bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bad beta good beta, state‐space news decomposition and the cross‐section of stock returns
Authors: Wang Kent , Li Jiawei , Huang Shicheng
Published: February 2012

This study employs an innovative market‐based approach, where return on equity (ROE) is employed as a proxy for cash‐flow news and a state‐space model is used for market news decomposition. We document that the bad beta good beta (BBGB) model of Campbell and Vuolteenaho (2004) explains about 30 per cent of the cross‐sectional variations in US stock returns. We also find that the BBGB model adequately explains the size effect leading to its superior performance in this area. Our method controls for the news decomposition method and market news proxies’ bias. We contribute to the literature by providing an alternative easy‐to‐implement and consistent market‐based method for news decomposition.
THE ROLE OF FEES IN PATENT SYSTEMS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaetan , van Pottelsberghe de la Potterie Bruno
Published: February 2012

This paper reviews the economic literature on the role of fees in patent systems. Two main research questions are usually addressed: the impact of patent fees on the behavior of applicants and the question of optimal fees. Studies in the former group confirm that a range of fees affect the behavior of applicants and suggest that a patent is an inelastic good. Studies in the latter group provide grounds for both low and high application (or pre‐grant) fees and renewal (or post‐grant) fees, depending on the structural context and policy objectives. The paper also presents new stylized facts on patent fees of 30 patent offices worldwide. It is shown that application fees are generally lower than renewal fees, and renewal fees increase more than proportionally with patent age.
Investigating the Link Between Liking Versus Wanting Self‐Esteem and Depression in a Nationally Representative Sample of American Adults
Authors: Bushman Brad J. , Moeller Scott J. , Konrath Sara , Crocker Jennifer
Published: February 2012

The self‐esteem movement has been around since the 1970s, and may have influenced how much value people place on self‐esteem. We predicted a negative relationship between age and the amount of value placed on self‐esteem boosts. We also investigated the correlates of liking versus wanting self‐esteem boosts (and other pleasant rewards) on depression. A nationally representative sample of American adults (N = 867) indicated how much they liked and wanted several pleasant rewards (i.e., sex, food, alcohol, money, friendship, self‐esteem boost). They also completed a standardized measure of depressive symptoms. As expected, there was a negative relationship between age and valuing self‐esteem boosts, sex, and alcohol. People with depressive symptoms wanted self‐esteem boosts, even though they did not like them very much. Similar effects were obtained for depressive symptoms and alcohol and friendship. This is the first research to show that self‐esteem boosts are more valued among a nationally representative sample of younger American adults. It also is the first research to explore the association between depression and the motivation to boost self‐esteem. People with depressive symptoms want self‐esteem, and may pursue it, but this pursuit may feel unrewarding because they do not derive pleasure from it.
Work Values in the Second Generation of Gender Equality Pioneers: A Case Study from Norway
Authors: Wetlesen Tone Schou
Published: February 2012

This article explores work values in a generational context. Sons and daughters of couples that made untraditional choices in sharing the provider role in Norway in the 1970s were interviewed about work–family adaptation, work motivation and working time preferences. These issues are discussed theoretically in relation to gender socialization in the family as well as to opportunity structures created by welfare state policies. The findings lend support to the generational transmission thesis in that those whose parents made the most radical choices concerning gender equality were more inclined than the others to opt for unconventional solutions. However, the atypical pattern of husband and wife both working part time was reproduced only exceptionally. Irrespective of family background, nearly all interviewees adapted to the pattern of work–family articulation that welfare state policies encourage in working full time or close to full time. Men and women were found to hold similar values with respect to careers. Nearly all would prefer to work fewer hours while work motivation and preferences about the structure of working time differed according to gender.
Ageing Child Sex Offenders in Prison: Denial, Manipulation and Community
Authors: Mann Natalie
Published: February 2012

Within the prison population there exists a subculture consisting of those prisoners who need protection; these individuals are the ones who reside in the vulnerable prisoner unit and include informers, ex‐police officers, those with special educational needs and sex offenders. In short, this unit houses all those individuals who are at risk of attack from their fellow prisoners. Life within this subculture is different from life in the mainstream population; it is no less difficult, no less of an alien environment within which to survive, but the characteristics of the men ensure that the dominant moral order is unlike that of the main prison wings. Based on intensive fieldwork carried out with men aged 50 years and over in three English prisons, this article examines how child sex offenders, the most vilified subsection of the prison population, survive, and observes the differing ways in which both acceptance of, and resistance to, the prison regime become manipulated actions executed by extremely knowledgeable agents.
Interventions Provided by Parents for Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Einfeld Stewart L. , Stancliffe Roger J. , Gray Kylie M. , Sofronoff Kate , Rice Lauren , Emerson Eric , Yasamy M. T.
Published: February 2012

Background  In low‐ and middle‐income (LAMI) countries, there is a lack of well‐trained therapists to provide specialist interventions for children with intellectual disabilities and their families. We sought to identify strategies deliverable by families or non‐specialist workers.

