bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORPORATE BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATIONS: ESTIMATES FROM A BARGAINING MODEL*
Authors: Eraslan Hülya K. K.
Published: May 2008

This article uses a novel approach to measure the unobserved liquidation value of a firm that relies on the information contained in the allocations that are agreed upon in Chapter 11 negotiations. I estimate a game theoretic model that captures the influence of liquidation value on the equilibrium allocations using a newly collected data set. I find that the liquidation values are higher when the industry conditions are more favorable, and the real interest rates are higher. I use the estimated model to conduct a counterfactual experiment to quantitatively assess the impact of a mandatory liquidation on the equilibrium allocations.
ASPIRATION LEVEL, PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE, AND EXPECTED UTILITY*
Authors: Diecidue Enrico , Van De Ven Jeroen
Published: May 2008

Aspiration levels are a relevant aspect of decision making. We develop a model that includes the overall probabilities of success and failure relative to the aspiration level into an expected utility representation. This turns out to be equivalent to expected utility with a discontinuous utility function. We give a behavioral foundation to the proposed model and provide conditions to determine the relative weights of the overall probabilities of success and failure. An aspiration level reinforces loss aversion, can account for simultaneous risk‐averse and risk‐seeking behavior, and can explain choices violating the mean‐variance approach.
VALUING LOST HOME PRODUCTION OF DUAL EARNER COUPLES*
Authors: House Christopher , Laitner John , Stolyarov Dmitriy
Published: May 2008

Using a life‐cycle model in which women divide their time between home and market work, we establish a link between retirement wealth and the value of forgone home production. We use data from the Health and Retirement Study to estimate the model's parameters and adjust the growth rate of GDP to reflect reductions in nonmarket output. We find that the value of forgone home production is modest—about 25% of women's measured earnings.
Migration Policy and Industrial Structure: The Case of Switzerland
Authors: Becker Leonhard , Liebig Thomas , Sousa‐Poza Alfonso
Published: May 2008

Structural change in OECD countries, emphasizing knowledge‐based sectors, has led to an increasing demand for highly skilled labour. One means of meeting this demand has been to implement a selective immigration policy. Such policies, however, have been criticized for channelling labour into low‐producing sectors and occupations, hampering structural change. Proponents of such criticism point to Switzerland's former policy of channelling immigrants into so‐called seasonal sectors, a practice abandoned in the early 1990s, as having contributed to Switzerland's low growth rates. To assess this, we here analyse the amended migration policy's effects on skill structure and sectoral distribution of immigration flows using data from the Swiss Census of 1990 and 2000 to determine whether the new policy has led to an immigrant inflow more adapted to the processes of structural change.

We find that the share of highly skilled immigrants has increased notably under the new migration policy. Our analysis also shows an important change in the sectoral focus of the new arrival inflow. Not only have fewer immigrants been entering declining sectors, but the majority of migrants arriving under the new policy regime have been absorbed into growing and knowledge‐based sectors, meaning they are employed primarily in service and knowledge‐intensive sectors. Overall, the analysis provides ample evidence that the current admission policy as ositively contributed to tructural change in Switzerland.
Immigrant Economic Integration: A Prospective Analysis over Ten Years of Settlement
Authors: Godin Jean‐François
Published: May 2008

The growing diaspora in migration has prompted Western countries in recent years to examine the factors contributing to the economic integration of newcomers. If their integration is unsuccessful, it could create economic inequalities and be burdensome to the host society. The inequalities experienced by working immigrants have often been examined through cross‐sectional data describing the situation at a specific moment in time, with limited consideration of the complexity of the immigrant's settlement experience. This paper examines the economic integration of new immigrants through prospective analysis and considers multiple factors concurrently in an effort to address some of this complexity. The current study focuses on employment disparities across source regions. The analyses are taken from a ten‐year longitudinal survey describing the socio‐economic experience of 429 new immigrants settled in the Montreal metropolitan area. Over time, wage and occupational mobility increase, although it appears stagnant for different groups of respondents from specific regions such as East Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Also, like respondents from sub‐Saharan Africa, these respondents face difficulties sustaining a position in the labour market.
Randomized clinical study comparing Compeed® cold sore patch to acyclovir cream 5% in the treatment of herpes simplex labialis
Authors: Karlsmark T , Goodman JJ , Drouault Y , Lufrano L , Pledger GW ,   the Cold Sore Study Group
Published: May 2008

Background  Hydrocolloid technology has been proven effective in treating dermal wounds. A previous study showed that a newly developed thin hydrocolloid patch [Compeed® cold sore patch (CSP)] provided multiple wound‐healing benefits across all stages of a herpes simplex labialis (HSL) outbreak.

Methods  An assessment of CSP efficacy and safety was conducted in an international, multicentre, assessor‐blinded study, which enrolled 728 subjects with a history of recurrent HSL. Of these, 351 experienced an HSL outbreak and were randomized to use CSP (n = 179) or acyclovir cream 5% (n = 172) at the onset of symptoms until the lesion healed, for a maximum of 10 days. The primary end point was the subject's global assessment of therapy (SGAT; 0–10 scale; 0 = no response, 10 = excellent response). Multiple secondary end points included clinician‐assessed healing time and subject assessment of lesion protection, noticeability and social embarrassment.

