bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A consistent model for first‐order moderate rotation plate theory
Authors: Sacco Elio
Published: November 2005

The first‐order shear deformation plate theory can be used in the small strain and moderate rotation non‐linear elasticity by defining correctly the displacement vector form. In this paper, the problem of the consistency between the displacement vector form and the finite strain tensor approximation is analysed. Then, a new moderate rotation theory is proposed. The variational form of the governing equations is derived for the beam and the plate problems in a consistent way. Then, an iterative numerical procedure based on the finite element method and the secant striffness matrix is developed in order to solve the non‐linear differential equation problem. Computations are made for one‐ and two‐dimensional structures, in order to assess the performance of the von Kármán, finite elasticity, classical and the proposed moderate rotation theories.
Regulation and interplay of apoptotic and non‐apoptotic cell death
Authors: Kim R , Emi M , Tanabe K , Murakami S , Uchida Y , Arihiro K
Published: November 2005

Various death triggers including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and growth factor deprivation promote the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) or enhanced permeability of the mitochondrial membrane, otherwise known as mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, by insertion of Bax/Bak into the outer membrane where it interacts with voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC)/adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT). MMP leads to the release of small pro‐apoptotic molecules, which induce caspase‐dependent and ‐independent apoptotic cell death. The production of ROS due to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential enhances the permeability of lysosomal membranes, resulting in the release of lysosomal proteases, which contribute to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and the lysosomal degradation mechanism of autophagic cell death. Although defects in apoptotic and non‐apoptotic cell death pathways can be carcinogenic, these pathways are more or less preserved within cancer cells and can therefore influence cell death and mediate resistance to cancer treatment. This paper discusses recent advances in determining the molecular mechanisms behind regulation of apoptotic and non‐apoptotic cell death, as well as the interplay between these two processes, which may lead to the development of new strategies by which to enhance the therapeutic effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of phenylquinoxaline oligomers containing pendant electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups
Authors: Baek Jong‐Beom , Harris Frank W.
Published: November 2005

A series of extended 6‐substituted quinoxaline AB monomer mixtures, 2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐[4‐(4‐hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]‐6‐substituted quinoxaline and 3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐[4‐(4‐hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl]‐6‐substituted quinoxaline, were prepared and polymerized to afford phenylquinoxaline oligomers. High‐molecular‐weight polymers could not be obtained because of the formation of cyclic oligomers. On the basis of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight analysis and molecular modeling results, the formation of a cyclic dimer could be a favorable process resulting in low‐molecular‐weight oligomers. They were completely soluble and amorphous, with glass‐transition temperatures varying from 165 to 266 °C, and they had thermooxidative stability, with samples displaying 5% weight loss temperatures of 419–511 °C in nitrogen. The thermal properties of the monomers and resultant polymers dramatically depended on the polarity of the substituents. The monomers and resultant oligomers displayed high fluorescence in tetrahydrofuran solutions and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone solutions, respectively. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6465–6479, 2005
New family of highly emissive, soluble poly(1,4‐fluorenylenevinylene) derivatives: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Kim Yun‐Hi , Shin Dong‐Cheol , Kim Hyung‐Sun , You Hong , Kwon Soon‐Ki
Published: November 2005

A new poly(arylene vinylene) derivative, poly(1,4‐fluorenylenevinylene), with the advantages of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) and polyfluorene (PF), was designed, synthesized, and characterized. The polymer showed a defect‐free structure and a number‐average molecular weight of 32,600. The resulting polymer was thermally stable with a high glass‐transition temperature (200 °C) and was readily soluble in common organic solvents. The polymer film showed a maximum emission at 515 nm and had a photoluminescence quantum yield of 58 ± 5%. A cyclic voltammetry study revealed that the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels of the polymer were 2.9 and 5.51 eV, respectively. The double‐layer light‐emitting‐diode devices fabricated from the polymer emitted bright green light with a maximum around 515 nm. The device showed a maximum luminous efficiency of 0.13 cd/A and a maximum luminance value of 600 cd/m2 at 17 V. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6515–6523, 2005
In Situ fibril formation of thermotropic liquid crystal polymer in polyesters blends
Authors: Kim Jun Young , Kim Seong Hun
Published: November 2005

