bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Job Creation Tax
Authors: Mulvey Charles
Published: March 2013

A number of well-publicised submissions advocating a ‘Job Creation Levy’ were made to the Committee. In its report, however, the Committee is lukewarm in relation to this option. The case for a levy in the form of an income tax surcharge can be made in terms of conventional welfare economics criteria and considerations of equity. The main case against the levy is that it will merely reshuffle the dole queue and, at the same time, create ‘artificial’ jobs at the expense of ‘real’ jobs. Moreover, there may be some undesirable implications for aggregate labour supply.
Changing Nordic Approaches to Bargaining and Participation: Some Implications for Australia
Authors: Lansbury Russell D.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents an overview of industrial relations in Nordic countries. Key features are a high degree of centralisation, high levels of unionisation, a tripartite approach to government decision making and a keen interest in employee participation. The last decade has seen the onset of more turbulent economic forces, moves to decentralisation and a shift in wage determination towards a greater role for enterprise bargaining. Several parallels with Australian experience are explored. A critical difference is that Nordic unions have escaped the significant falls in membership suffered by Australian unions.
Sweden: At the Turning Point?
Authors: Hammarstrom Olle , Mahon Rianne
Published: March 2013

The Swedish industrial relations system has undergone significant changes in the past decade, as employers have vigorously pursued a strategy to decentralise the collective bargaining process. Issues of co-worker agreements and pay equity dominated the 1993 bargaining round, with employers seeking to limit the unions’ role to the enterprise level. Union membership levels, however, have remained high and there has been greater cooperation between blue and white collar union groups. The return of a Social Democratic led Government may see greater support for national agreements and representative forms of participation.
Direct Participation in Denmark: The Positions of the Social Partners
Authors: Lund Reinhard
Published: March 2013

Direct participation in Denmark has been facilitated by agreements between employers and unions as well as a prevailing consensus about the value of cooperative arrangements. A revised Cooperation Agreement was achieved between the central union and employer organisations in 1986. It seeks to improve efficiency as well as enhancing employees’ welfare and security. This agreement has had a positive influence on the spread of participation in Danish industry. The paper examines, in greater detail, the experience of the banking and metal industries. Although Danish employers have generally advocated greater decentralisation, the Danish industrial relations system has retained a centralised framework within which direct participation has occurred.
Unions, Training, Job Dissatisfaction and Quits
Authors: Miller Paul , Mulvey Charles
Published: March 2013

This paper explores the relationship between unionism and quits. Three channels of influence are investigated: unions-collective voice-quits; unions-training-quits; unions-job dissatisfaction-quits. Estimates of each model, using data from the Australian Longitudinal Survey, indicate that unions reduce the probability of quitting via the training effect by 0.5 percentage points, they reduce the probability of quitting via the collective voice effect by 4 percentage points and they increase the probability of quitting via the job dissatisfaction effect by 1.2 percentage points. The net effect of unions is, therefore, to reduce the probability of quitting by around 3 percentage points.
Organisational Innovation and the Sociotechnical Tradition: Introduction
Authors: Mathews John
Published: March 2013

While the 1990s have seen sustained attempts in Australia, on the part of the federal government and others, to encourage firms to adopt International Best Practice, the results so far are somewhat disappointing. Firms find themselves tugged in several different directions, by competitive pressures, by industrial relations shifts, and by the demands for higher levels of quality, timeliness and responsiveness. While they are exhorted to adopt teamwork and other initiatives that go under the rubric ‘Best Practice’, there is as yet little sense of the underlying principles that inform these organisational innovations, nor of the history of their introduction into Australian organisations over previous decades.

In May 1995, under the auspices of the Australian Best Practice Demonstration Program, and the Australian Quality Council, an international colloquium was convened, by myself and Professor Malcolm Rimmer, to help shed light on these issues.
The ILO to the Rescue? A Mote on Japanese and Australian Experiences
Authors: Easson Michael
Published: March 2013

In the aftermath of the Victorian State election in 1992, the election of a conservative administration and the enactment of new State labour laws, momentum gathered within the labour movement to utilise ILO Conventions as a means of striking down the Victorian laws. The idea was: the ILO to the rescue; that the external affairs power of the Commonwealth Constitution together with legislation based on ratified ILO Conventions might be utilised to salvage some important trade union and related rights.

