bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional needs for egg formation in the Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Authors: Grau C. R.
Published: February 2011

Egg production does not impose a major food need in the Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis because the eggs are small, are formed slowly and are laid at 3‐day intervals. I used dye‐dosing of females, laying time and, after fixing and staining the yolk, daily ring counts to estimate the amounts of protein and energy needed each day to produce a clutch of three eggs. Maximum daily nutrient needs during egg formation were only 1.15 g per day additional protein and 34 kJ per day energy. Yolk formation times of 40 eggs were 13.5 (±1.2 s.d.) days. Based on yolk‐ring counts and laying dates of 15 eggs that contained dye, the lag period between yolk completion and laying was 3.1 ± 0.06 days. The distinct light and dark rings of the stained yolk resulted from differences in the transparency of the yolk spheres. In the dark rings, the spheres were relatively clear, so more depth of stained yolk could be seen than in the light rings, which reflected the incident light.
Environmental variables associated with population patterns of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia
Authors: Hunt Gavin R.
Published: February 2011

The first comprehensive survey of the threatened Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus of New Caledonia based on 177 different listening areas outside the Rivière Bleue Park was carried out between June 1991 and January 1992. A total of 491 adult Kagus, including 208 pairs, were recorded in 84 of the areas, mostly in the Southern Province (403 birds, 177 pairs). Low Kagu numbers (one to four birds) were recorded in 56% (n = 47) of the areas. More than nine Kagus were recorded in each of 19 areas, which accounted for 57% (n = 282) of all birds. In these 19 areas, virtually all birds sang from intact forest. Kagu distribution was fragmented over a large area of the island, but birds occurred mostly in inland mountainous regions. Generalized linear modelling was used to investigate associations between Kagu numbers and eight environmental variables measured at each area. A minimal adequate model without interactions indicated that larger numbers of Kagus were in remoter habitat and on volcanic rock types. These results supported the qualitative analyses in previous surveys. A minimal adequate model with interactions suggested that greater numbers of Kagus were likely to be present with increasing remoteness from human settlements. The Kagu population is now fragmented amongst remote patches of habitat, and the results suggest this is most likely because of human‐associated factors. Additional managed reserves to protect significant numbers of Kagus are urgently needed to ensure birds remain throughout the island and in a variety of biotypes.
The Value of Financial Statement Verification in Debt Financing: Evidence from Private U.S. Firms
Authors: MINNIS MICHAEL
Published: February 2011

I examine how verification of financial statements influences debt pricing. I use a large proprietary database of privately held U.S. firms, an important business sector in which the information environment is opaque and financial statement audits are not mandated. I find that audited firms have a significantly lower cost of debt and that lenders place more weight on audited financial information in setting the interest rate. Further, I provide evidence of a mechanism for this increased financial statement usefulness: accruals from audited financial statements are better predictors of future cash flows. Collectively, I provide novel evidence that audited financial statements are more informative and that this significantly influences lenders’ decisions.
Development of a prototype‐based measure of relational boredom
Authors: HARASYMCHUK CHERYL , FEHR BEVERLEY
Published: February 2011

The goal of this research was to create a self‐report measure of relational boredom using a prototype approach. In the first study, 2 samples (participants in dating relationships and in marital relationships) generated features of the concept of relational boredom. In Study 2, these features were rated for prototypicality by 2 samples (dating and married). A Relational Boredom Scale was constructed by selecting those features (items) that were rated as most central to the construct. In Study 3, the reliability and validity of the scale were assessed, again with participants in dating and marital relationships. There was evidence that the Relational Boredom Scale is a psychometrically sound measurement instrument.
Responses to comparisons in romantic relationships: Empathy, shared fate, and contrast
Authors: PINKUS REBECCA T. , LOCKWOOD PENELOPE , MARSHALL TARA C. , YOON HYEA MIN
Published: February 2011

Individuals who empathize and share outcomes with their partner are likely to react more positively to upward comparisons (UCs) than downward comparisons (DCs). Three studies examined responses to comparisons in romantic relationships. Participants reported more positive affect following UCs than DCs; positive affect was also predicted by empathy and shared outcomes. Relationship‐maintaining responses were predicted by empathy and shared outcomes: Participants who felt boosted by sharing their partner's success were less likely to report distancing themselves from the partner following UCs, and participants who felt concern for their partner's failure were especially likely to help the partner following DCs. Our findings suggest that individuals respond functionally to these comparisons by focusing on protecting the relationship rather than protecting the self.
Viewpoint: Further results on measuring the well‐being of the poor using income and consumption
Authors: Meyer Bruce D. , Sullivan James X.
Published: February 2011

