bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment and Total Factor Productivity Convergence
Authors: Greasley David , Madsen Jakob B.
Published: October 2006

Using a new 16‐country data set we demonstrate a robust negative employment‐total factor productivity trade‐off 1870–2004. Widely disparate cross country employment growth had a powerful long term influence on productivity dispersion. Unexceptional US productivity growth principally resulted from her exceptional employment growth rather than from her initially high productivity levels. The negative externalities associated with higher employment are shown to have dominated the diminishing of total factor productivity gaps among the 16 countries, and led to the erosion of US productivity leadership over the twentieth century.
Prevalence of obesity among schoolchildren in Iran
Authors: Ayatollahi S. M. T. , Mostajabi F.
Published: October 2006

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among schoolchildren aged 6.5–11.5 years in Shiraz (southern Iran) are presented in this paper. The body mass index (BMI) percentiles of these children are compared with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference data and with the Iranian standard. The data are based on a random multistage sample survey of 2397 healthy school attenders (1268 boys, 1129 girls) living in Shiraz, whose heights and weights were measured in the 2002–2003 academic year. Joint height and weight measurements were obtained for 2195 schoolchildren (91.6%), consisting of 1138 boys (89.7%) and 1057 girls (93.6%). A total of 77 boys (6.8%) and 40 girls (3.8%) were overweight, and the difference between them was significant (P = 0.001). However, obesity was significantly less prevalent in boys (3.3%) than in girls (6.1%) (P = 0.001). Our children’s median BMI lie almost on the 38th centile of the CDC reference data, whereas that of their counterparts born more than 10 years ago lay on the 20th centile of their American counterparts, showing the development of children’s obesity in a period of less than 15 years in Iran. A positive secular trend in BMI has been seen during the past decade in Iran, suggesting policymakers and health professionals should pay special attention to children’s health.
‘The Taste of Paradise’: Selling Fiji and FIJI Water
Authors: Connell John
Published: October 2006

Abstract: Effective global competitiveness is rare in the Pacific islands, yet FIJI Water has been a major success story since 1997, exporting bottled water to the USA and elsewhere. A bland commodity has been linked to an ‘exotic’ place, and sold to elite consumers, as a form of cultural capital. The company website and newspaper extol the virtues of a ‘pristine’ product, produced in a natural context, in an environmentally sensitive manner. Marketing these themes and product placement have enabled success in a highly competitive market. Place has been used as a means of marketing perceived taste, distinctiveness and quality.
Productive transformations and bilateralism in the semi‐periphery: A comparative political economy of the dairy complexes of New Zealand and Chile
Authors: Challies Edward R.T. , Murray Warwick E.
Published: October 2006

Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the dairy complexes of New Zealand and Chile in the context of increasing bilateral interaction between the two countries, and their recent signing of a ‘Trans‐Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership’ (TPSEP) free‐trade agreement. The two economies can be said to occupy semi‐peripheral positions in global markets and have, through the twentieth and into the twenty‐first century, increasingly competed for market share in a range of primary product (particularly agricultural)‐based export markets. Similar sets of historical processes, although variably timed, have shaped the roles of New Zealand and Chile respectively as resource peripheries, and the extent to which the two countries can collaborate for mutual benefit and transcend these roles is uncertain. In taking a sectoral approach this paper questions the compatibility of the two dairy complexes in the context of the TPSEP, and recommends further sectoral and localised studies in order to better appraise the model of ‘co‐opetition’ promoted through the agreement.
It Depends: A Sociohistorical Account of the Definition and Methods of Identification of Learning Disabilities
Authors: Gallego Margaret A. , Durán Grace Zamora , Reyes Elba I.
Published: October 2006

In the midst of unprecedented knowledge generation in the field of education, the definition of learning disabilities and the methods used for its identification have essentially remained the same for nearly 30 years. Working from a sociohistorical perspective, the authors’ distinct professional positions within education (university academic, federal program officer, and school administrator) serve as the lenses to examine the constancy of the official definition and the means for the identification of learning disabilities relative to changes throughout the historical chronologies of educational theory, policy, and practice. The concept of context as that which weaves is used to illustrate the relationships across several historical episodes.
Who Are These Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students?
Authors: Garcia Eugene E. , Cuéllar Delis
Published: October 2006

The national demographic transformation that has become more evident in the last decade was easily foreseen at least 10 years ago. Our future student growth is as predictable: In a mere 35 years, White students will be a minority in every category of public education as we know it today, and non-English-proficient students will grow significantly. Unfortunately, these emerging majority ethnic and racial background students continue to be “at risk” in today's social institutions.
Semilingualism Applied to the Literacy Behaviors of Spanish-Speaking Emerging Bilinguals: Bi-illiteracy or Emerging Biliteracy?
Authors: Escamilla Kathy
Published: October 2006

