bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bargaining in Committees of Representatives
Authors: Laruelle Annick , Valenciano Federico
Published: December 2007

Committees are often made up of representatives, each of them acting on behalf of a group of individuals or constituency of different size, who make decisions by means of a voting rule which specifies what vote configurations in the committee can pass a decision. This raises the question of the choice of an `adequate' (in a sense to be specified) voting rule, given the different sizes of the groups that members represent. In this article we take a new departure to address this problem, assuming that the committee is a bargaining scenario in which negotiations take place `in the shadow of the voting rule' in search of consensus. That is, a general agreement is sought, but any winning coalition can enforce an agreement. In this context, the notion of a `neutral' voting rule, based on the compromise between equitableness and efficiency (or egalitarianism and utilitarianism) represented by the Nash bargaining solution, is founded, yielding a recommendation that differs from previous ones.
‘Some People Drink as the Body Should Feel a Little Ease’
Authors: Waite Louise
Published: December 2007

Despite development studies’ core concern with vulnerable bodies, the discipline has been somewhat sluggish in embracing the expansive and fruitful literature around embodiment. One aspect of this terrain is ‘body management’; a topic often discussed in contexts of Western consumerism where the body is perceived as a malleable entity subject to transformation. This article discusses a group of manual labourers in India who are not reflexively reconstituting themselves through post-modern playfulness, but whose fleshy bodies are nevertheless of pivotal importance in their labour-intensive livelihoods. It is this understanding of bodies as primary assets in the lives of the working poor that begs a deeper understanding of how bodies are managed within realms that ostensibly appear to harm the embodied condition of labourers. This article explores subtle and embedded body management strategies, and also asks if there are limits to the notion of a self-directed project of benevolent body management.
Operation Barga, ‘Efficiency’ and (De)interlinkage in a Differentiated Structure of Tenancy in Rural West Bengal
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sudipta
Published: December 2007

Operation Barga in West Bengal caused a decline in the institution of tenancy over a period of two decades. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the field-level data shows that the tenant households are placed in a highly heterogeneous and differentiated manner in society, which is similar to that of the pattern of distribution of general (tenant plus non-tenant) households. We find that tenant households are less productive than the general category of households and, therefore, less efficient. The yield level of recorded tenant households is also distinctly higher than unrecorded tenant households. Recorded tenants are enjoying lower rental rate than unrecorded tenants. The possibility of interlinked transactions has been remote among tenant households.
The Materiality of Territorial Production
Authors: Kärrholm Mattias
Published: December 2007

This article brings together research on territoriality and actor-network theory to develop new ways of investigating the role of materiality and material design in the territorial power relations of urban public places. Using the public square as a main example, the author suggests new ways of conceptualizing the production and stabilization of territories in the everyday urban environment. Setting out from a brief outline of the history of territoriality research, the traditional approaches are reappropriated from the viewpoint of actants rather than persons or institutions, suggesting a distinction between four different forms of territorial production. Some material ways of stabilizing the effects of these territorial productions are then conceptualized. The author argues that public space can be seen as constituted by a territorial complexity, thus pointing to the relationship between materiality and public space, via territorial stabilization and production.
Are we measuring the same attitude? Understanding media effects on attitude towards advertising
Authors: Soo Jiuan Tan  , Chia Lily
Published: December 2007

This article empirically explores the relationship between the general attitude towards advertising and the attitude towards advertising in specific media: television and print. Our results support the proposition that attitude towards advertising in general (AG) is an abstract level construct while attitude towards television advertising (ATV) and attitude towards print advertising (APRINT) are experience-based constructs in the consumer's structure of attitudes towards advertising. We found a significantly negative reciprocal relationship between ATV and APRINT, a significantly positive reciprocal relationship between ATV and AG, and a non-significant relationship between APRINT and AG. Macro level belief factors like `good for the economy' and `materialism' are related positively and negatively to AG, respectively. The personal experience belief factor of `product information' is positively related to APRINT while personal experience belief factors like `hedonic' and `falsity/no sense' are related positively, and `social image' is related negatively, to ATV. Implications for future research and advertising practices are discussed.
Changes in sedation management in German intensive care units between 2002 and 2006: a national follow-up survey
Authors: Martin Jörg , Franck Martin , Sigel Stefan , Weiss Manfred , Spies Claudia
Published: December 2007

Background

The aim of this study, conducted in 2006, was to find out whether changes in sedation management in German intensive care units took place in comparison with our survey from 2002.

Methods

We conducted a follow-up survey with a descriptive and comparative cross-sectional multi-center design. A postal survey was sent between January and May 2006, up to four times, to the same 269 hospitals that participated in our first survey in 2002. The same questionnaire as in 2002 was used with a few additional questions.

