bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teriparatide for acceleration of fracture repair in humans: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 102 postmenopausal women with distal radial fractures
Authors: Aspenberg Per , Genant Harry K , Johansson Torsten , Nino Antonio J , See Kyoungah , Krohn Kelly , García-Hernández Pedro A , Recknor Christopher P , Einhorn Thomas A , Dalsky Gail P , Mitlak Bruce H , Fierlinger Anke , Lakshmanan Mark C
Published: July 2009

Animal experiments show a dramatic improvement in skeletal repair by teriparatide. We tested the hypothesis that recombinant teriparatide, at the 20 µg dose normally used for osteoporosis treatment or higher, would accelerate fracture repair in humans. Postmenopausal women (45 to 85 years of age) who had sustained a dorsally angulated distal radial fracture in need of closed reduction but no surgery were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of once-daily injections of placebo (n = 34) or teriparatide 20 µg (n = 34) or teriparatide 40 µg (n = 34) within 10 days of fracture. Hypotheses were tested sequentially, beginning with the teriparatide 40 µg versus placebo comparison, using a gatekeeping strategy. The estimated median time from fracture to first radiographic evidence of complete cortical bridging in three of four cortices was 9.1, 7.4, and 8.8 weeks for placebo and teriparatide 20 µg and 40 µg, respectively (overall p = .015). There was no significant difference between the teriparatide 40 µg versus placebo groups (p = .523). In post hoc analyses, there was no significant difference between teriparatide 40 µg versus 20 µg (p = .053); however, the time to healing was shorter in teriparatide 20 µg than placebo (p = .006). The primary hypothesis that teriparatide 40 µg would shorten the time to cortical bridging was not supported. The shortened time to healing for teriparatide 20 µg compared with placebo still may suggest that fracture repair can be accelerated by teriparatide, but this result should be interpreted with caution and warrants further study. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Effect of metformin on bone marrow progenitor cell differentiation: In vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Molinuevo M Silvina , Schurman Leon , McCarthy Antonio D , Cortizo Ana M , Tolosa María J , Gangoiti M Virginia , Arnol Veronica , Sedlinsky Claudia
Published: July 2009

Diabetes mellitus is associated with bone loss. Patients with type 2 diabetes are frequently treated with oral antidiabetic drugs such as sulfonylureas, biguanides, and thiazolidinediones. Rosiglitazone treatment has been shown to increase adipogenesis in bone marrow and to induce bone loss. In this study we evaluated the effect of in vivo and in vitro treatment with metformin on bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs), as well as the involvement of AMPK pathway in its effects. The in vitro effect of coincubation with metformin and rosiglitazone on the adipogenic differentiation of BMPCs also was studied. In addition, we evaluated the effect of in vivo metformin treatment on bone regeneration in a model of parietal lesions in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We found that metformin administration both in vivo and in vitro caused an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, type I collagen synthesis, osteocalcin expression, and extracellular calcium deposition of BMPCs. Moreover, metformin significantly activated AMPK in undifferentiated BMPCs. In vivo, metformin administration enhanced the expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factor Runx2/Cbfa1 and activation of AMPK in a time-dependent manner. Metformin treatment also stimulated bone lesion regeneration in control and diabetic rats. In vitro, metformin partially inhibited the adipogenic actions of rosiglitazone on BMPCs. In conclusion, our results indicate that metformin causes an osteogenic effect both in vivo and in vitro, possibly mediated by Runx2/Cbfa1 and AMPK activation, suggesting a possible action of metformin in a shift toward the osteoblastic differentiation of BMPCs. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Coronary calcification is associated with lower bone formation rate in CKD patients not yet in dialysis treatment
Authors: Tomiyama Cristianne , Carvalho Aluizio B , Higa Andrea , Jorgetti Vanda , Draibe Sérgio A , Canziani Maria Eugênia F
Published: July 2009

Vascular calcification is a strong prognostic marker of mortality in hemodialysis patients and has been associated with bone metabolism disorders in this population. In earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), vascular calcification also has been documented. This study evaluated the association between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and bone histomorphometric parameters in CKD predialysis patients assessed by multislice coronary tomography and by undecalcified bone biopsy. CAC was detected in 33 (66%) patients, and their median calcium score was 89.7 (0.4–2299.3 AU). The most frequent bone histologic alterations observed included low trabecular bone volume, increased eroded and osteoclast surfaces, and low bone-formation rate (BFR/BS). Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and diabetes, showed that BFR/BS was independently associated with the presence of coronary calcification [p = .009; odd ratio (OR) = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.036–0.619]. This study showed a high prevalence of CAC in asymptomatic predialysis CKD patients. Also, there was an independent association of low bone formation and CAC in this population. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that low bone-formation rate constitutes another nontraditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease in CKD patients. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A–mediated inhibition of BMP signaling is independent of Smad dephosphorylation
Authors: Kokabu Shoichiro , Nojima Junya , Kanomata Kazuhiro , Ohte Satoshi , Yoda Tetsuya , Fukuda Toru , Katagiri Takenobu
Published: July 2009

Phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 at carboxyl-terminal serine residues by type I receptors activates downstream bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) has been shown to suppress BMP activity by dephosphorylating phospho-Smads. We report here that PPM1A suppresses BMP signaling via a novel mechanism. PPM1A inhibited a constitutively activated Smad1 mutant lacking BMP receptor phosphorylation sites. PPM1A reduced the protein levels not only of Smad1 but also of Smad5 and Smad8. A proteasome inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effects of PPM1A on Smad1, but the Smurf-binding motif in the Smad1 linker region was not involved in this inhibition. The phosphatase activity of PPM1A is essential for inhibition. Taken together, these findings suggest that through the dephosphorylation of unidentified substrate(s), PPM1A inhibits BMP signaling by decreasing Smad protein levels via the proteasome pathway. Moreover, knockdown of endogenous PPM1A stimulated osteoblastic differentiation, suggesting that PPM1A may physiologically suppress BMP signaling via Smads. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Study of Microstructure and Property Changes in Irradiated SS316 Wrapper of Fast Breeder Test Reactor
Authors: Venkiteswaran C. N. , Karthik V. , Parameswaran P. , Muralidharan N. G. , AnandaRaj V. , Saroja S. , Venugopal V. , Vijayalakshmi M. , Viswanathan K. V. Kasi , Raj Baldev
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the results of a study on mechanical properties and microstructure in a SS316 wrapper irradiated in a 40MWt/13MWe fast breeder test reactor at Kalpakkam, India. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and mechanical property evaluation were carried out on the hexagonal wrapper subjected to different displacement damages up to a maximum of 83 dpa at an operating temperature of about 673 K. The steel irradiated to 83 dpa showed an increase in the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, with a reduction in uniform elongation to about 8 %–10 % from about 20 % in the unirradiated material. Density measurements on the specimen from different portions of the irradiated wrapper showed a peak volumetric swelling of about 3.5 % at a damage of 83 dpa. TEM studies showed extensive void formation at 40 dpa and beyond in addition to extensive precipitation and formation of dislocation loops. The void density and size showed a progressive increase with displacement damage. The precipitates were identified to be of nickel and silicon enriched M6C type of η phase, while radiation induced G phase was also observed at 83 dpa. The increase in strength and reduction in ductility with increase in dpa is attributed to irradiation hardening, which is supported by the increase in defect density as observed from the dislocation substructure and increase in the void density and size. The paper would discuss the degradation in mechanical property in terms of the microstructural changes.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Transport from Consolidation of Contaminated Sediments During In Situ Capping
Authors: Lenhart John J. , Lee Jangguen , Hwang Yu Sik , Fox Patrick J.
Published: July 2009

The management of sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is an issue of significant contemporary concern. The application of an in situ cap to isolate and contain the contaminants is a desirable management option that is hindered by a lack of detailed information regarding the fate of the contaminants after cap installation. In this study, we evaluate the fate and transport of PCBs in fine-grained, organic-rich sediments during and after the application of an in situ cap, with the goal of estimating the release of dissolved and colloid-bound contaminants from consolidating sediments under a variety of capping scenarios. Three capping materials were evaluated for their propensity to hinder PCB release; quartz sand, activated carbon, and a proprietary organoclay. Consolidation tests to simulate in situ rapid dewatering were conducted using contaminated sediment dredged from the Grand Calumet River in Gary, Indiana. The results of tests conducted without a cap indicate that rapid transient flow caused by consolidation results in the release of colloid-bound PCBs at concentrations exceeding 10 μg total PCBs per liter of effluent pore fluid, which was far above the calculated dissolved PCB concentration. Tests conducted to simulate release from capped sediments showed all three capping materials reduced the release of particles and associated PCBs by over 80 %. The dissolved organic carbon content also decreased significantly. The organoclay and activated carbon were more effective than sand for both particle and PCB removal. This work demonstrates that reactive caps help to mitigate contaminant release due to sediment consolidation and should be considered as a viable management option for in situ remediation of PCB-contaminated sediments.
Upper bounds for Bermudan options on Markovian data using nonparametric regression and a reduced number of nested Monte Carlo steps
Authors: Kohler Michael , Krzyzak Adam , Walk Harro
Published: July 2009

This paper is concerned with evaluation of American options in discrete time, also called Bermudan options. We use the dual approach to derive upper bounds on the price of such options using only a reduced number of nested Monte Carlo steps. The key idea is to apply nonparametric regression to estimate continuation values and all other required conditional expectations and to combine the resulting estimate with another estimate computed by using only a reduced number of nested Monte Carlo steps. The expectation of the resulting estimate is an upper bound on the option price. It is shown that the estimates of the option prices are universally consistent, i.e., they converge to the true price regardless of the structure of the continuation values. The finite sample behavior is validated by experiments on simulated data.
Estimation of search tree size and approximate counting: A likelihood approach
Authors: Dennert Florian , Grübel Rudolf
Published: July 2009

