bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Progressivity of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Authors: Knott Rachel J. , Clarke Philip M. , Heeley Emma L. , Chalmers John P.
Published: May 2015

Through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of a large range of medicines. This study assesses the income‐related distribution of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme resources using patient‐level data from Medicare Australia and concentration indices. We find that use of, and government expenditure for, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme‐subsidised drugs is progressive in that more resources flow to lower income groups, even after adjusting for differences in medical need, as measured by age, sex, self‐assessed health and clinically assessed comorbidities. Of the major drug classes, cardiovascular drugs contributed substantially to the overall progressivity of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidies, accounting for almost 50 per cent.
A State‐Space Approach to Australian Gross Domestic Product Measurement
Authors: Rees Daniel M. , Lancaster David , Finlay Richard
Published: May 2015

We use state‐space methods to construct new estimates of Australian gross domestic product growth from the published national accounts estimates of expenditure, income and production. Across a range of specifications, our measures are substantially less volatile than headline domestic product. We conclude that much of the quarter‐to‐quarter volatility in Australian domestic product growth reflects measurement error, rather than true shifts in the level of economic activity.
Information Disclosure and Bank Risk‐Taking under a Partially Implicit Deposit Insurance System: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Zongrun , Chen Jiangyan , Wan Yuanyuan , Jin Yanbo , Mazzanti Jared Anthony
Published: May 2015

This article examines the role of information disclosure on bank risk‐taking behaviour in China. The study uses a game theory model to analyse the interaction mechanism between bank risk‐taking behaviour and its information disclosure under China's partially implicit deposit insurance system. It is found that banks that are more likely to receive a government bailout when they are in trouble tend to take excessive risk. In addition, the implicit guarantee weakens the market‐monitoring effect of information disclosure. Using data from 60 commercial banks in China, we find strong empirical support for our findings.
HLA‐DPB1 variant rs3117242 is associated with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Wu Ziyan , Wu Qingjun , Xu Juanjuan , Chen Si , Sun Fei , Li Ping , Bai Yina , Zheng Wenjie , Chen Hua , Zhang Fengchun , Li Yongzhe
Published: May 2015

Aim

The vasculitis diseases granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangitis (MPA) are the two major forms of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitides (AAV). A recent genome‐wide association study has shown that the genes HLA‐DPB1 and HLA‐DQ conferred susceptibility to GPA and MPA, respectively. We investigated the linkage between putative AAV‐related genes (HLA‐DPB1, ARHGAP18, CD226, CTLA‐4, MOSPD2 and PRTN3) and AAV in a Han Chinese population.

Method

A Sequenom MassAarray system (iPLEX assay, Sequenom, San Diego, CA, USA) was used to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 176 Han Chinese patients with AAV (100 with GPA, 76 with MPA) and 485 ethnically matched healthy controls.

Result

The frequency of the rs3117242 variant T allele (HLA‐DPB1) was significantly higher in GPA patients than in the controls (68.0% compared with 50.4%, OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.51–2.88, Bonferroni corrected P‐value [Pc] = 6.24E‐5), but was not significantly different between MPA patients and controls (Pc = 0.14). The same results were obtained via genotype distribution and logistic regression analysis based on three genetic models. The allele and genotype distributions of the other polymorphisms were not significantly associated with AAV patients as a whole or GPA or MPA patients considered separately.

Conclusion

The rs3117242 of HLA‐DPB1 could be considered a genetic risk factor for GPA in Chinese Han people. These findings provide further insights and clues into the etiology of GPA and MPA.
Progression of drug exanthemas to serious drug eruptions: A retrospective review identifying early determinants
Authors: Manriquez Juan , Andino‐Navarrete Romina , Cataldo‐Cerda Karina , Downey Camila , Berroeta Daniela
Published: May 2015

Background/Objectives

Maculo‐papular drug exanthema (MPE) is the most common type of cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CAR). Exanthematous macules and papules may also be the initial presentation of severe CAR (SCAR). We aimed to identify characteristics associated with the diagnosis of SCAR in CAR‐hospitalised patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed in a tertiary hospital in Chile. All CAR patients who were initially evaluated for exanthematous macules and papules were assessed for clinical, laboratory and pathological variables and these were contrasted with MPE or SCAR diagnosis at discharge.