Results

Two hundred fourteen (82%) hospitals replied. Sixty-seven percent of the hospitals carried out changes in sedation management since the 2002 survey. Reasons for changes were published literature (46%), national guidelines (29%), and scientific lectures (32%). Sedation protocols (8% versus 52%) and a sedation scale (21% versus 46%) were used significantly more frequently. During sedation periods of up to 24 hours, significantly less midazolam was used (46% versus 35%). In comparison to 2002, sufentanil and epidural analgesia were used much more frequently in all phases of sedation, and fentanyl more rarely. For periods of greater than 72 hours, remifentanil was used more often. A daily sedation break was introduced by 34% of the hospitals, and a pain scale by 21%.

Conclusion

The increased implementation of protocols and scoring systems for the measurement of sedation depth and analgesia, a daily sedation break, and the use of more short-acting analgesics and sedatives account for more patient-oriented analgesia and sedation in 2006 compared with 2002.
Outcomes After Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies in Patients With or Without Advance Care Planning
Authors: Ganti Apar Kishor , Lee Stephanie J. , Vose Julie M. , Devetten Marcel P. , Bociek R. Gregory , Armitage James O. , Bierman Philip J. , Maness Lori J. , Reed Elizabeth C. , Loberiza Fausto R.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

Engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is viewed as a way to prepare for possible death. In patients undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), an aggressive but possibly curative procedure for cancer, encouraging engagement in ACP is difficult. We conducted this analysis to determine if engagement in ACP among patients who undergo HSCT is associated with adverse outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Adult patients who were undergoing their first HSCT for hematologic malignancies between 2001 and 2003 were included. ACP was defined as having a living will, a power of attorney for health care, or life-support instructions. Outcomes assessed included the length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and overall survival.

Results

Of the 343 patients, 172 did not have ACP, whereas 171 did have ACP, and 127 of those were reviewable. Of those with reviewable ACP, 28 patients (22%) completed ACP before cancer diagnosis, 87 (68%) completed ACP after the cancer diagnosis but before HSCT, and 12 (10%) engaged in ACP after HSCT. Patients without ACP before HSCT had a significantly greater risk of death compared with patients with ACP (hazard ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.33; P = .001) while adjusting for statistically significant factors.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that lack of engagement in ACP is associated with adverse outcomes after HSCT. Thus, the patients least likely to have planned for poor outcomes are the ones most likely to face them. Additional studies should evaluate the nature of this association and should seek modifiable explanatory factors that could be the target of interventions.
Three-Gene Prognostic Classifier for Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lau Suzanne K. , Boutros Paul C. , Pintilie Melania , Blackhall Fiona H. , Zhu Chang-Qi , Strumpf Dan , Johnston Michael R. , Darling Gail , Keshavjee Shaf , Waddell Thomas K. , Liu Ni , Lau Davina , Penn Linda Z. , Shepherd Frances A. , Jurisica Igor , Der Sandy D. , Tsao Ming-Sound
Published: December 2007

Purpose

Several microarray studies have reported gene expression signatures that classify non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients into different prognostic groups. However, the prognostic gene lists reported to date overlap poorly across studies, and few have been validated independently using more quantitative assay methods.

Patients and Methods

The expression of 158 putative prognostic genes identified in previous microarray studies was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the tumors of 147 NSCLC patients. Concordance indices and risk scores were used to identify a stage-independent set of genes that could classify patients with significantly different prognoses.

Results

We have identified a three-gene classifier (STX1A, HIF1A, and CCR7) for overall survival (hazard ratio = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 8.2; P < .001). The classifier was also able to stratify stage I and II patients and further improved the predictive ability of clinical factors such as histology and tumor stage. The predictive value of this three-gene classifier was validated in two large independent microarray data sets from Harvard and Duke Universities.

Conclusion

We have identified a new three-gene classifier that is independent of and improves on stage to stratify early-stage NSCLC patients with significantly different prognoses. This classifier may be tested further for its potential value to improve the selection of resected NSCLC patients in adjuvant therapy.
Panel of Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Patz Edward F. , Campa Michael J. , Gottlin Elizabeth B. , Kusmartseva Irina , Guan Xiang Rong , Herndon James E.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

Currently, a blood test for lung cancer does not exist. Serum biomarkers that could aid clinicians in making case management decisions would be enormously valuable. We used two proteomic platforms and a literature search to select candidate serum markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Methods

We initially assayed six serum proteins, four discovered by proteomics and two previously known to be cancer associated, on a training set of sera from 100 patients (50 with a new diagnosis of lung cancer and 50 age- and sex-matched controls). Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis selected a panel of four markers that most efficiently predicted which patients had lung cancer. An independent, blinded validation set of sera from 97 patients (49 lung cancer patients and 48 matched controls) determined the accuracy of the four markers to predict which patients had lung cancer.

Results

Four serum proteins—carcinoembryonic antigen, retinol binding protein, α1-antitrypsin, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen—were collectively found to correctly classify the majority of lung cancer and control patients in the training set (sensitivity, 89.3%; specificity, 84.7%). These markers also accurately classified patients in the independent validation set (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 75.4%). Remarkably, 90% of patients who fell into any one of three groupings in the CART analysis had lung cancer.

