bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Future of Privacy: A Consumer‐Oriented Approach to Managing Personal Data Online
Authors: MacDermott Siobhan , Smith J. R.
Published: December 2012

Beginning with Facebook's recent controversial “tweaks” to its privacy policy and its promise to support users against employers and others who attempt to compel users to divulge passwords, we critically review European Union (EU) and US digital privacy initiatives. Whereas the EU proposal relies on legislative regulation, the United States proposes industry self‐regulation partially enforceable by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). We conclude that not only do the sharply differing EU and US approaches present significant problems of global digital interoperability, but neither proposal promises to result in practical and feasible consumer protection, at least not in the near term. Moreover, the EU proposal poses serious threats to the profitability of digital commerce. As an alternative, we propose a “third approach,” empowering the individual digital consumer/user through a personal online strategy we call “wide‐open privacy,” which provides security without sacrificing the transformative economic, cultural, and personal benefits of the Internet. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical Success Factors through the Mergers and Acquisitions Process: Revealing Pre‐ and Post‐M&A Connections for Improved Performance
Authors: Gomes Emanuel , Angwin Duncan N. , Weber Yaakov , Yedidia Tarba Shlomo
Published: December 2012

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) literature is vast, spanning over half a century of research endeavor and drawing upon multiple disciplinary perspectives. Despite this wealth of material, the field suffers from a lack of connectedness. There is limited and compartmentalized understanding of the complexities of the M&A process, as the various streams of M&A research are only marginally informed by one another. As a result, the existing body of knowledge on M&A research remains fragmented. There is a need to establish links between existing approaches to M&A and the critical success factors they each promote. In this article, the need for a pluralistic and holistic explanatory framework that reflects the multidisciplinary nature of M&A is highlighted. The article shows that dynamic relationships between different perspectives on M&A and critical success factors matter. Identifying these relationships may help to further our understanding about M&A performance outcomes. Thus, the paper focuses on both relationships within each stage and between stages of the M&A process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Will They Still Love Us Tomorrow? Canada‐Cuba Business Relations and the End of the US Embargo
Authors: Spadoni Paolo , Sagebien Julia
Published: December 2012

This article looks at the business prospects for Canadian firms resulting from a gradual easing of US economic sanctions against Cuba. In the short term, the status quo on the embargo will mean little change for Canadian commercial interests. In the medium term, the removal of certain embargo provisions like the travel ban should provide a fertile ground for trade and investment. In the long term, once the whole embargo is finally lifted, Canadian companies should have the same competitive advantages in Cuba they already enjoy in Latin America, and especially in the Caribbean region. In general, traders will suffer more than investors from fierce US competition, but there should be growing opportunities in many business areas. Aggressive credit policies, innovative ways to acquire a greater knowledge of the Cuban market, and supply‐chain integration are among the key strategies that must be developed to overcome challenges and fully exploit these opportunities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Restructuring of Market Socialism in China: The Contribution of an “Agency” Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Zheng Ping , Scase Richard
Published: December 2012

Most discussions of the development of market socialism in China adopt an “institutional approach” in which socioeconomic and political organizations are described as a complex set of arrangements determined by the policies and role of the Communist Party. Such institutions are often seen to be little more than passive forces responding to the imperatives and stipulations of the party. However, the character and continuing development of market socialism is far more complex than this. It is made up of interacting forces that are the outcome of the purposive actions of economic agents that, although created and nurtured by the party, create tensions within the socioeconomic structure and thereby shape the direction of societal change. It is these that constitute many of the defining characteristics of market socialism. There are, the tensions between the imperatives of an emerging market economy and the political imperatives of the party. But there are others that are determined by the goals and values of a diversity of agents within both the state‐owned and privately owned sectors of the economy. For an understanding of these, we argue in this article for the need to adopt an “agency approach,” that is, one that focuses on the key roles of actors and agencies in shaping institutional arrangements of the sort that constitute present‐day market socialism. This, we argue, does not displace an “institutional” theoretical perspective but complements it, thereby offering a more complete insight into the generic character of a socioeconomic structureÑin this case, Chinese market socialism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disrupting Venture Capital
Authors: Thurston Thomas
Published: December 2012

Global venture capital is struggling after a decade of poor industry returns. In this environment, relatively recent innovations such as disruptive modeling, OpenIPO, and revenue‐based funding indicate how venture capital may continue to evolve in promising new directions for investors and entrepreneurs alike. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aero‐structural investigation of biplane wind turbine blades
Authors: Roth‐Johnson Perry , Wirz Richard E.
Published: December 2012