Results  CSP and acyclovir were highly effective (mean SGAT = 7.89 and 8.00, respectively), with no significant difference observed (P = 0.65). The difference in healing times between products was not significant (median, 7.57 days with CSP vs. 7.03 days with acyclovir, P = 0.37). Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion  CSP using hydrocolloid technology provides an efficacious and safe alternative to topical antivirals in treating HSL as a wound while affording additional immediate benefits of wound protection, discretion and relief of social embarrassment.
Omega‐3 fatty acids effect on wound healing
Authors: McDaniel Jodi C. , Belury Martha , Ahijevych Karen , Blakely Wendy
Published: May 2008

Physiological events in the initial inflammatory stage of cutaneous wound healing influence subsequent stages. Proinflammatory cytokines coordinate molecular and cellular processes during the inflammatory stage. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) alter proinflammatory cytokine production, but how this phenomenon specifically influences wound healing is not clearly understood. In the present study, effects of marine‐derived ω‐3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic PUFA on proinflammatory cytokines in wound serum and time to complete healing in healthy, human skin were evaluated. We compared plasma fatty acid levels in two groups (N=30) at baseline and after 4 weeks of eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic PUFA supplements (active) or placebo (control). Eight small blisters on participants' forearms were created. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were quantified in blister fluid at 5 and 24 hours after creation. Wound area was calculated daily. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic plasma fatty acid levels were significantly higher in the active group. Additionally, we found significantly higher IL‐1β levels in blister fluid in the active group and time to complete wound closure was somewhat longer. These results suggest that eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic PUFA may increase proinflammatory cytokine production at wound sites and thus, depending on the clinical context, have noninvasive, therapeutic potential to affect cutaneous wound healing.
Long‐Term Clinical Efficacy and Risk of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly
Authors: ZADO ERICA , CALLANS DAVID J. , RILEY MICHAEL , HUTCHINSON MATHEW , GARCIA FERMIN , BALA RUPA , LIN DAVID , COOPER JOSHUA , VERDINO RALPH , RUSSO ANDREA M. , DIXIT SANJAY , GERSTENFELD EDWARD , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E.
Published: May 2008

Introduction: The number of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing rapidly, and the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in this demographic group has not been established.

Methods: Over a 7‐year period we studied 1,165 consecutive patients undergoing 1,506 AF ablation procedures using a consistent ablation protocol that included proximal ostial pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and focal ablation of non‐PV AF triggers. Outcome was analyzed for three distinct age groups: <65 years (group 1; n = 948 patients), 65–74 years (group 2; n = 185 patients), and ≥75 years (group 3; n = 32 patients) based on the age at the initial procedure.

Results: There was no significant difference in AF control (89% in group 1, 84% in group 2, and 86% in group 3, P = NS) during a mean follow‐up of 27 months. Major complication rates were also comparable (1.6% in group 1, 1.7% in group 2, 2.9% in group 3, P = NS) between the three groups. There was no difference in the left atrial size, percentage with left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, or percentage with paroxysmal versus more persistent forms of atrial fibrillation. However, older patients were more likely to be women (20% in group 1, 34% in group 2, and 56% in group 3, P < 0.001) and have hypertension and/or structural heart disease (56% in group 1 vs 68% in group 2 vs 88% in group 3; P < 0.001). There was a strong trend demonstrating that older patients were less likely to undergo repeat ablation (26% vs 27% vs 9%) to achieve AF control and more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs (20% vs 29% vs 37%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Elderly patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation therapy are represented by a higher proportion of women and have a higher incidence of hypertension/structural heart disease. To achieve a similar level of AF control, there appears to be no increased risk from the ablation procedure, but elderly patients are more likely to remain on antiarrhythmic drugs.
Structural Evolution and Electrical Properties of Sc2O3‐Stabilized ZrO2 Aged at 850°C in Air and Wet‐Forming Gas Ambients
Authors: Du Kui , Kim Chang‐Hoon , Heuer Arthur H. , Goettler Richard , Liu Zhien
Published: May 2008

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy investigations have been performed on Sc2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 as‐sintered and after aging in air or in wet‐forming gas at 850°C for 1000 h. Some tetragonal to monoclinic transformation had occurred in the near‐surface regions of 4 mol% Sc2O3 samples after aging; the phase transition was more severe for samples aged in the forming gas ambient. A decrease of ∼20% in electrical conductivity accompanied the aging. In 6 mol% Sc2O3 samples, although no cubic to tetragonal transformation was detected, both the electrical conductivity and the activation energy for ionic conductivity decreased significantly during aging. Ten mole percent Sc2O3 samples did not show appreciable change in electrical conductivity due to aging, although some near‐surface cubic to rhombohedral transformation did occur. Sharpening of the (400)t XRD peak of Sc2O3‐stabilzed tetragonal ZrO2 accompanies the change(s) in the electrical conductivity.
A Simple Polymeric Precursor Strategy for the Syntheses of Complex Zirconium and Hafnium‐Based Ultra High‐Temperature Silicon‐Carbide Composite Ceramics
Authors: Guron Marta M. , Kim Myung Jong , Sneddon Larry G.
Published: May 2008