Abstract We evaluate the relative merits of income‐ and consumption‐based measures of well‐being. Our results provide evidence that consumption better captures well‐being for those with few resources. The bottom deciles of expenditures exceed those of income, suggesting under‐reporting of income. The under‐reporting rate for government transfers is high and rising. Overall non‐response is more severe in U.S. income data than in expenditure data. Furthermore, a consumption data set requires fewer observations than an income data set to obtain the same level of precision for typical estimates. Finally, very low consumption is more strongly related to other bad outcomes than very low income.
A note on the societal benefits of illiquid bonds
Authors: Andolfatto David
Published: February 2011

Abstract Kocherlakota (2003) provides an example of a monetary economy where efficiency is enhanced with the introduction of a nominally risk‐free bond that is specifically designed to be illiquid. The societal benefit of an illiquid bond in his example, however, is transitory, and he does not characterize an optimal policy. I use an analytically tractable framework to characterize an optimal intervention and to show that the purported benefits of an illiquid bond market persist in a steady state.
Trade between symmetric countries, heterogeneous firms, and the skill premium
Authors: Vannoorenberghe Gonzague
Published: February 2011

Abstract This paper examines the effects of trade liberalization between symmetric countries on the skill premium. I introduce skilled and unskilled labour in a model of trade with heterogeneous firms à la Melitz (2003) and assume a production technology such that more productive firms are more skill intensive. I show that the effects of trade liberalization on wage inequality crucially depend on the type of trade costs considered and on their initial size. While fixed costs of trade have a potentially non‐monotonic effect on the skill premium, a drop in variable trade costs unambiguously and substantially raises wage inequality.
Trade costs and the timing of competition policy adoption
Authors: Forslid Rikard , Häckner Jonas , Muren Astri
Published: February 2011

Abstract This paper first presents stylized evidence showing how the date of the adoption of competition policy is correlated with country size. Smaller countries tend to adopt competition policy later. We then present a theoretical model with countries of different size, trade costs, and firms competing à la Cournot. In the model we show that reduced trade costs following from increasing globalization affect countries differently depending on their size. This has implications for the incentives to introduce competition policy. The predictions of the model are consistent with the empirical regularity presented.
Trade‐related intellectual property rights: industry variation and technology diffusion
Authors: Ivus Olena
Published: February 2011

Abstract This paper assesses how a strengthening of intellectual property rights (IPRs) affects international technology diffusion by altering the volume of high‐tech exports into developing countries. A simple North‐South general equilibrium model in which industries differ in their imitation rates is developed. Stronger IPRs encourage Northern firms in a wider range of industries to start exporting. Exports in industries with the highest risk of imitation rise, while exports in other industries may fall. More technology diffuses to the South because new high‐tech products are introduced in the Southern market. This works against the reduction in technology diffusion caused by limited imitation.
Regulating altruistic agents
Authors: Heyes Anthony , Kapur Sandeep
Published: February 2011

Abstract Altruism or ‘regard for others’ can encourage self‐restraint among generators of negative externalities, thereby mitigating the externality problem. We explore how introducing impure altruism into standard regulatory settings alters regulatory prescriptions. The optimal calibration of both quantitative controls and externality taxes is affected. It also leads to surprising results on the comparative performance of instruments. Under quantity‐based regulation, welfare is increasing in the propensity for altruism in the population; under price‐based regulation, the relationship is non‐monotonic. Price‐based regulation is preferred when the population is either predominantly altruistic or predominantly selfish; quantity‐based regulation is preferred for cases in between.
Differential mortality and social security
Authors: Bommier Antoine , Leroux Marie‐Louise , Lozachmeur Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2011

Abstract This paper studies the normative problem of redistribution between individuals who differ in their lifespans. We discuss aspects related to the objective function and argue that aversion to multiperiod inequality should be taken into account. Then, we study the properties of the social optimum both with full information and with asymmetric information. We highlight the role of aversion to multiperiod inequality and show that it has substantial consequences on the design of Social Security schemes. In particular, we show that for a low (resp. high) aversion to multiperiod inequality, a negative (resp. positive) implicit tax rate on continued activity is desirable.
The structure of public debt and the choice of exchange rate regime
Authors: Bleaney Michael , Ozkan F. Gulcin
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper explores the relationship between the denomination of public debt and the choice of exchange rate regime. Three types of debt (nominal, indexed, and foreign) and two regimes (fixed and flexible) are considered. Indexed debt is insulated against unexpected inflation. The real (domestic‐currency) value of foreign debt is subject to valuation effects from real exchange rate shocks. The ‘fear‐of‐floating’ result, that foreign debt makes pegging more attractive, is shown to hold unambiguously only if the peg is fully credible. If the peg lacks credibility, a critical factor is the perceived likelihood of using the ‘escape clause’ of a switch to a float, which raises the costs of pegging. Foreign debt increases the temptation to resort to the escape clause, so when a peg is not fully credible (as is almost always the case in reality), pegging tends to be less attractive than floating in the presence of foreign debt.
Endogenous inflows of speculative capital and the optimal currency appreciation path
Authors: Li Mei , Qiu Junfeng
Published: February 2011