Materials and Methods  After searches of appropriate scientific databases, we applied GRADE methodology to rate the quality of evidence for these interventions.

Results  We identified small‐scale interventions trialled in LAMI countries with limited evidence of effectiveness in supporting development, adaptive behaviour and/or community participation. In high‐income countries, the Stepping Stones Triple P program for adaptive behaviour and the Portage program for child development have the most extensive evidence base and may be applicable in LAMI countries.

Conclusions  There is reason to hope that, when combined with community development strategies, the welfare of children with intellectual disabilities in LAMI countries can be advanced within those countries’ economic means.
Is “conflict adaptation” driven by conflict? Behavioral and EEG evidence for the underappreciated role of congruent trials
Authors: Compton Rebecca J. , Huber Eleanor , Levinson Amanda R. , Zheutlin Amanda
Published: February 2012

Theories of cognitive control argue that response conflict in speeded performance tasks leads to adaptive changes, such that irrelevant information is better ignored on subsequent trials. This study tested whether trial‐by‐trial changes are driven primarily by conflict on incongruent trials or instead by congruent trials, in which irrelevant and relevant stimulus dimensions match. In a Stroop task including congruent, incongruent, and neutral trials, interference was greater following congruent compared to incongruent and neutral trials, which did not differ. During the intertrial interval, EEG alpha power, an inverse measure of cerebral activation, was significantly lower following congruent than neutral trials, whereas incongruent and neutral trials did not differ. These results imply that trial‐by‐trial changes in performance may not be driven solely by conflict, but rather by changes in attention triggered by congruent information.
Large loop excision of transformation zone and cervical length in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: Poon LCY , Savvas M , Zamblera D , Skyfta E , Nicolaides KH
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Poon L, Savvas M, Zamblera D, Skyfta E, Nicolaides K. Large loop excision of transformation zone and cervical length in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery. BJOG 2012;119:692–698.

Objectives  To investigate the association between previous large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) and risk for subsequent spontaneous preterm delivery (sPD) and whether this effect is reflected in the measurement of cervical length at mid‐gestation.

Design and setting  A secondary analysis of data from women recruited for clinical trials of interventions to prevent preterm labour.

Population  A total of 26 867 women with singleton pregnancies attending for routine antenatal care.

Methods  Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length was carried out at 20+0 to 24+6 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significant predictors of sPD among maternal characteristics, obstetric history, previous history of LLETZ and cervical length.

Main outcome measures  Spontaneous preterm delivery.

Results  In the 473 women who had undergone LLETZ, compared with the 25 772 without a history of LLETZ, the rate of sPD before 34 weeks of gestation was higher (3.4 versus 1.3%, P = 0.0002) and the median cervical length was shorter (32 mm versus 34 mm, P < 0.0001). Regression analysis demonstrated that in the prediction of sPD there were significant contributions from racial origin, cigarette smoking, previous preterm delivery and LLETZ and the detection rate of sPD was 29.8%, at a false‐positive rate of 10%. However, after addition of cervical length, LLETZ did not remain a significant predictor in the model, which detected 52.6% of sPD, at a false‐positive rate of 10%.

Conclusions  LLETZ increases the risk of sPD, even after adjustment for maternal risk factors. The effect of a previous LLETZ on sPD in a subsequent pregnancy is reflected in the measurement of cervical length at mid‐gestation.
Microbial diversity under extreme euxinia: Mahoney Lake, Canada
Authors: KLEPAC‐CERAJ V. , HAYES C. A. , GILHOOLY W. P. , LYONS T. W. , KOLTER R. , PEARSON A.
Published: February 2012

Mahoney Lake, British Columbia, Canada, is a stratified, 15‐m deep saline lake with a euxinic (anoxic, sulfidic) hypolimnion. A dense plate of phototrophic purple sulfur bacteria is found at the chemocline, but to date the rest of the Mahoney Lake microbial ecosystem has been underexamined. In particular, the microbial community that resides in the aphotic hypolimnion and/or in the lake sediments is unknown, and it is unclear whether the sulfate reducers that supply sulfide for phototrophy live only within, or also below, the plate. Here we profiled distributions of 16S rRNA genes using gene clone libraries and PhyloChip microarrays. Both approaches suggest that microbial diversity is greatest in the hypolimnion (8 m) and sediments. Diversity is lowest in the photosynthetic plate (7 m). Shallower depths (5 m, 7 m) are rich in Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, while deeper depths (8 m, sediments) are rich in Crenarchaeota, Natronoanaerobium, and Verrucomicrobia. The heterogeneous distribution of Deltaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria between 7 and 8 m is consistent with metabolisms involving sulfur intermediates in the chemocline, but complete sulfate reduction in the hypolimnion. Overall, the results are consistent with the presence of distinct microbial niches and suggest zonation of sulfur cycle processes in this stratified system.
A Pilot Study of Low‐Cost Contingency Management to Increase Attendance in an Adolescent Substance Abuse Program
Authors: Branson Christopher E. , Barbuti Anna Maria , Clemmey Philip , Herman Lisa , Bhutia Phintso
Published: February 2012

Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of contingency management (CM) for improving patient outcomes, yet it is rarely used in treatment settings due to the high cost of implementation. This quasi‐experimental study (N = 52) examined the effect of a low‐cost “Fishbowl” CM intervention on attendance/retention in an early intervention adolescent substance abuse program. The CM group attended significantly more sessions compared to the control group. Furthermore, the CM intervention costs $3.27 per patient per session. Our findings support the use of low‐cost CM to improve adolescent attendance in clinical settings. (Am J Addict 2012;21:126–129)
Differential effects of planktonic and biofilm MRSA on human fibroblasts
Authors: Kirker Kelly R. , James Garth A. , Fleckman Philip , Olerud John E. , Stewart Philip S.
Published: February 2012

Bacteria colonizing chronic wounds often exist as biofilms, yet their role in chronic wound pathogenesis remains unclear. Staphylococcus aureus biofilms induce apoptosis in dermal keratinocytes, and given that chronic wound biofilms also colonize dermal tissue, it is important to investigate the effects of bacterial biofilms on dermal fibroblasts. The effects of a predominant wound pathogen, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, on normal, human, dermal fibroblasts were examined in vitro. Cell‐culture medium was conditioned with equivalent numbers of either planktonic or biofilm methicillin‐resistant S. aureus and then fed to fibroblast cultures. Fibroblast response was evaluated using scratch, viability, and apoptosis assays. The results suggested that fibroblasts experience the same fate when exposed to the soluble products of either planktonic or biofilm methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, namely limited migration followed by death. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays demonstrated that fibroblast production of cytokines, growth factors, and proteases were differentially affected by planktonic and biofilm‐conditioned medium. Planktonic‐conditioned medium induced more interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1, heparin‐bound epidermal growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase‐1, and metalloproteinase‐3 production in fibroblasts than the biofilm‐conditioned medium. Biofilm‐conditioned medium induced more tumor necrosis factor‐α production in fibroblasts compared with planktonic‐conditioned medium, and suppressed metalloproteinase‐3 production compared with controls.
Ethical Issues in Practice: A Survey of Public Health Nurses in Japan
Authors: Asahara Kiyomi , Kobayashi Maasa , Ono Wakanako , Omori Junko , Todome Hiromi , Konishi Emiko , Miyazaki Toshie
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to identify specific components and frequencies of ethical issues that public health nurses (PHNs) encountered in their practice, relationships between ethical issues and demographic data, and ethics education and workplace environment.

Design and Sample

Cross‐sectional survey for PHNs at local governmental agencies in Japan. Usable data were 3,409.

Measures

Public health nurses completed the frequency of ethical issues, experience of ethics education, workplace environment, and demographics.

Results

Item and exploratory factor analysis for the frequency of encountering ethical issues revealed: (1) discrepancy of intention between client and his/her family on treatment or care; (2) differences in views between PHNs and their organization's administrators regarding providing services; and (3) discrepancy of caretaking views between PHNs and various professionals. All factors were related to work experience and one factor was specifically related to the type of local government employing PHNs. Only 11.1% of PHNs received ethics education via continuing education programs. PHNs reported that programmed continuing education systems were not sufficiently available.

Conclusions

Systematic continuing ethics education programs for PHNs need developing, tailored to the specific characteristics associated with PHNs’ ethical concerns, such as nurses’ working experience and the type of employing local government.
Clinical Indicators of the Nursing Diagnosis of “Imbalanced Nutrition: More than Body Requirements” in Pregnant Women
Authors: Valente Mayenne M. Q. P. , Moura Escolástica R. F. , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos V. , de Castro Damasceno Ana K. , Evangelista Danielle R.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To verify the accuracy measures of certain clinical indicators for the diagnosis of “Imbalanced Nutrition: More than Body Requirements” in pregnant women.

Design and Sample

A cross‐sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study. In total, 146 pregnant women treated in the public health unit in northeast Brazil.

Measures

Data were collected through structured interviews and by measuring the body mass index and the thickness of the triceps skin fold. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of these clinical indicators were also analyzed.

Results

The clinical indicators of patients with this diagnosis were sedentary lifestyle (97.1%); eating in response to internal suggestions (86.98%); obesity/overweight; and triceps skin fold (>25 mm) (99.3%). Eating in response to external suggestions was the most specific clinical indicator (70.1%). There was a statistically significant association between eating in response to internal suggestions besides hunger (p = .022), overweight/obesity (p < .001) ,and triceps skin fold >25 mm (p = .014).