Polymer blends based on poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) and poly‐(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) reinforced with a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (TLCP) were prepared using a melt blending process. Polymer blends consisting of conventional cheap polyester with a small quantity of expensive TLCP are of interest from an economic point of view. The shear viscosity of the TLCP and polyester blends decreased with increasing shear rate and depended on TLCP content. The lower values of the structural viscosity index for the TLCP and polyester blends were attributed to the formation of fibrillar TLCP structures having elongated fibrils in the polyester matrix. The TLCP/PEN blends exhibited long TLCP fibrils that had smaller average diameters and narrower distributions of the diameter compared with those of the TLCP/PET blends. The higher shear force and lower viscosity ratio observed may favor the in situ TLCP fibril formation in the polyester matrix. The viscosity ratio was the most crucial factor in controlling the morphology of the TLCP phase in the TLCP and polyester blends. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3600–3610, 2005
Recombinant Human Deoxyribonuclease Shortens Ventilation Time in Young, Mechanically Ventilated Children
Authors: Riethmueller Joachim , Borth‐Bruhns Thomas , Kumpf Matthias , Vonthein Reinhard , Wiskirchen Jakub , Stern Martin , Hofbeck Michael , Baden Winfried
Published: November 2005

Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (dornase alfa) is currently used as an inhaled mucoactive agent in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical study in 100 infants, we investigated whether the therapeutic use of dornase alfa can be extended to ventilated, fluid‐restricted children to reduce reintubation rate, ventilation duration, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, and ventilation complications. While reintubation rates were similar for dornase alfa 7% vs. placebo 9% (odds ratio, 0.77; confidence interval, 0.11–4.9), the incidence of atelectasis (6 vs. 17, respectively; P‐value 0.051), median ventilation time (2.2 vs. 3.4 days, respectively; P‐value 0.043), median length of PICU stay (7 vs. 8 days, respectively; P‐value 0.051), and mean costs (€4,830 vs. €6,320, respectively) were lower in the dornase alfa group. No adverse effects were observed, even in critically ill patients. We found that dornase alfa was beneficial and safe. Our findings also indicate that dornase alfa is possibly of value from the first day of mechanical ventilation onward, particularly when longer ventilation (>3 days) is expected in fluid‐restricted children after cardiac surgery. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy‐resolved in‐source collisionally induced dissociation for the evaluation of the relative stability of noncovalent complexes in the gas phase
Authors: Lyapchenko Nataliya , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: November 2005

Energy‐resolved in‐source collisionally induced dissociation (CID) studies on the complexation of alkali metal cations by some crown ethers, nucleic acid bases, and amino acids have been performed. It has been shown that the cone voltage corresponding to the maximum ion abundance (Vc,Imax) of the breakdown curve is characteristic of a given ion and not influenced by the cone desolvation process or the composition of the solution. Very good agreement of the Vc,Imax value with the bond strength of the ion has been observed. Determination of the Vc,Imax values for different ionic species is a useful, simple, and inexpensive way to obtain their relative stabilities in in‐source CID conditions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liability Concerns: A View From the American College of Nurse‐Midwives
Authors: Summers Lisa , McCartney Marion
Published: November 2005

The national office of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) is the center of day‐to‐day administration for the professional organization. Staff members respond to requests for information and assistance from certified nurse‐midwives or certified midwives and facilitate the work of the Board, Divisions, and Committees. This article reviews the questions most frequently asked of the Professional Services department about risk management and professional liability issues and summarizes the most important lessons learned from the calls received. The focus is on 5 topic areas: 1) collaboration confusion, 2) systems needed to implement and effectively track diagnostic tests and referrals, 3) expansion of services beyond the core competencies, 4) patient satisfaction and patient complaints, and 5) maintaining medical malpractice coverage.
Closed Claims Analysis of 65 Medical Malpractice Cases Involving Nurse‐Midwives
Authors: Angelini Diane J. , Greenwald Linda
Published: November 2005

The threat of litigation in clinical midwifery is evident in daily practice. Although midwives have not had the same risk of claims and suits as obstetricians, all obstetric providers are potentially subject to claims of malpractice. Closed claims analysis has been used in the past to review risk patterns and to heighten awareness of certain risks. It is a methodology that can suggest corrective or preventive action for future practice and thereby minimize the risk of future errors. An analysis of nurse‐midwifery closed claims can help to evaluate past risk and proactively modify future liability.
Improving Midwifery Practice: The American College of Nurse‐Midwives' Benchmarking Project
Authors: Collins‐Fulea Cathy , Mohr Julie J. , Tillett Jackie
Published: November 2005

Quality management in clinical practice involves the use of numerous techniques that monitor the quality of care clinicians provide. Quality improvement is an approach to quality management that emphasizes system and processes, rather than a focus on individual performance. Quality improvement examines objective data to improve these processes, even when high standards of performance appear to have been met. Benchmarking measures one's processes and outcomes against “best in class” and is a part of a quality improvement program. By using benchmarking to provide goals for realistic process improvement and identification of the most efficient and effective methods of meeting all of their customer's needs, health care providers can document their effectiveness in terms of cost, quality, and satisfaction. This article details the American College of Nurse‐Midwives' benchmarking project and presents benchmarks for obstetric practice from the year 2004.
Comment on the Joint Committee Statement
Authors: Grundfast Kenneth M , Epstein Stephen
Published: November 2005

Enclosed in this issue of the BULLETIN is the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing 1994 Position Statement just released for publication. The Joint Committee member organizations that have prepared and approved this position statement include the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery, the American Academy of Audiology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Speech‐Language Hearing Association and the Directors of Speech and Hearing Programs in State Health and Welfare Agencies. Here is what you need to know‐The 1994 Position Statement:

Endorses the goal of universal detection of infants with hearing loss and encourages continuing research and development to improve techniques for detection of and intervention for hearing loss as early as possible.