Conclusion

This panel of four serum proteins is valuable in suggesting the diagnosis of lung cancer. These data may be useful for treating patients with an indeterminate pulmonary lesion, and potentially in predicting individuals at high risk for lung cancer.
Induction of Central Leptin Resistance in Hyperphagic Pseudopregnant Rats by Chronic Prolactin Infusion
Authors: Augustine Rachael A. , Grattan David R.
Published: December 2007

Pregnancy in rats is associated with hyperphagia, increased fat deposition, and elevated plasma leptin concentrations. Elevated leptin would be expected to inhibit food intake, but hypothalamic leptin resistance develops around midpregnancy, allowing hyperphagia to be maintained and excess energy to be stored as fat in preparation for future metabolic demands of lactation. To investigate the hormonal mechanisms inducing leptin resistance during pregnancy, the anorectic response to leptin was examined during pseudopregnancy. Pseudopregnant rats have identical hormonal profiles to early pregnancy, but no placenta formation, allowing differentiation of maternal and placental hormone effects on appetite. To investigate the effect of leptin on food intake, d-9 pseudopregnant rats were injected with leptin (4 μg) via an intracerebroventricular (icv) cannula, and then food intake was measured 24 h later. Pseudopregnant rats were hyperphagic but had normal anorectic responses to leptin. We therefore hypothesized that a longer exposure time to high concentrations of progesterone might be required to mimic the leptin resistance that occurs on d 14 of pregnancy. Pseudopregnant rats were given progesterone to prolong pseudopregnancy beyond the time that leptin resistance develops during pregnancy. However, rats remained responsive to icv leptin. To model the placental lactogen secretion that occurs during pregnancy, pseudopregnant rats were given progesterone and chronic icv ovine prolactin infusion. Central icv injection of leptin had no effect on food intake in pseudopregnant rats receiving chronic ovine prolactin. These results suggest that chronically high lactogen levels, secreted by the placenta during the second half of pregnancy, induce central leptin resistance.
Exendin-4 Modulates Diabetes Onset in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hadjiyanni Irene , Baggio Laurie L. , Poussier Philippe , Drucker Daniel J.
Published: December 2007

Activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is associated with expansion of β-cell mass due to stimulation of cell proliferation and induction of antiapoptotic pathways coupled to β-cell survival. Although the GLP-1R agonist Exenatide (exendin-4) is currently being evaluated in subjects with type 1 diabetes, there is little information available about the efficacy of GLP-1R activation for prevention of experimental type 1 diabetes. We examined the consequences of exendin-4 (Ex-4) administration (100 ng once daily and 2 μg twice daily) on diabetes onset in nonobese diabetic mice beginning at either 4 or 9 wk of age prior to the onset of diabetes. Ex-4 treatment for 26 wk (2 μg twice daily) initiated at 4 wk of age delayed the onset of diabetes (P = 0.007). Ex-4-treated mice also exhibited a significant reduction in insulitis scores, enhanced β-cell mass, and improved glucose tolerance. Although GLP-1R mRNA transcripts were detected in spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes from nonobese diabetic mice, Ex-4 treatment was not associated with significant changes in the numbers of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells or B cells in the spleen. However, Ex-4 treatment resulted in an increase in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the lymph nodes and a reduction in the numbers of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the thymus but not in lymph nodes. These findings demonstrate that sustained GLP-1R activation in the absence of concomitant immune intervention may be associated with modest but significant delay in diabetes onset in a murine model of type 1 diabetes.
The future of open- and closed-loop insulin delivery systems
Authors: Farmer Terry G , Edgar Thomas F , Peppas Nicholas A
Published: December 2007

We have analysed several aspects of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, including the glucose metabolic system, diabetes complications, and previous and ongoing research aimed at controlling glucose in diabetic patients. An expert review of various models and control algorithms developed for the glucose homeostasis system is presented, along with an analysis of research towards the development of a polymeric insulin infusion system. Recommendations for future directions in creating a true closed-loop glucose control system are presented, including the development of multivariable models and control systems to more accurately describe and control the multi-metabolite, multi-hormonal system, as well as in-vivo assessments of implicit closed-loop control systems.
Toxicity and gut associated lymphoid tissue translocation of polymyxin B orally administered by alginate/chitosan microparticles in rats
Authors: Coppi Gilberto , Bondi Moreno , Coppi Andrea , Rossi Tiziana , Sergi Santo , Iannuccelli Valentina
Published: December 2007