At different periods in the post-War histories of the Australian and Japanese labour movements, there have been calls for utilising International Labour Organisation Conventions in order to salvage some important trade union rights that those movements have fought to achieve over this century.
The Economics of Logging High Conservation Value Native Forests
Authors: Hamilton Clive
Published: March 2013

This paper analyses various aspects of the economics of logging high conservation value native forests. After outlining the multiple uses of these forests, evidence is reviewed that suggests that subsidisation of logging is extensive. Next the paper reviews work that indicates that when account is taken of the environmental values lost due to logging (including the value of water with alternative uses) there are net social costs from logging high conservation native forests. Finally, changes to the structure of the wood products industry are analysed and it is argued that the growth of plantation timber, although rapid, has been constrained by subsidisation of native forests logging. Despite this, the data show that plantation-sourced wood will capture most of the market for sawn timber and pulp within a decade. There is thus the opportunity for Australia to have its timber needs met without the environmental costs associated with logging of native forests.
Woodchipping and Conservation: A Case for Timber Workers
Authors: Thompson Herb , Tracy Julie
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the predicament of timber workers in the woodchipping industry, with particular reference to Western Australia, but existent throughout Australia. Of distinctive interest is the conflictual situation, and on occasion violent confrontation, which has arisen between timber workers and conservationists. It is concluded that continuing conflict between timber workers and conservationists will, at best, simply displace the environmental problem of logging old-growth forests by the creation of another problem of inequitably distributed resources. Resolution of the conflict requires these two main players to achieve empathetic communication and a negotiated settlement - if, given their very different world views, it is feasible.
Aggregate Wage Indicators, Enterprise Bargaining and Recent Wage Increases
Authors: Burgess John
Published: March 2013

To what extent have wages recently increased in Australia? Have these increases been excessive? There are a myriad of wage data series produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These series reflect different questions and different perspectives about wages. In the context of the previously centralised wage determination process the dissection and analysis of aggregate wage series was an important exercise for industry and academic economists. However, the analysis and interpretation of aggregate wage data has become more difficult in the light of a number of developments: (a) falling award coverage, (b) the development and uneven spread of enterprise bargaining, (c) the industrial and demographic restructuring of the workforce, (d) the growth in non-wage benefits, (e) the growth in non-standard employment What are the available options for measuring aggregate wages growth in the light of these above developments? To what extent has recent wage growth been excessive?
Prospects for Women Under Labor and Coalition Industrial Relations Policies
Authors: Pocock Barbara
Published: March 2013

Women continue to lag some distance behind men in the Australian labour market - in relation to pay differentials, recognition of their skills, award coverage and their concentration in part-time and casual work. This article examines the implications of Labor and Coalition industrial relations policies in relation to women with a focus on three issues; the level of decentralisaton of the system; the strength of the safety net underpinning enterprise industrial relations; and the role of unions. The article concludes that while women are further disadvantaged by some aspects of Labor’s current enterprise bargaining processes, they would be much more damaged by the coalition’s proposals.
Protecting The Low Income Earner: Minimum Wage Determination In Australia
Authors: Plowman David H.
Published: March 2013

The Minimum Wage, in various variants, has been an important part of Australian wage determination for over a century. This paper documents the development of the minimum wage and in so doing highlights the pivotal role of the Sunshine Harvester case. That case left a number of legacies which are examined in other parts of the paper. These include the bifurcated nature of wage determination, consideration of family size, the sexual division of labour and wages, the conflict between needs and capacity to pay, wage adjustment indexes and the role of minimum wages in a decentralised wages system.
The Limits of Enterprise Autonomy: Enterprise Bargaining in the Australian Domestic Airline Industry
Authors: Bray Mark
Published: March 2013

This paper identifies a model of enterprise bargaining which has recently been advocated by some Australian employer groups. Under this ‘autonomous enterprise’model, ‘genuine’ enterprise bargaining is supposed to produce comprehensive agreements which set terms and conditions of employment which are company-specific. The experience of enterprise bargaining in the Australian domestic airline industry is then compared with that model. It is found that, contrary to the model, the two major airlines have negotiated enterprise agreements which are remarkably similar, with wage increases and workplace reforms following strong industry-wide trends. The explanation offered for the lack of enterprise autonomy focuses on both institutional factors and structural features of the industry’s product
The New Role of Trade Unionism in the 21st Century: Lessons from Singapore
Authors: Ser Tan Ern , Chew Irene K.H.
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the different types of ideological positions (welfarist, realist, and socialist) and, by extension, the roles that trade unions may adopt in the future. It suggests that a distinction can be made between what trade unions should be, by definition, and what they can be as we move into the 21st Century. It argues that the optimum role that trade unions can assume is one in which they are autonomous, yet choose to work in close partnership with a state which is dedicated to improving the welfare of the citizenry. The rationale for this argument is that a strong state is in a position to garner support for beneficial development programs, while autonomous trade unions can ensure that the interest of members are factored into state policies, even as they seek to enhance their voice and ownership at workplace level. The Singapore case is used as a template to support the arguments generated in this paper.
Casual Employment in Australia: Growth, Characteristics, a Bridge or a Trap?
Authors: Burgess John , Campbell Iain
Published: March 2013

