bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid scatter prediction method for very high cycle fatigue
Authors: HUANG Z. Y. , WANG Q. Y. , WAGNER D. , BATHIAS C. , CHABOCHE J. L.
Published: December 2012

Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) tests are often performed by a high‐frequency fatigue test system, such as ultrasonic fatigue test machine. In the paper, simple VHCF tests and cumulative fatigue (low cycle fatigue plus VHCF) tests are performed to investigate the fatigue behaviour, respectively, for a low carbon manganese steel. The test results in Wöhler diagram show a large scatter in VHCF regime. Continuum damage mechanics model is extended to VHCF region to estimate the remaining fatigue life. A rapid fatigue failure probability prediction method is applied and extended to VHCF regime in order to evaluate the fatigue dispersion based on multi‐scales model and fatigue dissipation analysis.
Contrasting fire responses to climate and management: insights from two Australian ecosystems
Authors: King Karen J , Cary Geoffrey J , Bradstock Ross A , Marsden‐Smedley Jonathan B
Published: December 2012

This study explores effects of climate change and fuel management on unplanned fire activity in ecosystems representing contrasting extremes of the moisture availability spectrum (mesic and arid). Simulation modelling examined unplanned fire activity (fire incidence and area burned, and the area burned by large fires) for alternate climate scenarios and prescribed burning levels in: (i) a cool, moist temperate forest and wet moorland ecosystem in south‐westTasmania (mesic); and (ii) a spinifex and mulga ecosystem in centralAustralia (arid). Contemporary fire activity in these case study systems is limited, respectively, by fuel availability and fuel amount. For future climates, unplanned fire incidence and area burned increased in the mesic landscape, but decreased in the arid landscape in accordance with predictions based on these limiting factors. Area burned by large fires (greater than the 95th percentile of historical, unplanned fire size) increased with future climates in the mesic landscape. Simulated prescribed burning was more effective in reducing unplanned fire activity in the mesic landscape. However, the inhibitory effects of prescribed burning are predicted to be outweighed by climate change in the mesic landscape, whereas in the arid landscape prescribed burning reinforced a predicted decline in fire under climate change. The potentially contrasting direction of future changes to fire will have fundamentally different consequences for biodiversity in these contrasting ecosystems, and these will need to be accommodated through contrasting, innovative management solutions.
Antitumor efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with warmed miriplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Seko Yuya , Ikeda Kenji , Kawamura Yusuke , Fukushima Taito , Hara Tasuku , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: December 2012

Aim

Patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often undergo transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Miriplatin is a lipophilic cisplatin derivative used in TACE that is effective in HCC. However, the difference in antitumor efficacy between warmed versus room temperature miriplatin is unclear.

Methods

Chemotherapy efficacy was evaluated by dynamic computed tomography 1–3 months after TACE, according to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A total of 203 patients with HCC who received TACE with miriplatin for the first time were included in a follow‐up study to retrospectively investigate its efficacy and safety. Overall, 45 patients underwent TACE with warmed (40°C) miriplatin and 158 patients received TACE with room temperature miriplatin.

Results

Seventy patients (44.3%) treated with room temperature miriplatin and 32 patients (71.1%) who received warmed miriplatin experienced complete or partial responses. Multivariate analysis identified miriplatin temperature (warmed miriplatin, risk ratio (RR) = 2.26, P = 0.047), tumor number (solitary, RR = 3.48, P = 0.007), α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (<50 ng/mL, RR = 2.35, P = 0.012) and history of TACE (no history, RR = 2.22, P = 0.041) as predictors of objective response following TACE with miriplatin, and no serious complications were observed.

Conclusion

Warm temperature, solitary tumors, low AFP level and first TACE are significant and independent predictors of objective response after TACE using miriplatin. These results suggest that warmed miriplatin can be considered as one of the standard treatments for unresectable HCC.
Immunohistochemical analysis of CD123, CD56 and CD4 for the diagnosis of minimal bone marrow involvement by blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Hwang Keumrock , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Huh Joo‐Ryung , Lee Je Hwan , Suh Cheolwon , Lee Kyoo Hyung
Published: December 2012

Aims

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive haematological malignancy derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors. Almost all patients show cutaneous manifestations, and >60% show bone marrow (BM) involvement at initial presentation. In cases where there is BM involvement by only a small number of tumour cells, such involvement is difficult to ascertain solely on morphological examination. In such situations, immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be useful in revealing minimal BM involvement by BPDCN.

Methods and results

We investigated six patients with BPDCN. Initial morphological diagnosis disclosed BM involvement in only one of the six patients. To confirm BM involvement, IHC for CD4, CD56 and CD123 was performed on BM biopsies or clot sections. IHC revealed minimal BM involvement (CD123, 3/3; CD56, 2/3; CD4, 2/3) in three patients with BM that appeared morphologically normal.