Fluorescent calcium alginate/chitosan microparticles, prepared using a spray-drying technique followed by crosslinking reactions with calcium ions and chitosan, were assayed in-vivo for polymyxin B (PMB) oral toxicity, uptake by Peyer's patches and PMB oral absorption. A single PMB dose (300 mg kg−1), loaded in microparticles or dissolved in water, was administered to rats by oral gavage under fasted and fed conditions. By monitoring incidence of mortality, animal behaviour, clinical signs and abnormality in several organs, PMB in water solution was found lethal at a dose lower than the LD50 (790 mg kg−1) in the fasted state and toxic for the gastrointestinal tract in the fed state. However, no signs of acute toxicity at the level of the gastrointestinal tract were observed when animals were administered PMB loaded in microparticles under fasted and fed conditions. A lower PMB dose (125 mg kg−1), loaded in microparticles or dissolved in water, was given to rats in a fed state to determine PMB levels in Peyer's patches, urine and serum as well as to detect the loaded microparticles inside Peyer's patches for three days after dosing. Abnormalities were observed at gut level only when PMB was dosed in a water solution. Detectable antibiotic levels in Peyer's patches and urine as well as more constant PMB serum concentrations were provided by dosing PMB loaded in microparticles. Therefore, the use of alginate/chitosan microparticles to target the lymphatic system could improve safety when administering PMB orally.
In-vitro and in-vivo studies of pectin/ethylcellulose-film-coated pellets of 5-fluorouracil for colonic targeting
Authors: Wei He , Qing Du , De-Ying Cao , Bai Xiang , Li-Fang Fan
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present study was to define in-vitro and in-vivo characteristics of pectin/ethylcellulose-film-coated pellets of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for colonic targeting. The pellet cores were coated to different film thicknesses with three different pectin/ethylcellulose formulations using a fluidized bed coater. The gastrointestinal (GI) transit of coated pellets was determined by counting the percentage of coated pellets in the GI lumen by celiotomy at certain times after oral administration. 5-FU was administered to rats at a dose of 15 mg kg−1. The toxicity of 5-FU in the GI tract was evaluated using histological examination. The 1:2 ratio pectin:ethylcellulose-coated pellets with 30% total weight gain (TWG-30%) produced more satisfactory drug-release profiles in the simulated gastric, intestinal and colonic fluids. Most of the coated pellets were eliminated from the stomach in 2 h, moved into the small intestine after 2–4 h, and reached the large intestine after 4 h. After oral administration of coated pellets, 5-FU started appearing in the plasma at 7 h, and reached peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 3.21 ± 2.01 μg mL−1 at 16 h (Tmax); the Cmax for uncoated pellets was 22.21 ± 2.60 μg mL−1 at Tmax 0.75 h. The TWG-30% formulation showed delayed Tmax, decreased Cmax and prolonged mean residence time compared with uncoated pellets. Marked pathological features in the colon were seen in rats given coated pellets, but no injuries were observed in the upper GI tract. The formulation of TWG-30% could deliver 5-FU to the colon for local action.
The anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium in non-diabetic and diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Qing , Zhong Xu-Ying , Chen Guo-Hua , Lu Wan-Liang , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetics of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV) in rats. The anti-diabetic study was carried out in non-diabetic and diabetic rats by single-dose subcutaneous and intragastric administration. Pharmacokinetic investigation was performed using non-diabetic rats. Results showed that BMOV significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats at all given doses, and restored hyperglycaemic values to normal values after subcutaneous injections at doses of 4 and 8 mg vanadium (V)/kg or after intragastric administration at doses of 14 and 28 mgV/kg, respectively, but did not affect the plasma glucose level in non-diabetic rats. BMOV could be rapidly absorbed, slowly eliminated from plasma, widely distributed in various tissues and accumulated to a greater extent in the femur tissue. The average absolute bioavailability for intragastric administration at a single dose of 3, 6 and 12 mgV/kg was 28.1%, 33.7% and 21.4%, respectively. The presence of the peak vanadium level in the plasma was not coincident with that of the maximum effect of lowering plasma glucose levels. In conclusion, at the present dosing levels and administration routes, BMOV was effective in lowering plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats. BMOV has a promising outlook as an oral glucose-lowering drug.
Insertional mutagenesis by theTol2transposon-mediated enhancer trap approach generated mutations in two developmental genes:tcf7andsynembryn-like
Authors: Nagayoshi Saori , Hayashi Eriko , Abe Gembu , Osato Naoki , Asakawa Kazuhide , Urasaki Akihiro , Horikawa Kazuki , Ikeo Kazuho , Takeda Hiroyuki , Kawakami Koichi
Published: December 2007