Maintains a role for the indicators (formerly called risk factors) described in the 1990 Position Statement.

Identifies indicators associated with delayed or late onset hearing loss and recommends procedures to monitor infants with these indicators.

Recognizes the adverse effects of fluctuating conductive hearing loss from persistent or recurring otitis media with effusion (OME) and recommends monitoring infants with OME for hearing loss.

Endorses the provision of intervention services in accordance with Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public Law 102‐115.
Correlation of Modified Radioallergosorbent Test Scores and Skin Test Results
Authors: Tandy James R. , Mabry Richard L. , Mabry Cynthia S.
Published: November 2005

In addition to a significantly increased sensitivity as compared with the initial Phadebas radioallergosorbent test, a major advantage of the Fadal‐Nalebuff modified RAST is its correlation with skin testing using skin end point titration. This correlation allows physicians to use both these modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders. However, it has been anecdotally believed that the correlation of radioallergosorbent test classes and skin test end points varied somewhat with different antigens. Fifty‐three patients were tested by radioallergosorbent test for 12 inhalant antigens common to the North Texas region. These patients subsequently underwent confirmation of their radioallergosorbent test results by application of intradermal tests at a concentration of one fivefold step weaker than the corresponding radioallergosorbent test level (a “RAST minus one” dilution). The relationship between radioallergosorbent test and skin test results will be critically analyzed.
Otolaryngology and the Internet
Authors: Rothschild Michael
Published: November 2005

During the past 25 years, the Internet has grown tremendously. Starting as four academic computers linked by the Department of Defense, it has become a major technical and cultural entity that is accessible to millions of persons outside the realm of government and academia. The field of medicine has been well served by this telecommunications system, in which many applications have been developed to assist in research, clinical medicine, and education. More recently, resources of specific interest to otolaryngologists have been implemented at various academic departments and national organizations. This review is intended to simplify the Internet for otolaryngologists who do not have extensive experience in computers or telecommunication. The Internet is described in basic, minimally technical terms, and specific examples are provided of ways that on‐line resources can be used in the practice of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery.
Obstructing Laryngeal Granuloma after Brief Endotracheal Intubation in Neonates
Authors: Kelly Steven M. , April Max M. , Tunkel David E.
Published: November 2005

Laryngeal granuloma formation is an unusual complication of endotracheal intubation, especially in young children. Two neonates were evaluated for stridor and life–threatening upper airway obstruction that developed 2 days after birth. Each infant had been endotracheally intubated for several minutes to facilitate meconium suctioning in the delivery suite. Obstructive true vocal cord granulomas were seen at microlaryngoscopy, and surgical excision provided relief of airway obstruction. The pathogenesis and treatment of postintubation laryngeal granulomas are discussed.
Benign Cervical Teratoma in the Adult: Report of a Rare Case with Dense Fibrosis Involving Adjacent Vital Structures
Authors: Kuhel William I. , Yagoda Michelle , Peterson Powers
Published: November 2005

Cervical teratomas are rare tumors occurring mainly in neonates and infants. Fewer than 20 cases involving adults have been reported. Unlike congenital pediatric cervical teratomas, which are almost always benign, most adult cervical teratomas are malignant. We describe an adult with a benign cervical teratoma that had several interesting features. First, the preoperative workup, consisting of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and fine–needle aspiration (FNA) suggested the correct diagnosis. Second, this histologically and clinically benign tumor was densely adherent to the prevertebral fascia, the great vessels, and the trachea. The magnitude of this tissue reaction was such that the left recurrent laryngeal nerve could not be separated from the tumor. Although not previously described for benign cervical teratomas in the adult, this dense adherence to vital structures parallels the behavior of benign mediastinal teratomas and should be anticipated.
Postlaryngectomy Dysphagia Caused by an Anterior Neopharyngeal Diverticulum
Authors: Deschler Daniel G. , Blevins Nikolas H. , Ellison David E.
Published: November 2005

Anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum, which may occur after total laryngectomy, is a mucosalized pouch at the base of the tongue separated from the remaining pharynx by a posterior tissue band. The diverticulum has been alternatively called a pseudo–vallecula and the posterior tissue band a pseudoepiglottis because of the appearance on barium swallow. Kirchner and Scatliff described the neopharyngeal diverticulum as a cause of postlaryngectomy dysphagia in 1962. The dysphagia is characterized by a regurgitant quality similar to that found in patients with Zenker's diverticulum. On indirect examination, the pouch can be seen and often has food or mucus in it.