About one in every four Australian employees is a casual. The casual share has doubled over the past decade and continues to expand. This paper catalogues the growth of casual employment and discusses the characteristics of casual jobs and of those in casual jobs. The key analytical issue discussed is whether casual employment is a transitional employment arrangement on the road towards permanent employment conditions. Alternatively, is it a trap which is associated with job insecurity, low earnings and spells outside of employment? Although the evidence is partial and circumstantial, casual employment is a bridge for some and a trap for others. In particular, for those who wish to beak out of unemployment, casual employment is unlikely to be a transitional point on the road to a permanent job. This finding has important implications for the design of labour market programs.
Contingent Work and Gender in Australia: Evidence from the 1995 Australian Workplace Industrial Relations Survey
Authors: Hall Richard , Harley Bill , Whitehouse Gillian
Published: March 2013

The decreasing prevalence of the standard model of employment embodied by the ‘typical male full-time employee on a permanent contract’ can be seen both as risking the erosion of hard won labour rights and as offering the potential for a more flexible, less ‘male’ model. This paper addresses some of the ways in which this tension is played out, drawing on data from the 1995 Australian Workplace Industrial Relations (AWIRS95) Employee Survey to examine the implications for women workers of recent trends in contingent employment in Australia. Our analysis suggests that the growth in contingent employment in Australia has had little positive impact on women’s experience of work. We conclude that if the disadvantage faced by women in irregular employment is to be countered, greater regulation of such employment is required. However, key features of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 make the regulation of the conditions of contingent employment even more difficult to achieve than in the past. The result of current policy settings is likely to be the further institutionalisation of women’s disadvantage at work and in the labour market.
‘Not Rewarding’, ‘Not Relevant’, ‘Not Interesting’: Career Choices of Female Economics Students
Authors: Haslehurst Paula , Hopkins Sandra , Thorpe Michael
Published: March 2013

Increasing female participation rates in undergraduate economics programs are not reflected in increasing female representation in the ranks of academic economists. Approximately 42 per cent of undergraduate students are women but the percentage of women participating declines in postgraduate programs and in academic positions in economics departments, where approximately 26 per cent of academics are women. Female representation in the academic labour market has an importance beyond its numbers. A lack of female role models and mentors among academics is one factor that may affect students’ motivation and career aspirations. We use the results of a national survey of Australian economics students to assess the relative importance of a number of factors in the career choices for postgraduate and undergraduate students in economics. We assess the factors that make academia an unattractive career choice for females.
Why Join? Why Stay? Instrumentality, Beliefs, Satisfaction and Individual Decisions on Union Membership
Authors: Peetz David
Published: March 2013

To understand individuals’ union membership choices it is necessary to examine decisions both to join and to leave (exit) unions, observed when employees are in jobs where unions are available and there is freedom of choice on union membership (‘open’ jobs). Using multivariate analysis of survey data, it was found that sympathy towards unions was the most powerful influence upon union joining, but had little impact on union exit, which was more a function of the perceived instrumentality of membership. Employee perceptions on union in-fighting and cooperation with management influenced union membership, as did the outcome of involvement in industrial disputes. Satisfaction with union delegates was a key influence on attitudes and membership. Employee trust of management only influenced exit behaviour through its interaction with satisfaction with union delegates. Job satisfaction had a complex relationship with union membership that is disguised in aggregated studies.
Flexibility and Labour Market Structures: The Role of Employers
Authors: Mylett Terri
Published: March 2013

The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility of explaining labour market restructuring in terms of employers’ labour utilisation strategies. The main arena of activity in the labour market is within employing organisations. Therefore, whilst national and industry level labour market studies may shed some light on labour market trends, this paper suggests that analysis should also assess the impact of activity within firms. A case study is used to examine the link between the employment polices and practices of a firm in the metals manufacturing industry and the labour market position of its employees taking into account the firm’s institutional context (award restructuring, enterprise bargaining, and an active union presence). The study finds that the firm’s pursuit of flexibility in order to improve its cost and quality competitiveness is exacerbating and reproducing divisions within the workforce based on workers’ attributes (sex, English proficiency and formal qualifications). Labour market explanation should include, if not begin with, the role of employers.
The Victorian Labour Hire Maintenance Workers’ Strike of 1997
Authors: Underhill Elsa
Published: March 2013