Gene trap and enhancer trap methods using transposon or retrovirus have been recently described in zebrafish. However, insertional mutants using these methods have not been reported. We report here development of an enhancer trap method by using the Tol2 transposable element and identification and characterization of insertional mutants. We created 73 fish lines that carried single copy insertions of an enhancer trap construct, which contained the zebrafish hsp70 promoter and the GFP gene, in their genome and expressed GFP in specific cells, tissues and organs, indicating that the hsp70 promoter is highly capable of responding to chromosomal enhancers. First, we analyzed genomic DNA surrounding these insertions. Fifty-one of them were mapped onto the current version of the genomic sequence and 43% (22/51) were located within transcribed regions, either exons or introns. Then, we crossed heterozygous fish carrying the same insertions and identified two insertions that caused recessive mutant phenotypes. One disrupted the tcf7 gene, which encodes a transcription factor of the Tcf/Lef family mediating Wnt signaling, and caused shorter and wavy median fin folds and pectoral fins. We knocked down Lef1, another member of the Tcf/Lef family also expressed in the fin bud, in the tcf7 mutant, and revealed functional redundancy of these factors and their essential role in establishment of the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). The other disrupted the synembryn-like gene (synbl), a homolog of the C. elegans synembryn gene, and caused embryonic lethality and small pigment spots. The pigment phenotype was rescued by application of forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, suggesting that the synbl gene activates the GαS pathway leading to activation of adenylyl cyclase. We thus demonstrated that the transposon-mediated enhancer trap approach can indeed create insertional mutations in developmental genes. Our present study provides a basis for the development of efficient transposon-mediated insertional mutagenesis in a vertebrate.
Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Molecular Fastening by Mechanical Compression in an Elastic Film
Authors: Kakuda Hiroyuki , Yamada Norihiro , Akita Maki , Yoshida Sayaka , Kiuchi Yukie , Hasegawa Takeshi
Published: December 2007

An amphiphilic compound that has a consecutive hexaleucine array (Leu-6) was designed to have molecular interaction via hydrogen bonding between the hexaleucinate moieties, and also have molecular interdigitation mechanism named “leucine fastener” at the same moieties, which is expected to help the molecular network formation more rigid. In the present study, the leucine fastener has been obtained by a simple hydraulic press of a bulk Leu-6 solid. The elastic film thus obtained exhibited a characteristic infrared marker band at 2985 cm−1, which has proved the leucine fastener formation.
Establishment Size Dynamics in the Aggregate Economy
Authors: Rossi-Hansberg Esteban , Wright Mark L. J
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a theory of establishment size dynamics based on the accumulation of industry-specific human capital that simultaneously rationalizes the economy-wide facts on establishment growth rates, exit rates, and size distributions. The theory predicts that establishment growth and net exit rates should decline faster with size, and that the establishment size distribution should have thinner tails, in sectors that use specific human capital less intensively. We establish that there is substantial cross-sector heterogeneity in US establishment size dynamics and distributions, which is well explained by relative factor intensities. (JEL L11, L16, L25).
Antitrust in Innovative Industries
Authors: Segal Ilya , Whinston Michael D
Published: December 2007

We study the effects of antitrust policy in industries with continual innovation. Antitrust policies that restrict incumbent behavior toward new entrants may have conflicting effects on innovation incentives, raising the profits of new entrants, but lowering those of continuing incumbents. We show that the direction of the net effect can be determined by analyzing shifts in innovation benefit and supply, holding the innovation rate fixed. We apply this framework to analyze several specific antitrust policies. We also show that, in some cases, the tension does not arise, and policies that protect entrants necessarily raise the rate of innovation. (JEL K21, L13, L14, L40, O30)
Fatal Attraction: Salience, Naïveté, and Sophistication in Experimental “Hide-and-Seek” Games
Authors: Crawford Vincent P , Iriberri Nagore
Published: December 2007

“Hide-and-seek” games are zero-sum two-person games in which one player wins by matching the other's decision and the other wins by mismatching. Although such games are often played on cultural or geographic “landscapes” that frame decisions nonneutrally, equilibrium ignores such framing. This paper reconsiders the results of experiments by Rubinstein, Tversky, and others whose designs model nonneutral landscapes, in which subjects deviate systematically from equilibrium in response to them. Comparing alternative explanations theoretically and econometrically suggests that the deviations are well explained by a structural nonequilibrium model of initial responses based on “level-k” thinking, suitably adapted to nonneutral landscapes. (JEL C72, C92)
Sequentially Rationalizable Choice
Authors: Manzini Paola , Mariotti Marco
Published: December 2007

A sequentially rationalizable choice function is a choice function that can be retrieved by applying sequentially to each choice problem the same fixed set of asymmetric binary relations (rationales) to remove inferior alternatives. These concepts translate into economic language some human choice heuristics studied in psychology and explain cyclical patterns of choice observed in experiments. We study some properties of sequential rationalizability and provide a full characterization of choice functions rationalizable by two and three rationales. (JEL D01).
Individual Preferences for Giving
Authors: Fisman Raymond , Kariv Shachar , Markovits Daniel
Published: December 2007

We utilize graphical representations of Dictator Games which generate rich individual-level data. Our baseline experiment employs budget sets over feasible payoff-pairs. We test these data for consistency with utility maximization, and we recover the underlying preferences for giving (trade-offs between own payoffs and the payoffs of others). Two further experiments augment the analysis. An extensive elaboration employs three-person budget sets to distinguish preferences for giving from social preferences (trade-offs between the payoffs of others). And an intensive elaboration employs step-shaped sets to distinguish between behaviors that are compatible with well-behaved preferences and those compatible only with not well-behaved cases. (JEL C72, D64)
Traders' Expectations in Asset Markets: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Haruvy Ernan , Lahav Yaron , Noussair Charles N
Published: December 2007