As wind turbines grow larger, loads increase dramatically, particularly in the inboard region of the blade. A key problem is to design a strong inboard region that supports these loads without sacrificing too much aerodynamic performance. A new design is proposed: a biplane inboard region that transitions into a joint, which connects to a monoplane outboard region. The objective is to develop biplane inboard configurations that improve the aero‐structural performance of blades. To approximately compare a conventional inboard region with a biplane inboard region, cross‐sectional properties of a thick monoplane and a biplane were measured. Numerical simulations were used to explicitly compare the aerodynamic performance of a thick monoplane with a biplane. Then, several model beams were designed to be simple approximations of a conventional blade (‘monoplane beam’) and the biplane blade (‘biplane beam’). Canonical bending loads were applied to each model beam, and their deflections were compared. Numerical simulations show that the lift‐to‐drag ratio is significantly greater for the biplane than the thick monoplane for 0° < α < 15.5°. A parametric analysis of biplane beam configurations shows that their tip deflections are smaller than monoplane beams of the same length. These benefits for the inboard region of (i) improved aerodynamics and (ii) improved strength could lead to weight reductions in wind turbine blades. Innovations that create lighter blades can make large blades a reality. These results suggest that the biplane blade is an attractive design for large blades. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐Term Outcome of Laparoscopic Surgery for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Haugvik Sven‐Petter , Marangos Irina Pavlik , Røsok Bård Ingvald , Pomianowska Ewa , Gladhaug Ivar Prydz , Mathisen Øystein , Edwin Bjørn
Published: December 2012

Background

As most pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are relatively small and solitary, they may be considered well suited for removal by a minimally invasive approach. There are few large series that describe laparoscopic surgery for PNET. The primary aim of this study was to describe the feasibility, outcome, and histopathology associated with laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LS) of PNET in a large series.

Methods

All patients with PNET who underwent LS at a single hospital from March 1997 to April 2011 were included retrospectively in the study.

Results

A total of 72 patients with PNET underwent 75 laparoscopic procedures, out of which 65 were laparoscopic resections or enucleations. The median operative time of all patients who underwent resections or enucleations was 175 (60–520) min, the median blood loss was 300 (5–2,700) ml, and the median length of hospital stay was 7 (2–27) days. The overall morbidity rate was 42 %, with a surgical morbidity rate of 21 % and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation in 21 %. Laparoscopic enucleations were associated with a higher rate of POPF than were laparoscopic resections. Five‐year disease‐specific survival rate was 90 %. The T stage, R stage, and a Ki‐67 cutoff value of 5 % significantly predicted 5‐year survival.

Conclusion

LS of PNET is feasible with acceptable morbidity and a good overall disease‐specific long‐term prognosis.
The effect of atorvastatin on survival of rat ischemic flap
Authors: Chen Jian‐Xun , Chiu Chia‐Wei , Shih Pin‐Keng
Published: December 2012

Management of skin avulsion with tissue exposure is a challenge for plastic surgeons. Clinical observations have suggested that longer survival of skin flap prevents further contamination and infection. Less well known is the role of atorvastatin in avulsion skin flap. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether atorvastatin could alleviate avulsion skin flap in a rat model. Twenty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: the atorvastatin group and the control. Before operation, each rat received an initial blood perfusion scan as baseline data. Then, each rat received an operation of skin flap incision, elevation, and resuturing to the original position under general anesthesia. Another blood perfusion scan was performed on each rat 30 minutes, 4 days, and 7 days postoperatively. On the 7th postoperative day, the necrotic area of skin flap was measured as the skin flap viability. The skin flap tissues at 2.5 and 5 cm distal to the skin flap base were collected for histopathological analysis, as well as measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression, and vascular density. Compared with 30 minutes postoperation, there was a significant increase in the ratio of skin flap blood perfusion on the 4th and 7th days postoperation in both control and atorvastatin groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, there was a significant decrease in necrotic area, significant increase in ratio of skin flap blood perfusion on postoperation days 4 and 7, and significant increase in vascular density under high field at 2.5 cm distal to the base of skin flap in the atorvastatin group (p < 0.05). The VEGF121 and VEGF165 mRNA expression at 2.5 cm distal to the base of skin flap differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, atorvastatin treatment improved skin flap blood perfusion, vascular density, and necrotic area dependent on VEGF mRNA expression.
Sheared flow-driven vortices and solitary waves in a non-uniform plasma with negative ions and non-thermal distributed electrons
Authors: MUSHTAQ A. , SHAH ATTAULLAH
Published: December 2012

The coupled drift-ion acoustic (DIA) waves in an inhomogeneous magnetoplasma having negative and positive ions can be driven by the parallel sheared flows in the presence of Cairns distributed non-thermal electrons. The coupled DIA waves can become unstable due to shear flows. The conditions of modes instability are discussed with effects of non-thermal electrons. These are the excited modes and start interactions among themselves. The interaction is governed by the Hasegawa–Mima equations with analytical solutions in the form of a vortex chain and dipolar vortex. On the other hand, for scalar nonlinearity the Kortweg deVries-type equation is obtained with solitary wave solution. Possible application of the work to the space and laboratory plasmas are highlighted.
Attentional switching forms a genetic link between attention problems and autistic traits in adults
Authors: Polderman T. J. C. , Hoekstra R. A. , Vinkhuyzen A. A. E. , Sullivan P. F. , van der Sluis S. , Posthuma D.
Published: December 2012

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and autistic traits often occur together. The pattern and etiology of co-occurrence are largely unknown, particularly in adults. This study investigated the co-occurrence between both traits in detail, and subsequently examined the etiology of the co-occurrence, using two independent adult population samples.