Conclusions

Our data clearly support the utility of IHC in diagnosing minimal BM involvement by BPDCN. Accordingly, we highly recommend immunohistochemical analyses for CD123, CD56 and CD4 in BPDCN patients, particularly in cases where the initial BM study indicates normal morphology.
Evaluation of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy treatments in a Spanish cohort of HIV‐infected patients: do protease inhibitors improve survival regardless of central nervous system penetration‐effectiveness (CPE) score?
Authors: Fanjul F , Riveiro‐Barciela M , Gonzalez J , Delgado E , Murillas J , Payeras Cifré A , Falcó V , Riera M
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate whether survival after progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) diagnosis in HIV‐1‐infected patients was associated with central nervous system penetration‐effectiveness (CPE) score and the presence or absence of protease inhibitors in the treatment regimen.

Methods

In the absence of treatments demonstrated to be effective for PML in HIV‐1‐infected patients and in the light of the controversy surrounding the use of CPE scores to make decisions on treatment after diagnosis, we determined whether there were differences in survival at 1 year depending on the type and characteristics of treatment. A multicentre retrospective observational study including three Spanish hospitals was carried out for the period from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2009. Patients with a PML diagnosis were included in the study if they were symptomatic and met at least two of the following three criteria: (1) compatible radiological findings; (2) a positive polymerase chain reaction for John Cunningham virus (JCV) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); (3) an absence of findings suggesting another infection in the central nervous system, after general CSF cultures for virus, bacteria and mycobacteria.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included in the study; 24.5% were diagnosed in the period 1994–1999, 39.8% in 2000–2004 and 35.7% in 2005–2009. The median follow‐up time was 363 days (interquartile range 108–1946 days). The median CD4 count was 76 cells/uL (interquartile range 30–166 cells/uL) and 62% of patients had an HIV viral load >50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/ml. Thirty‐eight per cent of patients received high‐penetrance treatment, and 58% received treatment that included protease inhibitors. In the analysis of survival at 1 year, a higher CPE score did not result in an improvement in survival, but the presence of protease inhibitors in the regimen was associated with a statistically significant (P = 0.03) reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.18–0.91).

Conclusions

We consider that the lower mortality observed in the protease inhibitor group may be clinically relevant, and, if this is the case, a treatment based on protease inhibitors may be indicated for patients diagnosed with PML.
Determination of 2D strain from a fragmented single ammonoid
Authors: Yamaji Atsushi , Maeda Haruyoshi
Published: December 2012

Planispiral ammonoids are used for strain analysis, as the pre‐strain shapes of their shells are thought to be approximated by logarithmic spirals. Comparison of the pre‐ and observed post‐strain spirals determines the strain. We show in this short note that the Rf/ϕ strain analysis is applicable to the ammonoids, where the interspaces of a shell are used as strain markers. Unlike the previous methods that assumed the spiral, the present technique can use fragmented shells, provided that they have at least half windings and clear limbs. A strain ellipse and its 95% confidence limit were determined by the hyperbolic vector mean method from the ellipses that were fitted to the interspaces of a fragmented, deformed ammonite from the Kitakami Massif, Northeast Japan, as a worked problem for the present technique.
The tectonic evolution of a Neo‐Tethyan (Eocene–Oligocene) island‐arc (Walash and Naopurdan groups) in the Kurdistan region of the Northeast Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone
Authors: Ali Sarmad A. , Buckman Solomon , Aswad Khalid J. , Jones Brian G. , Ismail Sabah A. , Nutman Allen P.
Published: December 2012

The Walash and Naopurdan groups are incorporated into the lower allochthonous thrust sheet in the Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone (IZSZ). 40Ar–39Ar dates on magmatic feldspar separates from both Walash and Naopurdan volcanic rocks indicate an Eocene–Oligocene age (43.01 ± 0.15 to 24.31 ± 0.60 Ma). The Walash and Naopurdan groups form a thrust sheet that is structurally overlain by an upper allochthon of Cretaceous arc‐related rocks (106–92 Ma) now known as the Hasanbag igneous complex (formerly known as the Gemo–Qandil Group). The Walash and Naopurdan lower allochthon is thrust over the foreland basin Red Beds series. Volcanic and subvolcanic units in the Walash and Naopurdan groups were studied from the Mawat, Galalah–Choman, Leren, and Qalander–Sheikhan provinces. Most of these rocks are basaltic to andesitic for both the Naopurdan and Walash suites. The petrographic study shows that these rocks are affected by metamorphic alteration under greenschist facies conditions, but preserve primary porphyritic textures with some relict igneous plagioclase, pyroxene, and hornblende. The enrichments in LREE/HREE and high Th/Nb and Nb/Zr show that the Walash and Naopurdan rocks have distinct subduction‐related signatures: specifically island‐arc tholeiite for the Naopurdan and calc‐alkaline to alkaline for the Walash suites. Hence the Walash and Naopurdan suites are back‐arc and arc systems, respectively, that developed 43–24 Ma. Accordingly, the IZSZ contains a full record of Neo‐Tethys pre‐collision‐related volcanism in dual subduction settings, from the Early Cretaceous (Hasanbag igneous complex) to the Eocene–Oligocene (Walash–Naopurdan suites). Final continent–continent collision started when the last of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean was subducted beneath the Iranian continent, resulting in its collision with the Arabian Plate, probably during the Middle Miocene. This reinforces a continuity of events along the entire edge of the Arabian Plate from Turkey, through Iraq and Iran, and into Oman.
Influenza C virus–associated community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Principi Nicola , Scala Alessia , Daleno Cristina , Esposito Susanna
Published: December 2012