Abstract This paper examines the optimal appreciation path of an undervalued currency in the presence of speculative capital inflows that are endogenously affected by the appreciation path. A central bank decides its appreciation policy based on three costs: (i) misalignment costs associated with the gap between the actual and long‐run equilibrium exchange rates, (ii) short‐term adjustment costs due to resource reallocation, and (iii) capital losses due to speculative capital inflows. Our model finds (1) when speculators face no liquidity shocks, the central bank tends to appreciate the currency quickly to discourage speculative capital; (2) when speculators face liquidity shocks, the central bank optimally pre‐commits to a slower appreciation path, and the appreciation takes the longest time when the probability of liquidity shocks takes intermediate values; (3) the central bank tends to appreciate the currency more quickly when it conducts discretionary policy.
Estimating JP Morgan Chase's Profits From the Madoff Deposits
Authors: Davis Louis R. , Wilson Linus
Published: February 2011

Abstract

JP Morgan Chase had deposits from Bernard L. Madoff's investors totaling $5.5 billion at one point in 2008. The Chase account was supposedly where most of the funds in his Ponzi scheme were deposited. Any large deposit can be a considerable source of profit to a bank. Assuming that the deposits returned the bank's net interest margin and grew at a random geometric rate, this article estimates that JP Morgan Chase generated $435 million in after‐tax profits from this very large account over the course of 16 years. With JP Morgan Chase the target of pending lawsuits relating to the Madoff fraud, this article's methodology and results may be of interest to litigants, prosecutors, journalists, and academics.
American Criminology Meets Collins: Global Theory of Intellectual Change and a Policy‐Oriented Field1
Authors: Savelsberg Joachim J. , Flood Sarah
Published: February 2011

Ideas from Randall Collins’sSociology of Philosophiesare applied to U.S. criminology, a policy‐oriented field and one case of differentiation out of a fragmented sociological discipline. Building on previous quantitative work, in‐depth interviews with eight prominent scholars provide the empirical material. As in philosophy, vertical network ties are important. Yet, they may take different forms, with consequences for the shape of horizontal networks and the nature of scholarship. Comparable to philosophy, horizontal network ties provide social capital and opportunities for interaction rituals that generate collective effervescence and emotional energy. Further, the nature of these interactions is dependent on the changing institutional environment in which they are embedded. Such institutional settings, themselves affected by changes in the political economy, also provide material resources, constituting dependencies that produce mediated effects and, in this policy‐oriented field, also direct effects on the nature of scholarship.
Drug Courts and the Logic of Coerced Treatment1
Authors: Tiger Rebecca
Published: February 2011

This article examines the social and historical significance of coerced drug treatment within the criminal justice system. Drug courts, the most prominent example of this approach, serve as a case study to explore how seemingly contradictory perspectives on substance use—therapeutic and punitive—are merged to justify increased criminal justice oversight of defendants in the name of facilitating recovery. Drawing on an analysis of drug court organizational documents and interviews with key advocates, this article (1) examines the punitive, therapeutic, and medical knowledge drug court advocates draw on and construct to justify an increased role for the courts in solving the problem of addiction, and (2) links these theories historically to broader discussions about the causes of crime and the courts’ role in solving social problems. Overall, this article considers how scientific theories are fused with moral considerations in the name of an “enlightened” criminal justice approach to complex social problems.
Innate Immunity in the Human Female Reproductive Tract: Endocrine Regulation of Endogenous Antimicrobial Protection Against HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Wira Charles R. , Patel Mickey V. , Ghosh Mimi , Mukura Lucy , Fahey John V.
Published: February 2011

Citation Wira CR, Patel MV, Ghosh M, Mukura L, Fahey JV. Innate immunity in the human female reproductive tract: endocrine regulation of endogenous antimicrobial protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 196–211

Mucosal surfaces of the female reproductive tract (FRT) contain a spectrum of antimicrobials that provide the first line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and fungi that enter the lower FRT. Once thought to be a sterile compartment, the upper FRT is periodically exposed to pathogens throughout the menstrual cycle. More recently, secretions from the upper FRT have been shown to contribute to downstream protection in the lower FRT. In this review, we examine the antimicrobials in FRT secretions made by immune cells and epithelial cells in the upper and lower FRT that contribute to innate protection. Because each site is hormonally regulated to maintain fertility, this review focuses on the contributions of hormone balance during the menstrual cycle to innate immune protection. As presented in this review, studies from our laboratory and others demonstrate that sex hormones regulate antimicrobials produced by innate immune cells throughout the FRT. The goal of this review is to examine the spectrum of antimicrobials in the FRT and the ways in which they are regulated to provide protection against pathogens that compromise reproductive health and threaten the lives of women.
Immunodeficiency in a child with partial trisomy 6p
Authors: Bart Ingeborg Y , Weemaes Corry MR , Schuitema‐Dijkstra Anke R , Smeets Dominique , de Vries Esther
Published: February 2011

Aim:  We present a mentally retarded boy with partial trisomy of the short arm of chromosome 6 as a result of an interstitial tandem duplication of 6p12.2–p21.31 and immunodeficiency. Patients with mental retardation because of a chromosomal disorder or eponymous syndrome often experience recurrent respiratory tract infections as a result of their associated anatomical or neurological abnormalities. However, associated immune defects may also significantly contribute to their susceptibility to infections. Timely recognition and appropriate treatment of their immunodeficiency will greatly improve quality of life in these patients.