Conclusion

The clinical indicator with the highest sensitivity value (86.96%) for the diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: greater than body requirements was eating in response to internal suggestions besides hunger. Indicators with the higher specificity value for this nursing diagnosis were obesity/overweight (98.73%) and triceps skin fold >25 mm (98.59%).
Cerebral blood flow and fMRI BOLD auditory language activation in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Appel Shmuel , Duke Elizabeth S. , Martinez Ashley R. , Khan Omar I. , Dustin Irene M. , Reeves‐Tyer Patricia , Berl Madison B. , Sato Susumu , Gaillard William D. , Theodore William H.
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  Blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), an important research and clinical tool, depends on relatively greater transient increases in (regional cerebral blood flow) rCBF than cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen during neural activity. We investigated whether reduced resting rCBF in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy affects BOLD signal during fMRI language mapping.

Methods:  We used [15O] water positron emission tomography (PET) to measure rCBF, and 3 Tesla echo planar imaging (EPI) BOLD fMRI with an auditory description decision task in 33 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (16 men; mean age 33.6 ± standard deviation [SD] 10.6 years; epilepsy onset 14.8 ± 10.6 years; mean duration 18.8 ± 13.2 years; 23 left focus, 10 right focus). Anatomic regions drawn on structural MRI, based on the Wake Forest Pick Atlas, included Wernicke’s area (WA), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and hippocampus (HC). Laterality indices (LIs), and asymmetry indices (AIs), were calculated on coregistered fMRI and PET.

Key Findings:  Twelve patients had mesial temporal sclerosis (seven on the left), two patients had a tumor or malformation of cortical development (both left), one patient a right temporal cyst, and 18 patients had normal MRI (14 left). Decreasing relative left WA CBF correlated with decreased left IFG voxel activation and decreasing left IFG LI. However, CBF WA AI was not related to left WA voxel activation itself or WA LI. There was a weak positive correlation between absolute CBF and fMRI activation in left IFG, right IFG, and left WA. Patients with normal and abnormal MRI did not differ in fMRI activation or rCBF AIs.

Significance:  Reduced WA rCBF is associated with reduced fMRI activation in IFG but not WA itself, suggesting distributed network effects, but not impairment of underlying BOLD response. Hypoperfusion in TLE does not affect fMRI clinical value.
Comparative Safety of Antipsychotic Medications in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Huybrechts Krista F. , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Gerhard Tobias , Olfson Mark , Avorn Jerry , Levin Raisa , Lucas Judith A. , Crystal Stephen
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To compare the risk of major medical events in nursing home residents newly initiated on conventional or atypical antipsychotic medications (APMs).

Design

Cohort study, using linked Medicaid, Medicare, Minimum Data Set, and Online Survey Certification and Reporting data. Propensity score‐adjusted proportional hazards models were used to compare risks for medical events at a class and individual drug level.

Setting

Nursing homes in 45 U.S. states.

Participants

Eighty‐three thousand nine hundred fifty‐nine Medicaid‐eligible residents aged 65 and older who initiated APM treatment after nursing home admission in 2001 to 2005.

Measurements

Hospitalization for myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, serious bacterial infections, and hip fracture within 180 days of treatment initiation.

Results

Risks of bacterial infections (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.49) and possibly myocardial infarction (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.81–1.86) and hip fracture (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.95–1.76) were higher, and risks of cerebrovascular events (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.65–1.02) were lower in participants initiating conventional APMs than in those initiating atypical APMs. Little variation existed between individual atypical APMs, except for a somewhat lower risk of cerebrovascular events with olanzapine (HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.81–1.02) and quetiapine (HR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–1.02) and a lower risk of bacterial infections (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73–0.94) and possibly a higher risk of hip fracture (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.96–1.43) with quetiapine than with risperidone. Dose‐response relationships were observed for all events (HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05–1.19 for high vs low dose for all events combined).

Conclusion

These associations underscore the importance of carefully selecting the specific APM and dose and monitoring their safety, especially in nursing home residents who have an array of medical illnesses and are undergoing complex medication regimens.
The Spillover of Racialization into Health Care: How President Obama Polarized Public Opinion by Racial Attitudes and Race
Authors: Tesler Michael
Published: February 2012

This study argues that President Obama's strong association with an issue like health care should polarize public opinion by racial attitudes and race. Consistent with that hypothesis, racial attitudes had a significantly larger impact on health care opinions in fall 2009 than they had in cross‐sectional surveys from the past two decades and in panel data collected before Obama became the face of the policy. Moreover, the experiments embedded in one of those reinterview surveys found health care policies were significantly more racialized when attributed to President Obama than they were when these same proposals were framed as President Clinton's 1993 reform efforts. Dozens of media polls from 1993 to 1994 and from 2009 to 2010 are also pooled together to show that with African Americans overwhelmingly supportive of Obama's legislative proposals, the racial divide in health care opinions was 20 percentage points greater in 2009–10 than it was over President Clinton's plan back in 1993–94.
Effect of Blood Donation Mediated Volume Reduction on Right Ventricular Function Parameters in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kucukdurmaz Zekeriya , Karapinar Hekim , Karavelioğlu Yusuf , Açar Göksel , Gul Ibrahim , Emiroglu Mehmet Yunus , Bulut Mustafa , Esen Ali Metin
Published: February 2012