To evaluate the impact of influenza C (ICV) infection in children with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), all of the children consecutively seen during 4 influenza seasons with respiratory symptoms and radiographically confirmed CAP were prospectively evaluated. ICV was identified in the respiratory secretions of five of 391 patients (1·3%). In children with ICV‐associated CAP, clinical data were similar to those observed in children with IAV‐associated CAP and worse than those observed in children with IBV‐associated. The phylogenetic tree showed that the sequenced strains clustered in two of the six ICV lineages. These findings highlight that ICV can be a cause of CAP of children and that this can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Automatic detection and imaging of diffraction points using pattern recognition
Authors: de Figueiredo J. J. S. , Oliveira F. , Esmi E. , Freitas L. , Schleicher J. , Novais A. , Sussner P. , Green S.
Published: December 2012

Hydrocarbon reservoirs are generally located beneath complex geological structures. Frequently, such areas contain seismic diffractors that carry detailed structure information in the order of the seismic wavelength. Therefore, the development of computational facilities capable of detecting diffractor points with a good resolution is desirable but has been a challenge in the area of seismic processing. In this work, we present a method for the detection of diffraction points in the common‐offset‐gather domain. The method applies a two‐class k nearest neighbours (kNN) pattern recognition technique to amplitudes along diffraction traveltime curves to distinguish between diffractions and reflections or noise. While the method, in principle, requires knowledge of the migration velocity field, it is very robust with respect to an erroneous model. Numerical examples using synthetic seismic and field ground‐penetrating‐radar (GPR) data demonstrate the feasibility of the technique and show its usefulness for automatically mapping diffraction points in a seismic section. In our applications, the method was able to detect all diffractions present in the data and did not produce any false positives.
Diabetes knowledge among older adults with diabetes in Beijing, China
Authors: Hu Jie , Gruber Kenneth J , Liu Huaping , Zhao Hong , Garcia Alexandra A
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives.  To explore the relationships of demographic and clinical variables and attendance at diabetes educational programmes with diabetes knowledge among a community sample of older Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes residing in Beijing.

Background.  Knowledge of diabetes is an important component of diabetes self‐management. Level of education, duration of diabetes, visits to a dietician and diabetes self‐management are associated with diabetes knowledge. A few studies have examined these relationships in older Chinese with diabetes.

Design.  A descriptive correlational study.

Methods.  The study was conducted in face‐to‐face interviews with 108 older adults with type 2 diabetes and an average age of 68 (SD = 8·41) years residing in six residential apartment complexes in Beijing. Along with the assessment of diabetes knowledge and diabetes self‐management, assessments of glucose, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were obtained.

Results.  Age and systolic blood pressure were negatively associated with diabetes knowledge. Diabetes knowledge was not related to diabetes self‐care activities or glucose level. A regression model with age, education and clinical variables significantly predicted diabetes knowledge, explaining 29% of the variance in knowledge. Participants who had a family history of diabetes, visited traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors and ophthalmologists and attended diabetes educational programmes were more likely to have high scores on diabetes knowledge.

Conclusions.  Age, education, a family history of diabetes, visits to TCM providers and ophthalmologists and attending diabetes class are factors associated with increased levels of diabetes knowledge.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Healthcare providers need to provide age‐specific, low literacy and family‐focused diabetes education programmes and consider integrating principles and holistic perspectives of TCM in diabetes educational programmes for older Chinese with diabetes.
Staff engagement as a target for managing work environments in psychiatric hospitals: implications for workforce stability and quality of care
Authors: Van Bogaert Peter , Clarke Sean , Willems Riet , Mondelaers Mieke
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

To examine relationships between practice environment ratings, workload, work engagement, job outcomes and assessments of quality of care in nursing personnel in psychiatric hospitals.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Background

A broad base of research studies in health care reveals important links between work environment factors, staff burnout and organisational outcomes that merit examination in inpatient mental healthcare settings. Work engagement, a positively framed parallel construct for burnout, may offer an additional insight into the impacts of work on staff.