We consider the problem of estimating the size of a random digital search tree on the basis of the maximal node depth observed along a specific path. We show that the maximum likelihood estimator exists and we investigate its properties. A similar problem arises in the context of approximate counting. In both cases a simple pure birth process plays a central role. We also construct confidence bounds.
Framing the Self
Authors: Schwalbe Michael
Published: July 2009

The meaning of a photograph depends on the story we tell about it. In the case of portraits, these narrative frames shape the self we impute to the sitter. The interiority of the portrait subject, the inner character we imagine is revealed in the photograph, is a result of what we know about photographic portraits, about the sitter, about the photographer, and about the context in which the image was made. Likewise in everyday life, the selves we impute to others are infected by similar processes of narrative framing. Who we are known to be depends not only on self‐presentations but on the stories within which those self‐presentations are placed.
Cyclops Cave
Authors: Isaakyan Irina L.
Published: July 2009

Written in the post‐structural traditions of symbolic interactionism, Cyclops Cave is a biographic‐interview‐based and fact‐and‐fiction‐plotted ethnodrama of anti‐Semitism in Soviet higher education. This project is premised on the theories of the “social self”—namely, the “looking‐glass racialized self,” constructed by the dominant ethnic “supremacy,” and the theories of racial stigma as an outcome of the racialized “me” production. Showing the stigma experiences of former Soviet Jewish academics from 1970 to the 1980s, the play adds a new illuminative and self‐interpretive case of a race‐situated symbolic interaction and deconstructs the “root image” of Soviet anti‐Semitism through interpreting the informants' stigma incidents and interactional conflicts between their “selfhood” symbols.
Can promoting patient decision making be exclusionary? Moral expectations and cultural difference in the narratives of UK maternity clinicians
Authors: Davies Myfanwy , Elwyn Glyn , Papadopoulos Irena , Fleming Lon , Williams Gareth
Published: July 2009

Patient autonomy in health care decision making is increasingly advocated as a means of promoting patients’ ‘responsibilities’ for treatments and costs. However, little is known with regard to clinicians’ understanding of patients’ potential responsibilities in decision making. We explore how clinicians may view decision making as a ‘moral’ obligation and examine how moral virtue is discursively constructed in this context and in the face of ethnic and social difference. Data reported are derived from an interview study that examined perceptions of maternity decision making among Arab Muslim women and clinicians. Results reported here are from the clinician sample which includes obstetricians, general practitioners (GPs) and midwives. Clinicians perceived that a key element of their role involved imparting relevant information to their clients and, increasingly, involving them in making autonomous decisions about their care. However, by analysing and assessing the attribution of specific cultural differences in clinicians’ discussion of decision making processes with minority group women, we demonstrate how some clinicians justified their failure to promote autonomy through shared decision making with women from these groups. We will demonstrate these attributes to be those of passivity and non-rationality which entail some negative moral judgements and which have a complex relationship to gender and power.
Interaction during Intervention: Conversations between professionals and children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Holck Pernille , Dahlgren Sandberg Annika , Nettelbladt Ulrika
Published: July 2009

To develop interactional ability, conversation with both peers and adults is vital. However, for children with physical impairments, like cerebral palsy, interactions with adults often dominate. In this study, interaction between eight Swedish children with cerebral palsy, mean age 8;6 years, and their physiotherapists (PTs) and speech-language therapists (SLTs) was analysed during intervention across 16 dyads. The analysis of data focused on how quantitative, interactional and topical dominance was manifested by the PTs and the SLTs. In addition, mitigating strategies and use of feedback was investigated. Surprisingly, the only significant finding was in topic maintenance, where the PTs’ conversations were more directed towards topics unrelated to the intervention context when compared to the conversations of the SLTs. Although not significant, the PTs tended to dominate by having a greater amount of talk, and the SLTs by asking many questions. It is discussed how the two professions may contribute to the development of interactional skills and pragmatic ability among children with cerebral palsy, given their professional training and focus of intervention.
A controlled study of the effects of patient information-elicitation style on clinician information-giving
Authors: Sandberg Elisabeth H. , Paul Debika , Sandberg Warren S.
Published: July 2009