Results

We enrolled 86 patients, of whom 25 (29%) had an at‐discharge diagnosis of SCAR. SCAR patients were younger and the latency (time from starting drug to development of first skin lesions) was longer than in MPE patients: 43.6 ± 18.7 years versus 54.0 ± 21.8 years (P = 0.039) and 14 days; range 1 to 35, versus 7 days; range 1 to 45 (P = 0.001). The presence of cutaneous pain (OR 7.4 95% CI 1.3–41), mucosal involvement (OR 9.5 CI 95% 2.6– 34.5) and anticonvulsant use (OR 6.11 95% CI 1.91–19.53) were significantly associated with SCAR at discharge. Antibiotics use was significantly associated with MPE diagnosis (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.1–7.6). These six variables together explain 45% of the risk of having SCAR (R2 = 0.449). None of the early laboratory or pathological variables was associated with SCAR.

Conclusions

In hospitalised patients assessed for exanthematous macules and papules, the evaluation of these clinical features may aid in the early identification of SCAR cases.
Psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Cognition Inventory within a Northern Ireland adolescent sample
Authors: Hyland Philip , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark , Murphy Siobhan , Egan Arlene , Boduszek Daniel
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI; Foa et al., 1999, Psychol. Assess., 11, 303) among a cohort of older adolescents and to determine the relationship between post‐traumatic cognitions and a variety of psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.

Methods

The PTCI was investigated among a large sample (N = 785) of Northern Irish adolescents. Confirmatory factor analysis and composite reliability analysis were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale.

Results

The familiar three‐factor solution of negative cognitions of self, negative cognitions of the world and others, and self‐blame was supported; however, it was necessary to remove eight items from the original 33‐item scale. The three‐factor structure was subsequently demonstrated to be factorially invariant across gender and to possess satisfactory internal reliability. The three PTCI factors were found to correlate with depression, anxiety, stress, and three dimensions of loneliness.

Conclusion

These results provide the first piece of evidence that older adolescents cognitively respond to trauma in a similar manner to adults, that the PTCI is factorially invariant between genders, and that trauma cognitions are correlated with feelings of loneliness. The contextual dependent nature of the structure of the PTCI factors is discussed in relation to future research efforts.

Practitioner points

The PTCI is a valid and reliable measure of trauma‐related cognitions among adolescents and works equally well for male adolescents and female adolescents.

Trauma cognitions are associated with a range of mental health problems beyond post‐traumatic stress disorder including depression, anxiety, stress, and various aspects of loneliness.

Reductions in trauma cognitions in survivors of trauma will have wide‐scale clinical benefits to patient well‐being.

The exact structure and make‐up of items in the PTCI may well be dependent on culture, context, and the nature of the trauma.

The study is limited due to the fact that the authors could not assess the severity of the trauma experienced by the adolescent sample.
2‐Pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐Quinazolinone: A Scaffold for Anti‐influenza A Virus Compounds
Authors: Liu Shixu , Wang Wei , Jiang Long , Wan Shengbiao , Zhang Lijuan , Yu Rilei , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2015

A series of 2‐pyridinyl‐3‐substituted‐4(3H)‐quinazolinones were synthesized, and their anti‐influenza A virus activities were determined using the cytopathic effect inhibition assay. Most of the compounds were potent with IC50 values ranging from 51.6 to 93.0 μm, which are better than that of the currently marketed drug ribavirin. The molecular mechanisms of the new compounds were investigated using neuraminidase inhibition assay, cellular NF‐κB signaling pathway inhibition assay, and computational docking. Compound 4e, which is a N3 imidazol‐1‐ylpropyl‐substituted derivative of 2‐pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone, had the most potent anti‐influenza A virus activity in vitro, and inhibited both virus neuraminidase and cellular NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, 2‐pyridinyl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone is a new scaffold for the design of potent anti‐influenza A virus compounds, offering an alternative approach to tackle influenza drug resistance.
Association of parental education with tooth loss among Korean Elders
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Khang Young‐Ho , Choi Ho‐Jun
Published: May 2015

Objective

There are few reports showing an association between childhood socioeconomic circumstances and tooth loss among the elderly. The purpose of this study was (i) to examine the association between early childhood socioeconomic position (parental education level) and tooth loss and (ii) to determine the relative effects of the subjects’ education level, occupation, and income on tooth loss in Korean elders.