Pyrolyses of chemical precursor systems composed of zirconium or hafnium powders dispersed into blends of the polymethylcarbosilane and poly(norbornenyldecaborane) preceramic polymers provide simple efficient routes to new types of ZrB2/ZrC/SiC and HfB2/HfC/SiC composites. Further extensions of this method should now allow the syntheses of a wide variety of complex potential ultra high‐temperature zirconium‐ and hafnium‐based composite materials with controllable tuning of their compositions, microstructures, and/or stabilities.
Grain Growth Behavior of Bi2O3‐Doped ZnO Grains in a Multilayer Varistor
Authors: Kuo Shu‐Ting , Tuan Wei‐Hsing , Lao Yeh‐Wu , Wen Chung‐Kai , Chen Huey‐Ru
Published: May 2008

A novel bismuth‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) laminated structure is prepared in the present study. Seven layers with thickness ranging from 20 to 140 μm are laminated together with platinum (Pt) inner electrodes. The growth of Bi2O3‐doped ZnO grains within a very limited space between Pt electrodes is investigated. The grain growth behavior outside the confinement of electrodes is also studied for comparison purposes. At the beginning of sintering, a similar grain growth behavior is observed at different locations of the laminated structure. However, as sintering proceeds, the rate of grain growth within the Pt inner electrodes is decreased because of the decrease of available transportation paths. The grains between the electrodes then develop into a columnar shape as they make contact with the electrodes above and below them. Both the grain size and its distribution decrease with decreasing layer thickness.
An Aqueous Gelcasting Route to Dense β‐Si4Al2O2N6–0.5SiO2 Ceramics
Authors: Ganesh I. , Thiyagarajan N. , Jana D. C. , Barik P. , Sundararajan G.
Published: May 2008

Aqueous particulate slurries containing 45–50 vol%α‐Si3N4, α‐Al2O3, and Y2O3 powder mixtures were gelcast and sintered for 2–4 h at 1675°–1800°C to obtain dense β‐Si4Al2O2N6–0.5SiO2 ceramics. For comparison, dense ceramics of the same composition, together with a stoichiometric β‐Si4Al2O2N6, were also prepared following a conventional dry‐powder pressing route. The sintered materials were thoroughly characterized for bulk density, apparent porosity, water‐absorption capacity, X‐ray diffraction phase, microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and dielectric constant at 16–18 GHz frequency. The characterization results suggest that the sintered properties of β‐Si4Al2O2N6–0.5SiO2 are little influenced by the processing route, and the in situ generated SiO2 was found to reduce the CTE and dielectric constant of β‐Si4Al2O2N6 considerably. An aqueous particulate slurry containing a 48 vol%β‐Si4Al2O2N6–0.5SiO2 precursor mixture was successfully gelcast in an indigenously designed and fabricated aluminum mold to fabricate defect‐free crucibles of 500 mL volume. The gelcast β‐Si4Al2O2N6–0.5SiO2 obtained from a slurry containing 48 vol% solids exhibited a bulk density of 3.13 g/cm3, a β‐SiAlON phase of ∼90%, a CTE of 3.197 × 10−6 °C−1 (between 30° and 1000°C), a fracture toughness of ∼3.42 MPa·m1/2, a three‐point bend strength of ∼199 MPa, and a dielectric constant of ∼6.32 at 17 GHz frequency after sintering for 4 h at 1750°C with 7 wt% Y2O3.
Thick Protective UHTC Coatings for SiC‐Based Structures: Process Establishment
Authors: Blum Yigal D. , Marschall Jochen , Hui David , Young Steven
Published: May 2008

A new process to form thick and dense ultra‐high‐temperature ceramic (UHTC) composite coatings over SiC surfaces is described. Coatings of ZrB2/SiC/(ZrC) thicker than 100 μm are formed by a reaction‐bonded SiC (RBSC) approach based on Si infiltration into ZrB2/C preform coating. The residual Si, typically found in RBSC, can be eliminated efficiently to provide a coating material that performs at temperatures above 1500°C. The process is performed at 1500°C in Ar at ambient pressure. The interface between thein situformed SiC and the Zr phases is very tight, as is the interface with the substrate.

The ZrB2particles used in this process are rearranged in their morphology and an additional new phase containing Zr–C is formed. The coatings exhibit excellent integrity, hardness, and bonding to the tested substrates. A preliminary oxidation study indicates good protection of substrates at 1500°C under both passive and active oxidation conditions, provided that the coatings have sufficient thickness.
High‐Temperature Stability of Lanthanum Orthophosphate (Monazite) on Silicon Carbide at Low Oxygen Partial Pressures
Authors: Cinibulk Michael K. , Fair Geoff E. , Kerans Ronald J.
Published: May 2008

The stability of lanthanum orthophosphate (LaPO4) on SiC was investigated using a LaPO4‐coated SiC fiber at 1200°–1400°C at low oxygen partial pressures. A critical oxygen partial pressure exists below which LaPO4 is reduced in the presence of SiC and reacts to form La2O3 or La2Si2O7 and SiO2 as the solid reaction products. The critical oxygen partial pressure increases from ∼0.5 Pa at 1200°C to ∼50 Pa at 1400°C. Above the critical oxygen partial pressure, a thin SiO2 film, which acts as a reaction barrier, exists between the SiC fiber and the LaPO4 coating. Continuous LaPO4 coatings and high strengths were obtained for coated fibers that were heated at or below 1300°C and just above the critical oxygen partial pressure for each temperature. At temperatures above 1300°C, the thin LaPO4 coating becomes morphologically unstable due to free‐energy minimization as the grain size reaches the coating thickness, which allows the SiO2 oxidation product to penetrate the coating.
Adverse cutaneous reactions to soft tissue fillers – a review of the histological features
Authors: Dadzie Ophelia Entsir , Mahalingam Meera , Parada Meire , El Helou Therese , Philips Tania , Bhawan Jag
Published: May 2008