Language differences in the United States are largely viewed as problems that schools must remedy. This paradigm has created the pervasive belief that Spanish is a root cause of underachievement for Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs). This article examines teacher beliefs systems with regard to the above paradigm. It also examines informal writing assessments as tools to evaluate children's bilingual writing development. Fourth- and fifth-grade students were given writing prompts in English and Spanish. Teachers at the school read and rated the samples. Findings indicated that children had strengths in writing, particularly in the area of complex ideas. In contrast, teachers’ discussions focused on perceived weaknesses. Findings raise questions about using writing-sample data and teacher judgment to identify ELLs for special education.
Language, Dialect, and Register: Sociolinguistics and the Estimation of Measurement Error in the Testing of English Language Learners
Authors: Solano-Flores Guillermo
Published: October 2006

This article examines the intersection of psychornetrics and sociolinguists in the testing of English language learners (ELLs); it discusses language, dialect, and register as sources of measurement error. Research findings show that the dialect of the language in which students are tested (e.g., local or standard English) is as important as language as a facet that influences score dependability in ELL testing. The development, localization, review, and sampling of items are examined as aspects of the process of test construction critical to properly attaining linguistic alignment: the correspondence between the features of the dialect and the register used in a test, and the features of the language to which ELLs are exposed in both formal and instructional contexts.
Building Consensus: Future Directions for Research on English Language Learners at Risk for Learning Difficulties
Authors: Lesaux Nonie K.
Published: October 2006

The growing population of English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. schools and the low academic achievement of many of these learners have been the subject of much debate. A significant related issue is determining the sources of ELLs’ difficulty, namely, understanding the distinction between learning disabilities (LD) and learning difficulties due primarily to contextual factors and second-language learning. This article addresses the future directions for research in this area, with an emphasis on the need to build consensus through converging lines of evidence. Issues of sample definition, study design, and methods are discussed; also emphasized in the article is that in order to answer questions about the sources of difficulty for ELLs who are struggling, an understanding of the trajectories and experiences of those not experiencing difficulties is needed. Throughout the article, parallels are drawn between this emerging field of research and the LD research conducted with monolingual English speakers. An example of a study for which the design, analyses, and dissemination relates to many of the issues raised in the article is presented.
The Most and the Least Favoured Nations: Norway's Trade Policy in Perspective
Authors: Melchior Arne
Published: October 2006

This article reviews some recent developments in Norway's trade policy, in the light of the WTO's Trade Policy Review of Norway, 2004. A main focus is on the relationship between MFN trade policy and Norway's numerous preferential trade arrangements. In spite of a growing number of free trade agreements the paper suggests that Norway's trade regime has not become more discriminatory. The reason is that cuts in MFN tariffs as well as improvements in GSP have eroded preference margins in manufacturing faster than the coverage of free trade agreements has expanded. As a result of liberalisation, the trade regime for manufacturing has become less discriminatory, not more. While Norway is on the whole a liberal‐minded supporter of the world trade system, it has twice in recent history reacted with protectionism. Around 1980, a restrictive quota regime for clothing was implemented. This has later been dismantled, contributing to sharply increased imports from developing countries. For agriculture, Norway has currently high protection, and tariff preferences are limited. It is likely that agricultural protection will be gradually reduced due to the WTO, as well as through free trade agreements and improvements in GSP.
Identifying Trade Structure and Macroeconomic Caveats: The Post‐crisis of Korea
Authors: Lee Jong‐Eun
Published: October 2006

First, this article introduces unit value box in addition to Azhar, Elliott and Milner's industry trade box in identifying the post‐crisis trade structure of Korea. Dynamic movements of total trade, net trade, intra‐industry trade and export‐import unit values complete the systematic analysis of trade patterns at both the aggregate and disaggregate levels. Second, macroeconomic caveats are conveyed for a small open economy to recover after the crisis, including likely but unforeseen trade disputes.
Economic Implications of WTO Negotiations on Non‐agricultural Market Access
Authors: Laird Sam
Published: October 2006

The economic implications of current WTO negotiations are likely to be far reaching. The World Bank and UNCTAD estimate annual global gains in agriculture and non‐agricultural products (including fish) of about $70−150 billion each under various scenarios and technical assumptions. Liberalising trade in services could be even more important, especially if agreement were reached to facilitate the temporary movement of labour (Mode 4 under the General Agreement on Trade in Services, GATS). Some qualifications, however, are in order. First, gains are likely to be spread unevenly across countries and across sectors; and, second, short‐term adjustment costs might precede long‐term gains. Much depends on how ambitious liberalisation is and on policies to facilitate adjustment. This paper examines the Doha mandate in non‐agricultural market access (NAMA) and the current state of the WTO negotiations, in particular some key proposals being considered at the December 2005 Ministerial Meeting in Hong Kong. We analyse various scenarios and their implications for trade, welfare, output, employment, revenues and preferences, as well as the distributional effects across countries and sectors. We note possible adjustment problems related to balance of payments and structural adjustment, as well as revenue and preference losses. These suggest the need for ‘aid for trade’ to help developing countries realise gains possible from WTO negotiations.
Estimating Herd-Specific Force of Infection by Using Random-Effects Models for Clustered Binary Data and Monotone Fractional Polynomials
Authors: Faes Christel , Hens Niel , Aerts Marc , Shkedy Ziv , Geys Helena , Mintiens Koen , Laevens Hans , Boelaert Frank
Published: October 2006