Method

Data on ADHD traits (Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity) were collected in a population sample (S1, n = 559) of unrelated individuals. Data on Attention Problems (AP) were collected in a population-based family sample of twins and siblings (S2, n = 560). In both samples five dimensions of autistic traits were assessed (social skills, routine, attentional switching, imagination, patterns).

Results

Hyperactive traits (S1) did not correlate substantially with the autistic trait dimensions. For Inattention (S1) and AP (S2), the correlations with the autistic trait dimensions were low, apart from a prominent correlation with the attentional switching scale (0.47 and 0.32 respectively). Analyses in the genetically informative S2 revealed that this association could be explained by a shared genetic factor.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the co-occurrence of ADHD traits and autistic traits in adults is not determined by problems with hyperactivity, social skills, imagination or routine preferences. Instead, the association between those traits is due primarily to shared attention-related problems (inattention and attentional switching capacity). As the etiology of this association is purely genetic, biological pathways involving attentional control could be a promising focus of future studies aimed at unraveling the genetic causes of these disorders.
Home-making of older Antillean migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: MEIJERING LOUISE , LAGER DEBBIE
Published: December 2012

A group of 141,345 immigrants from the Netherlands Antilles, a former colony, live in the Netherlands. An increasing number of these migrants are at or above retirement age, and for them, the question of where they want to grow old becomes relevant. It is important for people to age in a place where they feel at home, as attachment to place increases wellbeing in old age. In this article we discuss how older Antillean migrants in the Netherlands make their house and immediate living environment into a home. We focus on home-making practices in a broader cultural context, and in relation to wellbeing. These topics are addressed by drawing on qualitative life-history interviews with Antillean older people, who live in a co-housing community for older adults. It turns out that objects which remind the participants of their home country play an important role in making a home. Also, the community, with people from similar backgrounds, contributes to a sense of home. Finally, the presence of children and other family members is a key motivation for the participants' decision to age in the Netherlands.
Farmed landscapes, trees and forest conservation in Saint Lucia (West Indies)
Authors: WALTERS BRADLEY B. , HANSEN LISA
Published: December 2012

Islands of the West Indies are among the most historically impacted by agriculture, yet agricultural influences on forests there have been little studied. This research compared tree species richness and vegetation structure between farmed lands, post-agriculture secondary forests and mature remnant forests in two watersheds in Saint Lucia, and sought to understand the current distribution of these habitats in terms of land use and watershed topography. Farms devoted to annual crops had few trees and much exposed soil. By contrast, agroforests had abundant (mostly planted) trees and vegetation structure comparable to secondary forests. Secondary forests had highest overall species richness, but mature forests had the most developed vegetation structure. Variations in habitat distribution reflected different land use histories, with the more rugged west coast long dominated by tree crop farming and the east coast experiencing a recent boom-bust cycle in bananas. Mature and secondary forests were more likely found at higher altitude, further from roads and at sites more difficult to access, the combined result of government protection of key forest and watershed reserves and farmers’ preferential abandonment of marginal lands. For conservationists, this return of forests is reason for optimism and it presents strategic opportunities for public land acquisition or collaborative management to further forest and watershed protection objectives.
Climate Justice and Capabilities: A Framework for Adaptation Policy
Authors: Schlosberg David
Published: December 2012

This article lays out a capabilities and justice-based approach to the development of adaptation policy. While many theories of climate justice remain focused on ideal theories for global mitigation, the argument here is for a turn to just adaptation, using a capabilities framework to encompass vulnerability, social recognition, and public participation in policy responses. This article argues for a broadly defined capabilities approach to climate justice, combining a recognition of the vulnerability of basic needs with a process for public involvement. Such an approach can be used to engage stakeholders with varied perceptions of what is at risk, and to develop priorities for adaptation policy. It addresses both individual and community-level vulnerabilities, and acknowledges that the conditions of justice depend on a functioning, even if shifting, environment.
Individual Testimonies of Nursing Care after the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki in 1945
Authors: Matsunari Yuko , Nakao Ruiko
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To describe the situation with respect to nursing care conducted immediately before and after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945.