We elicit traders' predictions of future price trajectories in repeated experimental markets for a 15-period-lived asset. We find that individuals' beliefs about prices are adaptive, and primarily based on past trends in the current and previous markets in which they have participated. Most traders do not anticipate market downturns the first time they participate in a market, and, when experienced, they typically overestimate the time remaining before market peaks and downturns occur. When prices deviate from fundamental values, belief data are informative to an observer in predicting the direction of future price movements and the timing of market peaks. (JEL C91, D12, D84, G11)
Consistency and Heterogeneity of Individual Behavior under Uncertainty
Authors: Choi Syngjoo , Fisman Raymond , Gale Douglas , Kariv Shachar
Published: December 2007

By using graphical representations of simple portfolio choice problems, we generate a very rich dataset to study behavior under uncertainty at the level of the individual subject. We test the data for consistency with the maximization hypothesis, and we estimate preferences using a two-parameter utility function based on Faruk Gul (1991). This specification provides a good interpretation of the data at the individual level and can account for the highly heterogeneous behaviors observed in the laboratory. The parameter estimates jointly describe attitudes toward risk and allow us to characterize the distribution of risk preferences in the population. (JEL D11, D14, D81, G11)
Diamonds Are Forever, Wars Are Not: Is Conflict Bad for Private Firms?
Authors: Guidolin Massimo , La Ferrara Eliana
Published: December 2007

This paper studies the relationship between civil war and the value of firms in a poor, resource-abundant country using microeconomic data for Angola. We focus on diamond mining firms and conduct an event study on the sudden end of the conflict, marked by the death of the rebel movement leader in 2002. We find that the stock market perceived this event as “bad news” rather than “good news” for companies holding concessions in Angola, as their abnormal returns declined by 4 percentage points. The event had no effect on a control portfolio of otherwise similar diamond mining companies. This finding is corroborated by other events and by the adoption of alternative methodologies. We interpret our findings in light of conflict-generated entry barriers, government bargaining power, and transparency in the licensing process. (JEL D74, G32, O13, O17, Q34)
Estimating and Statistically Analyzing the Global Solar Radiation Potential over Big Cities in Turkey
Authors: Balli Ozgur , Aras Haydar , Aras Nil , Hepbasli Arif
Published: December 2007

This study develops empirical models in order to estimate the monthly average daily global solar radiation on a horizontal surface (H). The seven big cities considered in the model have 33.4% of Turkey's population and are as follows: Izmir in the Aegean Sea, Samsun in the Black Sea, Ankara in the Central Anatolia, Van in the East Anatolia, Istanbul in the Marmara, Antalya in the Mediterranen Sea, and Urfa in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The developed models were analyzed using the seven statistical analyzing methods such as the mean percentage error (MPE), mean absulate percentage error (MAPE), sum of squares of relative error (SSRE), relative standard error (RSE), mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R). It may be concluded that the present models estimate the values of H, reasonably well for the cities studied and possibly elsewhere with similar climatic conditions.
An Experimental Study of the Drying Mechanism of Olive Cake
Authors: Gunerhan Huseyin
Published: December 2007

In this study, an investigation on olive cake as on alternative fuel and effect of drying air temperature and drying air velocity is conducted. In many developing countries olive cake is considered as a biomass and can be used in very large amounts at very low cost. The effect of drying air temperature and air velocity at constant humidity conditions was studied. A process for drying of olive cake in a fluidized bed dryer is proposed. Results of these experiments of the olive cake indicated that olive cake has an excellent potential to be a renewable source of energy and suitable material for these types of dryers.
Uplift and Mantle Thickness: A Sensitivity Study
Authors: Lerche I. , Reicherter K.
Published: December 2007

This paper derives an inverse set of equations for equilibrium situations to discuss the resolution and sensitivity of models used to describe tectonic uplift and thermal heat flux. The sensitivity of results to variations in single parameters away from a described set of canonical values is given first. This sensitivity study is followed by a detailed treatment describing the probabilities of obtaining mantle thickness, surface heat flux, thermal expansion coefficient, base crustal heat flux, and Moho temperature at or above particular values as the water density, crustal density, asthenospheric density, uplift, crustal thickness, average lithospheric density, base lithospheric temperature, and water depth to the free asthenosphere marker are all allowed to vary simultaneously around their canonical values. In addition, a relative contribution plot for each of the five output variables identifies which of the eight input variables is causing the greatest contribution to the uncertainty. In this way one can identify which variables need to have their ranges of uncertainty narrowed in order to be more precise about the chances of obtaining particular values for the five outputs. A skewness estimate also is given that enables one to determine the most likely directions one should expect improvement to occur with a probability plot of obtaining particular values, or higher, for each of the output variables. Numerical illustrations show how one goes about performing the quantitative assessments and also show how the inverse procedure allows one to be more definitive concerning the five output values, and their ranges of uncertainty, because of uncertainties in the eight input parameter values.
Feasibility Study of Electrical Generation by Wind Energy on the Red-Sea Coast in Egypt
Authors: Essa Khaled S. M. , Embaby M. , Marrouf A. A.
Published: December 2007