The trend towards outsourcing maintenance functions to labour hire firms raises questions about the capacity of unions to maintain membership levels and employment standards amongst an increasingly casualised labour hire workforce. The Victorian manufacturing maintenance sector has experienced substantial outsourcing to labour hire firms, but unions in this sector have maintained membership levels and established enterprise agreements to govern employment of labour hire workers. In 1997, labour hire workers in this sector struck for almost 7 weeks in support of a wage claim. This paper outlines the nature of employment regulation of labour hire firms in Victorian manufacturing maintenance and the factors leading to the 1997 dispute. It analyses how the union organised industrial action and how the employers responded. The conclusion explores some questions about collective action by labour hire workers, and highlights some problems of dispute resolution under the current regulatory regime.
Business English as a Lingua Franca in Advertising Texts in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Nickerson Catherine , Camiciottoli Belinda Crawford
Published: March 2013

Scholars have become increasingly interested in how organizations communicate with external stakeholders, such as consumers. Recent studies have looked specifically at consumer response to the use of English in advertising texts in a number of different European countries. The use of English in such texts is part of a commonly used marketing strategy to standardize advertising campaigns that builds on the assumption that English is not only neutral but also widely understood. This article presents the results of a survey of the attitudes of Emirati consumers toward the use of English in advertising texts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The survey findings are discussed in terms of the unique social and cultural fabric of the modern-day UAE, as well as of the Emirati community as an economically powerful Muslim population.
On the use of control volumes in continuum mechanics
Authors: Lidström P
Published: March 2013

In this paper the use of control volumes in continuum mechanics is discussed. The global balance equations for momentum and moment of momentum for general control volumes are presented and their equivalence to the balance equations for material bodies is demonstrated. We also consider an approach based on the formulation of a principle of virtual power for control volumes. Based on this principle Lagrange’s equations for a control volume are derived. A specialization to so-called rigid control volumes is presented together with a didactic example concerning rocket propulsion. Finally, the balance of energy for a control volume is briefly discussed.
Of Mice and Men
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Cesario Joseph
Published: March 2013

Automatic responses play a central role in many areas of psychology. Counter to views that such responses are relatively rigid and inflexible, a large body of research has shown that they are highly context-sensitive. Research on animal learning and animal behavior has a strong potential to provide a deeper understanding of such context effects by revealing remarkable parallels between the functional properties of automatic responses in human and nonhuman animals. These parallels involve the contextual modulation of attitude formation and change (automatic evaluation), and the role of contextual contingencies in shaping the particular action tendencies in response to a stimulus (automatic behavior). Theoretical concepts of animal research not only provide novel insights into the processes and representations underlying context effects on automatic responses in humans; they also offer new perspectives on the interface between affect, cognition, and motivation.
A qualitative study of treatment burden among haemodialysis recipients
Authors: Karamanidou Christina , Weinman John , Horne Rob
Published: March 2013

This study aims to explore the experience of renal patients undergoing dialysis treatment focusing on beliefs about their illness, prescribed treatment and the challenge of adherence. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the accounts of seven haemodialysis patients. Patients have a range of beliefs about their illness and their treatment consistent with the self-regulatory model of illness, that is, identity, cause, consequences, timeline and cure. Patients sometimes consciously did not act in accordance to advice when they considered an aspect of treatment less important or less easy to adhere to. Psychological factors like beliefs might play a role in non-adherence behaviour.
A problem-solving education intervention in caregivers and patients during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bevans Margaret , Wehrlen Leslie , Castro Kathleen , Prince Patricia , Shelburne Nonniekaye , Soeken Karen , Zabora James , Wallen Gwenyth R
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of problem-solving education on self-efficacy and distress in informal caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Patient/caregiver teams attended three 1-hour problem-solving education sessions to help cope with problems during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Primary measures included the Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale–transplant and Brief Symptom Inventory–18. Active caregivers reported improvements in self-efficacy ( p < 0.05) and distress ( p < 0.01) post-problem-solving education; caregiver responders also reported better health outcomes such as fatigue. The effect of problem-solving education on self-efficacy and distress in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation caregivers supports its inclusion in future interventions to meet the multifaceted needs of this population.
The effect of portion size on food intake is robust to brief education and mindfulness exercises
Authors: Cavanagh Karen , Vartanian Lenny R , Herman C Peter , Polivy Janet
Published: March 2013

We examined whether a brief education and a brief mindfulness exercise would reduce the effect of portion size on food intake. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three information conditions (education, mindfulness, or control) and then received a small or large portion of pasta for lunch. Neither education nor mindfulness was effective in reducing the effect of portion size: Overall, participants served a large portion consumed 34 percent more pasta than did those served a small portion. Participants in the mindfulness condition tended to eat less overall than participants did in the two other conditions, but this trend was not significant.
Prism Adaptation Improves Ego-Centered but Not Allocentric Neglect in Early Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Gossmann Anja , Kastrup Andreas , Kerkhoff Georg , López-Herrero Carmen , Hildebrandt Helmut
Published: March 2013