Methods

Nurses who were registered nursing staff in Nagasaki at the time of the bombing volunteered to participate in this research. Individual interviews were conducted to obtain information concerning the nursing activities in affected areas. The collected information was compared with official documents regarding the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and findings of current studies of disaster situation nursing.

Result

Five participants indicated that starting on the day of the bombing, nursing care activities changed from moment to moment according to the condition of radiation victims, the condition of affected areas, and the relief systems in place. Under these conditions, nurses attempted to provide nursing care to victims of the bombing through any means possible.

Conclusion

The participants in the present study communicated a single message: that nursing care must be flexible in critical situations. Triage and cooperation with other types of medical professionals were also identified as important factors in nursing care.

MatsunariY, NakaoR. Individual testimonies of nursing care after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5.
Patient-Driven Resource Planning of a Health Care Facility Evacuation
Authors: Petinaux Bruno , Yadav Kabir
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The evacuation of a health care facility is a complex undertaking, especially if done in an immediate fashion, ie, within minutes. Patient factors, such as continuous medical care needs, mobility, and comprehension, will affect the efficiency of the evacuation and translate into evacuation resource needs. Prior evacuation resource estimates are 30 years old.

Methods

Utilizing a cross-sectional survey of charge nurses of the clinical units in an urban, academic, adult trauma health care facility (HCF), the evacuation needs of hospitalized patients were assessed periodically over a two-year period.

Results

Survey data were collected on 2,050 patients. Units with patients having low continuous medical care needs during an emergency evacuation were the postpartum, psychiatry, rehabilitation medicine, surgical, and preoperative anesthesia care units, the Emergency Department, and Labor and Delivery Department (with the exception of patients in Stage II labor). Units with patients having high continuous medical care needs during an evacuation included the neonatal and adult intensive care units, special procedures unit, and operating and post-anesthesia care units. With the exception of the neonate group, 908 (47%) of the patients would be able to walk out of the facility, 492 (25.5%) would require a wheelchair, and 530 (27.5%) would require a stretcher to exit the HCF. A total of 1,639 patients (84.9%) were deemed able to comprehend the need to evacuate and to follow directions; the remainder were sedated, blind, or deaf. The charge nurses also determined that 17 (6.9%) of the 248 adult intensive care unit patients were too ill to survive an evacuation, and that in 10 (16.4%) of the 61 ongoing surgery cases, stopping the case was not considered to be safe.

Conclusion

Heath care facilities can utilize the results of this study to model their anticipated resource requirements for an emergency evacuation. This will permit the Incident Management Team to mobilize the necessary resources both within the facility and the community to provide for the safest evacuation of patients.

PetinauxB, YadavK. Patient-driven resource planning of a health care facility evacuation. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-7.
Subject-to-subject raising and the syntax of tense in L2 Spanish: A Full Access approach
Authors: CAMPOS-DINTRANS GONZALO , PIRES ACRISIO , ROTHMAN JASON
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates the acquisition of syntax in L2 grammars. We tested adult L2 speakers of Spanish (English L1) on the feature specification of T(ense), which is different in English and Spanish in so-called subject-to-subject raising structures. We present experimental results with the verbparecer“to seem/to appear” in different tenses, with and without experiencers, and with Tense Phrase (TP), verb phrase (vP) and Adjectival Phrase (AP) complements. The results show that advanced L2 learners can perform just like native Spanish speakers regarding grammatical knowledge in this domain, although the subtle differences between both languages are not explicitly taught. We argue that these results support Full Access approaches to Universal Grammar (UG) in L2 acquisition, by providing evidence that uninterpretable syntactic features can be learned in adult L2, even when such features are not directly instantiated in the same grammatical domain in the L1 grammar.
Editorial introduction to ‘Ownership’ by A. M. Honoré (1961)
Authors: HODGSON GEOFFREY M.
Published: December 2012

Antony (Tony) M. Honoré was born in London in 1921 but was brought up in South Africa. He served in the British Army during the Second World War and was severely wounded in the Battle of El Alamein in 1942. After the war, he continued his studies at New College, Oxford, and he has lived and taught in Oxford for well over half a century, holding fellowships at several Oxford colleges. From 1971 to 1988, he was Regius Professor of Civil Law and a Fellow of All Souls College in Oxford. He is internationally known for his work on ownership, legal causation, and Roman law.
Feasibility of automotive radar at frequencies beyond 100 GHz
Authors: Köhler Mike , Hasch Jürgen , Blöcher Hans Ludwig , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter
Published: December 2012