The enhanced use of exogenous substances for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures is paralleled by an increase in reports of cutaneous adverse reactions to several of these agents. Recognition of the histological features of these reactions is of importance to both dermatologists and dermatopathologists but is not always easy for several reasons. First, cost‐related issues are resulting in an increasing number of these procedures being performed overseas. Thus, patients are often unsure about the exact product used. Compounding this is the fact that practitioners who perform these procedures are not forthright in divulging this information, given that improper substances may be admixed in the filler injected. Furthermore, cutaneous reactions may occur at sites distant from injected sites, secondary to migration of the filler substance and a lapse of months to years may occur prior to the development of a cutaneous reaction. Thus, a causal relationship between the procedure and the reaction is often not made. We present an overview of the histological features of adverse reactions to currently available soft tissue fillers, both in the United States and overseas, in an attempt to enhance awareness of the diversity of these reactions.
Clinicopathological features of extramedullary recurrence/relapse of multiple myeloma
Authors: Cerny Jan , Fadare Oluwole , Hutchinson Lloyd , Wang Sa A.
Published: May 2008

Extramedullary relapses of multiple myeloma (MM) during the course of disease are rare. We report a series of six patients with primary intramedullary MM that were treated with immunomodulatory therapy and/or stem cell transplant, and that later developed extramedullary relapses at various body sites. These six cases represent 3.9% of the 156 patients treated for MM at our institution over a 9‐yr period (1999–2007). Five (83.3%) of the six cases showed immature/high‐grade histology in the extramedullary relapses as compared with their antecedent MM. The neural cell adhesion molecule, CD56, was immunohistochemically demonstrable in 75% (three of four) of the original myelomas tested, but was absent in 83.3% (five of six) of their extramedullary relapses. The disease typically behaved aggressively and was rapidly fatal in all six patients even when therapy was administered. The median time of progression to extramedullary relapse was 29 months (range 9–64 months), and the median survival after diagnosis of the relapses was only 38 d (range 1–106 d). Our case series shows that extramedullary relapse of MM is characterized by high‐grade histology, loss of CD56 expression, frequent resistance to current therapeutic regimens, aggressive biological behavior, and very short survival.
A rhesus monkey reference label atlas for template driven segmentation
Authors: Wisco Jonathan J. , Rosene Douglas L. , Killiany Ronald J. , Moss Mark B. , Warfield Simon K. , Egorova Svetlana , Wu Ying , Liptak Zsusanna , Warner Jeremy , Guttmann Charles R.G.
Published: May 2008

Background  We have acquired dual‐echo spin‐echo (DE SE) MRI data of the rhesus monkey brain since 1994 as part of an ongoing study of normal aging. To analyze these legacy data for regional volume changes, we have created a reference label atlas for the Template Driven Segmentation (TDS) algorithm.

Methods  The atlas was manually created from DE SE legacy MRI data of one behaviorally normal, young, male rhesus monkey and consisted of 14 regions of interest (ROI’s). We analyzed the reproducibility and validity of the TDS algorithm using the atlas relative to manual segmentation.

Results  ROI volumes were comparable between the two segmentation methodologies, except TDS overestimated the volume of basal ganglia regions. Both methodologies were highly reproducible, but TDS had lower sensitivity and comparable specificity.

Conclusions  TDS segmentation calculates accurate volumes for most ROI’s. Sensitivity will be improved in future studies through the acquisition of higher quality data.
Growth references for height, weight and body mass index of twins aged 0–2.5 years
Authors: Van Dommelen Paula , De Gunst Mathisca , Van Der Vaart Aad , Van Buuren Stef , Boomsma Dorret
Published: May 2008

Aim: To determine the size of the growth deficit in Dutch monozygotic and dizygotic twins aged 0–2.5 years as compared to singletons and to construct reference growth charts for twins.

Methods: Growth of twins was studied using longitudinal data on over 4000 twins aged 0–2.5 years of the Netherlands Twin Register. The LMS method was used to obtain growth references for length/height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for twins.

Results: During the first 2.5 years of age, differences in length/height and weight between twins and singletons decrease but do not disappear. BMI of twins deviates less than that of singletons. Approximately half of the growth retardation from birth until 1.5 years of age was attributable to gestational age. Between 1.5 years and 2.5 years of age, this difference was reduced to one‐third. Thus, a substantial part of the growth difference could not be explained by gestational age.