In the setting of postlaryngectomy dysphagia, tumor recurrence must lead the differential diagnosis,2 but indirect examination and barium swallow may reveal the presence of a significant diverticulum. In 30 of 34 postlaryngectomy patients Kirchner et al.3 noted such a pouch varying in size from 1 to 30 cm. A diverticulum developed in all patients in this study who had postoperative fistulas and in 9 of 13 who did not have leaks. The authors postulated dehiscence of the pharyngeal closure at the tongue base as the cause of the diverticulum.

Davis et al.4 described a ‘pseudoepiglottis’ in 21 of 28 postlaryngectomy patients. They proposed that the closure technique may affect the incidence of diverticula, noting that all patients with vertical closures had pseudoepiglottis (average length, 18.4 mm), whereas 67% of patients with a ‘T closure’ had such a finding (average length, 9.6 mm). They postulated that the superior suture line folding on itself created the pseudoepiglottis. Biller commented that the cause might be related to the approximation of the constrictor muscles.4

No patients in Kirchner's group had surgical treatment of their anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum, whereas two patients in Davis' group underwent laser excision with improvement. Other authors describe patients with a significant ‘vallecular pseudodiverticulum’ treated with external surgical repairs.5 Sobol et al.6 described three patients with neopharyngeal diverticula, two of whom were treated with an endoscopic division of the posterior wall of the diverticulum.

We have recently used a simple transoral method, described below, to address this problem and describe two patients with dysphagia caused by an anterior neopharyngeal diverticulum and improvement after this correction.
Military Coercion in Interstate Crises
Authors: SLANTCHEV BRANISLAV L.
Published: November 2005

Military mobilization simultaneously sinks costs, because it must be paid for regardless of the outcome, and ties hands, because it increases the probability of winning should war occur. Existing studies neglect this dualism and cannot explain signaling behavior and tacit bargaining well. I present a formal model that incorporates both functions and shows that many existing conclusions about crisis escalation have to be qualified. Contrary to models with either pure sunk costs or tying-hands signaling, bluffing is possible in equilibrium. General monotonicity results that relate the probability of war to an informed player's expected payoff from fighting do not extend to this environment with its endogenous distribution of power. Peace may involve higher military allocations than war. Rational deterrence models also assume that a commitment either does or does not exist. Extending these, I show how the military instrument can create commitments and investigate the difficulties with communicating them.
Hyperbolas and hyperbole: The free will problem remains
Authors: Bridgeman Bruce
Published: November 2005

Hyperbolic theories have the fatal flaw that because of their vertical asymptote they predict irresistible choice of immediate rewards, regardless of future contingencies. They work only for simple situations. Theories incorporating intermediate unconscious choices are more flexible, but are neither exponential nor hyperbolic in their predictions. They don't solve the free will paradox, which may be just a consistent illusion.
Freud meets Skinner: Hyperbolic curves, elliptical theories, and Ainslie Interests
Authors: Sanabria Federico , Killeen Peter R.
Published: November 2005

Ainslie advances Freud's and Skinner's theories of homunculi by basing their emergent complexity on the interaction of simple algorithms. The rules of competition and cooperation of these interests are underspecified, but they provide a new way of thinking about the basic elements of conditioning, particularly conditioned stimuli (CSs).
On the coexistence of cognitivism and intertemporal bargaining
Authors: Stanovich Keith E.
Published: November 2005

Although Ainslie rejects cognitivism as providing an explanation of willpower, a type of nonhomuncular cognitivism is hiding in his own proposal. The key mental mechanism of aggregating individual decisions (bundled reframings) involves representation and decoupling operations encompassed within the analytic system of dual-process mental architectures.
A bazaar of opinions mostly fit within picoeconomics
Authors: Ainslie George
Published: November 2005

The will has generated a wider range of opinions than most phenomena, lacking as it does both an animal model and consistent behavioral correlates. It has even been held not to exist. The commentators approached my intertemporal bargaining (picoeconomic) model from many angles. Doubts about the existence of the underlying phenomenon, hyperbolic discounting, were still raised by some, but other commentators added to the evidence for it, which I regard now as overwhelming. Where mechanisms of self-control were specified, I found it possible to place them within a picoeconomic framework.
Shared intentions without a self
Authors: Lewis Michael
Published: November 2005

Shared knowledge of intentionality as well as shared knowledge of anything depends on the organism's understanding of itself, others, and the possible relations between self and other. This understanding involves mental representations of me, which emerges in the second half of the second year in the human infant, and it is this ability that gives rise to humanlike social understanding and complex self-conscious emotions.
Do infants understand that external goals are internally represented?
Authors: Perner Josef , Doherty Martin
Published: November 2005