Radar sensors are used widely in modern driver assistance systems. Available sensors nowadays often operate in the 77 GHz band and can accurately provide distance, velocity, and angle information about remote objects. Increasing the operation frequency allows improving the angular resolution and accuracy. In this paper, the technical feasibility to move the operation frequency beyond 100 GHz is discussed, by investigating dielectric properties of radome materials, the attenuation of rain and atmosphere, radar cross-section behavior, active circuits technology, and frequency regulation issues. Moreover, a miniaturized antenna at 150 GHz is presented to demonstrate the possibilities of high-resolution radar for cars.
Build it and they will come: outcomes from a successful cardiac rehabilitation program at an Aboriginal Medical Service
Authors: Dimer Lyn , Dowling Ted , Jones Jane , Cheetham Craig , Thomas Tyra , Smith Julie , McManus Alexandra , Maiorana Andrew J.
Published: December 2012

Objective. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading disease burden in Aboriginal Australians, but culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation programs are lacking. We evaluated the uptake and effects on lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors, of cardiac rehabilitation at an Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). Methods. The program involved weekly exercise and education sessions (through ‘yarning’) for Aboriginal people with or at risk of CVD. Participants’ perceptions of the program and the impact on risk factors were evaluated following 8 weeks of attendance. Results. In twenty-eight participants (20 females) who completed 8 weeks of sessions, body mass index (34.0 ± 5.1 v. 33.3 ± 5.2 kg m–2; P < 0.05), waist girth (113 ± 14 v. 109 ± 13 cm; P < 0.01) and blood pressure (135/78 ± 20/12 v. 120/72 ± 16/5 mmHg; P < 0.05) decreased and 6- min walk distance increased (296 ± 115 v. 345 ± 135 m; P < 0.01). ‘Yarning’ helped identify and address a range of chronic health issues including medication compliance, risk factor review and chest pain management. Conclusions. AMS-based cardiac rehabilitation was well attended, and improved cardiovascular risk factors and health management. An AMS is an ideal location for managing cardiovascular health and provides a setting conducive to addressing a broad range of chronic conditions. What is known about the topic? Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Aboriginal Australians, but less than 5% of eligible Aboriginal people attend hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation. What does this paper add? This is the first study to describe a culturally appropriate cardiac rehabilitation program conducted in a metropolitan Aboriginal Medical Service. It provides a detailed account of the program’s components and its effects on physical and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular health in participants. What are the implications for practitioners? Health management programs similar to the one evaluated in this study could be developed to suit the specific needs of other Indigenous communities around Australia to address a range of chronic conditions.
Abacavir exposure and cardiovascular risk factors in HIV-positive patients with coronary heart disease: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Trevillyan Janine M. , Cheng Allen C. , Hoy Jennifer
Published: December 2012

Background
HIV-positive patients have an estimated twofold increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD). While traditional cardiovascular risk factors and the effects of HIV and chronic inflammation all play a role, the contribution of long-term exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) agents is becoming clear. Methods: We performed a retrospective case–control study of HIV-positive patients seen from January 1996 to December 2009 to evaluate the impact of HIV suppression and exposure to specific ARVs on the incidence of CHD. Results: Cases (n = 68) were HIV-positive with evidence of CHD. Two age- and sex-matched HIV-positive controls (n = 136) without a diagnosis of CHD were assigned for each case. The cumulative incidence of CHD in the period covered by the study was 3.8%, with an incidence of 8.5 cases per 1000 patient-years of follow up. Cases had an increased likelihood of having hypertension (odds ratio (OR): 6.62, P < 0.001), a family history of CHD (OR: 5.82, P < 0.001), lower high-density lipoprotein levels (OR: 0.28, P = 0.025) and higher Framingham risk scores compared with controls. Following adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of CHD was significantly associated with the current use of abacavir (OR: 2.10, P = 0.03). Protease inhibitor therapy, HIV viral load and duration of known HIV infection were not predictive of CHD in our patient population. Conclusions: Our data add to the evidence that abacavir use is associated with CHD in HIV-positive patients in Australia.
Regulation of food advertising to children on television: is it necessary and does it work?
Authors: Boyland E. J. , Halford J. C. G.
Published: December 2012

In light of the current obesity epidemic, the role of food advertising on television has been scrutinized in numerous studies, constituting a rich and growing body of literature to suggest that the exposure to food promotion is detrimental to children's diets. This paper reviews recent research to identify critical issues within the field relating to the prevalence and effects of food advertising on television, as well as the regulatory strategies (both statutory and self-regulatory approaches) adopted to try to tackle the problem. Although considerable evidence exists that children's food choices and intake are negatively affected by food advertising, research and knowledge gaps are still evident, and data relating to the impact of regulations are limited and equivocal. Weaknesses in the construction of regulations or with their implementation can restrict their effectiveness at reducing children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising. This review summarizes key findings from the literature, suggests evidence gaps to be bridged by future research, provides an overview of the main issues regarding regulation, details a number of current regulatory approaches and their weaknesses, and concludes with suggestions of the criteria that regulation would need to be meet to successfully reduce children's exposure to nutrient-poor food promotion on television.
Potential Effects of Changes in Temperature and Food Resources on Life History Trajectories of Juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Benjamin Joseph R. , Connolly Patrick J. , Romine Jason G. , Perry Russell W.
Published: December 2012