Conclusions: During the first 2.5 years of life, there is a difference in growth between twins and singletons. Twins catch up in their body size, i.e. they grow faster after birth, but do not yet achieve the same height and weight till they reach 2.5 years of age. We recommend the use of the growth references for twins.
Chemical composition and in sacco dry matter degradability of residue and by‐products of palm fruit processing in the rumen of steers
Authors: BAMIKOLE Musibau A. , BABAYEMI Olaniyi J.
Published: May 2008

The nutritive value of residue (palm calyx leaves (PCL)) and by‐products (palm press fiber (PPF) and palm oil sludge (POS)) of palm fruit processing were studied through analysis of their chemical components and degradability of their dry matter (DM) in the rumen of steers. Chemical analysis showed that the materials have similar organic matter components (mean = 95.2%), while crude protein (CP, g/100 g) and metabolisable energy (ME, MJ/kg DM) were highest in POS (10.02 and 9.43), followed by PPF (7.02 and 8.61) and least in PCL (5.42 and 8.04). An opposite trend of CP and ME was noticed in NDF and ADF contents, being 61.53 and 49.11% in PCL, 44.84 and 32.08% in PPF and 25.35 and 20.29% in POS. Mineral contents showed that PPF and POS had the lowest and highest concentration, respectively, of Mg (0.07 vs. 0.11%), Cu (58.5 vs. 143.9 mg/kg) and Fe (1374.5 vs. 4086.0 mg/kg). Dry matter degradation characteristics and effective degradability varied significantly (P < 0.05) and were consistently highest in POS and least in PCL. Results have generally shown that the residue and by‐products could be ranked for their potential feeding value as POS > PPF > PCL. It is concluded that POS and PPF can be harnessed directly as feed resources for ruminant animals, while PCL will require some treatments to enhance its nutritive value in ruminants.
Fiber digestion in various segments of the hindgut of horses fed grass hay or silage
Authors: MIYAJI Makoto , UEDA Koichiro , KOBAYASHI Yasuo , HATA Hiroshi , KONDO Seiji
Published: May 2008

We studied in vivo fiber digestibility and fermentation parameters such as volatile fatty acid concentration and in vitro degradation in each segment of hindgut of horses fed timothy hay or silage made from the same sward. Six Thoroughbred horses were fed timothy hay or silage in equal amounts (1.6% of bodyweight per day, bodyweight mean 572 kg) every 3 h per day, then slaughtered. There were no differences between hay and silage in the concentration of the total volatile fatty acids, the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and fiber, and in vitro neutral detergent fiber (NDF) disappearance rate in each segment. The total volatile fatty acid concentration and the apparent digestibility of dry and organic matter and fiber differed (P < 0.01) depending on the digestive segments. Both for hay and silage, the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in the digesta liquid phase largely increased (P < 0.01) from the cecum to the right ventral colon, and kept a constant value from the right ventral colon to the right dorsal colon, and then decreased from the right dorsal colon to the small colon. For dry and organic matter and fiber components, the apparent digestibility changed in the same manner from former to hinder segments of the hindgut. Regardless of diet, dry and organic matter and fiber components showed lower values in the cecum and the right ventral colon and increased (P < 0.01) largely from the right ventral colon to the left dorsal colon, then kept constant values in segments to the rear of left dorsal colon. There were no differences in in vitro NDF disappearance among cecum, ventral colon and dorsal colon.
Age‐related changes in leukocytes and T cell subsets in peripheral blood of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: TANAKA Sachi , MIYAZAWA Kohtaro , KUWANO Atsuko , WATANABE Kouichi , OHWADA Shyuichi , ASO Hisashi , NISHIDA Shigeru , YAMAGUCHI Takahiro
Published: May 2008

It is well known that the immune system changes with age during development and maturation in Holstein cattle. But age‐related changes in leukocytes and T cell subsets in peripheral blood of Japanese Black cattle still remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate comparative changes of leukocytes (granulocytes, monocytes, B cells and T cells) and T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, γδ, CD8+γδ and WC1+γδ T cells) in Japanese Black cattle aged 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 18 and 36–41 (adult) months on flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies for the cell surface markers. T cell proportion was approximately 40% in 2‐month‐old cattle and decreased to 20.6% in adults. In contrast, B cell proportion significantly increased from 7.4% to 28.2% with age. In T cell subsets the percentage of CD4+ T cells significantly increased from 40.5% to 60%, but that of WC1+γδ T cell subset significantly decreased with age. The percentages of CD8+ and CD8+γδ T cells did not change. The present study details the proportional changes in leukocyte and T cell subsets with age in the peripheral blood of Japanese Black cattle and these findings are similar to those described for Holstein cattle.
Effect of bovine lactoferrin feeding on lipopolysaccharide‐induced metabolic and hormonal disturbances in preruminant calves
Authors: KUSHIBIKI Shiro , SHINGU Hiroyuki , KAWASAKI Rika , KOMATSU Tokushi , ITOH Fumiaki , WATANABE Atsushi , TOUNO Eiko , OSHIBE Akinori , KATOH Kazuo , OBARA Yoshiaki , HODATE Koichi
Published: May 2008