Background and Objective. Unilateral neglect due to parieto-temporo-frontal lesions has a negative impact on the success of rehabilitation, and prism adaptation (PA) enhances recovery from neglect. However, it is unclear if this effect holds also in severely impaired patients and/or in the postacute phase of rehabilitation. Moreover, it is not known whether PA affects all aspects of neglect recovery or ego-centered spatial orientation only. Methods. Sixteen patients in a postacute stage (on average 36 days after a large right cerebrovascular stroke) were entered into a series of single case design studies with 4 measurements: 2 before and 2 after 1 week of PA treatment. All patients had severe neglect (showing trunk, head, and eye deviation; canceling less than 20% of targets in a visual cancellation test). Lesions were transferred to a standard brain to analyze size and location. Results. Patients improved in cued body orientation and in the cancellation task, that is, in ego-centered neglect. However, none of the measures used to evaluate neglect of left side of objects irrespective of their position on the right or left side of the patient (allocentric neglect) showed an improvement. Treatment effects were not influenced by total lesion size, but lesions including the postcentral cortex were related to smaller recovery gains. Conclusion. PA is helpful in treating severely impaired patients in the postacute phase, but the effect is restricted to ego-centered neglect. Lesions in the postcentral cortex (middle occipito-temporal, middle temporal, and posterior parietal areas) seem to limit the effect of PA.
Influence of Cooling on Curing Temperature Distribution During Cementing of Modular Cobalt-Chromium and Monoblock Polyethylene Acetabular Cups
Authors: Rothstock Stephan , Saadatmand Mahnaz , Vollmer Matthias , Paech Andreas , Jürgens Christian , Nassutt Roman , Morlock Michael M.
Published: March 2013

Total hip replacements for older patients are usually cemented to ensure high postoperative primary stability. Curing temperatures vary with implant material and cement thickness (30°C to 70°C), whereas limits for the initiation of thermal bone damage are reported at 45°C to 55°C. Thus, optimizing surgical treatment and the implant material are possible approaches to lower the temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of water cooling on the temperature magnitude at the acetabulum cement interface during curing of a modular cobalt-chromium cup and a monoblock polyethylene acetabular cup. The curing temperature was measured for SAWBONE and human acetabuli at the cement–bone interface using thermocouples. Peak temperature for the uncooled condition reached 70°C for both cup materials but was reduced to below 50°C in the cooled condition for the cobalt-chromium cup ( P = .027). Cooling is an effective method to reduce curing temperature with metal implants, thereby avoiding the risk of thermal bone damage.
All Heck Breaks Loose at Little Sisters of the Bayou High School
Authors: Fossey Richard , Trujillo-Jenks Laura , Eckes Suzanne
Published: March 2013

Public schools are full of incidents that fill newspapers, but when a private school is struck with instances of libel, child abuse, and violations of Title IX, the community is at a loss as to what to do.
Evaluating and utilizing probability of study success in clinical development
Authors: Wang Yanping , Fu Haoda , Kulkarni Pandurang , Kaiser Christopher
Published: March 2013

Background

Drug development has become increasingly costly, lengthy, and risky. The call for better decision making in research and development has never been stronger. Analytic tools that utilize available data can inform decision makers of the risks and benefits of various decisions, which could lead to better and more informed decisions.

Purpose

Through some real oncology examples, we will demonstrate how using available data to analytically evaluate probability of study success (PrSS) can lead to better decisions in clinical development.

Methods

The predictive power, or average conditional power, is used to quantify the PrSS. To calculate the probability, we follow a general two-step process: (1) use Bayesian modeling and appropriate assumptions to synthesize relevant data to derive the distribution of treatment effect and (2) evaluate the PrSS analytically or via trial simulation.

Results

We applied the procedure to several compounds in our oncology pipeline. The analysis informed decision making where PrSS was an important factor to consider.

Limitations

When modeling the treatment effect, we made certain assumptions, including how two drugs work together and exchangeable treatment effects across studies. Those assumptions are reasonable for our specific situations but may not generalize well.

Conclusions

From our experience, PrSS based on available data can help decision making in drug development, particularly the Go/No-Go decision after the proof of concept trial is completed. When applicable, we recommend this evaluation be regularly done in addition to the routine data analysis for clinical trials.
Diagnosis and management of chronic lung disease in deployed military personnel
Authors: Morris Michael J. , Lucero Pedro F. , Zanders Thomas B. , Zacher Lisa L.
Published: March 2013