Evidence for infants' sensitivity to behavior being goal oriented leaves it open as to whether they see such behavior as being designed to lead to an external goal or whether they see it, in addition, as being directed by an internal representation of the goal. We point out the difficulty of finding possible criteria for how infants or children view this matter.
Baby steps on the path to understanding intentions
Authors: Vaish Amrisha , Woodward Amanda
Published: November 2005

Tomasello et al. lay out a three-step ontogenetic pathway for infants' understanding of intentional action. By this account, before 9 months, infants do not understand actions as being goal directed. However, we caution against drawing strong conclusions from negative findings, and, based on recent findings, propose that a key aspect of goal knowledge is present well before 9 months.
Triadic bodily mimesis is the difference
Authors: Zlatev Jordan , Persson Tomas , Gärdenfors Peter
Published: November 2005

We find that the nature and origin of the proposed “dialogical cognitive representations” in the target article is not sufficiently clear. Our proposal is that (triadic) bodily mimesis and in particular mimetic schemas – prelinguistic representational, intersubjective structures, emerging through imitation but subsequently interiorized – can provide the necessary link between private sensory-motor experience and public language. In particular, we argue that shared intentionality requires triadic mimesis.
English as a second language learner differences in anaphoric resolution: Reading to learn in the academic context
Authors: PRETORIUS ELIZABETH J.
Published: November 2005

To succeed at a university, students need to read expository texts effectively and meaningfully to access and understand information, and internalize it for study purposes. An important component of the comprehension process is the reader's ability to integrate current information with information mentioned earlier in a text. One aspect of this integration process involves anaphoric resolution. This paper reports on findings from a study that investigated anaphoric resolution by first-year English as a second language students during the reading of expository texts. The relationship between skill in anaphoric resolution, academic performance, and language proficiency was examined. Linguistic and textual factors such as type and inference strength of anaphoric tie were also taken into account to examine differential resolution effects. The findings showed that students who were not performing well academically were not skilled at resolving anaphors. Anaphoric resolution was also affected by linguistic and textual differences. Differences in anaphoric resolution diminished as proficiency in English increased. Anaphoric resolution was also affected by the strength of the anaphoric tie; successful anaphoric resolution dropped when the anaphoric tie required greater inferential processing. This was particularly evident among the academically weaker students. The findings suggest that anaphoric resolution in expository texts plays an important role in reading to learn. The implications of these findings are briefly discussed for English as a second language students.
Distinguishing African American English from developmental errors in the language production of toddlers
Authors: HORTON–IKARD RAMONDA , WEISMER SUSAN ELLIS
Published: November 2005

This study examined the use of nonstandard forms in the language production of typically developing toddlers. Forty-four African American and White children, ages 2.5 and 3.5 years, were assigned to one of four groups based on their chronological age and linguistic background. Language sample analysis and a listener judgment task were used to evaluate nonstandard speech. Results indicated that 2.5- and 3.5-year-old toddlers from African American English backgrounds produced similar amounts of nonstandard speech. However, 2.5-year-old toddlers from standard American English backgrounds produced greater amounts of nonstandard speech than their 3.5-year-old peers.
Retirement-age preferences of women and men aged 55–64 years in Sweden
Authors: SOIDRE TIIU
Published: November 2005

This article presents an analysis of the factors that were associated with preferences for ‘early retirement’ or ‘late exit’ from paid work in Sweden. It draws upon special questions that were added to the country's Labour Force Survey of 2001 and were put to a sample of more than 1,000 people aged 55–64 years who were (self-) employed. Separate models of the factors influencing women's and men's preferred retirement age were calibrated, using variables that described current working conditions, whether the respondents perceived themselves as being appreciated as employees, and their attitudes to work and to private or home life. Among the findings, a positive attitude towards work motivated both women and men to stay in work beyond the normal retirement age, while positive attitudes towards private life promoted an early exit. Poor working conditions generated negative attitudes towards work (and vice versa). The strengths of various push and pull factors were gender-specific: for women, a trying job tended to push them out of the labour market; for men, a socially-rewarding job tended to keep them in the labour force. The more that men worked mainly for pecuniary reasons, the stronger their wish for an early exit. Men who felt that they were unappreciated at work preferred early retirement: in some of these cases, the ‘push’ factor was related to ageism. As people approach retirement age, many appear to reconceptualise more positively their life outside the work place.
Six years' experience with interdisciplinary review teams in health technology assessment in Norway
Authors: Håheim Lise Lund , Mørland Berit , Wisløff Torbjørn Fosen , Lyngstadaas Anita
Published: November 2005

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of interdisciplinary review teams that have been the main and central work form in making health technology assessments at the Norwegian Centre for Health Technology Assessment.