Conclusion:  Immunodeficiency may be the direct cause of recurrent respiratory tract infections in patients with mental retardation because of a chromosomal disorder or eponymous syndrome, even in the face of feeding difficulties and multiple episodes of aspiration, as is illustrated in this boy with partial trisomy 6p.
Broad antibiotic resistance profile of the subclass B3 metallo‐β‐lactamase GOB‐1, a di‐zinc enzyme
Authors: Horsfall Louise E. , Izougarhane Youssef , Lassaux Patricia , Selevsek Nathalie , Liénard Benoit M. R. , Poirel Laurent , Kupper Michael B. , Hoffmann Kurt M. , Frère Jean‐Marie , Galleni Moreno , Bebrone Carine
Published: February 2011

The metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL) GOB‐1 was expressed via a T7 expression system in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The MBL was purified to homogeneity and shown to exhibit a broad substrate profile, hydrolyzing all the tested β‐lactam compounds efficiently. The GOB enzymes are unique among MBLs due to the presence of a glutamine residue at position 116, a zinc‐binding residue in all known class B1 and B3 MBL structures. Here we produced and studied the Q116A, Q116N and Q116H mutants. The substrate profiles were similar for each mutant, but with significantly reduced activity compared with that of the wild‐type. In contrast to the Q116H enzyme, which bound two zinc ions just like the wild‐type, only one zinc ion is present in Q116A and Q116N. These results suggest that the Q116 residue plays a role in the binding of the zinc ion in the QHH site.
Cooling neutron star in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant: evidence for superfluidity in the core
Authors: Shternin Peter S. , Yakovlev Dmitry G. , Heinke Craig O. , Ho Wynn C. G. , Patnaude Daniel J.
Published: February 2011

According to recent results of Ho & Heinke, the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant contains a young (≈330-yr-old) neutron star (NS) which has carbon atmosphere and shows notable decline of the effective surface temperature. We report a new (2010 November) Chandra observation which confirms the previously reported decline rate. The decline is naturally explained if neutrons have recently become superfluid (in triplet state) in the NS core, producing a splash of neutrino emission due to Cooper pair formation (CPF) process that currently accelerates the cooling. This scenario puts stringent constraints on poorly known properties of NS cores: on density dependence of the temperature Tcn(ρ) for the onset of neutron superfluidity [Tcn(ρ) should have a wide peak with maximum ≈ (7–9) × 108 K]; on the reduction factor q of CPF process by collective effects in superfluid matter (q > 0.4) and on the intensity of neutrino emission before the onset of neutron superfluidity (30–100 times weaker than the standard modified Urca process). This is serious evidence for nucleon superfluidity in NS cores that comes from observations of cooling NSs.
Full Disclosure of the ‘Raw Data’ of Research on Humans: Citizens’ Rights, Product Manufacturers’ Obligations and the Quality of the Scientific Database
Authors: Mazur Dennis J.
Published: February 2011

As advances in medicine continue to develop, questions of how medical research impacts human rights continue to be raised. Research on medical products depends on study participants’ who are willing to donate their time, effort, and willingly take on the inherent risk of trial research. Testing of new products (prescription medicine and medical devices) is always unpredictable. Even higher degrees of unpredictability are always associated with those products having new mechanisms of action. ‘Unpredictability’ refers to:

The inability to estimate four aspects of risk related to a newly designed product with a new mechanism of action:

More work needs to be done across academic boundaries concerning citizens’ rights to receive full information about new medical products. The important tasks of clarifying and communicating the levels of unpredictability of a medical product lie in three areas: (i) consent and informed consent in patient care; (ii) consent and informed consent in research on humans; and (iii) information provided to consumers, physicians, and researchers by product manufacturers. The right to full and open disclosure of risk information regarding medical products affects citizens in three different positions: (i) as study participants bearing the risks of new medical products; (ii) as patients who are asked to consider these products as treatment in their medical care; and (iii) as consumers who may receive less than full disclosures about medical products from product manufacturers. To achieve this goal of full and open disclosure of product risks, society must focus on the obligations of product manufacturers to provide this type of disclosure about their medical products. I will argue that citizens are owed these rights because citizens are the study participants who bear the risks related to medical product testing.
Hegel’s Idealist Reading of Spinoza
Authors: Newlands Samuel
Published: February 2011