One of the biological functions of bovine lactoferrin (LF) is modulation of the host defense system, including cytokine production and immune response. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of LF in calves on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced metabolic and hormonal changes in inflammatory response. Thirty Holstein calves at 4 day of age were given one of three oral doses of LF (0, 1, 3 g/day) for 10 days (−10 day to −1 day). They were injected i.v. with LPS (50 ng/kg bodyweight) the day (day 0) after the end of LF treatment. Plasma samples were obtained on −10, 0 day (immediately before LPS injection), and at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after LPS injection. Plasma tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations at 2 h after LPS treatment were lower (P < 0.05) in LF 1 g/day‐fed claves compared with LF 0 g/day (control) calves. On day 0 there were no significant group differences in plasma LF concentration. Plasma concentration of haptoglobin in control calves was elevated by LPS injection. In LF groups, plasma haptoglobin concentrations slightly increased after LPS injection, but those levels at 6–24 h were lower (P < 0.05) than in the control group. The LF treatment inhibited (P < 0.05) the reduction of plasma ferrin concentration in calves following LPS challenge. The concentration of plasma aspartate aminotransferase in calves treated with LF was lower (P < 0.05) than in control calves at 24–96 h after LPS treatment. The concentration of plasma insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in all groups was decreased by LPS treatment, while in the LF groups the IGF‐1 level was higher (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and insulin concentrations in LF groups were lower (P < 0.05) than in control calves at 2 h after LPS injection. These data suggest that LF has a substantial anti‐inflammatory effect on the modulation of the host defense system in preruminant calves.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe positive cofactor 4 stimulates basal transcription from TATA‐containing and TATA‐less promoters through Mediator and transcription factor IIA
Authors: Contreras‐Levicoy Juan , Urbina Fabiola , Maldonado Edio
Published: May 2008

The positive cofactor 4 (PC4) protein has an important role in transcriptional activation, which has been proposed to be mediated by transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) and TATA‐binding protein‐associated factors. To test this hypothesis, we cloned the Schizosaccharomyces pombe PC4 gene and analysed the role of the PC4 protein in the stimulation of basal transcription driven by TATA‐containing and TATA‐less promoters. Sc. pombe PC4 was able to stimulate basal transcription from several TATA‐containing promoters and from the Initiator sequences of the highly transcribed Sc. pombe nmt1 gene. Moreover, it was demonstrated that Sc. pombe PC4 stimulates formation of the transcription preinitiation complex. Activation of transcription by PC4 was dependent on the Mediator complex and TFIIA, but was independent of TATA‐binding protein‐associated factor. PC4 binds to double‐stranded and single‐stranded DNA and interacts with TATA‐binding protein, TFIIB, TFIIA, Mediator, TFIIH and the transcriptional activator protein VP16.
Review article: Hypertonic saline use in the emergency department
Authors: Banks Colin J , Furyk Jeremy S
Published: May 2008

Hypertonic saline (HS) is being increasingly used for the management of a variety of conditions, most notably raised intracranial pressure. This article reviews the available evidence on HS solutions as they relate to emergency medicine, and develops a set of recommendations for its use. To conclude, HS is recommended as an alternative to mannitol for treating raised intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury. HS is also recommended for treating severe and symptomatic hyponatremia, and is worth considering for both recalcitrant tricyclic antidepressant toxicity and for cerebral oedema complicating paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis. HS is not recommended for hypovolaemic resuscitation.
Optimizing triage consistency in Australian emergency departments: The Emergency Triage Education Kit
Authors: Gerdtz Marie Frances , Collins Marnie , Chu Matthew , Grant Audas , Tchernomoroff Robin , Pollard Cecily , Harris Judy , Wassertheil Jeff
Published: May 2008

Objective: The Emergency Triage Education Kit was designed to optimize consistency of triage using the Australasian Triage Scale. The present study was conducted to determine the interrater reliability of a set of scenarios for inclusion in the programme.

Methods: A postal survey of 237 paper‐based triage scenarios was utilized. A quota sample of triage nurses (n = 42) rated each scenario using the Australasian Triage Scale. The scenarios were analysed for concordance and agreement. The criterion for inclusion of the scenarios in the programme was κ ≥ 0.6.

Results: Data were collected during 2 April to 14 May 2007. Agreement for the set was κ = 0.412 (95% CI 0.410–0.415). Of the initial set: 92/237 (38.8%, 95% CI 32.6–45.3) showed concordance ≥70% to the modal triage category (κ = 0.632, 95% CI 0.629–0.636) and 155/237 (65.4%, 95% CI 59.3–71.5) showed concordance ≥60% to the modal triage category (κ = 0.507, 95% CI 0.504–0.510). Scenarios involving mental health and pregnancy presentations showed lower levels of agreement (κ = 0.243, 95% CI 0.237–0.249; κ = 0.319, 95% CI 0.310–0.328).

Conclusion: All scenarios that showed good levels of agreement have been included in the Emergency Triage Education Kit and are recommended for testing purposes; those that showed moderate agreement have been incorporated for teaching purposes. Both scenario sets are accompanied by explanatory notes that link the decision outcome to the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Guidelines on the Implementation of the Australasian Triage Scale. Future analysis of the scenarios is required to identify how task‐related factors influence consistency of triage.
CREATING CASE STUDIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW CLASSROOM: AN EXAMPLE UTILIZING FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: Dhooge Lucien J.
Published: May 2008

Unocal's participation in any international energy development project is based on resource potential, business economics and technical expertise ‐ not political motivations. Our commitment is to the people of a host country, not to a particular party or political group.

It is not possible to do business fin Burma] without directly supporting the military government and its pervasive violations of human rights.
IMAGINING THE LAW: COMMON LAW AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM
Authors: Cantor Norman F.
Published: May 2008

Now Doniger paced, using Kramer as an audience of one, “We are all ruled by the past, although no on understands it. No one recognizes the power of the past” he said, with a sweep of his hand.