Increasing temperatures and changes in food resources owing to climate change may alter the growth and migratory behavior of organisms. This is particularly important for salmonid species like Oncorhynchus mykiss, where some individuals remain in freshwater to mature (nonanadromous Rainbow Trout) and others migrate to sea (anadromous Steelhead). Whether one strategy is adopted over the other may depend on the individual's growth and size. In this study, we explored (1) how water temperature in Beaver Creek, a tributary to the Methow River, Washington, may increase under four climate scenarios, (2) how these thermal changes may alter the life history trajectory followed by O. mykiss (i.e., when and if to smolt), and (3) how changes in food quality or quantity might interact with increasing temperatures. We combined bioenergetic and state‐dependent life history models parameterized for O. mykiss in Beaver Creek to mimic baseline life history trajectories. Based on our simulations, when mean water temperature was increased by 0.6°C there was a reduction in life history diversity and a 57% increase in the number of individuals becoming smolts. When mean temperature was increased by 2.7°C, it resulted in 87% fewer smolts than in the baseline and fewer life history trajectories expressed. A reduction in food resources led to slower growth, more life history trajectories, and a greater proportion of smolts. In contrast, when food resources were increased, fish grew faster, which reduced the proportion of smolts and life history diversity. Our modeling suggests that warmer water temperatures associated with climate change could decrease the life history diversity of O. mykiss in the central portion of their range and thereby reduce resiliency to other disturbances. In addition, changes in food resources could mediate or exacerbate the effect of water temperature on the life history trajectories of O. mykiss.
Spatial Segregation of Spawning Habitat Limits Hybridization between Sympatric Native Steelhead and Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Authors: Buehrens T. W. , Glasgow J. , Ostberg C. O. , Quinn T. P.
Published: December 2012

Native Coastal Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii and Coastal Steelhead O. mykiss irideus hybridize naturally in watersheds of the Pacific Northwest yet maintain species integrity. Partial reproductive isolation due to differences in spawning habitat may limit hybridization between these species, but this process is poorly understood. We used a riverscape approach to determine the spatial distribution of spawning habitats used by native Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead as evidenced by the distribution of recently emerged fry. Molecular genetic markers were used to classify individuals as pure species or hybrids, and individuals were assigned to age‐classes based on length. Fish and physical habitat data were collected in a spatially continuous framework to assess the relationship between habitat and watershed features and the spatial distribution of parental species and hybrids. Sampling occurred in 35 reaches from tidewaters to headwaters in a small (20 km2) coastal watershed in Washington State. Cutthroat, Steelhead, and hybrid trout accounted for 35%, 42%, and 23% of the fish collected, respectively. Strong segregation of spawning areas between Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Steelhead was evidenced by the distribution of age‐0 trout. Cutthroat Trout were located farther upstream and in smaller tributaries than Steelhead were. The best predictor of species occurrence at a site was the drainage area of the watershed that contributed to the site. This area was positively correlated with the occurrence of age‐0 Steelhead and negatively with the presence of Cutthroat Trout, whereas hybrids were found in areas occupied by both parental species. A similar pattern was observed in older juveniles of both species but overlap was greater, suggesting substantial dispersal of trout after emergence. Our results offer support for spatial reproductive segregation as a factor limiting hybridization between Steelhead and Coastal Cutthroat Trout.
Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Issues Relevant to Extensive Floods
Authors: Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Mundy Linda M. , Khawcharoenporn Thana , Mayhall C. Glen
Published: December 2012

The devastating clinical and economic implications of floods exemplify the need for effective global infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies for natural disasters. Reopening of hospitals after excessive flooding requires a balance between meeting the medical needs of the surrounding communities and restoration of a safe hospital environment. Postflood hospital preparedness plans are a key issue for infection control epidemiologists, healthcare providers, patients, and hospital administrators. We provide recent IPC experiences related to reopening of a hospital after extensive black-water floods necessitated hospital closures in Thailand and the United States. These experiences provide a foundation for the future design, execution, and analysis of black-water flood preparedness plans by IPC stakeholders.
Quantifying the Impact of Extranasal Testing of Body Sites for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusColonization at the Time of Hospital or Intensive Care Unit Admission
Authors: McKinnell James A. , Huang Susan S. , Eells Samantha J. , Cui Eric , Miller Loren G.
Published: December 2012

Objective.

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections. Recent legislative mandates require nares screening for MRSA at hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in many states. However, MRSA colonization at extranasal sites is increasingly recognized. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the yield of extranasal testing for MRSA.

Design.