Military personnel are a unique group of individuals referred to the pulmonary physician for evaluation. Despite accession standards that limit entrance into the military for individuals with various pre-existing lung diseases, the most common disorders found in the general population such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain frequently diagnosed. Military personnel generally tend to be a more physically fit population who are required to exercise on a regular basis and as such may have earlier presentations of disease than their civilian counterparts. Exertional dyspnea is a common complaint; establishing a diagnosis may be challenging given the subtle nature of symptoms and lack of specificity with pulmonary function testing. The conflicts over the past 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan have also given rise to new challenges for deployed military. Various respiratory hazards in the deployed environment include suspended geologic dusts, burn pits, vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial air pollution, and isolated exposure incidents and may give rise to both acute respiratory symptoms and chronic lung disease. In the evaluation of deployed military personnel, establishing the presence of actual pulmonary disease and the relationship of existing disease to deployment is an ongoing issue to both military and civilian physicians. This paper reviews the current evidence for chronic lung disease in the deployed military population and addresses any differences in diagnosis and management.
A Central Venous Catheter Line Protocol by the Surgical Continuum of Care and Nursing Decreases Line Infection/Complications in All Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ritter Garry , Kuncewitch Mike , Roditi Alison , Bily Tom , Lennon Llene , Wolff Elissa , Laumenede Tara , Barrera Rafael
Published: March 2013

Background. Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the third most common nosocomial infection reported from the medical/surgical ICU setting. Rationale. The implementation of a central line protocol using a 3-part checklist would help ensure that all processes related to central line placement are executed for each line placement during the time it is used, thereby leading to improved outcomes. Physician assistants and nurses would be empowered to supervise the checklist and to stop or change the process if warranted. Methods. The intensivists performed a daily needs assessment of all central venous catheters (CVCs) in their respective ICUs. If the CVC was deemed unnecessary it was removed. The Surgical Continuum of Care comprised surgical physician assistants who made daily assessments of all CVCs among non-ICU inpatients. We hypothesized that these physician assistants would expedite the removal of CVCs among non-ICU inpatients. This would lead to a decreased number of central line days, and concomitant decrease in CLABSIs. Data collected were the standard data as used by the National Healthcare Safety Network. Results. From the year 2009 to 2012 the non-ICU lines decreased from 16 499 with a 3.3 CLABSI rate/1000 line days to 12 974 with a 0.85 CLABSI rate/1000 line days. The ICU line days decreased from 8190 with a 3.8 CLABSI rate/1000 line days to 5768 with 0.87 CLABSI rate/1000 line days. Conclusions. The number of CVCs used in the non-ICU patient areas has decreased with a concomitant decrease in CLABSI. The ICUs have seen a decrease in the number of CVC line/days and a concomitant decrease in CLABSI as well. Using a checklist and a clear standard policy in conjunction with a dedicated group of highly trained physician assistants and nurses has lead to a reduction in central line days and a reduction in CLABSI in the critical care areas as well as non-ICU areas.
Successful Prolonged Resuscitation of Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest in a Patient With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Harmouche Elie , Kiblawi Shafeek , Ghazzal Ziyad , Dagher Gilbert Abou
Published: March 2013

A 67-year-old man presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. Electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevations in leads II, III, and AVF. While waiting for cardiac catheterization, he developed prolonged ventricular fibrillation lasting for 69 minutes, throughout which he was resuscitated as per the 2010 Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocol. The patient was transferred to the catheterization lab while undergoing active resuscitation, where a stent was placed in his right coronary artery. He was neurologically intact postcatheterization and discharged home on the sixth day of admission.
Migrant Taxes and International Migration Patterns
Authors: Kar Saibal
Published: March 2013

This article investigates the effect of ‘migration taxes’ on the migration pattern for skill types under asymmetric information in cross-border labour markets. In the presence of migration taxes, the top skill group migrating under complete asymmetric information may not be lower than that under symmetric information. We also establish that for the revenue maximizing tax authority, the regressive tax structure across skill types Pareto dominates all other schemes.
What Drives India’s Outward FDI?
Authors: Nunnenkamp Peter , Andrés Maximiliano Sosa , Vadlamannati Krishna Chaitanya , Waldkirch Andreas
Published: March 2013

We empirically assess the determinants of India’s FDI outflows across a large sample of host countries in the 1996–2009 period. Based on gravity model specifications, we employ Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimators. Major findings include: India’s outward FDI is hardly affected by motives to access raw materials or superior technologies. Market-related factors appear to have dominated the location choices of Indian direct investors. A larger Indian diaspora in the host countries attracts more FDI. Finally, it seems that Indian direct investors are relatively resilient to weak institutions and economic instability in the host countries. However, we do not find robust evidence that India provides an alternative source of FDI for countries that traditional investors tend to avoid.
Late Mesolithic Armature Variability in the Southern North Sea Basin: Implications for Forager-LinearbandkeramikContact Models of the Transition to Agriculture in Belgium and the Southern Netherlands
Authors: Robinson Erick , Sergant Joris , Crombé Philippe
Published: March 2013