In this paper, I discuss Hegel’s influential reading of Spinoza as a kind of idealist. I begin with a brief overview of Spinoza’s doctrines of substance, mode, and attributes. I then turn to Hegel’s arguments that Spinoza is an acosmicist (someone who denies the existence of finite individuals) and that Spinoza’s attribute of thought becomes the sole fundamental attribute. Underlying both criticisms is Hegel’s charge that Spinoza cannot consistently affirm his doctrine of substance and his doctrines of attribute and mode pluralism. In conclusion, I discuss the legacy of Hegel’s idealist reading.
Export Dependence and Sustainability of Growth in China
Authors: Akyüz Yilmaz
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the contribution of exports to growth in China since the early years of the decade. It is estimated that, despite a high import content ranging between 40 and 50 percent, approximately one‐third of Chinese growth before the global crisis was a result of exports, due to their phenomenal growth of some 25 percent per annum. This figure increases to 50 percent if spillovers to consumption and investment are allowed for. The main reason for excessive dependence on foreign markets is underconsumption. This is due not so much to a high share of household savings in GDP as to a low share of household income and a high share of profits. It is argued that China can no longer maintain such high growth rates for its exports, and, therefore, needs to turn to consumption‐led growth by expanding the share of wages and household income in GDP and accelerating public spending in social infrastructure.
Growth Enterprise Board Initial Public Offerings: Characteristics, Volatility and the Initial‐day Performance
Authors: Guo Haifeng , Fung Hung‐Gay
Published: February 2011

We use the Chinese initial public offering data from October 2009 to August 2010 to examine the newly‐established growth enterprise board (GEB). The results indicate that the GEB has been successful and is providing a viable channel for new small and medium‐sized firms to raise external capital. Four variables, the volatility variable, the turnover ratio, the winning lottery ratio and the price–earnings ratio, are important factors driving the initial‐day returns in the regression analysis. The implementation of the new trading‐halts policy on the GEB is found to be effective in mitigating excessive speculation. Our analysis results could be used by policy‐makers to gauge the effects of policy changes on the underpricing of the initial public offerings of the GEB.
Evaluation of candidate DNA barcoding loci for economically important timber species of the mahogany family (Meliaceae)
Authors: MUELLNER A.N. , SCHAEFER H. , LAHAYE R.
Published: February 2011

There has been considerable debate regarding locus choice for DNA barcoding land plants. This is partly attributable to a shortage of comparable data from proposed candidate loci on a common set of samples. In this study, we evaluated main candidate plastid regions (rpoC1, rpoB, accD) and additional plastid markers (psbB, psbN, psbT exons and the trnS‐trnG spacer) as well as the nuclear ribosomal spacer region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) in a group of land plants belonging to the mahogany family, Meliaceae. Across these samples, only ITS showed high levels of resolvability. Interspecific sharing of sequences from individual plastid loci was common. The combination of multiple loci did not improve performance. DNA barcoding with ITS alone revealed cryptic species and proved useful in identifying species listed in Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species appendixes.
Comparison of FST outlier tests for SNP loci under selection
Authors: NARUM SHAWN R. , HESS JON E.
Published: February 2011

Genome scans with many genetic markers provide the opportunity to investigate local adaptation in natural populations and identify candidate genes under selection. In particular, SNPs are dense throughout the genome of most organisms and are commonly observed in functional genes making them ideal markers to study adaptive molecular variation. This approach has become commonly employed in ecological and population genetics studies to detect outlier loci that are putatively under selection. However, there are several challenges to address with outlier approaches including genotyping errors, underlying population structure and false positives, variation in mutation rate and limited sensitivity (false negatives). In this study, we evaluated multiple outlier tests and their type I (false positive) and type II (false negative) error rates in a series of simulated data sets. Comparisons included simulation procedures (FDIST2, arlequin v.3.5 and BAYESCAN) as well as more conventional tools such as global FST histograms. Of the three simulation methods, FDIST2 and BAYESCAN typically had the lowest type II error, BAYESCAN had the least type I error and Arlequin had highest type I and II error. High error rates in Arlequin with a hierarchical approach were partially because of confounding scenarios where patterns of adaptive variation were contrary to neutral structure; however, Arlequin consistently had highest type I and type II error in all four simulation scenarios tested in this study. Given the results provided here, it is important that outlier loci are interpreted cautiously and error rates of various methods are taken into consideration in studies of adaptive molecular variation, especially when hierarchical structure is included.
Silica‐scaled chrysophytes from Abisko (Swedish Lapland)
Authors: Pichrtová Martina , Janatková Kateřina , Němcová Yvonne
Published: February 2011