Although effective communication improves the quality of the relationships between patients and medical clinicians, resulting in better outcomes for patients, little is known about how patients influence that communication. Using a controlled, repeated measures design we investigated the role that patient questionasking plays in shaping the communication behaviors of health care providers. Medical students participated in simulated medical consultations with confederate patients adopting different information–elicitation styles. We examined the effects of passive, neutral, and highly-assertive questioning on the quantity of information delivered. Passive patients, who asked no questions and avoided eye contact, received less information (95.4 ± 27.4 discrete items) than neutral patients (122.6 ± 33.0 items). Highly-assertive patients, who engaged in active question-asking, sustained eye contact and used positive body language received the most information (135.6 ± 46.9 items). The greater quantity of information given to highly-assertive patients was not accounted for solely by answers to questions. The increased information delivery elicited by highly-assertive patients is especially important when considered in light of memory limitations.
The role of role-play: Managing activity ambiguities in simulated doctor consultation in medical education
Authors: Thomassen Goril
Published: July 2009

This paper is concerned with simulated consultations between medical students and real patients, focusing in particular on multiple framings as they lead to activity-specific ambiguities. In these simulated consultations the misalignment of expectations between medical students and patients becomes evident in the opening and closing sequences in particular, which provides the rationale for focusing on these phases of the encounter. Transcribed video recordings were drawn from a Norwegian empirical study of simulated consultations in medical education. The analytic framework derives from a dynamic notion of activity type in conjunction with framing and hybridity. The data illustrate that agenda questions, targeted at the patient's reason for seeing the doctor, frame situations where the students had to manage ambiguities at different levels. While the medical students strive to negotiate the multi-layered frames at an implicit level, the patients negotiate the frames in a more explicit manner. There is uncertainty as to whether the roleplay should be perceived as an authentic consultation, which seems to be the student's aspiration, or whether it is to be regarded as a training situation, which appears to be the patient's perception. The paper concludes by raising some issues about the role of role-play in medical education, with particular reference to communication skills training.
Exaggerations in consultations between psychiatrists and patients suffering from psychotic disorders
Authors: Wynn Rolf , Bergvik Svein , Elvevag Brita
Published: July 2009

We present and discuss instances of exaggeration in consultations between psychiatrists and patients suffering from psychotic disorders. Drawing on a corpus of 15 consultations as well as on instances of exaggeration from non-clinical talk, we discuss how the use of exaggerations in psychiatric interactions differs from the use of exaggerations in everyday conversations. In some interactions involving patients suffering from psychotic disorders, the exaggerations are handled differently from everyday conversations – especially in terms of how the interactants respond to the exaggerations. When an excessive exaggeration is used in an everyday conversation, the interactant typically responds by signalling an understanding of the prior utterance as hyperbolic, for instance by laughing. In contrast, a strategy often chosen by the psychiatrists is to not confirm or challenge the factual content of the exaggeration, but rather to avoid alignment and to change the topic. This strategy appears to be selected when the exaggeration is more exact and less typically hyperbolic in design. While the strategies used to respond to exaggerations in everyday conversations suggest that the interactants understand these exaggerations as figures of speech, the psychiatrists’ responses suggest that they think the patients actually believe in the content of the exaggerations.
Interactions of Mesotrione and Atrazine in Two Weed Species with Different Mechanisms for Atrazine Resistance
Authors: Woodyard Andrew J. , Hugie Josie A. , Riechers Dean E.
Published: July 2009

The joint activity of mesotrione and atrazine can display synergistic effects on the control of both triazine-sensitive and site-of-action-based triazine-resistant (TR) broadleaf weeds. The first objective of this study was to evaluate a PRE application of atrazine followed by a POST application of mesotrione for potential interactions in both site-of-action-based TR redroot pigweed and metabolism-based atrazine-resistant (AR) velvetleaf. Results from these sequential experiments demonstrated that synergism was detected in reducing biomass of the TR redroot pigweed but not in the AR velvetleaf with metabolism-based resistance. The second objective was to evaluate the joint activity of mesotrione and atrazine in a tank-mix application in the AR velvetleaf biotype. Greenhouse studies with the AR biotype indicated that synergism resulted from a tank mix with a constant mesotrione rate of 3.2 g ai ha−1in mixture with atrazine ranging from 126 to 13,440 g ai ha−1. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging also revealed a synergistic interaction on the AR biotype when 3.2 g ha−1of mesotrione was applied with 126 g ha−1of atrazine beginning 36 h after treatment and persisting through 72 h.
Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of Glufosinate in Transgenic and Nontransgenic Cotton, Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), and Pitted Morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa)
Authors: Everman Wesley J. , Thomas Walter E. , Burton James D. , York Alan C. , Wilcut John W.
Published: July 2009

Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate absorption, translocation, and metabolism of14C-glufosinate in glufosinate-resistant cotton, nontransgenic cotton, Palmer amaranth, and pitted morningglory. Cotton plants were treated at the four-leaf stage, whereas Palmer amaranth and pitted morningglory were treated at 7.5 and 10 cm, respectively. All plants were harvested at 1, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment (HAT). Absorption of14C-glufosinate was greater than 85% 24 h after treatment in Palmer amaranth. Absorption was less than 30% at all harvest intervals for glufosinate-resistant cotton, nontransgenic cotton, and pitted morningglory. At 24 HAT, 49 and 12% of radioactivity was translocated to regions above and below the treated leaf, respectively, in Palmer amaranth. Metabolites of14C-glufosinate were detected in all crop and weed species. Metabolism of14C-glufosinate was 16% or lower in nontransgenic cotton and pitted morningglory; however, metabolism rates were greater than 70% in glufosinate-resistant cotton 72 HAT. Intermediate metabolism was observed for Palmer amaranth, with metabolites comprising 20 to 30% of detectable radioactivity between 6 and 72 HAT.
Further notes on the distribution of endemic Bolivian titi monkeys, Callicebus modestus and Callicebus olallae
Authors: Martinez Jesus , Wallace Robert B.
Published: July 2009

We present information on the distribution of the endemic Bolivian primates Callicebus olallae and C. modestus based on a series of site visits in the Beni Department. Callicebus olallae was registered at four localities and C. modestus at 11 localities, and in combination with negative data and localities for other Callicebus species in the region we defined the distributional boundaries for both endemics. Mean group size was 2.7 individuals for C. olallae and 3 individuals for C. modestus. The results highlight the restricted distribution of both species, with C. olallae having one of the highest levels of primate endemism in the world and an “occurrence area” of 400 km2, and considering forest fragmentation in the region, more realistically an “occupancy area” of 50 km2. Although C. modestus is found in slightly larger areas (1,800 km2 and 450 km2 respectively) the distribution area is still extremely restricted. The restricted distributions together with ongoing forest fragmentation due to cattle ranching, unregulated ecotourism activities, and principally the scheduled improvement of the “Northern Corridor” road that passes through this region, means that both species should be considered highly endangered.
Cebus paraguayanus in zoos: the spontaneous expression of species-specific behaviors
Authors: Giudice Aldo M. , Pavé Romina
Published: July 2009

Captive Cebus paraguayanus were observed to express spontaneously a wide variety of species-specific behaviors in different zoos from Argentina. The monkeys were kept in old-style wire mesh cages with cement floors, as well as island enclosures. We collected qualitative data on nine species-specific behaviors, and all the sex-age classes analyzed expressed some of these behaviors. The results indicated that in spite of living under predictable captive conditions without environmental enrichment, Cebus paraguayanus were able to react to the incidental opportunities that were presented in these environments.
Registro de alimentação noturna em macaco-prego (Cebus apella)
Authors: Silva Claudia R.
Published: July 2009

No abstract
Oreonax – not a genus
Authors: Rosenberger Alfred L. , Matthews Luke J.
Published: July 2009

We summarize our re-examination and extension of the Groves (2001) parsimony analysis of Woolly monkeys, genus Lagothrix, which led him to conclude that the species flavicauda is not most closely related to lagotricha but to Ateles, the Spider monkeys. As a consequence, Groves further proposed that the Yellow-tailed woolly monkey should be assigned to a separate genus, Oreonax, previously erected by Oldfield Thomas (1927). Our analysis, while closely following his methods, samples a greater diversity of species and sub-species representing all the living ateline genera and makes minor revisions in Groves’ data matrix of craniodental characteristics. With this broader analysis we show that Groves’ cladistic results cannot be replicated except by duplicating his study using only a restricted range of taxa. A more wide ranging taxonomic sampling fails to link consistently flavicauda and other ateline species, in any particular cladogram topology, while the overall craniodental morphology of flavicauda does not separate it from lagotricha. Groves’ cladistic conclusion is likely to be an artifact stemming from a chance combination of the particular taxa used as a study group and selection of characters that may not be appropriate in intergeneric comparison. There is thus no justification for recognizing Oreonax as a distinct genus, and its usage should be rejected.
Predação de ninhos por um grupo híbrido de sagüis (Callithrix jacchus/penicillata) introduzidos em área urbana: implicações para a estrutura da comunidade
Authors: Begotti Rodrigo Anzolin , Landesmann Laura Frey
Published: July 2009

No abstract
Multicriteria decision analysis to assess options for managing contaminated sediments: Application to Southern Busan Harbor, South Korea
Authors: Kim Jongbum , Kim Suk Hyun , Hong Gi Hoon , Suedel Burton C , Clarke Joan
Published: July 2009