We searched MEDLINE from January 1966 through January 2012 for articles comparing nasal and extranasal screening for MRSA colonization. Studies were categorized by population tested, specifically those admitted to ICUs and those admitted to hospitals with a high prevalence (6% or greater) or low prevalence (less than 6%) of MRSA carriers. Data were extracted using a standardized instrument.

Results.

We reviewed 4,381 abstracts and 735 articles. Twenty-three articles met the criteria for analysis (n= 39,479 patients). Extranasal MRSA screening increased the yield by approximately one-third over nares alone. The yield was similar at ICU admission (weighted average, 33%; range, 9%–69%) and hospital admission in high-prevalence (weighted average, 37%; range, 9%–86%) and low-prevalence (weighted average, 50%; range, 0%–150%) populations. For comparisons between individual extranasal sites, testing the oropharynx increased MRSA detection by 21% over nares alone; rectum, by 20%; wounds, by 17%; and axilla, by 7%.

Conclusions.

Extranasal MRSA screening at hospital or ICU admission in adults will increase MRSA detection by one-third compared with nares screening alone. Findings were consistent among subpopulations examined. Extranasal testing may be a valuable strategy for outbreak control or in settings of persistent disease, particularly when combined with decolonization or enhanced infection prevention protocols.
ChEMBLSpace—a graphical explorer of the chemogenomic space covered by the ChEMBL database
Authors: Fechner Nikolas , Papadatos George , Evans David , Morphy John Richard , Brewerton Suzanne Clare , Thorner David , Bodkin Michael
Published: December 2012

Motivation: The ChEMBLSpace graphical explorer enables the identification of compounds from the ChEMBL database, which exhibit a desirable polypharmacology profile. This profile can be predefined or created iteratively, and the tool can be extended to other data sources.

Contact:  m.bodkin@lilly.com
Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance reveals early‐ and late‐onset changes to in vivo pyruvate metabolism in the failing heart
Authors: Schroeder Marie A. , Lau Angus Z. , Chen Albert P. , Gu Yiping , Nagendran Jeevan , Barry Jennifer , Hu Xudong , Dyck Jason R.B. , Tyler Damian J. , Clarke Kieran , Connelly Kim A. , Wright Graham A. , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Impaired energy metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance (MR), in which 13C‐labelled metabolites are followed using MR imaging (MRI) or spectroscopy (MRS), has enabled non‐invasive assessment of pyruvate metabolism. We investigated the hypothesis that if we serially examined a model of heart failure using non‐invasive hyperpolarized [13C]pyruvate with MR, the profile of in vivo pyruvate oxidation would change throughout the course of the disease.

Methods and results

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) was induced in pigs (n = 5) by rapid pacing. Pigs were examined using MR at weekly time points: cine‐MRI assessed cardiac structure and function; hyperpolarized [2‐13C]pyruvate was administered intravenously, and 13C MRS monitored [13C]glutamate production; 31P MRS assessed cardiac energetics [phosphocreatine (PCr)/ATP]; and hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate was administered for MRI of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)‐mediated pyruvate oxidation via [13C]bicarbonate production. Early in pacing, the cardiac index decreased by 25%, PCr/ATP decreased by 26%, and [13C]glutamate production decreased by 51%. After clinical features of DCM appeared, end‐diastolic volume increased by 40% and [13C]bicarbonate production decreased by 67%. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 protein increased by two‐fold, and phosphorylated Akt decreased by half. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 gene expression decreased by a half and a third, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite early changes associated with cardiac energetics and 13C incorporation into the Krebs cycle, pyruvate oxidation was maintained until DCM developed, when the heart's capacity to oxidize both pyruvate and fats was reduced. Hyperpolarized 13C MR may be important to characterize metabolic changes that occur during heart failure progression.
Mathematics and the Good Life
Authors: Pollard Stephen
Published: December 2012

We mathematical animals should be grateful that mathematics is instrumentally useful. We should not, however, forget its other contributions to human happiness. Bertrand Russell and John Dewey offer timely reminders that provide insight into the role of non-mathematicians in the evaluation of mathematics.
Biomass in a petrochemical world
Authors: Roddy Dermot J.
Published: December 2012

The world's increasingly voracious appetite for fossil fuels is driven by fast-growing populations and ever-rising aspirations for the lifestyles and standard of living exemplified in the developed world. Forecasts for higher electricity consumption, more comfortable living environments (via heating or cooling) and greater demand for transport fuels are well known. Similar growth in demand is projected for petrochemical-based products in the form of man-made fibres for clothing, ubiquitous plastic artefacts, cosmetics, etc. All drawing upon the same finite oil, gas and coal feedstocks. Biomass can, in principle, substitute for all of these feedstocks. Although ultimately finite, biomass resources can be expanded and renewed if this is a societal priority. This paper examines the projected growth of an energy-intensive international petrochemicals industry, considers its demand for both utilities and feedstocks, and considers the extent to which biomass can substitute for fossil fuels. The scope of this study includes biomass component extraction, direct chemical conversion, thermochemical conversion and biochemical conversion. Noting that the petrochemicals industry consumes around 10 per cent of the world's fossil fuels as feedstocks and almost as much again in utilities, various strategies for addressing future demand are considered. The need for long-term infrastructure and logistics planning is highlighted.
Low-carbon yak cheese: transition to biogas in a Himalayan socio-technical niche
Authors: Campbell Ben , Sallis Paul
Published: December 2012