The silica‐scaled chrysophyte flora of Swedish Lapland (near Abisko) was examined. Chrysophyte scales were found in 18 of the 32 investigated water bodies (lakes and pools). Altogether, 28 taxa from the classes Chrysophyceae and Synurophyceae were found. The most abundant species was Synura echinulata. Three species were observed for the first time in Sweden: Mallomonas maculata, M. rasilis and Spiniferomonas serrata.
Carex zhejiangensis sp. nov. (Cyperaceae) from Zhejiang, eastern China
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Feng , Zhao Yin‐Jia , Zheng Chao‐Zong , Zhang Hong‐Wei
Published: February 2011

Carex zhejiangensis X. F. Jin, Y. J. Zhao, C. Z. Zheng & H. W. Zhang, a new species of Carex sect. Rhomboidales sensu Kükenthal (Cyperaceae) from Zhejiang, eastern China, is described with illustrations. This new species is morphologically similar to C. filipes and C. macroglossa. Compared to C. filipes, C. zhejiangensis has elongated rhizomes, scattered culms, rather densely flowered pistillate spikes, achenes shortly stipitate at the base, and styles erect at the base. In contrast, C. filipes has short rhizomes, caespitose culms, sparsely flowered pistillate spikes, achenes obscurely stipitate at the base, and styles curved at the base. C. zhejiangensis differs from C. macroglossa by having elongated rhizomes and scattered culms, pistillate scales awned at apex, and perigynia contracted to a narrowly infundibuliform beak at apex. Diagnostic morphological characters, which are based upon population sampling, were analyzed in Carex zhejiangensis sp. nov., C. filipes and C. macroglossa.
Causes and Consequences of Fragility in Africa: The Experience of the Greater Lakes Region
Authors: Magidu Nyende
Published: February 2011

This article identifies the consequences of fragility in African states but with more focus on countries in the Greater Lakes region. Such countries constitute a development challenge given their enormous needs and difficulties associated with implementation of recovery and development programmes. Although there is no universally agreed definition of fragility, this study pays much attention to both national conflicts and those with a regional bearing. Given the scale and frequency of these conflicts, Africa has witnessed the destruction of institutions, infrastructures and systems which have impacted negatively on the growth of economies. The article reviews the causes and analyses the consequences of fragility and the conclusions are that the causes range from historical perspectives, social to economic. Similarly, the consequences not only include the destruction of human capital, institutions and infrastructures, but also the erosion of good governance and accountability. This article also emphasises the principles for engagement in the stabilisation, recovery and development programmes, but most important is the reorganisation of capacity constraints and political will as well as aligning interventions with local priorities and systems. The article concludes that provision of recovery and development programmes should be integrated within the local programmes for ownership and sustainability in such engagements and financing mechanisms should be aligned within the existing framework for efficiency and effectiveness.
Optimal Bonus Points in the Australian Football League*
Authors: Lenten Liam J. A. , Winchester Niven
Published: February 2011

This paper considers a bonus point system for the Australian Football League (AFL). We utilise league points as a measure of team strength in a prediction model and choose the allocation of points to maximise prediction accuracy. For AFL data extending over seasons 1997–2008, we determine a bonus point system that is better at revealing strong teams than the current allocation of league points. For each match, our preferred league‐scoring system awards six points. If Team A wins by more than twenty‐six points, they get all six points. If Team A wins by less than twenty‐seven points, Team A gets four points and Team B gets two points. If the teams draw, they each get three points.
Delayed Carbon Policy Certainty and Electricity Prices in Australia*
Authors: Nelson Tim , Kelley Simon , Orton Fiona , Simshauser Paul
Published: February 2011

The power industry has been grappling with regulatory uncertainty in relation to carbon since late 2004 when Australian state governments committed to the introduction of an emissions trading scheme. This article estimates the additional cost to electricity users associated with the sub‐optimal introduction of new power generating capacity given regulatory delays. We find the costs to be significant; under a business‐as‐usual electricity demand growth scenario, prices in 2020 would be about $8.60/MWh higher than necessary. We also find that costs to consumers are lower where complementary policies are introduced to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Dutch Disease and the Sustainable Management of Royalty Wealth in Western Australia*
Authors: Hart Jason C.
Published: February 2011

During the 2003–2008 commodity‐price boom, the Australian economy exhibited symptoms of Dutch disease where state governments followed cyclical consumption‐based fiscal policies that eroded the country’s capital stocks and exacerbated costly adjustments. International experience has shown that a revenue fund could offer a solution to both these problems; however, the collection and redistribution of royalty wealth between Australian states makes it difficult for individual states to set up all but the most rigid form of revenue funds. Establishing a revenue fund at the state level would help to ensure Australia convert its finite mineral wealth into productive capital and dampens adjustments that naturally result from exporting non‐renewable natural resources.
The New National Health and Hospitals Network – Building Australia’s Health Workforce: Where is the Evidence?*
Authors: Leach Matthew J. , Segal Leonie
Published: February 2011