In veterinary epidemiology, we are often confronted with hierarchical or clustered data. Typically animals are grouped within herds, and consequently we cannot ignore the possibility of animals within herds being more alike than between herds. Based on a serological survey of bovine herpes virus type 1 in cattle, we describe a method for the estimation of herd-specific rates at which susceptible animals acquire the infection at different ages. In contrast with the population-averaged force of infection, this method allows us to model the herd-specific force of infection, allowing investigation of the variability between herds. A random-effects approach is used to account for the correlation in the data, allowing us to study both population-averaged and herd-specific force of infection. In contrast, generalized estimating equations can be used when interest is only in the population-averaged force of infection. Further, a flexible predictor model is needed to describe the dependence of covariates appropriately. Fractional polynomials as proposed by Royston and Altman offer such flexibility. However, the flexibility of this model should be restricted, since only positive forces of infection have a meaningful interpretation.
Modifying a Central Composite Design to Model the Process Mean and Variance When there are Hard-to-Change Factors
Authors: Kowalski Scott M. , Geoffrey Vining G. , Montgomery Douglas C. , Borror Connie M.
Published: October 2006

An important question within industrial statistics is how to find operating conditions that achieve some goal for the mean of a characteristic of interest while simultaneously minimizing the characteristic’s process variance. Often, people refer to this kind of situation as the robust parameter design problem. The robust parameter design literature is rich with ways to create separate models for the mean and variance from this type of experiment. Many times time and/or cost constraints force certain factors of interest to be much more difficult to change than others. An appropriate approach to such an experiment restricts the randomization, which leads to a split-plot structure. The paper modifies the central composite design to allow the estimation of separate models for the characteristic’s mean and variances under a split-plot structure. The paper goes on to discuss an appropriate analysis of the experimental results. It illustrates the methodology with an industrial experiment involving a chemical vapour deposition process for the manufacture of silicon wafers. The methodology was used to achieve a silicon layer thickness value of 485 Å while minimizing the process variation.
Probability Density Estimation via an Infinite Gaussian Mixture Model: Application to Statistical Process Monitoring
Authors: Chen Tao , Morris Julian , Martin Elaine
Published: October 2006

The primary goal of multivariate statistical process performance monitoring is to identify deviations from normal operation within a manufacturing process. The basis of the monitoring schemes is historical data that have been collected when the process is running under normal operating conditions. These data are then used to establish confidence bounds to detect the onset of process deviations. In contrast with the traditional approaches that are based on the Gaussian assumption, this paper proposes the application of the infinite Gaussian mixture model (GMM) for the calculation of the confidence bounds, thereby relaxing the previous restrictive assumption. The infinite GMM is a special case of Dirichlet process mixtures and is introduced as the limit of the finite GMM, i.e. when the number of mixtures tends to ∞. On the basis of the estimation of the probability density function, via the infinite GMM, the confidence bounds are calculated by using the bootstrap algorithm. The methodology proposed is demonstrated through its application to a simulated continuous chemical process, and a batch semiconductor manufacturing process.
Chemical coding of myenteric neurons with different axonal projection patterns in the porcine ileum
Authors: Jungbauer Carsten , Lindig Tobias M. , Schrödl Falk , Neuhuber Winfried , Brehmer Axel
Published: October 2006

The aim of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical characterization of two different myenteric neuron types of the pig displaying opposite axonal projections. These were type I neurons equipped with lamellar dendrites that projected mainly orally, and type VI neurons that displayed typical axonal dendrites and projected anally. Double immunostainings of longitudinal muscle/myenteric plexus wholemounts from ileal segments of four pigs were performed to visualize neurofilaments (NF) in combination with calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), leu‐enkephalin (ENK) and substance P (SP), respectively. Triple immunostainings of wholemounts, using antibodies against neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) as well as against VIP and galanin (GAL), were performed. We found that 78% of type I neurons immunoreacted to ENK, 21% to CGRP and 24% to SP. The NF‐positive type I neurons co‐reactive for one of the three above markers displayed mostly frayed outlines of both their somal contours and their broadened dendritic endings. By contrast, most of the non‐coreactive type I neurons displayed rather sharply outlined somata and dendrites. No type I neuron immunoreacted to nNOS, VIP or GAL and none of the type VI NF‐reactive neurons reacted to CGRP, ENK or SP. All type VI neurons investigated displayed immunoreactivity for nNOS, 92% of which were co‐reactive for VIP. Co‐reactivity for VIP and GAL was found in 69% of type VI neurons, 21% were positive for VIP but negative for GAL, 9% were negative for both GAL and VIP, and 1% were positive for GAL but negative for VIP. We conclude that there are two subpopulations of morphological type I neurons. One of these displays mainly oral projections and could not be further characterized in this study. The other, which may correspond to neurons innervating the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, were partly immunoreactive for ENK, CGRP and/or SP. Type VI neurons are immunoreactive for nNOS frequently co‐localized with VIP and, partly, also GAL. These may be inhibitory motor neurons and are different from VIP/GAL‐coreactive minineurons described earlier.
Macrophylogenetic analyses of the gain and loss of self‐incompatibility in the Asteraceae
Authors: Ferrer Miriam M. , Good‐Avila Sara V.
Published: October 2006