Methods

A sample of 357 registered nurses (65·5%), licensed practical nurses (23·5%) and non‐registered caregiver (10·6%) of two Belgian psychiatric hospitals were surveyed. A causal model was tested using structural equation modelling, whereby it was proposed that work engagement would be influenced by work environment factors and itself impact perceived quality of care and staff job outcomes such as job satisfaction and turnover intentions.

Results

An adjusted model was confirmed. Practice environment features influenced staff vigour and dedication and demonstrated positive effects on job satisfaction, turnover intentions and perceived quality of care through their effects on absorption.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that work engagement is a likely direct consequence of practice environments that may ultimately have impacts on both staff and patient outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Leaders, nurse managers, clinicians as well as nurses themselves should be aware of the importance of work environments in mental healthcare facilities that favour engagement. Future efforts should focus on developing and sustaining practice environments that engage mental healthcare workers within interdisciplinary teams with the goal of creating a stable workforce possessing optimal possible knowledge, skills and abilities for delivering care.
Effects of chelated iron on oogenesis and vegetative growth of kelp gametophytes (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Lewis Raymond J. , Green Molly K. , Afzal Melinda E.
Published: December 2012

The supply of iron has been reported to affect gametogenesis in the gametophytes of some species of kelps (order Laminariales). Spores of the kelps Alaria marginata Postels & Ruprecht, Dictyoneurum californicum Ruprecht, Egregia menziesii (Turner) Areschoug, Laminaria setchellii Silva, and Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh were cultured in enriched seawater with and without added chelated iron (Fe‐ethylenediaminetetraacetate) to determine the effects of iron on oogenesis. All species showed a decrease in oogenesis without added Fe‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Gametophytes of E. menziesii showed predominant gametogenesis with or without supplied iron, resulting in all cells being converted to gametes so that vegetative growth did not continue. Vegetative gametophytes were obtained in the other species used. Gametophytes of M. pyrifera did not show any oogenesis without added Fe‐EDTA, while those of L. setchellii, A. marginata and D. californicum were intermediate in their response, showing some gametogenesis without added Fe‐EDTA. When Fe‐EDTA supply was delayed by 6, 13 and 20 days with spores of M. pyrifera, the gametophytes produced fewer eggs, with a greater decrease as the delay grew longer. A range of Fe‐EDTA concentrations was investigated using isolated female gametophytes of two strains of M. pyrifera and one of Macrocystis integrifolia Bory. None of these three strains produced gametes without the addition of Fe‐EDTA. Gametophytes of M. integrifolia required the least amount of added Fe‐EDTA to achieve gametogenesis while gametophytes of M. pyrifera required higher amounts, with the two strains showing somewhat different responses. Iron nutrition appears to be an essential factor for gametogenesis in several species of kelps.
Frost increases beech susceptibility to scolytine ambrosia beetles
Authors: La Spina Sylvie , De Cannière Charles , Dekri Anissa , Grégoire Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2012

In the early 2000s, beech forests in Western Europe suffered from a so far unexplained burst of mortality. Necroses, ambrosia‐beetle and fungal attacks were observed on the trunks. The symptoms were similar to previous events reported throughout the 20th Century.

One current hypothesis is that these phenomena were related to early frost events for which the trees were physiologically unprepared and which made them vulnerable to biotic attacks. In the present study, we aimed to test this hypothesis further, by retrospective meteorological analyses and also by an experimental approach.

Our meteorological analyses highlighted the occurrence of cold waves a year before the beech declines were reported in 1929, 1942 and 1998.

In our experimental approach, frost injuries were inflicted to mature trees in a beech stand using dry ice. The treated trees were more attractive to insects than untreated controls. Insect attacks were observed in the treated zones on the trees but colonization was not very successful. The galleries had aborted most of the time with only a few larval chambers. Very few insects were caught in emergence traps.

The results of these two approaches support and strengthen the hypothesis that frost induced beech dieback. Frost injuries increased tree attraction to ambrosia beetles to the point of inducing attacks. However, the overall success of these attacks was much lower than that observed in the 2000s. These differences might reflect limitations in our experimental approach, where frost wounding was applied locally to the trees.
DEMAND FOR DIFFERENTIATED DURABLE PRODUCTS: THE CASE OF THE U.S. COMPUTER PRINTER MARKET
Authors: MELNIKOV OLEG
Published: December 2012