The wind characteristic for six stations, on the Red Sea and Sinai coasts in Egypt, are analyzed for power generation. The Weibull parameters are determined by two methods. The best locations are El-Tur, Hurghada and Zafarana, where annual average wind speed at 10m are greater than 4.5m/s.
Sizing a Hybrid Power System for Battle Harbour Island in Labrador
Authors: Iqbal M. T. , Bose N.
Published: December 2007

Battle Harbour is a small island in the Labrador Sea just off the South East coast of Labrador. Presently, electricity is generated on Battle Harbour using a diesel generator when the island is populated for 3 summer months per year. Due to its remote location, the fuel cost on Battle Harbour is very expensive. In this research we look into on-site renewable energy resources and conduct a feasibility study of a hybrid power system for Battle Harbour. We present one-year recorded power consumption data, wind, solar energy and hydro resources of the island and discuss options for reducing diesel consumption. Two cases are considered, a) load as usual b) load reduced by 50% after energy conservation measures. The sizing of the hybrid power system for both cases is discussed. This feasibility study indicates that by using a hybrid power system the diesel consumption on the island can be reduced to one sixth of its present annual consumption.
The Direct Aero-Acoustics Simulation of Flow around a Square Cylinder Using the CE/SE Scheme
Authors: Liu Min , Wang Jia Bing , Wu Ke-Qi
Published: December 2007

The space-time conservation element solution element (CE/SE) method is applied in the classical around square cylinder flow problem for aeroacoustics simulation. The unsteady Navier-Stokes equation and Euler equation are solved to directly numerical simulate the aero-acoustics field aroused in unsteady turbulent flow. The computation domain is decomposed into sound-near field and sound-far field, they are computed and analyzed. Large eddy simulation (LES) is used to compute the acoustic source while the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy is applied to this problem also. Comparing the two methods, qualitative agreement is demonstrated using the frequency-spectrum of a monitor point located at (50D,0). The CE/SE method is able to extract more details about the non-linear relation between the flow and sound.
Combining Patent Law Expertise with R&D for Patenting Performance
Authors: Somaya Deepak , Williamson Ian O. , Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: December 2007

Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), this paper examines how the combination or bundling of resources influences firm-patenting performance. We hypothesize that firm-patenting output depends not only on research and development (R&D) resources, but also on the patent law expertise combined with R&D inside the firm. We predict that the specialization of this in-house legal resource to R&D enables firms to identify patentable inventions more effectively and to convert them into patents. We also argue that there may be a positive complementary relationship between patent law expertise and R&D, such that patent law expertise will have a larger effect on patent output when it is deployed with matching higher levels of R&D. Furthermore, we predict that the effect of internal patent law expertise on firm patenting will be moderated by organization- and industry-level contextual factors. To test our hypotheses, we examine the patenting performance of a sample of Fortune 500 firms from 1990 to 2000. Results suggest that in-house patent law expertise is a significant predictor of firm-patenting performance; furthermore, this effect is moderated by the firm's level of top management team (TMT) patent law background and industry-patenting pressures. However, our hypothesis of a complementary relationship between patent law expertise and R&D was not supported; instead, we found evidence of a counterintuitive (weak) negative interaction between these two variables. Our findings shed light on how the combination of other resources with R&D affects firm-patenting performance, and advance the integration of complementary organizational perspectives with the RBV.
On transdiegetic sounds in computer games
Authors: Jrgensen Kristine
Published: December 2007

This article will identify and define the concept of transdiegetic sound space in computer games, and discuss the relationship of this space to action and events in the game. The point of departure for the article is based on discussions of the diegetic space in film theory, but the
argument will be supported by writings on the role of sound for usability purposes in web applications and software, as well as views on games as a framing of a separate field of action and how computer games interpret this. Although sound is in focus in this article, it should be noted that
transdiegeticity is relevant for a greater understanding of spatial relationships in computer games in general.
Remediation and the language of new media
Authors: Bolter Jay David
Published: December 2007

Many new-media enthusiasts have inherited from modernist aesthetic theory the assumptions of essentialism and absolute originality. They assume that each medium is constituted by a unique set of essential characteristics and that the task of designers is to explore these characteristics
by creating artefacts that will define the medium. Bolter and Grusin's Remediation is a study of intermedial relationships that rejects modernist aesthetics and calls these assumptions into question. Manovich's The Language of New Media does not simply accept these assumptions,
but it does seek to derive new-media artistic practice from modernism.
Alan Kay's universal media machine
Authors: Manovich Lev
Published: December 2007