The self‐incompatibility (SI) status of 571 taxa from the Asteraceae was identified and the taxa were scored as having SI, partial SI or self‐compatibility (SC) as their breeding system. A molecular phylogeny of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was constructed for 211 of these taxa.

Macrophylogenetic methods were used to test hypotheses concerning the ancestral state of SI in the Asteraceae, the gain and loss of SI, the irreversibility of the loss of SI and the potential for partial SI or SC to be terminal states.

The ancestral breeding system in the family could not be resolved. Both maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses indicated that transitions among all breeding system states provide the best fit to the data and that neither partial SI nor SC is a terminal state. Furthermore, the data indicated that the loss of SI is not irreversible, although breeding system evolution has been more dynamic in some clades than in others.

These results are discussed within the context of evidence for the gain and loss of SI, the evolutionary role of partial SI and methodological assumptions of tests of breeding system evolution.
Apoplastic barriers to radial oxygen loss and solute penetration: a chemical and functional comparison of the exodermis of two wetland species, Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima
Authors: Soukup Aleš , Armstrong William , Schreiber Lukas , Franke Rochus , Votrubová Olga
Published: October 2006

Few studies have examined exodermal development in relation to the formation of barriers to both radial oxygen loss (ROL) and solute penetration along growing roots. Here, we report on the structural development, chemical composition and functional properties of the exodermis in two diverse wetland grasses, Glyceria maxima and Phragmites australis.

Anatomical features, development, the biochemical composition of exodermal suberin and the penetration of apoplastic tracers and oxygen were examined.

Striking interspecific differences in exodermal structure, suberin composition and quantity per unit surface area, and developmental changes along the roots were recorded. Towards the root base, ROL and periodic acid (H5IO6) penetration were virtually stopped in P. australis; in G. maxima, a tight ROL barrier restricted but did not stop H5IO6 penetration and the exodermis failed to stain with lipidic dyes. Cultivation in stagnant deep hypoxia conditions or oxygenated circulating solution affected the longitudinal pattern of ROL profiles in G. maxima but statistically significant changes in exodermal suberin composition or content were not detected.

Interspecific differences in barrier performance were found to be related to hypodermal structure and probably to qualitative as well as quantitative variations in suberin composition and distribution within exodermal cell walls. Implications for root system function are discussed, and it is emphasized that sufficient spatial resolution to identify the effects of developmental changes along roots is crucial for realistic evaluation of exodermal barrier properties.
Potassium additive algorithm for use in continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Brooks Gail
Published: October 2006

The performance of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) brings about alterations in the serum potassium levels in patient. Potassium is an electrolyte essential for the regulation of nerve conduction and muscle contraction, particularly important in the case of cardiac muscle. This article describes the physiological mechanisms that affect potassium distribution throughout the body and also describes the effects of hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia on the heart. This article justifies the need for serum potassium control during CRRT, which recognizes and reconciles the differing areas of responsibility of the medical and nursing staff. This article critically reviews the steps taken to develop and implement into clinical practice and evaluate a potassium additive algorithm. It also discusses the implications of this initiative.
Intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation complicated by limb ischaemia: a reflective commentary
Authors: Sice Anna
Published: October 2006

Intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) is widely used to support the failing myocardium, particularly in patients with a background of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS). CS is primarily due to left ventricular failure and is the most serious complication of AMI. Using Driscoll’s ‘What?’ reflective model to guide critical thinking, an incident involving a patient who required IABC following AMI is explored. There are various complications associated with IABC, limb ischaemia being very common. Risk factors, which predispose patients to the development of limb ischaemia following intra‐aortic balloon pump insertion, are discussed as are the issues surrounding their care. Nurses are in an ideal position to detect any complications that may occur. They should be familiar with the patient’s medical history, including any risk factors, which could predispose them to the development of limb ischaemia. Consideration of these factors and the adjunctive treatment the patient may require can be used to plan care accordingly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that more patients are requiring haemodynamic support from IABC. Nurses and health care professionals who have the responsibility of caring for these patients need to be adequately trained in order to maintain a high standard of care. However, there appears to be a lack of evidence‐based guidelines determining the optimum frequency of limb observations to assess for limb ischaemia. Further evidence as to the timing of limb observations is required in order that protocols can be written to guide the practice.
Retrospective analysis of renal transplantation outcomes in children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit in Brazil
Authors: Kusahara Denise Miyuki , Rocha Patricia Kuerten , Peterlini Maria Angélica S , Pedreira Mavilde LG , De Carvalho Werther Brunow
Published: October 2006