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the effect of controlled and limited volume change by the blood donation model to the right ventricular (RV) function via different echocardiographic parameters in healthy adults. Methods: Study population was composed of 71 healthy subjects who were volunteers for blood donation and evaluated before and after 450 mL blood donation. Pulsed‐wave Doppler of the RV inflow and tissue Doppler of tricuspid lateral annulus, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were assessed. Results: E velocity of inflow decreased significantly (67.6 ± 15.9 vs 60.9 ± 12.2, P = 0.006). S’ and A’ velocities did not change (15.3 ± 3.2 vs 15.2 ± 2.5 cm/s, P = NS; 14.1 ± 3.3 vs 13.4 ± 3.1 cm/s, P = NS, respectively) but E’ showed significant decrease (13.7 ± 2.9 vs 12.2 ± 3.2 cm/s, P = 0.011). E’/A’ ratio and E/E’ ratio were found to be unchanged (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.0 ± 0.4, P = NS; 5.1 ± 2 vs 5.3 ± 2, P = NS, respectively). Myocardial performance index (MPI) was found to be increased but ejection time obtained from the tricuspid annulus did not change (0.50 ± 0.13 vs 0.54 ± 0.11, P = 0.040; 243 ± 37 vs 240 ± 27, P = NS, respectively). Isovolumetric relaxation and contraction times showed difference close to the significance limit (56 ± 19 vs 64 ± 23 ms, P = 0.055; 61 ± 16 vs 67 ± 16 ms, P = 0.062, respectively). TAPSE decreased significantly (2.62 ± 0.29 vs 2.41 ± 0.27 mm, P = 0.005). Conclusion: E’ velocity and TAPSE were sensitive to a volume reduction as little as 450 mL in healthy subjects. MPI index of the tricuspid annulus is less sensitive than E’ and TAPSE but need much care under changing volume state. However S’ and A’ velocity and E’/A’ ratio were found to be resistant to the effects of volume depletion. (Echocardiography 2012;29:451‐454)
Beaded Necklace‐Like Image Observed by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiograhy as Evidence of Bacterial Vegetations in a Dialysis Catheter
Authors: Ponce Sonia G. , Roldan Carlos A.
Published: February 2012

We present images observed in a patient with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia from a hemodyalisis catheter and demonstrate the superiority of real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D‐TEE) over 2D‐TEE at identifying catheter‐associated infected vegetations. Other studies have reported RT3D‐TEE as an improved modality to identify and characterize intracardiac structures. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports describing the specific characteristics of bacterial vegetations in a dialysis catheter. RT3D‐TEE could have a central role in the diagnosis of catheter‐related blood stream infections, especially given the increased number of hemodyalisis‐dependent patients and increased incidence of infections. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E97‐E99)
The evolving discipline and services of neuropsychiatry in the United Kingdom
Authors: Arambepola Narayana M. A. , Rickards Hugh , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: February 2012

Background: The last few decades have seen a renaissance in the development of neuropsychiatric services on a global scale.

Methods: This paper reviews the existing literature on the changing role of the clinical neuropsychiatrist and discusses the evolving theory and practice of neuropsychiatry in the United Kingdom.

Results: The rapidly evolving specialty of neuropsychiatry is currently facing a number of challenges. These include, but are not limited to, uncertainties about the curricular requirements for clinical neuropsychiatrists and the changing roles within the wider scenario of health-care service provision.

Discussion: An informed historical perspective on this multifaceted discipline allows key insights into its future development.
Torsion Tests on AV119 Epoxy – Joined SiC
Authors: Ferraris Monica , Salvo Milena , Casalegno Valentina , Avalle Massimiliano , Ventrella Andrea
Published: February 2012

The results of an experimental investigation on epoxy‐joined silicon carbide tested in shear mode by four different configurations of torsion test are presented and compared to results obtained by asymmetric four‐point bending and four different lap tests in compression. All samples have been joined by an epoxy adhesive (Araldite AV119) which is to be considered as a model brittle joining material chosen to obtain several joined samples in a reasonable time. Advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are discussed and compared to results previously obtained with epoxy‐joined Carbon/Carbon composites and ceramics tested with the same methods.
Surface Modification of Graphite Particles Coated by Atomic Layer Deposition and Advances in Ceramic Composites
Authors: Lichty Paul , Wirz Men , Kreider Peter , Kilbury Oliver , Dinair Dean , King David , Steinfeld Aldo , Weimer Alan W.
Published: February 2012

