems and consider alternative frameworks for describing use of the information they produce. Supports must be provided at multiple levels in the provider agencies and on an ongoing basis in order to address low capacity for entering quality data at the provider level. The research community should play an important role in helping frame the questions these systems can (and cannot) address; developing high quality performance indicators; supporting innovative local and central data analysis; and reporting aspects of the data of broad interest from a research and health policy perspective.
The Extent of Global Alcohol Marketing and its Impact on Youth
Authors: Jernigan David H.
Published: February 2015

Alcohol marketing is a global phenomenon, in which an increasingly small number of companies spend considerable sums to establish and embed their brands in the lives and lifestyles of populations. Market research data offers insight into the size and extent of the global alcohol trade, and the magnitude of alcohol advertising expenditures. Recent examples of alcohol marketing in a variety of national contexts illustrate the techniques used by the global companies. The effects of this marketing on young people are described in reviews of recent research studies on youth exposure to alcohol marketing and the effects of that exposure, interpretive models to explain the effects of alcohol marketing on young people, whether alcohol advertising targets young people, and assessments of the effectiveness of regulatory restrictions on marketing and other countermeasures. Despite the failure of public health research to keep pace with newly developing marketing technologies, there is a growing body of evidence that alcohol marketing influences young people's drinking behavior. Measures to reduce that impact should be considered by national governments seeking to limit the public health burden caused by harmful use of alcohol.