Methods: Evaluation questionnaires were sent to all 112 participants in the 17 review teams for the period of January 1998 to June 2003 after completion of the literature assessment. Questions were on the theme/mandate of the assessments, composition of the review team, organization of the work, the working method, and update of the report.

Results: The teams ranged from 4 to 14 persons regarded as opinion leaders in their field. The project periods lasted from 4 to 33 months. In all, fifty-five participants gave fifty-eight responses (51.8 percent) to the questionnaires. A total of 83 percent thought the theme was well argued, and 62 percent thought the mandate for the assessments was sufficiently clear. Approximately 80 percent were positive to the composition of the review team. In all, 22 percent expressed that the work method was too extensive and 43 percent wanted more tuition. General comments were that the working method gave competence in assessing medical literature, relevant professional training, and tuition in a working method that ensured the legitimacy of their work.

Conclusions: The review team participants were satisfied with most aspects of the work. The Norwegian Centre for Health Technology Assessment will continue using interdisciplinary review teams in making health technology assessments.
Citizenship, Nationhood, and Non-Territoriality: Transnational Participation in Europe
Authors: Kastoryano Riva
Published: November 2005

Since the 1980s, the question of citizenship has taken root as a major theme in the social sciences and as the focus of juridical, political, social, and cultural debates in all democratic societies. In Europe, citizenship has taken different shapes and definitions in its rhetoric, ideology, and practice with regard to immigrants; incorporation into nation-states and their expansion of political participation beyond boundaries relating to home and host country to include a broad European space. Citizenship is also an issue for European construction itself. Within nation-states citizenship has been expressed in different domains extending from the national community to the civil society, even though only “legal” citizenship allows the full participation of individuals and groups in the political community. At the European level, despite the transnational participation of immigrants encouraged by the very nature of the European Union and its supranational institutions andde factoexpansion of dual citizenship, the claim for equal recognition as citizens that underlies the political strategies of immigrants remains within the framework of the legitimacy of the state of residence and citizenship.
SEMI-NONPARAMETRIC ESTIMATES OF THE DEMAND FOR MONEY IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: SERLETIS APOSTOLOS , SHAHMORADI ASGHAR
Published: November 2005

This paper focuses on the demand for money in the United States in the context of two globally flexible functional forms—the Fourier and the asymptotically ideal model (AIM)—estimated subject to full regularity, using methods suggested over 20 years ago. We provide a comparison in terms of violations of the regularity conditions for consumer maximization and in terms of output in the form of a full set of elasticities. We also provide a policy perspective, using (for the first time) parameter estimates that are consistent with global regularity, in that a very strong case can be made for abandoning the simple-sum approach to monetary aggregation, on the basis of the low elasticities of substitution among the components of the popular M2 aggregate of money.
DO TECHNOLOGY SHOCKS DRIVE HOURS UP OR DOWN? A LITTLE EVIDENCE FROM AN AGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
Authors: PESAVENTO ELENA , ROSSI BARBARA
Published: November 2005

This paper analyzes the robustness of the estimate of a positive productivity shock on hours to the presence of a possible unit root in hours. Estimations in levels or in first differences provide opposite conclusions. We rely on an agnostic procedure in which the researcher does not have to choose between a specification in levels or in first differences. We find that a positive productivity shock has a negative impact effect on hours, but the effect is much shorter lived, and disappears after two quarters. The effect becomes positive at business-cycle frequencies, although it is not significant.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THOMAS J. SARGENT
Authors: Evans George W. , Honkapohja Seppo
Published: November 2005

The rational expectations hypothesis swept through macroeconomics during the 1970s and permanently altered the landscape. It remains the prevailing paradigm in macroeconomics, and rational expectations is routinely used as the standard solution concept in both theoretical and applied macroeconomic modelling. The rational expectations hypothesis was initially formulated by John F. Muth Jr. in the early 1960s. Together with Robert Lucas Jr., Thomas (Tom) Sargent pioneered the rational expectations revolution in macroeconomics in the 1970s.
From the trenches
Authors: BACCHUS JAMES
Published: November 2005

This rubric is intended for occasional contributions from on-the-ground practitioners in Geneva and national capitals. Our hope is that this category will inspire other practitioners to submit notes and articles – typically in the range of 2,000 to 10,000 words – to the World Trade Review. As with all notes and articles submitted to the World Trade Review, manuscripts in this category will be reviewed by independent referees. However, the focus is intended to be practice oriented and at least one of the two referees will be a fellow practitioner.
The future of the WTO in world economic affairs
Authors: SAMPSON GARY P.
Published: November 2005

Trade policy today extends its influence well beyond what has traditionally been the grist of those interested in international trade policy. Many domestic regulations relating to patents, financial services, subsidies, and support measures for agriculture are subject to WTO disciplines. Some WTO agreements raise ethical questions about the patenting of life forms, precaution and risk management, access to essential medicines, and the rewarding of indigenous peoples for their genetic resources. There are negotiations on the legitimacy of fishing subsidies that lead to fish stock depletion and recent disputes have dealt with internet gambling, genetically modified organisms and the conservation of endangered species.
Reflections on the last three years of the WTO
Authors: PANITCHPAKDI SUPACHAI
Published: November 2005