Graphite particles have been coated with Al2O3 via atomic layer deposition. Alumina content was measured via inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP), LECO combustion analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). While alumina was present, adherence was limited, and nonconformal films were deposited on the graphite particles. Coatings produced changes in particle interactions and dispersability. These changes were observed via sedimentation rates of particle suspensions in water, Zeta potential values, and particle size distributions. Alumina‐Graphite composites were sintered using coated and uncoated particles. Differences in bulk thermal properties are ascribed to enhanced dispersability of the coated particles in presintered powder mixtures. EDS mapping of the sintered composites confirms the enhanced dispersion of the coated graphite particles. Particle coating through atomic layer deposition provides a means to improve particle dispersion with low material loadings. It has been shown that changes in particle interaction characteristics can be achieved even without uniform and conformal coatings. These particle interaction changes can result in sintered composites with enhanced thermal properties.
UN peacekeeping operations: when can unlawful acts committed by peacekeeping forces be attributed to the UN?
Authors: Buchan Russell
Published: February 2012

UN peacekeeping missions operate under the authority of the UN. However, the military personnel that constitute a UN peacekeeping mission remain organs of the states from which they are contributed. Thus, whether unlawful acts committed by peacekeepers can be attributed to the UN is dependent upon whether the peacekeeping force can be regarded as being under the direction and control of the UN. This is a question of fact. According to the ICJ and the International Law Commission, unlawful acts committed by peacekeeping forces will be attributed to the UN only where the UN exercised ‘effective control’ over the commission of the unlawful act. In contrast, the ECtHR has consistently propounded a very different test, asserting that unlawful acts will be attributed to the UN only where the UN retained ‘ultimate authority and control’ over the peacekeeping mission. I argue, however, that neither of these tests provides a suitable legal framework for determining attribution of unlawful conduct in the context of UN peacekeeping missions. After outlining the deficiencies of these tests, I submit that a more suitable approach to determining attribution would be based upon the overall control test as outlined by the ICTY in Tadić.
An analysis of energy price reform: a CGE approach
Authors: Manzoor Davood , Shahmoradi Asghar , Haqiqi Iman
Published: February 2012

This paper identifies two types of implicit and explicit energy subsidies in Iran as an oil‐producing country. Using a computable general equilibrium model, we study the impacts of reducing implicit and explicit energy subsidies, which entails a huge increase in domestic energy prices. The model is based on a Modified Micro Consistent Matrix (prepared by the authors for the Ministry of Energy in Iran), which includes implicit subsidies and sector‐specific capital. The model consists of 36 commodity goods and 18 production activities. Our findings suggest that, except for energy and services, overall economic activity declines and the consumer faces a lower level of welfare after subsidy reduction. Energy exports would increase and non‐energy exports decline. Domestic energy demand by households and producers would decline as well. On the demand side, the results show a crowding out effect on public goods and services.
Gas development in Saudi Arabia assessing the short‐term, demand‐side effects
Authors: Albqami Raja M. , Mathis F. John
Published: February 2012

This paper analyses the short‐term, demand‐side effects of a large natural gas investment programme currently being implemented in Saudi Arabia using input–output analysis. Saudi Arabia opened gas exploration and production projects to national and international companies in order to attract substantial new investment in the exploration and production of gas non‐associated with oil output. The expected additional gas production is intended for domestic use, thus freeing for export some of the oil that is currently being used to supply domestic energy. Increased oil exports would generate additional foreign exchange income to help fund further diversification of the Saudi economy. The primary outcome of the input–output analysis shows that the strongest positive impact would be realised by the Saudi construction and manufacturing sectors and that a great deal of the equipment needed for increased gas production would have to be imported. A shortage of educated Saudis may curtail success or require use of more foreign skilled expatriates. So far, Saudi Arabia is having significant difficulties finding and expanding the output of non‐associated gas.
Modelling petroleum future price volatility: analysing asymmetry and persistency of shocks
Authors: Alom Fardous , Ward Bert D. , Hu Baiding
Published: February 2012

Understanding the nature of volatility in commodity prices warrants adequate attention because such volatility is likely to lead to increased production, search and opportunity costs, as well as accelerate uncertainty and risk, contributing to a slowdown of economic activities. This study examines the asymmetry and persistency in the volatility of a set of petroleum future price returns—namely crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, natural gas and propane—within the framework of a set of non‐linear generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH)‐type models. Specifically, we employ threshold GARCH, exponential GARCH, asymmetric power ARCH and component GARCH models using daily data over the period 1995–2010. The study reveals the following: over the full sample period of 1995–2010, all future price returns show persistent and asymmetric effects of shocks to the volatility but the level of persistency and degree of asymmetry differ product to product; over the subsample 1995–2001, persistency and asymmetry are evident for all series with the exception of gasoline future price returns; the recent subsample of 2002–2010 shows mixed evidence and all series show persistent effects of shocks to the volatility while asymmetry is supported in crude oil and propane only; the study also concludes that based on forecasting performance, no single model can be recommended but different models should be used based on the time periods involved and the nature of petroleum products. These findings also imply that in the presence of asymmetric and persistent volatility, policy measures should be taken to accommodate long lasting effects of shocks to the volatility. And since negative effects of shocks are not fully compensated by positive shocks, counter‐cyclical policies should be taken to counter the pessimistic and optimistic overreactions of businesses to ensure a stable business environment.
ORGANISING CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Dean John
Published: February 2012