Material and methods

Data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey on 8814 Korean elders (age ≥65 years) were analyzed. Demographic factors (age, survey year, marital status, and residence area), health behaviors (dental check‐up during the past year and cigarette smoking), and the presence of a somatic health problem (diabetes) were included in our gender‐specific analyses. Tooth loss was defined as edentulism or severe tooth loss (<20 teeth). For our analyses, chi‐square test and Student's t‐tests and multiple logistic regressions were performed.

Results

A low parental education level was associated with elevated odds of edentulism (OR = 1.87 for father's education and 1.52 for mother's education among male elders and OR = 1.73 for father's education and 1.55 for mother's education among female elders) and with severe tooth loss (OR = 1.58 for father's education and 1.53 for mother's education among male elders and OR = 1.25 for father's education and 1.48 for mother's education among female elders). The association between parental education level and tooth loss was attenuated after adjusting for the subject's education level, occupation, and income. Relative magnitude of attenuation varied with personal factors (education > income > occupation). In a fully adjusted model, father's education level was significantly associated with edentate status (OR = 1.96 for male elders and 1.46 for female elders), but not with severe tooth loss.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that early life socioeconomic circumstances measured by the father's education level were independently associated with the edentate status of Korean elders.
Independent effect of polymeric nanoparticle zeta potential/surface charge, on their cytotoxicity and affinity to cells
Authors: Shao Xiao‐Ru , Wei Xue‐Qin , Song Xu , Hao Li‐Ying , Cai Xiao‐Xiao , Zhang Zhi‐Rong , Peng Qiang , Lin Yun‐Feng
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Up to now, little research has been focussed on discovering how zeta potential independently affects polymeric nanoparticle (NP) cytotoxicity.

Methods

Polymeric nanoparticles of gradient zeta potential ranging from −30 mv to +40 mv were fabricated using the same poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) biopolymer. Interaction forces between nanoparticles and cells were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles to cells was investigated by using MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide) assay.

Results

Four kinds of nanoparticle with similar sizes and gradient zeta potentials, were fabricated. Those with positive surface charges were found to be more toxic than those with negative surface charges. Positively charged nanoparticles or nanoparticles with higher ‘like’ charges, offered higher interaction force with cells.

Conclusion

This work proposes a novel approach for investigating interaction between NPs and cells, and discloses the importance of controlling zeta potential in developing NPs‐based formulations in the future.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: Treatment analysis and follow up of over 200 consecutive patients at a single center
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Darisetty Santosh , Kotla Rama , Chavan Radhika , Kalpala Rakesh , Galasso Domenico , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Rao G. V.
Published: May 2015

Background and Aim

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a recently introduced technique for the treatment of achalasia cardia (AC). Data regarding safety and efficacy are still emerging. We report our experience of POEM emphasizing its safety, efficacy and follow‐up data.

Methods

Patients with AC (220; mean age 39 years, range 9–74 years) underwent POEM from January 2013 to August 2014 for AC. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was done. POEM was carried out by the standard technique of mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, and myotomy of the esophageal and gastric muscle bundles followed by closure of the mucosal incision by hemoclips. Eckardt score, high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and timed barium esophagogram (TBE) were used to evaluate the results. Post‐procedure patients were followed up.

Results

Technical success rate of POEM was 96%. At 1 year, clinical success rate was 92%. Mean Eckardt score was 7.2 ± 1.55 prior to POEM and 1.18 ± 0.74 after POEM (P = 0.001). There was significant improvement of esophageal emptying on TBE (38.4 ± 14.0 % vs 71.5 ± 16.1 % (P = 0.001). Pre‐procedure and post‐procedure mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 37.5 ± 14.5 mmHg and 15.2 ± 6.3 mmHg, respectively. (P = 0.001) Erosive esophagitis was seen in 16% of patients who underwent POEM. There were no major adverse events.