The National Health and Hospitals Network (NHHN) policy, released on 20 April 2010, describes a core part of the Commonwealth Government’s strategy for health reform. Additional funds are identified to support quality improvement and accessibility to hospital, primary and aged care, with just over 16 per cent of funding dedicated to building Australia’s health workforce. Whilst considerable investment in Australia’s health workforce is desirable, we argue that the explicit and implicit objectives of the workforce strategy and the specific components described in the NHHN document do not have an evidence base. This article highlights some of the flawed assumptions that seem to have informed the workforce policy. It also presents an alternate evidence‐based approach to help improve the integrity and success of the NHHN workforce policy, and thus, the quality of workforce planning in Australia and the health of Australians.
Is All Cartel Activity Evil?*
Authors: Torre Andrew , Morgan Daniel
Published: February 2011

The new Australian cartel laws prohibit a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding that inter alia, results in price fixing and output restriction between competitors in the relevant market. This is subject to a recognition that sometimes such conduct can be in the public interest, in which case the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) may grant an authorisation. One such instance may be an activity characterised by substantial externalised cost. An authorisation application would need to provide suitable evidence in support of the underlying case being argued. Traditionally in Australia, such evidence has been qualitative in nature; however, where possible, the ACCC and its counterparts in the EU and New Zealand encourage quantitative estimates. This is a case study of the welfare impact of output restrictions in the Australian beer industry, which is a source of substantial negative externalities. A standard simulation exercise is utilised as an example of how applicants and the competition regulator might combine theoretical and quantitative concepts to better achieve the objectives of the new legislation.
Reform of the Regulation of Liquor*
Authors: Lloyd Peter J.
Published: February 2011

This article reviews the tax bases and rates currently applied to alcoholic beverages in Australia. It then considers changes to the tax base and rates. It advocates a single volumetric base with the rate at least equal to that currently levied on spirits other than brandy. However, improved taxes on alcoholic beverages cannot eliminate the externals harms imposed by some drinkers on other persons. The guiding principle for reform of both taxes and other regulations is that they should focus on the small minority of drinkers who cause harm. Effective policy reform will require careful policy design and a commitment from politicians. Some reforms are mooted.
Validation of a species‐optimized enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for determination of serum concentrations of insulin in dogs
Authors: Öberg Josefine , Fall Tove , Lilliehöök Inger
Published: February 2011

Background:Measurement of canine serum insulin has relied on methods developed to measure human insulin. A species‐optimized test for measurement of serum insulin in dogs is now commercially available.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to validate the canine ELISA for determination of serum insulin concentration in dogs.

Methods:Precision was determined by evaluating intra‐ and interassay coefficient of variation (CV), and accuracy was determined by dilution and spike recovery studies. A method comparison study with samples from 34 clinically healthy dogs and 73 dogs examined for various illnesses and disorders (“patients”) was performed using the canine ELISA and an ELISA for human insulin. Biologic relevance of the canine assay was evaluated by measuring insulin in samples collected from 8 healthy dogs after administration of glucagon. A stability study was preformed with 6 samples stored at 20°C, 4–8°C, and −20°C.

Results:For the canine ELISA, intra‐ and interassay CVs were 4.3–7.8% and 4.4–7.7%, respectively. Mean recovery after dilution was 99% and recovery after spiking with porcine insulin was 116%. The canine and human ELISAs correlated well (r2=.94 for healthy dogs,r2=.88 for patient samples). After glucagon injection serum insulin concentrations increased significantly in 8 dogs. Insulin was stable for 30 days in 6 serum samples stored at −20°C and in most samples for 8 days at 4–8°C. Insulin was stable for <3 days at room temperature (20°C).

Conclusions:The new canine serum insulin ELISA had good precision and accuracy and correlated well with the previously used assay.
Comparison of gel column agglutination with monoclonal antibodies and card agglutination methods for assessing the feline AB group system and a frequency study of feline blood types in northern Italy
Authors: Proverbio Daniela , Spada Eva , Baggiani Luciana , Perego Roberta , Milici Alessandra , Ferro Elisabetta
Published: February 2011

Background:A new commercial gel column agglutination system is reported to have high sensitivity in detecting cats with blood type AB.

Objectives:The aims of this study were to compare gel column agglutination and card agglutination methods for feline blood‐typing and to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy.

Methods:Blood‐typing was performed on 120 cats using both a commercial gel column containing monoclonal antibodies (ID Gel‐Test Micro Typing System) and a card agglutination method (RapidVet‐H Feline). Results were confirmed with back‐typing. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the 2 methods. A second group of 140 Domestic Shorthair (DSH) cats was blood‐typed using the gel column technique to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy.

Results:The card agglutination method demonstrated poor sensitivity in identification of type‐AB cats (61%) and was only 95% specific when identifying type‐B cats. The gel column agglutination technique demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for typing all 3 blood types (A, B, and AB). The frequency distribution study of 140 cats demonstrated that 127 (90.7%) cats were type A, 10 (7.1%) were type B, and 3 (2.1%) were type AB.