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are two of the commonest long‐term conditions. One‐fifth of patients with diabetes will have CKD, and diabetes is the commonest cause of advanced kidney disease. For most patients these comorbidities will be managed in primary care with the focus on cardiovascular prevention. Many patients with more advanced disease and complications require joint care from multidisciplinary specialist teams in diabetes and renal disease to ensure that care is consistent and coordinated. Models of joint speciality care, include joint registry management, parallel clinics, shared consulting and case discussion, but require more evaluation than has currently been performed. These underpin more informal interactions between the specialist teams. A local model of care for diabetes and renal disease that incorporates the roles of primary care, members of multidisciplinary teams and speciality care should be agreed, resourced appropriately and its effectiveness monitored.
PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH CKD
Authors: Hamilton Catherine A.
Published: February 2012

Effective and appropriate control of blood glucose can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic complications and all‐cause mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and recent years have seen a number of new anti‐diabetic medications marketed. However, approximately 30% of patients with diabetes mellitus develop progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) limiting the selection of agents that can safely be used. Whilst older agents such as metformin and the sulphonylureas remain the mainstay of initial treatment, the elimination and adverse effects profile of a number of these drugs can be a concern in patients with CKD. Additionally, use of the newer agents is often limited by a lack of long‐term safety data, particularly in this patient group. Treatment guidelines for anti‐diabetic therapy rarely consider safe and efficacious management of those patients with CKD.
ANAEMIA, DIABETES AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Authors: Stevens P. E.
Published: February 2012

Anaemia is a common finding in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease and failure of the kidney to produce erythro‐poietin in response to a falling haemoglobin concentration is a key component, correlating with the degree of albuminuria, renal dysfunction and iron deficiency. Anaemia in diabetes is associated with a number of adverse outcomes, including increased risk of all cause and cardiovascular mortality. Whether or not anaemia is a marker or mediator of adverse outcome still remains to be completely resolved. Treatment of anaemia in diabetes has quality of life benefits and reduces transfusion requirements. Correction of anaemia to normal haemoglobin concentrations is associated with significant adverse cardiovascular outcomes and is not recommended, escalating doses of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents should be avoided. The treatment of anaemia in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease should begin with optimisation of iron stores. An aspirational haemoglobin concentration range of 10–12 g/dl with anaemia management, balances proven benefits of anaemia treatment with potential cardiovascular risk.
Therapeutic ultrasound versus sham ultrasound for the management of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double‐blind controlled clinical study
Authors: Ulus Yasemin , Tander Berna , Akyol Yesim , Durmus Dilek , Buyukakıncak Ozlem , Gul Ulku , Canturk Ferhan , Bilgici Ayhan , Kuru Omer
Published: February 2012

Aim

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the short‐term effectiveness of ultrasound (US) therapy on pain, physical function, ambulation activity, disability and psychological status in patients with knee OA.

Methods

Forty‐two inpatients with bilateral knee OA were randomized by an independent researcher not involved in the data assessment, to receive either therapeutic continuous US (group 1) or sham US (group 2). A 1‐MHz US head was used, set to an intensity of 1 W/cm2 for 10 min. All patients received 20 min of hot packs, 10 min of interferential current, and 15 min of quadriceps isometric exercise of both knees. Patients in each group received treatments five times weekly for 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment sessions. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), 50‐m walking speed, Lequesne index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

The patients with knee OA had significant improvements in pain, stiffness, functional activity, walking time, disability, depression and anxiety scores with therapeutic US and sham US (P < 0.05). The improvement in pain VAS scores, WOMAC scores, Lequesne index and HADS scores were not significantly different in patients treated with US and sham US (P > 0.05). No side‐effects were reported during or after the US treatment periods.

Conclusion

US therapy is safe but use of US in addition to conventional physical therapy programs seems to have no further significant effect in people with knee OA.
Jejunal myxoma as a cause for jejunoileo‐caecal intussusception in a horse
Authors: Zauscher J. M. , Plog S. , Höppner S. , Lischer C. J.
Published: February 2012

A 17‐year‐old gelding was presented with mild to moderate signs of colic. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an intussusception of ileum and jejunum into the caecum. The starting point of the intussusception was an intramural mass in the jejunum. Half a metre of jejunum was resected and the horse recovered without complications. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a myxoma with no myogenic or neurogenic origin.
Exploring service users perceptions of recovery from psychosis: A Q‐methodological approach
Authors: Wood Lisa , Price Jason , Morrision Anthony , Haddock Gillian
Published: February 2012

Objective. Recovery from psychosis has been greatly studied, especially in relation to outcome. However, it is still a poorly defined concept and there has been minimal impact of service user definitions of recovery. It is a term that is being increasingly used in relation to mental health policies and guidelines; hence it is important to ensure that recovery is well defined and guided by service users’ experience of recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine what factors are important to service users in recovery from psychosis.