Lithic armatures have been widely noted as key evidence for interpreting the role of indigenous Mesolithic traditions in the spread of the Early Neolithic Linearbandkeramik (LBK) culture, and therefore early agriculture, across temperate Europe. Their role as evidence for the continuity of Mesolithic ‘identities’ has been emphasized without the use of a unified, systematic recording methodology of armatures from both Late–Final Mesolithic (LM–FM) and LBK sites that places armatures in their broader context as part of projectile technologies of late hunter-gatherers and early farmers. In this paper, we present the results of recent research in the southern North Sea basin that utilized a systematic and unified recording methodology to analyse armature assemblages from LM–FM and LBK sites on an inter-regional scale. We report that there is much more inter-regional variability in armature assemblages during the LM than traditionally considered in efforts to interpret similarities and possible cultural transmission processes between Mesolithic and LBK populations. This paper calls for a reassessment of inter-regional LM variability in the construction of Mesolithic-LBK contact models and a focus that places armatures in their broader social and technological contexts.
The Emergence of Metallurgy in the Central Mediterranean Region: A New Model
Authors: Dolfini Andrea
Published: March 2013

This study seeks to discuss the origins and early spread of metal technology in the central Mediterranean region. Neolithic and Copper Age evidence of metal-working and metal-using is first reviewed. It is claimed in particular that copper tools were first used, and probably also made, south of the Alps in the late Neolithic, and that complex polymetallic metallurgy developed in the early Copper Age after a short-lived intensification phase in the final Neolithic. In the second section, current models explaining the emergence of metallurgy in this region are then discussed, and a new proposal is put forward. This claims that metal technology, coming from eastern Europe, was imported into the whole of the east-central alpine region in the third quarter of the fifth millennium BC. Thence, it would have swiftly spread throughout northern Italy, central Italy, and Sardinia, and would have reached Corsica, southern Italy, and Sicily somewhat later. Finally, it is argued that the Copper Age metalworking communities dwelling in the western part of the central Mediterranean, and especially those located in west-central Italy, would have played a key role in transmitting knowledge of extractive metallurgy further west in the late fourth millennium BC.
RUNX1/AML1 mutant collaborates with BMI1 overexpression in the development of human and murine myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Harada Yuka , Inoue Daichi , Ding Ye , Imagawa Jun , Doki Noriko , Matsui Hirotaka , Yahata Takashi , Matsushita Hiromichi , Ando Kiyoshi , Sashida Goro , Iwama Atsushi , Kitamura Toshio , Harada Hironori
Published: March 2013

Key Points

BMI1 overexpression is one of the second hit partner genes of RUNX1 mutations that contribute to the development of MDSs.
Modeling human tumor angiogenesis in a three-dimensional culture system
Authors: Seano Giorgio , Chiaverina Giulia , Gagliardi Paolo Armando , di Blasio Laura , Sessa Roberto , Bussolino Federico , Primo Luca
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Human arterial ring assay is an innovative system for the three-dimensional study of tumor angiogenesis. This assay can be exploited for antiangiogenic drug screening and gene function analysis on human vessels.
Anti-CD45 radioimmunotherapy using 211At with bone marrow transplantation prolongs survival in a disseminated murine leukemia model
Authors: Orozco Johnnie J. , Bäck Tom , Kenoyer Aimee , Balkin Ethan R. , Hamlin Donald K. , Wilbur D. Scott , Fisher Darrell R. , Frayo Shani L. , Hylarides Mark D. , Green Damian J. , Gopal Ajay K. , Press Oliver W. , Pagel John M.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Astatination of anti-CD45 antibody via a closo-decaborate compound yields a stable conjugate that targets radiation to hematologic organs. 211At-anti-CD45 radioimmunotherapy combined with bone marrow transplantation prolongs survival in a disseminated murine leukemia model.
An epigenetic component of hematopoietic stem cell aging amenable to reprogramming into a young state
Authors: Wahlestedt Martin , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Sten Gerd , Ugale Amol , Frisk Mary-Ann Micha , Mattsson Ragnar , Deierborg Tomas , Sigvardsson Mikael , Bryder David
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Hematopoietic stem cell aging associates with stable transcriptional alterations. Somatic cell reprogramming reverses functional defects associated with hematopoietic aging.
Effectiveness of supportive care measures to reduce infections in pediatric AML: a report from the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Sung Lillian , Aplenc Richard , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Gamis Alan S.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Systemic antibacterial and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor prophylaxis appear to reduce bacterial infection rates. Mandatory hospitalization during profound neutropenia did not reduce infection or significantly reduce nonrelapse-related mortality.
Ambient air pollution: a cause of COPD?
Authors: Schikowski Tamara , Mills Inga C. , Anderson H. Ross , Cohen Aaron , Hansell Anna , Kauffmann Francine , Krämer Ursula , Marcon Alessandro , Perez Laura , Sunyer Jordi , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Künzli Nino
Published: March 2013

The role of ambient air pollution in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered to be uncertain. We review the evidence in the light of recent studies.