The multilateral trading system has been an astonishing achievement in international economic cooperation. The power of trade to raise living standards is widely recognized and so too is the capacity for trade tensions to escalate with severe economic consequences and also repercussions that go way beyond economics. As many have observed, when trade cannot cross boarders, then armies will. For these reasons, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is one of the most indispensable international organizations that exists today. It is a system based upon the rule of law and not the law of the jungle, equipped with appropriate legal instruments to defuse and resolve trade conflicts as well as providing a forum for Member governments to negotiate trade rules and trade liberalization.
Theory and method for calculating resonance Raman scattering from resonance polarizability derivatives
Authors: Jensen L. , Zhao L. L. , Autschbach J. , Schatz G. C.
Published: November 2005

We present a method to calculate both normal Raman-scattering (NRS) and resonance Raman-scattering (RRS) spectra from the geometrical derivatives of the frequency-dependent polarizability. In the RRS case, the polarizability derivatives are calculated from resonance polarizabilities by including a finite lifetime of the electronic excited states using time-dependent density-functional theory. The method is a short-time approximation to the Kramers, Heisenberg, and Dirac formalism. It is similar to the simple excited-state gradient approximation method if only one electronic excited state is important, however, it is not restricted to only one electronic excited state. Since the method can be applied to both NRS and RRS, it can be used to obtain complete Raman excitation profiles. To test the method we present the results for the S2 state of uracil and the S4,S3, and S2 states of pyrene. As expected, the results are almost identical to the results obtained from the excited-state gradient approximation method. Comparing with the experimental results, we find in general quite good agreement which enables an assignment of the experimental bands to bands in the calculated spectrum. For uracil the inclusion of explicit waters in the calculations was found to be necessary to match the solution spectra. The calculated resonance enhancements are on the order of 104–106, which is in agreement with experimental findings. For pyrene the method is also able to distinguish between the three different electronic states for which experimental data are available. The neglect of anharmonicity and solvent effects in the calculations leads to some discrepancy between theory and experiment.
Characterization of a deep depletion, back-illuminated charge-coupled device in the x-ray range
Authors: Zamponi Flavio , Kämpfer Tino , Morak Andreas , Uschmann Ingo , Förster Eckhart
Published: November 2005

In this Note we report on the characterization of a “deep depletion” charge-coupled device (CCD) in the keV range. Measurement of quantum efficiency for different energies from 4.5 until 27keV is given. A measurement of the capability of the CCD to detect single photons is also reported together with a determination of the spatial and spectral resolution. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to give a quantitative comparison with the measured spatial resolution.
Vibron-polaron in α-helices. I. Single-vibron states
Authors: Falvo Cyril , Pouthier Vincent
Published: November 2005

The vibron dynamics associated to amide-I vibrations in a three-dimensional α-helix is described according to a generalized Davydov model. The helix is modeled by three spines of hydrogen-bonded peptide units linked via covalent bonds. To remove the intramolecular anharmonicity of each amide-I mode and to renormalize the vibron-phonon coupling, two unitary transformations have been applied to reach the dressed anharmonic vibron point of view. It is shown that the vibron dynamics results from the competition between interspine and intraspine vibron hops and that the two kinds of hopping processes do not experience the same dressing mechanism. Therefore, at low temperature (or weak vibron-phonon coupling), the polaron behaves as an undressed vibron delocalized over all the spines whereas at biological temperature (or strong vibron-phonon coupling), the dressing effect strongly reduces the vibrational exchanges between different spines. As a result the polaron propagates along a single spine as in the one-dimensional Davydov model. Although the helix supports both acoustical and optical phonons, this feature originates in the coupling between the vibron and the acoustical phonons only. Finally, the lattice distortion which accompanies the polaron has been determined and it is shown that residues located on the excited spine are subjected to a stronger deformation than the other residues.
Vibron-polaron in α-helices. II. Two-vibron bound states
Authors: Falvo Cyril , Pouthier Vincent
Published: November 2005