Conclusions

Study demonstrates excellent safety profile of POEM with significant relief of symptoms, reduced pressure at HRM and improved emptying at TBE. Further prospective studies are required to compare with other treatment modalities.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO): is there life before death in the presence of PFO?
Authors: Seiler Christian
Published: May 2015

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an embryologic remnant with incomplete postnatal adhesion of the cardiac atrial septum primum and secundum. After birth, the prevalence of PFO decreases from about 35% at young to approximately 20% at old age. PFO has been associated with numerous conditions such as decompression illness in divers, migraine, high‐altitude pulmonary oedema, cerebrovascular and coronary ischaemia, and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. PFO is the cause of intermittent atrial right‐to‐left shunt, and it can be the source of cardiac paradoxical embolism. So far, randomized controlled trials have not documented a reduced rate of cerebrovascular recurrent events in patients receiving PFO device closure as compared to those on medical treatment. The purpose of this article was to critically evaluate evidence on the pathophysiologic, clinical as well as prognostic relevance of PFO.
Modelling the current and future dry‐season distribution of the edible stinkbug Encosternum delegorguei in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dzerefos C.M. , Erasmus B.F.N. , Witkowski E.T.F. , Guo D.
Published: May 2015

Rural communities in South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe annually harvest from winter aggregations of the edible stinkbug Encosternum (= Haplosterna) delegorguei Spinola (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). Using a regional maximum entropy modelling method (MAXENT) for winter field records of E. delegorguei, current and future climate scenarios were identified. Winter precipitation and to a lesser degree summer precipitation and winter temperature were the climatic variables found to limit the regional distribution of E. delegorguei. The receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) yielded an AUC (area under the curve) value of 0.995, indicating a reliable model, although interpretations must consider the influence of elevation for this insect. A testable hypothesis regarding future distribution of E. delegorguei in the face of climate change has been formulated for its winter range. Predator‐prey relationships and food source also influence the occurrence of E. delegorguei and may override the influence of climate. The current distribution modelled identifies potential new sites in areas of similar climate which may be unknown to harvesters. Areas for mini‐livestock pilot studies provide opportunities for extending commercial potential and ensuring a sustainable, valuable food source during periods of food scarcity.
Insect herbivores drive the loss of unique chemical defense in willows
Authors: Volf Martin , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Hrcek Jan , Novotny Vojtech
Published: May 2015

Throughout the course of their evolution, plants have acquired a wide range of chemical and mechanical defenses to protect against herbivores. Ehrlich & Raven's coevolutionary theory suggests that this diversification of defensive traits is driven by the strong impact of novel traits on insect herbivores. However, the impact of plant defenses on insects is difficult to compare between related plant species due to variation in environmental and biotic conditions. We standardized these factors as far as possible by analyzing the effects of chemical and mechanical defensive traits on insects in a local community of 11 Salicaceae species growing in sympatry, and their leaf‐chewing herbivores. Defensive traits (salicylates, flavonoids, tannins, trichomes, and leaf toughness) were generally not inter‐correlated, with the exception of a negative correlation between salicylates and trichomes. The content of salicylates, a novel group of defensive metabolites in the Salicaceae, was correlated with low herbivore diversity and high host specificity. Despite these effects, the phylogeny of the studied species shows loss of salicylates in some Salix species instead of their further diversification. This could be due to salicylates not decreasing the overall abundance of herbivores, despite accounting for up to 22% of the dry leaf mass and therefore being costly. The defense of low‐salicylate willow species is thus probably maintained by other defensive traits, such as trichomes. Our study shows that the balance between costs and benefits of defensive traits is not necessarily in favor of novel compounds and illustrates a process, which may lead to the reduction in a defensive trait.
Toxicity, behavior impairment, and repellence of essential oils from pepper‐rosmarin and patchouli to termites
Authors: Bacci Leandro , Lima Janaína K.A. , Araújo Ana Paula A. , Blank Arie F. , Silva Indira M.A. , Santos Abraão A. , Santos Ane C.C. , Alves Péricles B. , Picanço Marcelo C.
Published: May 2015