“But if you think about it, the past has always been more important than the present. The present is like a coral island that sticks above the water, but is built upon millions of dead corals under the surface, that no one sees. In the same way, our everyday world is built upon millions and millions of events and decisions that occurred in the past. And what we add in the present is trivial.
THE AICPA IN CRISIS AND HOW IT IMPACTS THE BUSINESS LAW DISPUTE
Authors: Gunz Sally , McCutcheon John
Published: May 2008

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) continues to strengthen the profession's reputation for integrity, objectivity and independence; reinforce core services such as tax, accounting, audit and attestation; and carve out new market space for virtually unlimited business opportunities for CPAs.
Population Dynamics of the Dioecious Amazonian Palm Mauritia flexuosa: Simulation Analysis of Sustainable Harvesting
Authors: Holm Jennifer A. , Miller Christopher J. , Cropper Wendell P.
Published: May 2008

The dioecious, tropical palm Mauritia flexuosa has high ecological and economic value, but currently some wild populations are harvested excessively, which is likely to increase. In this study, we investigated the population dynamics of this important palm, the effects of harvesting, and suggested sustainable harvesting regimes. Data were collected from populations in the Ecuadorian Amazon that were assumed to be stable. We used a matrix population model to calculate the density‐independent asymptotic population growth rate (λ= 1.046) and to evaluate harvesting scenarios. Elasticity analysis showed that survival (particularly in the second and fifth size class) contributes more to the population growth rate, than growth and fecundity. To simulate a stable population at carrying capacity, density dependence was incorporated and applied to the seedling survival and growth parameters in the transition matrix. Harvesting scenarios were simulated with the density‐dependent population models to predict sustainable harvesting regimes for the dioecious palm. We simulated the removal of only female palms and showed how both sexes are affected with harvest intensities between 15 and 75 percent and harvest intervals of 1–15 yr. By assuming a minimum female threshold, we demonstrated a continuum of sustainable harvesting schedules for various intensities and frequencies for 100 yr of harvest. Furthermore, by setting the population model's λ= 1.00, we found that a harvest of 22.5 percent on a 20 yr frequency for the M. flexuosa population in Ecuador is consistent with a sustainable, viable population over time.
Within Flood Season Variation in Fruit Consumption and Seed Dispersal by Two Characin Fishes of the Amazon
Authors: Lucas Christine M.
Published: May 2008

Many Amazon River fishes consume fruits and seeds from floodplain forests during the annual flood season, potentially serving as important seed dispersers and predators. Using a participatory approach, this study investigated how within‐season variation in flood level relates to fruit consumption and seed dispersal by two important frugivorous fish, Colossoma macropomum and Piaractus brachypomus, in two Lower Amazon River fishing communities in Brazil. Diets of both fish species were comprised of 78–98 percent fruits, largely dominated by a few species. Diets included fruits of 27 woody angiosperms and four herbaceous species from 26 families, indicating the importance of forest and Montrichardia arborescens habitat during peak flood. A correspondence between peak fruit species richness and peak flood level was observed in one of two communities, which may reflect higher forest diversity and/or differences in selection of fishing habitat. Both fishes are seed dispersers and predators, the relative role of which did not vary by flood level, seed size, or fish size, but may vary with seed hardness. Interspecific differences in diet volume and intact seeds suggest P. brachypomus are more effective seed dispersers than C. macropomum. Overall, the spatial and temporal variation in fruit species composition and richness demonstrate plasticity in fruit consumption in relation to flood level and locally available fruits. While such diets are adaptive to the dynamic changes of Amazon floodplain habitats, the high consumption of forest fruits and seeds from mid‐ and late‐successional species suggests that floodplain forest degradation could disrupt seed dispersal and threaten local and regional fisheries.
Bimodal Pollination by Wasps and Beetles in the African Milkweed Xysmalobium undulatum
Authors: Shuttleworth Adam , Johnson Steven D.
Published: May 2008

It has been suggested that flowers of some plants are specialized for pollination by two unrelated species (or functional groups) of pollinators. However, evidence for ‘bimodal pollination systems’ has been extremely limited. Studies of the milkweed Xysmalobium undulatum in South Africa showed that its flowers are visited by a range of different insects (representing 18 families), but only two groups, represented by the chafer beetle Atrichelaphinis tigrina and pompilid wasps in the genus Hemipepsis, effect pollination. Experiments showed that both these pollinator groups are effective in removing and inserting pollinia. Pollinia are attached to clypeal hairs and mouthparts on the wasps and tarsal hairs and spines on the beetles. Although considerably less abundant than the beetles, Hemipepsis spp. wasps move more quickly among flowers and appeared to be more effective pollinators overall. Experimental hand‐pollinations conducted in the field showed that X. undulatum is genetically self‐incompatible and thus completely reliant on pollinators for reproduction. We conclude that X. undulatum has a bimodal pollination system, specialized for pollination by Hemipepsis pompilid wasps and the chafer beetle A. tigrina.
Distribution Patterns of Birds and Insect Prey in a Tropical Riparian Forest
Authors: Chan Eric K.W. , Yu Yat‐Tung , Zhang Yixin , Dudgeon David
Published: May 2008