Eight morbidity and six mortality studies were identified. These were heterogeneous in design, characterisation of exposure to air pollution and methods of outcome definition. Six morbidity studies with objectively defined COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio) were cross-sectional analyses. One longitudinal study defined incidence of COPD as the first hospitalisation due to COPD. However, neither mortality nor hospitalisation studies can unambiguously distinguish acute from long-term effects on the development of the underlying pathophysiological changes.

Most studies were based on within-community exposure contrasts, which mainly assess traffic-related air pollution. Overall, evidence of chronic effects of air pollution on the prevalence and incidence of COPD among adults was suggestive but not conclusive, despite plausible biological mechanisms and good evidence that air pollution affects lung development in childhood and triggers exacerbations in COPD patients. To fully integrate this evidence in the assessment, the life-time course of COPD should be better defined. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods, specific definitions of COPD phenotypes, and more refined and source-specific exposure assessments are needed.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastric aspiration in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients
Authors: Savarino Edoardo , Carbone Roberto , Marabotto Elisa , Furnari Manuele , Sconfienza Luca , Ghio Massimo , Zentilin Patrizia , Savarino Vincenzo
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to characterise gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

40 consecutive IPF patients underwent pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan and impedance-pH monitoring while off antisecretory therapy. The presence of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed using validated HRCT scores. Reflux features included distal oesophageal acid exposure, number of acid/weakly acidic reflux episodes and their proximal migration. 40 consecutive patients with interstitial lung disease other than IPF (non-IPF patients) and 50 healthy volunteers were also enrolled.

IPF patients had significantly higher (p<0.01) oesophageal acid exposure (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 9.25 (4.7–15.4)%versus3.3 (1.4–7.4)%versus0.7 (0.2–4.2)%, number of acid (median (IQR) 45 (23–55)versus32 (19–44)versus18 (10–31)), weakly acidic (median (IQR) 34 (19–43)versus21 (11–33)versus18 (15–28)) and proximal reflux (median (IQR) 51 (26.5–65.5)versus20 (9.5–34.5)versus9 (5–20)) events compared to non-IPF patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. Pulmonary fibrosis HRCT scores correlated well with reflux episodes in both the distal (r2=0.567) and proximal (r2=0.6323) oesophagus. Patients with IPF had more bile acids and pepsin (p<0.03) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (62% and 67%, respectively) and saliva (61% and 68%, respectively) than non-IPF patients (25% and 25% in BALF, and 33% and 36%, respectively, in saliva) and controls (0% and 0% in BALF and saliva, respectively).

Acid GOR is common in IPF, but weakly acidic GOR may also occur. Patients with IPF had a risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Outcome studies with intense antireflux therapy are needed.
Evaluation and integration of existing methods for computational prediction of allergens
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Yabin , Zhao Yunan , Zhang Dabing , Li Jing
Published: March 2013

Background

Allergy involves a series of complex reactions and factors that contribute to the development of the disease and triggering of the symptoms, including rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema, skin sensitivity, even acute and fatal anaphylactic shock. Prediction and evaluation of the potential allergenicity is of importance for safety evaluation of foods and other environment factors. Although several computational approaches for assessing the potential allergenicity of proteins have been developed, their performance and relative merits and shortcomings have not been compared systematically.

Results

To evaluate and improve the existing methods for allergen prediction, we collected an up-to-date definitive dataset consisting of 989 known allergens and massive putative non-allergens. The three most widely used allergen computational prediction approaches including sequence-, motif- and SVM-based (Support Vector Machine) methods were systematically compared using the defined parameters and we found that SVM-based method outperformed the other two methods with higher accuracy and specificity. The sequence-based method with the criteria defined by FAO/WHO (FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; WHO: World Health Organization) has higher sensitivity of over 98%, but having a low specificity. The advantage of motif-based method is the ability to visualize the key motif within the allergen. Notably, the performances of the sequence-based method defined by FAO/WHO and motif eliciting strategy could be improved by the optimization of parameters. To facilitate the allergen prediction, we integrated these three methods in a web-based application proAP, which provides the global search of the known allergens and a powerful tool for allergen predication. Flexible parameter setting and batch prediction were also implemented. The proAP can be accessed at http://gmobl.sjtu.edu.cn/proAP/main.html.

Conclusions

This study comprehensively evaluated sequence-, motif- and SVM-based computational prediction approaches for allergens and optimized their parameters to obtain better performance. These findings may provide helpful guidance for the researchers in allergen-prediction. Furthermore, we integrated these methods into a web application proAP, greatly facilitating users to do customizable allergen search and prediction.