This paper develops an estimation technique for analyzing the impact of technological change on the dynamics of consumer demand in a differentiated durable products industry. The paper presents a dynamic model of consumer demand for differentiated durable products that explicitly accounts for consumers' expectations of future product quality and consumers' outflow from the market that arises endogenously from their purchase decisions. The timing of consumers' purchases is formalized as an optimal stopping problem. A solution to that problem defines the hazard rate of product adoptions, while the nested discrete choice model determines the alternative‐specific purchase probabilities. Integrating individual decisions over the population distribution generates rich dynamics of aggregate and product‐level sales. The empirical part of the paper applies the model to data on the U.S. computer printer market for 1998–1999. The estimates support the hypothesis of consumers' forward‐looking behavior, allowing for better demand forecasts and improved measures of welfare gains from introducing new products. (JEL L11, C35, D91)
AN EXAMINATION OF LINEAR AND NONLINEAR CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMODITY PRICES AND U.S. INFLATION
Authors: MAHADEVAN RENUKA , SUARDI SANDY
Published: December 2012

This article uses both linear and nonlinear causality tests to examine the causal relationships between changes in commodity prices and U.S. inflation. Prior to the Great Moderation, there is evidence that changes in commodity price indices linearly lead inflation. The stability of the causal relationship appears to vary over time with a stronger bivariate link established before the Great Moderation. Further, there is evidence of significant nonlinear causality from raw industrials and metals indices to inflation with most of this detected nonlinear relationship being captured using the Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner asymmetric generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model. This implies that the observed nonlinear Granger causality is largely driven by unanticipated shocks and volatility spillovers in the run‐up of commodity prices in late 2000. (JEL C18, C22, E31)
The Squatters' Movement in Europe: A Durable Struggle for Social Autonomy in Urban Politics
Authors: López Miguel A. Martínez
Published: December 2012

Squatting empty properties for living or to develop public activities has lasted in European cities for more than three decades. Although local and national contexts differ significantly, there are also some general trends and patterns that deserve careful attention. When squatting occasionally appears in public debates, controversy is generated and many gaps open between academic, social and political perceptions. In this article I use evidence from several European cities to argue that the squatters' movement has produced an original impact in urban politics. The main feature of this impact has been to generate a relatively wide autonomous and mainly non‐institutional mode of citizen participation, protest and self‐management. How has this been possible? Which are the specific contributions made by this urban movement? These are questions that both scholars and activists continuously claim to be relevant, so that this research attempts to offer some general answers based on detailed comparisons and experiences.
Framework for Understanding Fair Trade Disintermediation
Authors: Doh Jonathan , Taylor Kenneth
Published: December 2012

Our research seeks to answer the question of how a conventional commodity supply chain can be transformed into a disintermediated commodity supply chain in the context of the fair trade (FT) movement. We present a normative framework for conceptualizing the disintermediation process, exploring the variables bearing on this process using the case of FT coffee to illustrate our insights. We highlight the motivational sources driving FT, suggesting that it is increasingly to the advantage of multinational enterprises to leverage their market power to circumvent intermediaries in the supply chain and, in so doing, shift a greater share of income and wealth to producing communities. A research agenda centered on building an FT supply‐chain disintermediation index is proposed.
Characteristics of Companies Targeted by Social Proxies: An Empirical Analysis in the Context of the United States
Authors: Rojas Miguel , M'Zali Bouchra , Turcotte Marie‐France , Merrigan Philip
Published: December 2012

We compare the traits of companies receiving social policy shareholder resolutions with those of a set of matching firms. We show that targeted firms tend to be much larger and riskier, less profitable and less socially performing than their counterparts. The five largest investors in firms receiving social proxies tend to hold a lower stake in those firms vis‐à‐vis the matching firms. Firms in both samples, however, are not statistically different in terms of percentages of shares held by institutional and insider investors. We provide possible explanations for our results.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION, LABOR DEMAND SHIFTS AND EARNINGS INEQUALITY IN SINGAPORE
Authors: Toh Ruby , Tat Hui Weng
Published: December 2012

This article investigates the relative wage between skilled and low skilled labor in a small open economy with traditionally few labor market rigidities. It looks at the role of relative skills demand and supply in determining skills premium and explores the extent to which trade liberalization affects the skills wage gap. Indications are that greater openness is linked to higher labor demand elasticity and/or technological progress. The evidence also suggests that rapid acceleration in labor demand for skills and trade liberalization has widened the wage gap between skilled and low skilled labor. This result persists regardless of industry type.
Overeducation and Local Labour Markets in Spain
Authors: Ramos Raúl , Sanromá Esteban
Published: December 2012

The objective of this paper is to analyse the influence of individual variables and some spatial mobility characteristics of regional labour markets on overeducation in Spain. To achieve this aim, we use microdata from the Spanish Budget Household Survey to estimate a probit model for the probability of overeducation while accounting for sample selection and the presence of data at different levels (individuals and territory). The obtained results permit us to conclude that the sizes of local labour markets and the possibility of extending the job search to other labour markets by commuting are relevant factors in explaining overeducation in the Spanish labour market. In spite of differences in labour market institutions, our results are very similar to those obtained for other countries, particularly when working with more recent data.
From language learners to language users: A Study of Chinese Students in the UK
Authors: Liu Chunyan
Published: December 2012