Many years of untreated effluent discharge from residential areas, a shipyard, a marina, and a large fish market resulted in substantial contamination of bottom sediment in Southern Busan Harbor, South Korea. Contaminants in these sediments include heavy metals and organic compounds. Newly introduced regulations for ocean disposal of dredged material in South Korea pose significant challenges, because the previous practice of offshore disposal of contaminated dredged material was no longer possible after August 2008. The South Korean government has mandated that such sediments be assessed in a way that identifies the most appropriate dredged material management alternative, addressing environmental, social, and cost objectives. An approach using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) in combination with comparative risk assessment was used as a systematic and transparent framework for prioritizing several dredged sediment management alternatives. We illustrate how MCDA can recognize the multiple goals of contaminated sediment management. Values used in weighting decision criteria were derived from surveys of stakeholders who were sediment management professionals, business owners, or government decision makers. The results of the analysis showed that land reclamation was the preferred alternative among cement-lock, sediment washing, 3 contained aquatic disposal alternatives (one in combination with a hopper dredge), geotextile tubes, solidification, and land reclamation after solidification treatment. Land reclamation was the preferred alternative, which performed well across all MCDA objectives, because of the availability of a near-shore confined disposal facility within a reasonable distance from the dredging area. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010; 6:61–71. © 2009 SETAC
Artificial Neural Networks Versus Multiple Logistic Regression to Predict 30-Day Mortality After Operations For Type A Ascending Aortic Dissection§
Authors: Macrina Francesco , Puddu Paolo Emilio , Sciangula Alfonso , Trigilia Fausto , Totaro Marco , Miraldi Fabio , Toscano Francesca , Cassese Mauro , Toscano Michele
Published: July 2009

Background:

There are few comparative reports on the overall accuracy of neural networks (NN), assessed only versus multiple logistic regression (LR), to predict events in cardiovascular surgery studies and none has been performed among acute aortic dissection (AAD) Type A patients.

Objectives:

We aimed at investigating the predictive potential of 30-day mortality by a large series of risk factors in AAD Type A patients comparing the overall performance of NN versus LR.

Methods:

We investigated 121 plus 87 AAD Type A patients consecutively operated during 7 years in two Centres. Forced and stepwise NN and LR solutions were obtained and compared, using receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Gini’s coefficients. Both NN and LR models were re-applied to data from the second Centre to adhere to a methodological imperative with NN.

Results:

Forced LR solutions provided AUC 87.9±4.1% (CI: 80.7 to 93.2%) and 85.7±5.2% (CI: 78.5 to 91.1%) in the first and second Centre, respectively. Stepwise NN solution of the first Centre had AUC 90.5±3.7% (CI: 83.8 to 95.1%). The Gini’s coefficients for LR and NN stepwise solutions of the first Centre were 0.712 and 0.816, respectively. When the LR and NN stepwise solutions were re-applied to the second Centre data, Gini’s coefficients were, respectively, 0.761 and 0.850. Few predictors were selected in common by LR and NN models: the presence of pre-operative shock, intubation and neurological symptoms, immediate post-operative presence of dialysis in continuous and the quantity of post-operative bleeding in the first 24 h. The length of extracorporeal circulation, post-operative chronic renal failure and the year of surgery were specifically detected by NN.

Conclusions:

Different from the International Registry of AAD, operative and immediate post-operative factors were seen as potential predictors of short-term mortality. We report a higher overall predictive accuracy with NN than with LR. However, the list of potential risk factors to predict 30-day mortality after AAD Type A by NN model is not enlarged significantly.
Group Selection and Reciprocity among Kin
Authors: Dahanukar Neelesh , Watve Milind
Published: July 2009

The question how Darwinian mechanisms lead to the evolution of individually costly cooperative behavior has
given rise to a number of hypotheses. However, attempts to build a synthesis where different types of mechanisms coexist
and interact at different levels of selections are still scarce. Here we derive simple game theoretical models where the
group level conflicts are resolved by group selection while simultaneously within group competition is resolved by kin
selection and reciprocity. We show that none of the mechanisms, when alone, is as robust in evolving and maintaining
cooperation as a synthesis of all. Furthermore, we show that initially within group conflicts can be overcome only by kin
selection and not reciprocity. However, once common, different types of reciprocities can maintain high levels of
cooperation even if average relatedness among individuals is lowered, groups become large, and the benefits of
cooperation are reduced. Based on the synthesis we also propose a possible route to the evolution of social and eusocial
systems.
A Model and Risk Score for Predicting Nevirapine-Associated Rash among HIV-infected Patients: In Settings of Low CD4 Cell Counts and Resource Limitation§
Authors: Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Malathum Kumthorn , Watcharananan Siriorn , Sathapatayavongs Boonmee , Charoenyingwattana Angkana , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Chantratita Wasun
Published: July 2009

Background:

Rash is the most common adverse effect associated with nevirapine (NVP). We aimed to develop a model and risk score for predicting NVP-associated rash among HIV-infected patients with low CD4 cell counts.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study was conducted and 383 HIV-infected patients consecutively enrolled in the study.