Design. A Q‐method approach was adopted to allow a wide qualitative exploration of recovery.

Method. An opportunity sample (N= 40) was recruited, aged between 18 and 65, who experienced symptoms of psychosis for at least 1 year within mental health services in the North West of England.

Results. Analysis revealed four distinct perspectives in relation to recovery from psychosis. The first placed importance on collaborative support and understanding, the second on emotional change through social and medical support, the third group emphasized regaining functional and occupational goals, and the last group identified self‐focused recovery as being important factors.

Conclusions. Although recovery from psychosis may have common elements, there are a number of idiosyncratic perspectives that should be taken into account when conceptualizing recovery and this should be reflected in service provision.

Practitioner Points

• This paper provides insight into the idiosyncratic nature of recovery and provides clarity to the current understanding of the concept.

• It outlines distinct recovery styles and explores their clinical implications.
HCO3−‐independent conductance with a mutant Na+/HCO3− cotransporter (SLC4A4) in a case of proximal renal tubular acidosis with hypokalaemic paralysis
Authors: Parker Mark D. , Qin Xue , Williamson Rosalind C. , Toye Ashley M. , Boron Walter F.
Published: February 2012

Key points 

A mutant electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 (A799V) is associated with an inability of the kidney to regulate blood pH as well as weakness of muscles.

In the present study we employ biotinylation and electrophysiology on Xenopus oocytes as well as confocal microscopy on non‐polarized MDCK cells. We study A799V, plus three laboratory‐generated mutants A799G, A799I and A799S.

A799V and A799I show increased intracellular retention in MDCK cells. All four mutants exhibit a reduced per‐molecule Na+/HCO3− cotransport activity in oocytes. These observations probably underlie the inability of A799V to regulate blood pH.

A799V and A799I exhibit a novel, DIDS‐stimulated, HCO3−‐independent conductance – the first example in an electrogenic NBC. This observation could underlie the contribution of A799V towards muscle weakness.

A799G and A799S exhibit unusual outward rectification. A799G is unusually insensitive to DIDS and tenidap. Thus Alanine‐799 is a critical determinant of correct NBCe1 function.
Nanoindentation Measurements of Biomechanical Properties in Mature and Newly Formed Bone Tissue Surrounding an Implant
Authors: Vayron Romain , Barthel Etienne , Mathieu Vincent , Soffer Emmanuel , Anagnostou Fani , Haiat Guillaume
Published: February 2012

The characterization of the biomechanical properties of newly formed bone tissue around implants is important to understand the osseointegration process. The objective of this study is to investigate the evolution of the hardness and indentation modulus of newly formed bone tissue as a function of healing time. To do so, a nanoindentation device is employed following a multimodality approach using histological analysis. Coin-shaped implants were placed in vivo at a distance of 200 μm from the cortical bone surface, leading to an initially empty cavity of 200 μm * 4.4 mm. Three New Zealand White rabbits were sacrificed after 4, 7, and 13 weeks of healing time. The bone samples were embedded and analyzed using histological analyses, allowing to distinguish mature and newly formed bone tissue. The bone mechanical properties were then measured in mature and newly formed bone tissue. The results are within the range of hardness and apparent Young’s modulus values reported in previous literature. One-way ANOVA test revealed a significant effect of healing time on the indentation modulus (p < 0.001, F = 111.24) and hardness (p < 0.02, F = 3.47) of bone tissue. A Tukey-Kramer analysis revealed that the biomechanical properties of newly formed bone tissue (4 weeks) were significantly different from those of mature bone tissue. The comparison with the results obtained in Mathieu et al. (2011, “Micro-Brillouin Scattering Measurements in Mature and Newly Formed Bone Tissue Surrounding an Implant,” J. Biomech. Eng., 133, 021006). shows that bone mass density increases by approximately 13.5% between newly formed bone (7 weeks) and mature bone tissue.
Contribution of IncFII and Broad-Host IncA/C and IncN Plasmids to the Local Expansion and Diversification of Phylogroup B2 Escherichia coli ST131 Clones Carrying
bla
CTX-M-15
and
qnrS1
Genes
Authors: Novais Ângela , Viana Diana , Baquero Fernando , Martínez-Botas Javier , Cantón Rafael , Coque Teresa M.
Published: February 2012

The recent increase of CTX-M-15-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates in our institution was caused by diverse clonal backgrounds, including mainly B2 sequence type 131 (ST131) clones presenting variable virulence profiles but also A
1
(ST617, ST410), B1, and D
1
(ST405) clones. Besides IncFII-pC15-1a, we detected multidrug-resistant IncA/C
2
and IncN plasmids carrying
bla
CTX-M-15
and/or
qnrS1
. Our study highlights the diversification of highly transmissible resistant and virulent clones and the recombinogenic potential of broad-host plasmids contributing to the expansion of genetic regions coding for multidrug resistance to other bacterial lineages.