This paper reports the changes and challenges Chinese students face in study‐abroad (SA) situations. The data were collected through interviews and observations over a three‐month period. Informed by sociocultural theory which views learners' use of the language both as a tool for mediating learning and as an object to be acquired, the analysis presented reveals how SA students face the challenges from a language learner to language user. It is found that they try to adapt their language system to the new environment through language use, translation, and conceptual development. But they also face great challenges in using the language and experience academic culture shock. Based on the findings, implications and suggestions are proposed, which are applicable not only to Chinese students but beyond.
Adoption as Spiritual Praxis in Individualized Times
Authors: Westerlund Katarina
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  This article reflects on the motive of child adoption as a counterpart to postmodern individualization. In western culture, where ideals like freedom of choice and self‐expression are almost self‐evident, a theological interpretation of child adoption is presented that questions the very foundation of individualization. It is argued that adoption as spiritual praxis reminds us of our dependence on the wider community and on God. The perception of children, parents, family, and human acting are further modified by the use of the adoption motive.
A New Classification Scheme for Spinal Vascular Abnormalities based on Angiographic Features
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To determine the interobserver reliability of a newly proposed classification scheme for angiographic classification of spinal vascular malformations including arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

METHOD

A study was performed done in which 1–2 representative angiographic images of 26 spinal AVFs and/or AVMs were independently classified by five fellows in the ACGME accredited Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology (ESN) program and two external interventionalists in the absence of any other clinical or imaging data. From these observations the interobserver reliability for each category and the overall scheme were determined in terms of the median weighted kappa statistic.

RESULTS

The overall interobserver reliability for the new classification scheme was a Kappa of 0.53 (Z= 21.3, P= <.0001) among the seven raters. The Kappa for individual grades was as follows: grade I (k= 0.66), grade II (k= 0.50), grade III (k= 0.44), and grade IV (k= 0.58). Three or more raters agreed on 100% of the cases. The interobserver reliability was high among the two practicing interventionalist raters (k= 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.3–0.8). The interobserver reliability remained high among junior ESN fellows (k= 0.65).

CONCLUSION

The new classification scheme provided satisfactory reliability even in the hands of less experienced observers. The scheme can be used with minimal training and other concurrent data and can be relied upon to provide consistent results.
Clinical–Radiological Severity Mismatch Phenomenon: Patients with Severe Neurological Deficits Without Matching Infarction on Computed Tomographic Scan
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Chaudhry Saqib A. , Sivagnanam Kamesh , Rodriguez Gustavo J. , Suri M. Fareed K. , Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Ezzeddine Mustapha A.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine the long‐term outcome of patients with severe persistent neurological deficits without a large infarction on computed tomographic (CT) scan.

METHODS

We analyzed the prospectively collected data as part of the randomized, placebo controlled trial in patients with ischemic stroke presenting within 3 hours of symptom onset. Volume of infarction was measured from CT scan acquired at 3 months. Favorable outcome defined by no significant or slight disability on a modified Rankin scale at 12 months. We determined the outcome of patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS score) ≥10 at 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of the 277 patients with NIHSS score ≥10 at 24 hours, 88 (32%) met the criteria of clinical–radiological severity mismatch. Compared with patients with NIHSS score ≥10 with infarct volume ≥20 cc, the patients with NIHSS score ≥10 and infarct volume <20 cc were older but there were no differences in the gender, race or vascular risk factors. Patients with clinical–radiological severity mismatch were more likely to have a favorable outcome at 12 months compared with those without mismatch (odd ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval 1.5‐12.6, P= .0063) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that approximately one‐fourth of patients with severe neurological deficits have clinical–radiological severity mismatch. Such patients appear to have a high rate of favorable outcomes at 1 year.
Occurrence and Prognostic Significance of Cervical Pseudodissection Phenomenon Associated with Acute Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Siddiq Farhan , Chaudhry Saqib A. , Das Paramita , Khatri Rakesh , Rodriguez Gustavo , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Acute stroke from intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion can occasionally resemble angiographic cervical ICA dissection which may cause delays in endovascular acute ischemic stroke treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the angiographic characteristics of the phenomenon of “pseudodissection” and its clinical implications in acute ischemic stroke endovascular treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of angiographic and clinical data from 31 patients with ischemic acute stroke secondary to intracranial ICA occlusion, treated with endovascular therapy at two University‐affiliated institutions, was performed. Pseudodissection was defined as angiographic appearance of typical cervical ICA dissection with evidence of normal inner vascular wall upon further catheter exploration.