Results:

Of 222 patients in the training set, 116 (52.2%) were males and median (IQR) age was 35.2 (31.1-42.0) years. Median (IQR) CD4 cell count was 104 (35-225) cells/mm3. Of these, 72 and 150 patients were in “rash” and “no rash” group, respectively. Four factors were independently associated with rash: a history of drug allergy (odds ratio (OR) 4.01, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75-9.20, P = 0.001), body weight <55 kg. (OR 2.02, 95% CI, 1.09-3.76, p = 0.026), not receiving slow dose escalation (OR 2.00, 95% CI, 1.06-3.77, p = 0.032), and no concomitant drug(s) (OR 2.48, 95% CI, 1.32-4.64, p = 0.005). Receiver-operator characteristic analysis yielded area under the curve of 71% and the goodness-offit statistics was 6.48 (p = 0.840). The variables were given scores of 14, 7, 7 and 9, respectively. A cutoff >21 points defined the high risk individuals which yielded specificity and positive predictive value of 99% and 69%, respectively, with OR of 3.96 (95% CI, 1.79-8.86, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

A model and risk score for predicting NVP-associated rash performed well in this study population. It might be useful for predicting the risk of rash before NVP initiation among HIV-infected patients with low CD4 cell counts.
Do Analysts Practice What They Preach and Should Investors Listen? Effects of Recent Regulations
Authors: Barniv Ran , Hope Ole-Kristian , Myring Mark J. , Thomas Wayne B.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: From 1994 to 1998, Bradshaw (2004) finds that analysts' stock recommendations relate negatively to residual income valuation estimates (scaled by current price) but positively to valuation heuristics based on the price-to-earnings-to-growth ratio and long-term growth. These results are surprising, especially considering that future returns relate positively to residual income valuation estimates and negatively to heuristics. Using a large sample of analysts for the 1993–2005 period, we consider whether recent regulatory reforms affect this apparent inconsistent analyst behavior. Consistent with the intent of these reforms, we find that the negative relation between analysts' stock recommendations and residual income valuations is diminishing following regulations. We also show that residual income valuations, developed using analysts' earnings forecasts, relate more positively with future returns. However, we document that stock recommendations continue to relate negatively with future returns. We conclude that recent regulations have affected analysts' outputs—forecasted earnings and stock recommendations—but investors should be aware that factors other than identifying mispriced stocks continue to influence how analysts recommend stocks.
The Effect of Auditor Quality on Financing Decisions
Authors: Chang Xin , Dasgupta Sudipto , Hilary Gilles
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: We present a model and provide empirical evidence showing that auditor quality affects the financing decisions of companies, and that higher audit quality reduces the impact of market conditions on client financial decisions and capital structure. Consistent with our analytical predictions, we find that companies audited by Big 6 firms are more likely to issue equity as opposed to debt than are those audited by small audit firms. We also find that companies audited by Big 6 auditors are able to make larger equity issues than are those audited by small auditors, but the difference narrows when market conditions improve. Additional results show that the debt ratios of companies decrease less in response to favorable market conditions when auditor quality is high, at least over the medium term.
Organizational Founding, Strategic Renewal, and the Role of Accounting: Management Accounting Concepts in the Formation of the “Penny Post”
Authors: Richardson Alan J.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: Organizational strategies, processes, and procedures may become institutionalized during the early history of an organization, leading to dysfunctional rigidities when the environment changes. The postal system worldwide is under significant pressure to change its business model, including rescinding the provision of universal service and uniform pricing, as the posts are privatized and opened to competition. Cost accounting has become a key mechanism to achieve reform in the postal system. But is the introduction of a cost-based logic new to the design of post office reforms? Were the core policies of the post office originally developed without reference to cost? This paper analyzes the key document in the creation of the current postal business model: Rowland Hill's (1837) “Post Office Reform: Its Importance and Practicability.” The pamphlet shows a basic understanding of economic concepts including the elasticity of demand and opportunity costs as well as implementing practical accounting techniques that we now call value chain analysis, cost behavior analysis, activity-based costing and activity-based management, and target costing. This paper provides an analysis of Hill's logic from the perspective of current management accounting techniques and terminology. It illustrates the use of management accounting in the reformation of social institutions and provides a rare example of the early decision-making use of management accounting concepts.
An Overview and Assessment of Contemporary Management Accounting Research in China
Authors: Duh Rong-Ruey , Xiao Jason Zezhong , Chow Chee W.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper provides an overview of 283 management accounting articles published in 18 major Chinese academic journals from 1997 to 2005. We find significantly different topic mixes between the periods 1997 to 2001 and 2002 to 2005. In terms of research method, normative/conceptual papers dominate in both subperiods, followed in descending order by case studies, surveys, field-archival studies, and analytical modeling research. About 80 percent of the papers do not have any explicit or detectable application of theory. Finally, considerable overlap exists between the articles' topical coverage and issues considered important by managers. Overall, due to lack of theory application and other methodological limitations, this literature has not yet built a strong basis for understanding and leading management accounting development in China. Thus, we further examine the journals' selection standards and processes, as well as factors that may have influenced Chinese scholars' research ability, incentives, and focus. We conclude by offering suggestions for future development.
Useful Additional Evaluation Measures
Authors: Demski Joel S. , Fellingham John C. , Lin Haijin H.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: Performance evaluation with multiple tasks and multiple measures has been explored in a variety of settings. Yet, the efficient design of a portfolio of performance measures remains opaque, largely because of the multidimensional nature of the exercise. Here we focus on the value of adding measures to an existing portfolio of measures in a multi-task LEN style agency model. We offer an algebraic decomposition that projects the gain from a set of additional performance measures into “distance” and “risk” components. The distance component comports with task balance and intensity issues and the risk component with the inevitable risk sharing or compensating wage differential issue.
Assessing JIT Performance: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Maiga Adam S. , Jacobs Fred A.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper uses a sample of 131 just-in-time (JIT) firms and their matched non-JIT firms obtained from Kinney and Wempe with 1977–1995 Compustat data to assess whether the relationship between JIT adoption and firm performance is endogenous. Results indicate a significant positive association between JIT adoption and firm performance and strongly indicate that the decision to adopt JIT is endogenous. We also show that asset productivity, sales growth, and leverage, are important in explaining the effect of JIT adoption on performance and that firm characteristics are an important contributor to unobserved heterogeneity. Furthermore, the econometric analyses in the form of both Wooldridge 2SLS and Heckman approaches suggest that the underlying relationship between JIT adoption and performance is much stronger after controlling for endogeneity and self-selection bias and that OLS estimates are indeed biased.
The Use of Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization in Postmortem Pathology Investigation of Congenital Malformations
Authors: Goemaere Natascha , Douben Hannie , Van Opstal Diane , Wouters Cokkie , Tibboel Dick , de Krijger Ronald , de Klein Annelies
Published: July 2009