Renal transplantation has been described as the main treatment for children with end‐stage renal disease. Traditionally, infants and small children represented a high‐risk group with poor allograft survival. However, studies conducted mainly in developed countries have been demonstrated improvements in allograft survival rates. The aim of this study was to identify demographic characteristics of recipients and kidney donors and to analyse the outcomes of children who received postoperative care following renal transplantation in one Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).This retrospective study was carried out in a university hospital in Brazil. The data were collected through reviewing the follow up of medical records of recipients and kidney donors between 1988 and 2002. Chi‐square or Fisher exact tests were used to analyse differences in outcome between living and donor transplants, whereas Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used to compare differences in outcome by age groups and by the number of complications affecting recipients. A total of 44 children were admitted for renal transplantation. Within this group, the median age was 10·1(±3·2) years, 63·6% were men and 38% were non‐Caucasians. In contrast, the donor group had a median age of 17·5(±12·5) years, of which 51·3% were male, 56·8% were Caucasian and 70·5% were cadaver donors. The average length of PICU stay was 31·4 h, with complications being identified in the majority of the transplanted children. The occurrence of four or more complications was significantly associated with acute rejection (p= 0·009). In conclusion, the main outcomes of this study were similar to those observed in developed countries, in terms of acute rejections (52·3%), dialysis resumption (31·8%), graft loss (29·5%), chronic rejections (9·1%) and death (4·5%). Complications during PICU stay were significantly linked to the occurrence of acute rejection.
Decreased immunorejection in unmatched blood transfusions by attachment of methoxypolyethylene glycol on human red blood cells and the effect on D antigen
Authors: Tan Yingxia , Qiu Yan , Xu Hua , Ji Shouping , Li Subo , Gong Feng , Zhang Yangpei
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Pegylation of red blood cells (RBCs) has been the primary focus of research on the immunocamouflage of cell. The aim of this study was to demonstrate pegylation homogeneity, its shielding effect on D antigens, and its storage stability. In addition, methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG)‐modified RBCs (mPEG‐RBCs) were tested serologically against a panel of serum samples that was difficult to match to find a solution to the difficulty in matching.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, fluorescein‐PEG and a confocal laser scanning microscope were used to monitor PEG attachment on RBC population and observe reaction homogeneity, the stability of mPEG combined with RBCs in vitro was evaluated by the RBC ghost agglutination test, the pegylation sites on membrane were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with two dye methods, and the effect of pegylation on D antigen was detected by immunoblotting techniques. Compatibility tests were carried out between 66 cases of serum with difficulty in blood matching and mPEG‐camouflaged RBCs by use of four blood matching methods including direct agglutination, indirect antiglobulin test (IAT), microtyping gel cards (MTS), and the manual polybrene technique (MPT).

RESULTS: The results indicated the homogeneity of pegylation, the absence of RhD protein in mPEG‐modified D+ RBCs by Western blotting, and attachment of PEG to RBCs after 30 days of storage, while RBCs still remained antigenically silent. All pegylation RBCs showed a negative reaction with ABO‐matched patients’ serum samples by direct agglutination, IAT, and MTS, which indicated that pegylation RBCs and patients’ serum samples were compatible. MPT was not suitable for detecting blood matching of mPEG‐RBCs, because modification changed the RBCs’ biophysical properties.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mPEG‐RBCs have acceptable in vitro properties and provide a useful solution to problems with clinical blood matching, although such masking leaves much to be desired.
Glaucoma detection using different Stratus optical coherence tomography protocols
Authors: Hougaard Jesper Leth , Heijl Anders , Bengtsson Boel
Published: October 2006

Purpose:  To examine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements using different Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning protocols.

Methods:  Stratus OCT data for 90 healthy subjects and 62 glaucoma patients with mild or moderate visual field loss were prospectively collected and analysed using four RNFL thickness protocols that differed in terms of image resolution and number of scans. Cut‐off levels corrected for age and refractive error were defined by reference values derived from an independent normal database. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for average RNFL thickness for the full circle scan, and for the quadrant and clock hour circle scan sectors at p < 5% and p < 1% cut‐off values.

Results:  Regular‐ and high‐resolution images performed equally well, and single best‐quality scans were as good as the average of three scans to distinguish between healthy and glaucomatous eyes. Full circle RNFL thickness yielded similar or better diagnostic accuracy than that of sectors. Sensitivities ranged from 84% to 87% and specificities from 89% to 93% for full circle RNFL thickness at the p < 5% cut‐off level.