Conclusion:When blood‐typing cats of breeds with a relatively high frequency of blood types B and AB, methods that use monoclonal antibodies for detection of blood types B and AB are recommended. Alternatively, blood type can be confirmed by more sensitive supplemental testing, such as back‐typing. The high frequency of blood type A in DSH cats in northern Italy was comparable to previously reported frequencies in Italy and world‐wide.
Using Instructional Logs to Study Teachers' Adaptation to Curricular Reform
Authors: Stickles Paula R.
Published: February 2011

In this study, the characteristics of teachers that motivate their implementation of reform curriculum, and the factors that influence the teachers' success in implementing the curriculum are investigated. In particular, teachers' internal struggles, frustrations, collegiality, and classroom successes during the implementation of the reform curriculum are considered. From data gathered from elementary school teachers through electronic instructional logs, a classification emerges that suggests that teachers fall into three broad categories based on their characteristics. Implications and future research directions are suggested.
“Natural Philosophy” as a Foundation for Science Education in an Age of High‐Stakes Accountability
Authors: Buxton Cory , Provenzo, Jr Eugene F.
Published: February 2011

Science curriculum and instruction in K‐12 settings in the United States is currently dominated by an emphasis on the science standards movement of the 1990s and the resulting standards‐based high‐stakes assessment and accountability movement of the 2000s. We argue that this focus has moved the field away from important philosophical understandings of science teaching and learning that have their roots in the history of both learning theory and scientific discovery. We offer a philosophical argument, as well as a model for implementation, grounded in the 19th century notion of “natural philosophy,” as well as Dewean progressivism and Piaget's notion of reconstruction through rediscovery, for the important place of the history of science in modern science education. We provide curricular examples of this model, as well as a discussion of how it might be implemented as part of teacher education. We focus our discussion on the elementary and middle school grades, because teachers at these levels tend to have more limited science content knowledge than their secondary school peers, making them more dependent upon curricular materials and thus more heavily influenced by curricular reforms.
“Mathematicians Would Say It This Way”: An Investigation of Teachers' Framings of Mathematicians
Authors: Cirillo Michelle , Herbel‐Eisenmann Beth
Published: February 2011

Although popular media often provides negative images of mathematicians, we contend that mathematics classroom practices can also contribute to students' images of mathematicians. In this study, we examined eight mathematics teachers' framings of mathematicians in their classrooms. Here, we analyze classroom observations to explore some of the characteristics of the teachers' framings of mathematicians in their classrooms. The findings suggest that there may be a relationship between a teachers' mathematics background and his/her references to mathematicians. We also argue that teachers need to be reflective about how they represent mathematicians to their students, and that preservice teachers should explore their beliefs about what mathematicians actually do.
Shock Absorption Using Linear Particle Chains With Multiple Impacts
Authors: Gharib Mohamed , Celik Ahmet , Hurmuzlu Yildirim
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we numerically solved the elastic multiple impact problem in a linear chain of balls using the impulse momentum and Hertz contact theory based methods. The first method depends on a parameter called the impulse correlation ratio (ICR) while the latter one depends on the material properties and geometries of the colliding bodies. We compared the post impact velocities from the two methods and we found that the two methods yield similar solutions for elastic collisions. Then, we develop an energy absorption scheme using an arrangement of balls with different sizes. The impulse momentum method is used and the ICRs are experimentally estimated. We use numerical and experimental analyses to demonstrate that one can significantly improve the energy absorption by placing small balls in specific locations in a linear chain of large balls.
An Investigation Into the Prediction of Forming Limit Diagrams for Normal Anisotropic Material Based on Bifurcation Analysis
Authors: Jaamialahmadi A. , Kadkhodayan M.
Published: February 2011

In this paper, formula derivation for bifurcation analysis based on a constitutive model including Hill 48 yield criterion with normal anisotropy of a pointed vertex on subsequent yield loci to predict the entire forming limit diagram (FLD) is carried out. Proportional loading, total deformation theory of plasticity, and power law relation are assumed. Predicted limit strains for Hill’s zero and minimum extension of localized neck orientation is derived. The dominancy of zero extension and minimum extension on the left-hand side of FLDs for different work hardening components and r-values are investigated in detail. An implicit four order rational function equation for major strain, which preferred that the orientation of neck correspond to minimum value of limit strain, is found by a developed optimization method. Optimized predicted limit strains for typical work hardening components and different r-values are obtained and discussed. Limit strains vary directly on the left and reversely on the right-hand side of FLD when r-value increases. Comparison between the predicted and experimental results exhibits a better agreement compared with those from the isotropic material. In addition, on the left-hand side, the resulted prediction limit strains represent a full dependency to assumed yield criterion. A comparison between the current work and Chow et al. results are performed and discussed in detail.