Plant essential oils are potential sources of insecticidal compounds, but have rarely been explored for their effect on termites. In the present study, we assessed the chemical composition of essential oils of Lippia sidoides Cham. (pepper‐rosmarin; Verbenaceae) and Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. (patchouli; Lamiacaeae) and evaluated their toxicity, behavioral impairment, and repellence to termite species of the genera Amitermes and Microcerotermes (Isoptera: Termitidae: Termitinae). The main components of essential oils of L. sidoides and P. cablin were thymol (44.6%) and patchouli alcohol (36.6%), respectively. The essential oil of P. cablin was most potent against Amitermes cf. amifer Silvestri and had the lowest LD50 (0.63 μg mg−1). There was no difference in toxicity for Microcerotermes indistinctus Mathews between the essential oils of L. sidoides (LD50 = 1.49 μg mg−1) and P. cablin (LD50 = 1.67 μg mg−1). Pogostemon cablin essential oil was the most toxic to M. indistinctus (LC50 = 0.32 μl ml−1) and A. cf. amifer (LC50 = 0.29 μl ml−1). The essential oils analyzed exhibited high toxicity and repellence to the termites, in addition to reducing behavioral interactions among individuals, thus constituting potential termiticides.
Phosphorus sorption, supply potential and availability in soils with contrasting parent material and soil chemical properties
Authors: Daly K. , Styles D. , Lalor S. , Wall D. P.
Published: May 2015

Soil phosphorus (P) management requires a more targeted and soil‐specific approach than is currently applied for agronomic recommendations and environmental evaluation. Phosphorus buffering capacities control the supply of P in the soil solution and were measured across Irish soils with contrasting parent material and chemical properties. Langmuir sorption buffer capacities (MBCs) and binding energies (b) were strongly correlated with soil pH and extractable aluminium (Al). A broken‐line regression fitted to the relationship between MBC and Al derived a change‐point value for Al above which MBC increased linearly. Soils above the change point were predominantly acidic to neutral with non‐calcareous parent material, with larger buffering capacities and binding energies than calcareous soils. Ratios of Mehlich3‐Al and P (Al:P) were used to relate buffering capacity to supply potential in non‐calcareous soils. Large ratios of Al:P were associated with poor P availability, characteristic of strongly P‐fixing soils. Threshold values of iron‐oxide paper strip P (FeO‐P) and Morgan's P revealed Al:P ratios where soils began to supply P in available form. The change‐point for Morgan's P fell within the current target index for P availability; however, the confidence interval was more compatible with previous agronomic P indices used in Ireland. Relationships between Morgan's P and measures of extractable P, M3‐P and Olsen P, deviated in calcareous soils at large soil P contents, indicative of P precipitation processes dominating in these soils. Identifying differences in soil P buffering capacity at the laboratory scale would improve agronomic and environmental assessment at field and catchment scales.
Root filling materials and techniques: bioceramics a new hope?
Authors: Trope Martin , Bunes Alf , Debelian Gilberto
Published: May 2015

Instrumentation creates space for canal irrigation, disinfection and root filling. All of these have an impact on the method and size of instrumentation, depending on the philosophy of the dentist and the limitations and requirements set by the equipment used in each phase, especially in root filling. Optimal root filling has many requirements which have been difficult if not impossible to fulfill. Gutta‐percha has been and still is the core material of choice in root fillings, but it requires the use of a sealer in order to obtain better short term and long term seal. However, numerous studies on leakage after root filling have suggested that complete, permanent sealing of the canal against leakage from the oral cavity is usually not obtained. This review takes a critical look at presently available methods for canal instrumentation and filling, and challenges these as far less than optimal with regard to ease of operation, time and technical skills required, weakening of the root/tooth structure and quality of the seal. The authors discuss the above factors from the point of view of bioceramic materials in root filling. Is there a hope of a better future in root filling?
What do different tests tell about the mechanical and biological properties of bioceramic materials?
Authors: Shen Ya , Peng Bin , Yang Yan , Ma Jingzhi , Haapasalo Markus
Published: May 2015