Conclusions:  The abilities of four different Stratus OCT RNFL thickness protocols to distinguish between eyes with predominantly mild glaucomatous field loss and healthy eyes were very similar. Thus diagnostic accuracy did not differ between high‐ and regular‐resolution protocols, nor between global (full circle) and localized (sector) OCT parameters, which suggests a diffuse component in early glaucomatous RNFL damage.
NR2C by NR2B subunit exchange in juvenile mice affects emotionality and 5‐HT in the frontal cortex
Authors: De Souza Silva M. A. , Marchetti L. , Eisel U. L. M. , Huston J. P. , Dere E.
Published: October 2006

TheN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) has beeninter aliaimplicated in synaptic plasticity, brain development and emotional processes. The NMDA‐R is a multiprotein complex composed of NR1, NR2 and/or NR3 subunits. We generated NR2C‐2B mutant mice in which an insertion of NR2B cDNA into the gene locus of the NR2C gene replaced NR2C by NR2B expression throughout the brain. This NR2C‐2B mutant was used to examine whether an NMDA‐R subunit exchange in juvenile mice would affect emotional behaviors and acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) content in the frontal cortex (FC) and brain structures, which are part of the brain defense system, such as the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG). Juvenile, 1‐month‐old NR2C‐2B mice showed increased open arm avoidance in the elevated plus‐maze and increased fear‐induced immobility. In terms of brain neurochemistry, NR2C‐2B mice showed an increase in 5‐HT levels in the FC at the age of 2 months. A correlational analysis revealed that mice with low open arms avoidance had high levels of ACh in the PAG but reduced 5‐HT levels in the FC. Animals which showed high levels of fear‐induced immobility also had high levels of 5‐HT in the FC. These results suggest that the replacement of subunit NR2C by NR2B in juvenile mice increases anxiety‐ and fear‐related behaviors possibly due to changes in FC‐5‐HT and PAG‐ACh levels.
Association evidence of schizophrenia with distal genomic region of NOTCH4 in Taiwanese families
Authors: Liu C.‐M. , Liu Y.‐L. , Fann C. S‐J. , Chen W. J. , Yang W.‐C. , Ouyang W.‐C. , Chen C.‐Y. , Jou Y.‐S. , Hsieh M.‐H. , Liu S.‐K. , Hwang T.‐J. , Faraone S. V. , Tsuang M. T. , Hwu H.‐G.
Published: October 2006

Evidence for association with schizophrenia has been reported for NOTCH4, although results have been inconsistent. Previous studies have focused on polymorphisms in the 5′ promoter region and first exon of NOTCH4. Our aim was to test the association of the entire genomic region of NOTCH4 in 218 families with at least two siblings affected by schizophrenia in Taiwan. We genotyped seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene, with average intermarker distances of 5.3 kb. Intermarker linkage disequilibrium (LD) was calculated using gold software, and single‐locus and haplotype association analyses were performed using transmit software. We found that the T allele of SNP rs2071285 (P= 0.035) and the G allele of SNP rs204993 (P= 0.0097) were significantly preferentially transmitted to the affected individuals in the single‐locus association analysis. The two SNPs were in high LD (D′ > 0.8). Trend for overtransmission was shown for the T‐G haplotype of the two SNPs to affected individuals (P= 0.053), with the A‐A haplotype significantly undertransmitted (P= 0.034). The associated region distributed across the distal portion of the NOTCH4 gene and overlapped with the genomic region of the G‐protein signaling modulator 3 and pre‐B‐cell leukemia transcription factor 2. In summary, we found modest association evidence between schizophrenia and the distal genomic region of NOTCH4 in this Taiwanese family sample. Further replication for association with the distal genomic region of NOTCH4 is warranted.
High Commitment Work Systems in Chinese Organizations: A Preliminary Measure
Authors: Xiao Zhixing , Björkman Ingmar
Published: October 2006

The concept of a high commitment work system (HCWS) has mostly been used in the West to study the relationship between a firm's work systems and organizational performance. In this paper, we introduce a preliminary measure of HCWS in China based on the definition of Baron and Kreps (1999). In study 1, we tested the measure by surveying 442 employees in China's information technology (IT) industry. In study 2, we re-tested the same measure from the perspective of human resource (HR) executives in 126 foreign-invested companies. The analyses not only provided some evidence for the construct validity of this preliminary measure of a high commitment work system, but also produced some interesting results that can only be understood with regards to the history and institutional backgrounds of Chinese organizations.
The Love of Money and Pay Level Satisfaction: Measurement and Functional Equivalence in 29 Geopolitical Entities around the World
Authors: Tang Thomas Li-Ping , Sutarso Toto , Akande Adebowale , Allen Michael W. , Alzubaidi Abdulgawi Salim , Ansari Mahfooz A. , Arias-Galicia Fernando , Borg Mark G. , Canova Luigina , Charles-Pauvers Brigitte , Cheng Bor-Shiuan , Chiu Randy K. , Du Linzhi , Garber Ilya , Torre Consuelo Garcia De La , Higgs Rosario Correia , Ibrahim Abdul Hamid Safwat , Jen Chin-Kang , Kazem Ali Mahdi , Kim Kilsun , Lim Vivien Kim Geok , Luna-Arocas Roberto , Malovics Eva , Manganelli Anna Maria , Moreira Alice S. , Nnedum Anthony Ugochukwu Obiajulu , Osagie Johnsto E. , Osman-Gani AAhad M. , Pereira Francisco Costa , Pholsward Ruja , Pitariu Horia D. , Polic Marko , Sardzoska Elisaveta , Skobic Petar , Stembridge Allen F. , Tang Theresa Li-Na , Teo Thompson Sian Hin , Tombolani Marco , Trontelj Martina , Urbain Caroline , Vlerick Peter
Published: October 2006