RESULTS

Angiographic appearance pseudodissection was identified in 7 out of 31 patients (22.6%). Six patients had guide catheters placed proximal to pseudodissection in anticipation of stent placement for treatment of ICA dissection. All 7 patients had further exploration of the presumed dissected segment (6 microcatheter, 1 diagnostic catheter) which demonstrated normal vascular inner wall. The clot was located more commonly in the petro‐cavernous segment in the pseudodissection patients (5/7, 71%). Carotid terminus clot was more common in ICA occlusion patients than pseudodissection patients (18/24, 75% vs. 2/7, 29% respectively, P < .0001). Recanalization was less common in pseudodissection patients compared to ICA occlusion patients (3/7 and 21/24 respectively, P = .029).

CONCLUSION

Early recognition of pseudodissection in the ICA is important in the setting of acute ischemic stroke to avoid delay in treatment of intracranial ICA occlusion.
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Authors: Bevan Godfrey
Published: December 2012

The energy sector is the major contributor to human-made greenhouse gas emissions. Can wind, wave and solar energy save us from catastrophe?Godfrey Bevan explores the issues of renewable energy and efficiency – and finds huge potential, but a terrifying lack of time.
English Libel Laws and Scientific Research
Authors: Wilmshurst Peter
Published: December 2012

Peter Wilmshurst took on the job of being co-principal investigator of a clinical trial. It came close to costing him his home and to sending him bankrupt.
Shakespeare and Memory
Authors: Wilder Lina Perkins
Published: December 2012

Whether it is treated as a practical concern, a cultural pattern, or a literary theme, memory in Shakespeare’s plays has produced a vast array of scholarship in the past 15 years. This article addresses the cultural background of memory studies in the arts of memory, the link between the memory arts, book culture, and theater; the place of memory in material culture; the Renaissance conception of the physical effects of memory and forgetting in the body and the ways in which memory and forgetfulness produce subjectivity; the failure of memory, especially in psychoanalysis, trauma theory, and postcolonial studies; and the practical use of memory in the Renaissance theater. Finally, the article considers the potential for further scholarship in cognitive studies, performance theory, cultural studies, and intellectual history and the study of playwrights other than Shakespeare.
‘Eulogiseth Marie: A Critic’s Review of Recent Corelli Scholarship’
Authors: Kuehn Julia
Published: December 2012

This essay offers an overview of scholarly research conducted on late‐Victorian bestselling author Marie Corelli over the past few decades. It first traces the various phases of scholarly interest in this popular writer: from biography to bibliography and ‘rediscovery’, to the ‘publishing phenomenon’ andzeitgeistcriticism of the past 10 years. In a second step the essay then offers a personal assessment of where Corelli scholarship might be going, or indeed should be going, in the future.
Ocean nomads: Distribution and movements of sperm whales in the North Pacific shown by whaling data and Discovery marks
Authors: Mizroch Sally A. , Rice Dale W.
Published: December 2012

We investigated the distribution and movements of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the North Pacific by analyzing whaling data and movement data of whales marked with Discovery marks. Prior studies suggested that there were discrete “stocks” of sperm whales, assuming that the intervals between historical areas of concentration indicated subpopulation boundaries. Our analyses clearly refute this assumption: whaling and marking data suggest no obvious divisions between separate demes or stocks within the North Pacific. Sperm whales appear to be nomadic and show widespread movements between areas of concentration, with documented movements of over 5,000 km, time spans between marking and recovery over 20 yr, and ranges that cover many thousand km2. Males appear to range more widely than females. Sperm whales likely travel in response to geographical and temporal variations in the abundance of medium‐ and large‐sized pelagic squids, their primary prey. Our analyses demonstrate that males and females concentrated seasonally in the Subtropical Frontal Zone (ca. 28ºN–34ºN) and the Subarctic Frontal Zone (ca. 40ºN–43ºN), and males also concentrated seasonally near the Aleutian Islands and along the Bering Sea shelf edge. It appears that the sperm whales targeted by the pelagic whalers range widely across this ocean basin.
Effects of Biofloc Reduction on Microbial Dynamics in Minimal‐exchange, Superintensive Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, Culture Systems
Authors: Ray Andrew J. , Seaborn Gloria , Vinatea Luis , Browdy Craig L. , Leffler John W.
Published: December 2012