A wide selection of commercial bioceramic (MTA‐type) materials is now available for dentin replacement, pulp capping, pulpotomy, creation of apical barriers in teeth with open apices, repair of root perforation and resorptive defects, as well as orthograde or retrograde root canal fillings. A variety of experiments with different models and methods employed by researchers in the endodontic community have been developed for studying the properties of bioceramic materials in order to understand and predict their bioactive behavior and how they fulfill the mechanical, chemical, and microbiological goals set to these materials. Objective criteria for testing bioceramic materials should be developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to accurately describe the biological, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of the bioceramic cements and sealers that are available for use in various endodontic applications. This article is an overview of those methods and devices that have been and will be used in the literature for testing bioceramic materials.
Impairment of skin barrier function via cholinergic signal transduction in a dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis mouse model
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Hiramoto Keiichi , Koyama Mayu , Ooi Kazuya
Published: May 2015

Dry skin has been clinically associated with visceral diseases, including liver disease, as well as for our previously reported small intestinal injury mouse model, which have abnormalities in skin barrier function. To clarify this disease‐induced skin disruption, we used a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis mouse model. Following treatment with DSS, damage to the colon and skin was monitored using histological and protein analysis methods as well as the detection of inflammatory mediators in the plasma. Notably, transepidermal water loss was higher, and skin hydration was lower in DSS‐treated mice compared to controls. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 and levels were also upregulated in the plasma, and a decrease in body weight and colon length was observed in DSS‐treated mice. However, when administered TNF‐α antibody or an iNOS inhibitor, no change in skin condition was observed, indicating that another signalling mechanism is utilized. Interestingly, the number of tryptase‐expressing mast cells, known for their role in immune function via cholinergic signal transduction, was elevated. To evaluate the function of cholinergic signalling in this context, atropine (a muscarinic cholinoceptor antagonist) or hexamethonium (a nicotinic cholinergic ganglion‐blocking agent) was administered to DSS‐treated mice. Our data indicate that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are the primary receptors functioning in colon‐to‐skin signal transduction, as DSS‐induced skin disruption was suppressed by atropine. Thus, skin disruption is likely associated with DSS‐induced colitis, and the activation of mast cells via mAChRs is critical to this association.
Sustainability guidelines and forest market response: an assessment of European Union pellet demand in the southeastern United States
Authors: Galik Christopher S. , Abt Robert C.
Published: May 2015

Woody biomass from the southeast United States is expected to play an important role in meeting European Union renewable energy targets. In crafting policies to guide bioenergy development and in guiding investment decisions to meet established policy goals, a firm understanding of the interaction between policy targets and forest biomass markets is necessary, as is the effect that this interaction will have on environmental and economic objectives. This analysis increases our understanding of these interactions by modeling the response of southernUSforest markets to new pellet demand in the presence of sustainability sourcing or harvest criteria. We first assess the influence ofEUrecommended sustainability guidelines on the forest inventory available to supplyEUmarkets, and then model changes in forest composition and extent in response to expected increases in pellet demand. Next, we assess how sustainability guidelines can influence the evolution of forest markets in the region, paying particular attention to changes in land use and forest carbon. Regardless of whether sustainability guidelines are applied, we find increased removals, an increase in forest area, and little change in forest inventory. We also find annual gains in forest carbon in most years of the analysis. The incremental effect of sustainability guideline application on forest carbon and pellet greenhouse gas (GHG) balance is difficult to discern, but results suggest that guidelines could be steering production away from sensitive forest types inherently less responsive to changing market conditions. PelletGHGbalance shows significant annual change and is attributable to the complexity of the underlying forest landscape. The manner by whichGHGbalance is tracked is thus a critical policy decision, reinforcing the importance and relevance of current efforts to develop approaches to accurately account for theGHGimplications of biomass use both in the United States and European Union.
Processing of 0.7BaTiO3–0.3BiScO3 Solid‐Solution Coatings
Authors: Boakye Emmanuel E. , Mogilevsky Pavel , Keller Kristin A. , Lee HeeDong , Godar Trenton , Hay Randall S.
Published: May 2015