The two-vibron dynamics associated to amide-I vibrations in a three-dimensional (3D) α-helix is described according to a generalized Davydov model. The helix is modeled by three spines of hydrogen-bonded peptide units linked via covalent bonds. It is shown that the two-vibron energy spectrum supports both a two-vibron free states continuum and two kinds of bound states, called two-vibron bound states (TVBS)-I and TVBS-II, connected to the trapping of two vibrons onto the same amide-I mode and onto two nearest-neighbor amide-I modes belonging to the same spine, respectively. At low temperature, nonvanishing interspine hopping constants yield a three-dimensional nature of both TVBS-I and TVBS-II which the wave functions extend over the three spines of the helix. At biological temperature, the pairs are confined in a given spine and exhibit the same features as the bound states described within a one-dimensional model. The interplay between the temperature and the 3D nature of the helix is also responsible for the occurrence of a third bound state called TVBS-III which refers to the trapping of two vibrons onto two different spines. The experimental signature of the existence of bound states is discussed through the simulation of their infrared pump-probe spectroscopic response. Finally, the fundamental question of the breather-like behavior of two-vibron bound states is addressed.
High pressure-temperature Brillouin study of liquid water: Evidence of the structural transition from low-density water to high-density water
Authors: Li Fangfei , Cui Qiliang , He Zhi , Cui Tian , Zhang Jian , Zhou Qiang , Zou Guangtian , Sasaki Shigeo
Published: November 2005

The structural transformations occurring to water from low-density (LDW) to high-density (HDW) regimes have been studied by Brillouin scattering for the first time at temperatures up to 453K and at pressures up to the solidification point. At ambient temperature (293K) a discontinuity in pressure response of the sound velocity is observed. Furthermore, there are evident breaks in the linear behavior of log10C11 versus log10(ρ∕ρ0) when pressure increases up to 0.29, 0.21, and 0.19GPa at the temperature of 293, 316, and 353K, respectively. It is supposed to indicate the structural transition from LDW to HDW, and the possible transition boundary between LDW and HDW is in good agreement with the molecular-dynamics simulation.
Nonequilibrium electronic transport of 4,4′-bipyridine molecular junction
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Li Qunxiang , Huang Jing , Yang Jinlong
Published: November 2005

The electronic transport properties of a 4,4′-bipyridine molecule sandwiched between two Au(111) surfaces are studied with a fully self-consistent nonequilibrium Green’s-function method combined with the density-functional theory. The 4,4′-bipyridine molecule prefers to adsorb near the hollow site of the Au(111) surface and distorts slightly. The modifications on the electronic structure of the molecule due to the presence of the electrodes are described by the renormalized molecular orbitals, which correspond well to the calculated transmission peaks. The average Fermi level lies close to the lowest unoccupied renormalized molecular orbital, which determines the electronic transport property of the molecular junction under a small bias voltage. The total transmission is contributed by a single channel. The transmission peaks shift with the applied bias voltage, and this behavior depends on the spatial distribution of the renormalized molecular orbitals and the voltage drop along the molecular junction. The shape of the calculated conductance curve of the equilibrium geometric configuration reproduces the main feature of the experimental results, but the value is larger than the measured data by about 6 times. Good agreement with the experimental measurements can be obtained by elongating the molecular junction. The electronic transport behaviors depend strongly on the interface configuration.
Relativistic DMRG calculations on the curve crossing of cesium hydride
Authors: Moritz Gerrit , Wolf Alexander , Reiher Markus
Published: November 2005

Over the past few years, it has been shown in various studies on small molecules with only a few electrons that the density-matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method converges to results close to the full configuration-interaction limit for the total electronic energy. In order to test the capabilities of the method for molecules with complex electronic structures, we performed a study on the potential-energy curves of the ground state and the first excited state of Σ+1 symmetry of the cesium hydride molecule. For cesium relativistic effects cannot be neglected, therefore we have used the generalized arbitrary-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess protocol up to tenth order, which allows for a complete decoupling of the Dirac Hamiltonian. Scalar-relativistic effects are thus fully incorporated in the calculations. The potential curves of the cesium hydride molecule feature an avoided crossing between the ground state and the first excited state, which is shown to be very well described by the DMRG method. Compared to multireference configuration-interaction results, the potential curves hardly differ in shape, for both the ground state and the excited state, but the total energies from the DMRG calculations are in general consistently lower. However, the DMRG energies are as accurate as corresponding coupled cluster energies at the equilibrium distance, but convergence to the full configuration-interaction limit is not achieved.
Mechanism of adsorption in cylindrical nanopores: The roles of fluctuations and correlations in stabilizing the adsorbed phase
Authors: Kuchta Bogdan , Firlej Lucyna , Maurin Guillaume
Published: November 2005

The mechanism of the adsorption in nanometric cylindrical pores has been studied using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. The results have been analyzed from the point of view of microscopic correlations. It has been shown that the correlations between the energy components and between the energy and the number of adsorbed particles provide crucial information concerning the microscopic mechanism of the formation of adsorbed layers. Typical susceptibility functions have been calculated. They give the relations between the statistical correlations and the stability of the adsorbed system in different stages of adsorption. The numerical calculations have been carried out for Kr atoms adsorbed in an MCM-41 model porous material with pores of diameter d=4nm. The smooth-wall model as well as the model of a wall with micropores have been discussed.