Spatial subsidies of energy and nutrients can influence the distribution of consumers in riparian habitats. This study compared the abundance and composition of bird assemblages and the availability of volant insect prey within the riparian zone (≤ 30 m from the stream) and further inland (100–250 m away) within a secondary forest in monsoonal Hong Kong. Replicated point‐counts of birds and insect light trapping were conducted in each zone during the wet and dry season of 2006–2007. The biomass of adult aquatic insects in the riparian zone was nine to 12 times higher than inland during both seasons, however, total insect biomass (aquatic plus terrestrial insects) in the riparian zone was only 49 percent (wet season) and 18 percent (dry season) greater. More birds (both numbers of individuals and species) were recorded in the riparian zone, and this difference was particularly conspicuous during the wet season. Most of the wet‐season difference was due to the greater number of insectivorous birds in the riparian zone (123% greater than inland), and may have reflected the relative availability of adult aquatic insects. These findings confirm the importance of riparian zones as feeding habitats for forest birds, and have implications for conservation planning and setting the boundaries of protected areas.
Combined effects of hypoxia and endurance training on lipid metabolism in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Galbès O. , Goret L. , Caillaud C. , Mercier J. , Obert P. , Candau R. , Py G.
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To determine whether endurance training can counterbalance the negative effects of hypoxia on mitochondrial phosphorylation and expression of the long chain mitochondrial fatty acid transporter muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (mCPT‐1).

Methods:  Male Wistar rats were exposed either to hypobaric hypoxia (at a simulated altitude of ≈4000 m, PIO2 ≈ 90 mmHg) or to normoxia (sea level) for 5 weeks. In each environment, rats were randomly assigned to two groups. The trained group went through a 5‐week endurance training programme. The control group remained sedentary for the same time period. Muscle fatty acid oxidation capacity was evaluated after the 5‐week period on isolated mitochondria prepared from quadriceps muscles with the use of palmitoylcarnitine or pamitoylCoA + carnitine.

Results:  Chronic hypoxia decreased basal (V0, −31% with pamitoylCoA + carnitine and −21% with palmitoylcarnitine, P < 0.05) and maximal (Vmax, −31% with pamitoylCoA + carnitine, P < 0.05) respiration rates, hydroxyacylCoA dehydrogenase activity (−48%, P < 0.05), mCPT‐1 activity index (−34%, P < 0.05) and mCPT‐1 protein content (−34%, P < 0.05). Five weeks of endurance training in hypoxia brought V0, mCPT‐1 activity index and mCPT‐1 protein content values back to sedentary normoxic levels. Moreover, in the group trained in hypoxia, Vmax reached a higher level than in the group that maintained a sedentary lifestyle in normoxia (24.2 nmol O2· min−1 · mg−1 for hypoxic training vs. 19.9 nmol O2 · min−1 · mg−1 for normoxic sedentarity, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Endurance training can attenuate chronic hypoxia‐induced impairments in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. This training effect seems mostly mediated by mCPT‐1 activity rather than by mCPT‐1 content.
Globalization, Inequality, and Local‐level Dynamics: Indonesia and the Philippines*
Authors: HILL Hal
Published: May 2008

Subnational disparities and center–region relations are increasingly important issues in both the development economics literature and East Asian policy circles. Almost all developing countries in East Asia are actively decentralizing power and resources from the center. Analytically, there is growing interest in spatial economics, arising out of the fusion of economics and geography. This paper examines these issues with reference to Indonesia and the Philippines. Both countries are well suited to such a study: they are the two largest archipelagic nations in the world, they both feature great subnational diversity, and they have both adopted major decentralization programs, in similar circumstances. We conclude that, in aggregate, there have been no major changes in regional inequality in either country, although this conclusion is sensitive to the selection of economic indicators. In general, the regions that are the best connected to the global economy have grown more rapidly.
Shares of the Rich and the Rest in the World Economy: Income Divergence Between Nations, 1820–2030
Authors: MADDISON Angus
Published: May 2008

This paper analyses the forces determining per capita income levels of nations over the past millennium and the prospects to 2030. In the year 1000, Asian countries were in the lead. By 1820, per capita gross domestic product in Western Europe and the USA was twice the Asian average. The divergence had grown much bigger by 1950, but by the 1970s, several Asian countries – Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – had achieved considerable catch‐up. Since then, there has been a major surge in China and the beginning of a similar phenomenon in India. As a result, the Asian share of world income has risen steadily and, by 2030, will be fairly close to what it was in 1820. I conclude by comparing my projections for 2030 with those of Goldman Sachs, Perkins and Rawski, and Fogel.
Income Inequality in Malaysia*
Authors: RAGAYAH Haji Mat Zin
Published: May 2008

The objective of this paper is to examine the changes in Malaysian income distribution during the last three and a half decades and the reasons for the changes. It was found that the Gini ratio for Malaysia peaked in 1976 and fell thereafter to 1990. However, inequality seems to reverse its direction since then. Policies that could explain the changes in income distribution include the promotion of export‐oriented industrialization, education, and training, and the restructuring of equity ownership and assistance in asset accumulation. While the various other redistributive measures in the form of rural development helped in poverty eradication, their effectiveness in redistribution needs to be improved. Several hypotheses have been forwarded to explain the widening of income inequality after 1990. These include the difference in the growth rates of incomes of the rural and urban areas, trade and globalization, and impediments to the process of internal migration.