The microbial community in minimal‐exchange, superintensive culture systems should be managed to cycle nutrients and enhance production. This paper explores the effects of biofloc concentration reduction and a fish‐free diet on several microbial community characteristics. In 16, 3.5‐m diameter, 71‐cm deep outdoor tanks, shrimp were stocked at 460/m3. Eight of the tanks received a fish‐free, plant‐based feed and eight received a conventional feed containing fishmeal and fish oil. Within each diet type, biofloc concentration was reduced in four of the tanks and was not reduced in the other four tanks. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) extinction coefficients, photosynthetic oxygen production, chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a) concentrations, pheophytin‐a (pheo‐a) concentrations, and the sum of odd and branched chain fatty acid concentrations as a bacterial abundance indicator (BAI) were measured. Biofloc reduction significantly (P≤ 0.003) decreased PAR extinction coefficients, chl‐a concentration, pheo‐a concentration, and BAI concentration, while significantly increasing photosynthetic oxygen production. Diet did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) any of these measured parameters. The observed changes in microbial community characteristics corresponded with, and may help to explain, significantly improved shrimp feed conversion ratios, growth rate, final weight, and biomass yield in the tanks with biofloc reduction.
Comparative Analysis of Different Fish Polyculture Systems
Authors: Barcellos Leonardo J. G. , Quevedo Rosmari M. , Kreutz Luiz Carlos , Ritter Filipe , Pandolfo Adalberto , Hemkemeier Marcelo , Colla Luciane , Silva Leonardo B. , Koakoski Gessi , da Rosa João G. S.
Published: December 2012

Fish polyculture may increase the maximum standing crop of a pond by utilizing a wider range of available food and ecological niches. To identify a better polyculture system for the fish production practiced in southern South America, a 167‐d experiment was conducted in 16 earthen ponds (250 m2). The control group contained a traditional combination of carps: 35% common carp (CC), 35% grass carp, 15% silver carp (SC), and 15% bighead carp (BC). The T25%, T50%, and T75% groups consisted of ponds in which CC was replaced by jundiá (JN), and SC and BC were replaced by Nile tilapia at substitution rates of 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively. The yields of the T25%, T50%, and T75% groups were higher than those of the control group. The effluents generated in the control and T25% groups had lower total phosphorus levels than those generated in the other groups. Considering that all the substituted groups demonstrated better growth performance than the control group and that the T25% group was also better in terms of effluent quality and economic performance, we concluded that fish polyculture in South America would be optimized using a species ratio tested in T25% groups.
Pour une protection sociale liée au travail en faveur des travailleurs du secteur informel
Authors: Lund Francie
Published: December 2012

A l'heure où le nombre de travailleurs informels augmente dans le monde entier, l'évolution de la structure mondiale de l'emploi et des lieux de travail fait de l'activité professionnelle une source de danger et de problèmes de santé pour nombre de travailleurs pauvres. Or, les travailleurs informels n'ont pas accès à la sécurité sociale liée à l'emploi. Bien qu'exposés à des risques importants du fait de leur activité professionnelle, ils n'ont que peu, voire pas accès à une protection sociale efficace, qu'elle soit formelle ou informelle. Les dispositifs de sécurité sociale qui s’adressent aux citoyens, comme les transferts monétaires, n'accordent pas suffisamment d'attention aux besoins des adultes valides exerçant une activité professionnelle. De plus, les lieux de travail informels ne sont pas visés par la santé et la sécurité au travail (SST) dans sa conception traditionnelle, volet indispensable de la sécurité sociale fondée sur le travail. Il est notamment très difficile pour les travailleurs informels de bénéficier d'éventuelles actions de prévention, ces actions risquant d'entraîner, à court terme, une perte de revenu. Pour que la SST soit accessible au plus grand nombre, il faut réformer son organisation institutionnelle et, en particulier, impliquer les autorités locales et les organisations de travailleurs informels, qui mettent actuellement en place des réseaux sectoriels internationaux influents. A cet égard, le présent article décrit des exemples prometteurs de réformes de laSSTnégociées, bénéficiant à la majorité de la population. Au‐delà, le défi à relever consiste à élaborer une conception plus large de laSST, qui s’adresse spécifiquement aux travailleurs informels en qualité de «travailleurs» plutôt qu'en tant que «citoyens fragiles» ne pouvant prétendre qu'à des dispositifs de protection sociale destinés à lutter contre la pauvreté, et qui comporte officiellement des actions de prévention.
Difficultés à évaluer et à attribuer une indemnisation pour stress mental au titre de la Loi nigériane d'indemnisation des employés de 2010
Authors: Atilola Olayinka
Published: December 2012

Le Nigéria compte une population majoritairement jeune et un nombre de postes formels limité, ce qui rend les recherches difficiles et peut conduire au développement de conditions de travail abusives. La Loi d'indemnisation des employés a été adoptée en décembre 2010 afin de répondre à la vulnérabilité des travailleurs nigérians. Elle prévoit l'attribution d'une indemnisation des troubles de la santé mentale, ou stress mental, survenant pendant la période de travail. Le présent article examine les avantages et les lacunes de cette disposition, en particulier les critères définis par la loi sur lesquels doivent se fonder les demandes d'indemnisation de troubles de la santé mentale. Il étudie également les implications politiques plus larges de la loi, dans le cadre de l'élaboration d'un dispositif d'indemnisation des troubles de la santé mentale en Afrique subsaharienne, et avance des propositions pour réviser la loi.