Chromosomal abnormalities are an important cause of multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). However, conventional cytogenetic analysis using culture is unsuccessful in 10% to 40% of the cases. The purpose of this study was to examine if retrospective chromosomal analysis was possible on paraffin-embedded autopsy material with new techniques, including comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). We investigated 92 patients, including 71 patients with MCA, 17 patients with an isolated congenital anomaly, and 4 normal controls, by conventional CGH analysis and/or FISH. The karyotype was known in 52 cases, of which 26 patients were normal and 26 had chromosomal anomalies. Comparative genomic hybridization or FISH confirmed all but 2 cases, which were not interpretable. In 40 patients the karyotype was unknown but could be analyzed successfully in 36 cases (90%) by CGH. In this series, we found 1 additional chromosomal aberration, 45,X (Turner syndrome). Furthermore, we examined the postmortem material of 12 patients by FISH, confirming a known abnormal karyotype in 9 patients, an abnormal karyotype found by CGH in 1 case, and confirming DiGeorge syndrome (22q11 deletion) in twins. Comparative genomic hybridization and FISH are reliable techniques with which to perform retrospective genetic analysis on paraffin-embedded autopsy material.
‘Lift‐offs’
Authors: Grant Audrey N.
Published: July 2009

This paper explores breakthroughs or ‘lift‐off’ moments in learning involving several teacher/researchers and their students in China. The data come from teaching and research situations centring on teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL). An analysis of the language features of the data and their effects explores learning by tracing movement from initial impasses to breakthrough moments, as participants interact, shift ground and discover new learning. Definition of these lift‐off moments and ways of knowing centres in a sense of discovery that pushes learning forward and simultaneously pulls together life experiences in new directions for specific pedagogical insights, self‐assessment and identity conclusions, and recognition of the power of inquiry. In particular, the paper explores the potential contribution of narrative forms of collaborative inquiry in learning, as evident in two contrasting exemplars, the first coconstructed in face‐to‐face interviews or conversational settings, and the second, thesis supervision by the distance learning one‐to‐one format of emailing. These documented interchanges between two Chinese postgraduate EFL teachers and their research coursework teacher and supervisor come from a wide data bank of exemplars collected over many years, and from linguistically diverse contexts.
The Methodology of a Study of the Regulatory Practices in the Private Health Care Sector of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Redwanur M. , Caulley Darrel N.
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the methodology of a PhD thesis that was a study of the regulatory practices in the private health care sector of Bangladesh. The paper begins by situating the methodology in the nature, context and significance of the study. As the study involved a policy analysis and evaluation these are defined and described. The paper concentrates on the research design and methodology, which involved the use of qualitative methods. The sampling is described and the methods used included in‐depth interviews, the taking of field notes based on observations and document analysis. Attention is also given to ethical issues. The problems that emerged and the limitations of the study design and methodology are also discussed.
Thoughts for students considering becoming qualitative researchers – Qualities of qualitative researchers
Authors: Hill Lilian H.
Published: July 2009

This article is intended for use as a class handout to aid students who are learning about qualitative research to determine whether qualitative research is a good fit and whether they have the personal characteristics required to become effective qualitative researchers.