Demonstrating the equivalence of constructs is a key requirement for cross-cultural empirical research. The major purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to assess measurement and functional equivalence or invariance using the 9-item, 3-factor Love of Money Scale (LOMS, a second-order factor model) and the 4-item, 1-factor Pay Level Satisfaction Scale (PLSS, a first-order factor model) across 29 samples in six continents (N = 5973). In step 1, we tested the configural, metric and scalar invariance of the LOMS and 17 samples achieved measurement invariance. In step 2, we applied the same procedures to the PLSS and nine samples achieved measurement invariance. Five samples (Brazil, China, South Africa, Spain and the USA) passed the measurement invariance criteria for both measures. In step 3, we found that for these two measures, common method variance was non-significant. In step 4, we tested the functional equivalence between the Love of Money Scale and Pay Level Satisfaction Scale. We achieved functional equivalence for these two scales in all five samples. The results of this study suggest the critical importance of evaluating and establishing measurement equivalence in cross-cultural studies. Suggestions for remedying measurement non-equivalence are offered.
A Multivariate Generalizability Analysis of Data from a Performance Assessment of Physicians' Clinical Skills
Authors: Clauser Brian E. , Harik Polina , Margolis Melissa J.
Published: October 2006

Although multivariate generalizability theory was developed more than 30 years ago, little published research utilizing this framework exists and most of what does exist examines tests built from tables of specifications. In this context, it is assumed that the universe scores from levels of the fixed multivariate facet will be correlated, but the error terms will be uncorrelated because subscores result from mutually exclusive sets of test items. This paper reports on an application in which multiple subscores are derived from each task completed by the examinee. In this context, both universe scores and errors may be correlated across levels of the fixed multivariate facet. The data described come from the United States Medical Licensing Examination® Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination. In this test, each examinee interacts with a series of standardized patients and each interaction results in four component scores. The paper focuses on the application of multivariate generalizability theory in this context and on the practical interpretation of the resulting estimated variance and covariance components.
Comparing Methods of Assessing Differential Item Functioning in a Computerized Adaptive Testing Environment
Authors: Lei Pui‐Wa , Chen Shu‐Ying , Yu Lan
Published: October 2006

Mantel‐Haenszel and SIBTEST, which have known difficulty in detecting non‐unidirectional differential item functioning (DIF), have been adapted with some success for computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This study adapts logistic regression (LR) and the item‐response‐theory‐likelihood‐ratio test (IRT‐LRT), capable of detecting both unidirectional and non‐unidirectional DIF, to the CAT environment in which pretest items are assumed to be seeded in CATs but not used for trait estimation. The proposed adaptation methods were evaluated with simulated data under different sample size ratios and impact conditions in terms of Type I error, power, and specificity in identifying the form of DIF. The adapted LR and IRT‐LRT procedures are more powerful than the CAT version of SIBTEST for non‐unidirectional DIF detection. The good Type I error control provided by IRT‐LRT under extremely unequal sample sizes and large impact is encouraging. Implications of these and other findings are discussed.
A Clarification on the Response Probability Criterion RP67 for Standard Settings Based on Bookmark and Item Mapping
Authors: Huynh Huynh
Published: October 2006

By analyzing the Fisher information allotted to the correct response of a Rasch binary item,

Huynh (1994)

established the response probability criterion .67 (RP67) for standard settings based on bookmarks and item mapping. The purpose of this note is to help clarify the conceptual and psychometric framework of the RP criterion.
Adhesive Effects on Dynamic Friction for Unlubricated Rough Planar Surfaces
Authors: Shi Xi , Polycarpou Andreas A.
Published: October 2006