This study looks at how potential for resilient low-carbon solutions can be understood and enhanced in the diverse environmental, economic and socio-political contexts in which actual scenarios of energy needs and diverse development pathways take shape. It discusses socio-technical transition approaches to assist implementation of a biogas digester system. This will replace fuelwood use in the high forests of Central Nepal, where yak cheese production provides livelihood income but is under threat from the Langtang National Park, which is concerned to protect biodiversity. Alternatives for digester design are discussed, and the consultative issues for deliberative processes among stakeholders’ varied agendas raised.
Adopting a Label: Heterogeneity in the Economic Consequences Around IAS/IFRS Adoptions
Authors: DASKE HOLGER , HAIL LUZI , LEUZ CHRISTIAN , VERDI RODRIGO
Published: December 2012

This study examines liquidity and cost of capital effects around voluntary and mandatory IAS/IFRS adoptions. In contrast to prior work, we focus on the firm‐level heterogeneity in the economic consequences, recognizing that firms have considerable discretion in how they implement the new standards. Some firms may make very few changes and adopt IAS/IFRS more in name, while for others the change in standards could be part of a strategy to increase their commitment to transparency. To test these predictions, we classify firms into “label” and “serious” adopters using firm‐level changes in reporting incentives, actual reporting behavior, and the external reporting environment around the switch to IAS/IFRS. We analyze whether capital‐market effects are different across “serious” and “label” firms. While on average liquidity and cost of capital often do not change around voluntary IAS/IFRS adoptions, we find considerable heterogeneity: “Serious” adoptions are associated with an increase in liquidity and a decline in cost of capital, whereas “label” adoptions are not. We obtain similar results when classifying firms around mandatory IFRS adoption. Our findings imply that we have to exercise caution when interpreting capital‐market effects around IAS/IFRS adoption as they also reflect changes in reporting incentives or in firms’ broader reporting strategies, and not just the standards.
Improvement in the accuracy of references in the journalEmergencyMedicineAustralasia
Authors: O'Connor Alan E , Lukin William , Eriksson Lars , O'Connor Colm
Published: December 2012

Objective

To study any change in reference accuracy in theAustralasian emergency medicine journal (now known asEmergencyMedicineAustralasia), in the 10 years since a previous analysis was undertaken.

Method

A sample of 100 randomly selected references was compared with the results from the previous analysis.

Results

There was a significant reduction in the number of citations with errors and in the total number of errors.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates a significant improvement in the accuracy of references in the journalEmergencyMedicineAustralasiaover the past decade. This paper did not identify the reasons for this improvement, but potential causes might include the introduction of a web‐based peer review and manuscript submission process, as well as improved reference bibliography systems by authors. In addition, an increase in the overall standard of paper submitted to the journal might have contributed to this improvement.
Intern underperformance is detected more frequently in emergency medicine rotations
Authors: Aram Narelle , Brazil Victoria , Davin Lorna , Greenslade Jaimi
Published: December 2012

Objective

To determine the frequency and nature of intern underperformance as documented on in‐training assessment forms.

Methods

A retrospective review of intern assessment forms from a 2 year period (2009–2010) was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. The frequency of interns assessed as ‘requiring substantial assistance’ and/or ‘requires further development’ on mid‐ or end‐of‐term assessment forms was determined. Forms were analysed by the clinical rotation, time of year and domain(s) of clinical practice in which underperformance was documented.

Results

During 2009 and 2010 the overall documented incidence of intern underperformance was 2.4% (95% CI 1.5–3.9%). Clinical rotation in emergency medicine detected significantly more underperformance compared with other rotations (P < 0.01). Interns predominantly had difficulty with ‘clinical judgment and decision‐making skills’, ‘time management skills’ and ‘teamwork and colleagues’ (62.5%, 55% and 32.5% of underperforming assessments, respectively). Time of the year did not affect frequency of underperformance. A proportion of 13.4% (95% CI 9.2–19.0%) of interns working at the institution over the study period received at least one assessment in which underperformance was documented. Seventy‐six per cent of those interns who had underperformance identified by mid‐term assessment successfully completed the term following remediation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of underperformance among interns is low, although higher than previously suggested. Emergency medicine detects relatively more interns in difficulty than other rotations.