While new-media theorists have spend considerable efforts in trying to understand the relationships between digital media and older physical and electronic media, the important sources the writing and projects by Ivan Sutherland, Douglas Englebart, Ted Nelson, Alan Kay, and other pioneers
working in the 1960s and 1970s remain largely unexamined. What were their reasons for inventing the concepts and techniques that today make it possible for computers to represent, or remediate other media? I suggest that Kay and others aimed to create a particular kind of new media rather
than merely simulating the appearances of old ones. These new media use already existing representational formats as their building blocks, while adding many new previously non-existent properties. At the same time, as envisioned by Kay, these media are expandable that is, users themselves
should be able to easily add new properties, as well as to invent new media. Accordingly, Kay calls computers the first metamedium whose content is a wide range of already-existing and not-yet-invented media.
Crystallinity and mesoporosity of carbon produced from ligno-p-cresol and their improvement by pulverization and acid treatment
Authors: Suzuki Kyoko , Suzuki Tsutomu , Takazawa Naohiro , Funaoka Masamitsu
Published: December 2007

Crystallized mesoporous carbon was produced from ligno-p-cresol, a lignin derivative obtained by phase separation with p-cresol and sulfuric acid, onto which 3% nickel and 2% calcium were co-loaded, by carbonization at 900°C. Subsequent pulverization followed by soaking in acid improved the crystallinity of carbon with an increased volume of mesopore, attaining approximately 90% and 99% removal of nickel and calcium, respectively. These aspects implied both enhancement of electroconductivity and liquid phase adsorption capacity of the carbon with a good outlook on the recovery and reuse of the two metals. In particular, combination of wet milling using small beads and mild soaking with diluted acid was appropriate in respect of relevant properties of the carbon, including the particle size. It can thus be concluded that incorporation of such post-treatments into the manufacturing process of carbon products is greatly advantageous.
Esterification of carboxylic acids on cellulosic material: Solid state reactions
Authors: Pantze Anna , Karlsson Olov , Westermark Ulla
Published: December 2007

In the present work, the formation of ester linkages in cellulosic materials during drying and heating was addressed. The results indicated that direct ester formation, without anhydride intermediate, occurs between carboxylic acids of suitable structure and cellulosic hydroxyls at 180°C, even after reaction times as short as 5 min. The 2(R)-hydroxybutyric acid is most effective in ester formation, followed by 2-ketobutyric acid and 3-hydroxybutyric acid. Hexanoic acid is less effective and veratric acid produces no esters at all. At lower temperatures, 2-ketobutyric acid is the most reactive compound. One conclusion is that a hydroxyl or keto group in α position of the carboxylic acids favours ester formation. Another finding is that three pyrrolidine structures are produced after esterification and aminolysis of 2-ketobutyric acid. One of the structures indicates that 2-ketobutyric acid is reactive in two positions and could therefore be a potential cross-linker. A critical parameter for ester formation is pH, and the results indicate that pH <2 strongly favours esterification, whereas almost no esters are produced at pH >5–6. All experiments were performed in a solid-state model system (on cellulosic filter paper) with low moisture content. Esterification of five carboxylic acids was studied. Samples were heated constantly at 180°C for 5 min or gradually from 22°C to 180°C over periods ranging from 5 to 45 min. Quantitative analysis of ester formation between the monocarboxylic acids and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose was performed by means of aminolysis and gas chromatography.
Topochemical investigation on tension wood fibres of Acer spp., Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L.
Authors: Lehringer Christian , Gierlinger Notburga , Koch Gerald
Published: December 2007

Topochemical detection of lignin and phenolic compounds was carried out at subcellular level in tension wood fibres of maple (Acer spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and oak (Quercus robur) by means of cellular UV-microspectrophotometry (UMSP) and confocal Raman microscopy. UMSP field scans at 278 nm revealed the presence of aromatic compounds in the gelatinous layer (G-layer) in tension wood of all three species. Characterisation of the detected substances by point measurements from 240 nm to 400 nm revealed a plausible relationship to by-products from the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Raman spectra, recorded from different regions within the G-layer, showed a high affinity to spectra of lignins. The degree of aromatic compounds in the G-layer of oak tension wood fibres was approximately three-fold higher than that in maple and beech. Moreover, the oak G-layer showed an accumulation of aromatic compounds towards the cell lumen up to 50% higher than that detected in the secondary cell wall. UMSP and Raman microscopy are considered valuable complementary methods for topochemical investigation on a subcellular level.
Inequalities in inverse scattering theory
Authors: Cakoni F. , Colton D.
Published: December 2007

We consider the scattering of time harmonic electromagnetic plane waves by a bounded, inhomogeneous dielectric medium that is partially coated by a thin metallic layer in
2. We use far field pattern of the scattered waves at a fixed frequency as data to determine the support D of the inhomogeneous obstacle, the surface conductivity that characterizes the coating and the relative permittivity. No a prior information on the material properties of the scatterer is needed. The support D is determined by the linear sampling method which is based on the approximate solution of the far field equation. This solution is also used to obtain lower bounds for the surface conductivity and relative permittivity. The techniques for solving this inverse scattering problem rely on the analysis of a non standard boundary value problem known as the interior transmission problem.