As the size of contacting and sliding tribosystems decrease, intermolecular or adhesive forces become significant partly due to nanometer size surface roughness. The presence of adhesion has a major influence on the interfacial contact and friction forces as well as the microtribosystem dynamics (microtribodynamics) and thus influences the overall dynamic friction behavior. In this paper, a dynamic friction model that explicitly includes adhesion, interfacial damping, and the system dynamics for realistic rough surfaces was developed. The results show that the amplitude and mean value of the time varying normal contact and friction forces increase in the presence of adhesion under continuous contact conditions. Also, due to the attractive nature of adhesion, its presence delays or eliminates the occurrence of loss of contact. Furthermore, in the presence of significant adhesion, dynamic friction behavior is significantly more complicated compared to the no adhesion case, and the dynamic friction coefficient predictions may be misleading. Thus, it is more appropriate to discuss dynamic friction force instead of dynamic friction coefficient under dynamic conditions.
Slider Pitch Moment Associated With Dimple Friction
Authors: Zhu Li-Yan , Yang Chao-Hui , Fu Yen , Cha Ellis
Published: October 2006

In the design of a magnetic recording disk file, pitch moment exerted by the flexure on the slider is usually treated as a product of flexure pitch static attitude and pitch-stiffness (kp), both measured in the absence of preload (gram-load). However, a slider operates in the presence of preload, which permits a large dimple friction to exist. We shall show by elementary beam theory that the pitch moment due to dimple friction is appreciable. The lever-arm of dimple friction is proportional to the bow height, and is independent of the slope of the flexure. To minimize the pitch moment associated with dimple friction, hence improving fly-height distribution, the flexure must bow toward the disk. These results are confirmed by optical fly-height tests.
Tribological Characteristics of DLC-Coated Alumina at High Temperatures
Authors: Lee K. Y. , Wei R.
Published: October 2006

Ceramic seals are widely used in many severe applications such as in corrosive, high temperature and highly loaded situations especially in hot chemical water-based extreme environments for automobile water pumps. Presently, polymeric materials are used as the counter part for alumina ceramic seals to reduce the ceramic-to-ceramic wear. As a result, leaks are very commonly observed from water pump during services. Consequently, it is needed to improve the surface properties of the ceramic seals using a surface modification technique such as a thin film coating process to meet the increasing demand of more stability, more durability, and lower friction of coefficient in those extreme environments. To meet these challenges, we have applied DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings on alumina using a PIID (plasma immersion ion deposition) technique intended for seal applications. The DLC-coated specimens were tested under a wide range of temperature conditions, from room temperature up to 400°C, using a high temperature pin-on-disk tribo-tester. After that, the wear-tested specimens were analyzed using SEM with EDS to characterize the worn surfaces. Morphological changes of the DLC coated surfaces before and after the wear tests were studied. Under certain deposition conditions DLC performed very well up to 400°C. However, under other conditions, DLC failed catastrophically. In this paper we will present the friction and wear characteristics of the DLC-coated alumina. Finally, we will discuss the failure mode of DLC coatings.
Roughness Amplitude Reduction Under Non-Newtonian EHD Lubrication
Conditions
Authors: Chapkov A. D. , Venner C. H. , Lubrecht A. A.
Published: October 2006

Over the last decade, the operating conditions of the Elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) contact have become increasingly severe. Consequently, the average film thickness decreased and became comparable to the surface roughness. Under those conditions, the surface features can reduce the minimum film thickness and can thus increase wear. They can also increase the temperature and the pressure fluctuations, which directly affect the component life. In order to describe the roughness geometry inside an EHL contact, the amplitude reduction of harmonic waviness has been studied over the last decade. This theory currently allows a quantitative prediction of the waviness amplitude and includes the influence of wavelength and contact operating conditions. However, the model assumes a Newtonian behavior of the lubricant. The current paper contributes to the extension of the roughness amplitude reduction for EHL point contacts including non-Newtonian effects. A generalized model is derived that includes both types of behavior.
Viscosity Ratio Effect in the Emulsion Lubrication of Soft EHL Contact
Authors: de Vicente J. , Spikes H. A. , Stokes J. R.
Published: October 2006

Many foodstuffs and personal care products consist of two-phase systems which, during use, are rubbed between compliant biosurfaces to form thin lubricating films. It is important to understand the nature and properties of the films thus formed since these contribute to the user’s sensory perception, and thus appreciation, of the products concerned. In this paper, the lubrication properties of simple oil-in-aqueous phase emulsions are studied in a steel/elastomer “soft-EHL” contact. It is found that overall behavior is strongly dependent on the ratio of the viscosities of the two phases. When the viscosity of the dispersed oil phase is lower or comparable to that of the continuous aqueous phase, the latter enters the contact and controls film formation and friction. However, when the dispersed phase has viscosity at least four times larger than the dispersion medium, the former enters the contact and determines its tribological properties. This effect is believed occur because at high viscosity ratios the droplets are nondeformable and are thus forced into the contact inlet region, where collisions occur that result in shear-induced coalescence. Once a pool of viscous fluid is formed, the lower viscosity bulk fluid is unable to displace it because the viscous shear stress is too small, so the pool acts as a reservoir to supply the contact.