Coatings with the 0.7BaTiO3–0.3BiScO3 solid‐solution composition were formed on palladium and single‐crystal (001) SrTiO3 substrates using a polymeric metal citrate precursor. Solutions of TiOCl2, Ba(NO3)2, Sc(NO3)3, and Bi(NO3)3 were mixed with citric acid and polymerized with ethylene glycol. Stable mixed‐metal citrate solutions were formed at pH > 9 and used for coatings. The phase and composition of powders and coatings were characterized using DTA, TGA, SEM, TEM, and X‐ray diffraction. Single‐phase cubic 0.7BaTiO3–0.3BiScO3 solid solutions formed at 600°C. Coatings on Pd using precursors doped with 5 wt% lithium nitrate were dense after sintering at 950°C/1 h. Coatings without lithium nitrate required 1050°C/50 h to densify. Coatings on SrTiO3 heat‐treated at 1150°C were dense but formed a (Sc,Ti)‐rich second phase.
The prevention and removal of biofilm formation ofStaphylococcus aureusstrains isolated from raw milk samples by citric acid treatments
Authors: Akbas Meltem Yesilcimen , Kokumer Tugba
Published: May 2015

In this study, the antibiofilm activity of citric acid treatment onStaphylococcus aureusstrains isolated from raw milk samples was evaluated. For this purpose, the prevention and removal of biofilm formation ofS. aureusstrains by citric acid treatments (2% and 10%) for 20 min were investigated for comparison with peracetic acid treatment (0.3%) on both microtitration plate and stainless steel coupons. The results indicated that the prevention and removal of biofilm formation and the numbers of prevented or removedS. aureusstrains using citric acid treatments were observed to be higher than those using peracetic acid treatment on both surfaces. The prevention and removal of biofilm formation were substantially higher when the concentration of citric acid treatment increased from 2% to 10% and the stainless coupons were used. The results show that citric acid can be used as an alternative disinfectant in controlling biofilm formation in the dairy industry.
Sex‐specific reproductive investment of summer spawners of Illex argentinus in the southwest Atlantic
Authors: Lin Dongming , Chen Xinjun , Chen Yong , Fang Zhou
Published: May 2015

Energy investment in reproduction and somatic growth was investigated for summer spawners of the Argentinean shortfin squid Illex argentinus in the southwest Atlantic Ocean. Sampled squids were examined for morphometry and intensity of feeding behavior associated with reproductive maturation. Residuals generated from length‐weight relationships were analyzed to determine patterns of energy allocation between somatic and reproductive growth. Both females and males showed similar rates of increase for eviscerated body mass and digestive gland mass relative to mantle length, but the rate of increase for total reproductive organ weight relative to mantle length in females was three times that of males. For females, condition of somatic tissues deteriorated until the mature stage, but somatic condition improved after the onset of maturity. In males, there was no correlation between somatic condition and phases of reproductive maturity. Reproductive investment decreased as sexual maturation progressed for both females and males, with the lowest investment occurring at the functionally mature stage. Residual analysis indicated that female reproductive development was at the expense of body muscle growth during the immature and maturing stages, but energy invested in reproduction after onset of maturity was probably met by food intake. However, in males both reproductive maturation and somatic growth proceeded concurrently so that energy allocated to reproduction was related to food intake throughout the process of maturation. For both males and females, there was little evidence of trade‐offs between the digestive gland and reproductive growth, as no significant correlation was found between dorsal mantle length‐digestive gland weight residuals. The role of the digestive gland as an energy reserve for gonadal growth should be reconsidered. Additionally, feeding intensity by both males and females decreased after the onset of sexual maturity, but feeding never stopped completely, even during spawning.
The Information Processing Representation of Institutionalised Social Action
Authors: Axten Nick , Fararo Thomas J.
Published: May 2015

The general idea proposed in this paper is that the fundamental properties of institutionalised social action may be understood in terms of the modelling of real systems of social action as information processing systems—systems whose activity is controlled by symbolic processes. A key property of the models is their generative character: from a given model, with appropriate inputs, it is possible to derive explicitly the sequence of activity of the system. In this way the model is not a merely static description of a system, nor a history of its activity, but shows the activity flowing from the proposed structure of the system. Within this framework the paper explores the issue of the theoretical justification and generalisation of possible models, and proposes an approach based on the interrelationships among the patterns of activity characteristic of various institutions.

We discuss the idea of a generative theory in section 1, followed in section 2 by an explication of the formalism we employ based on the outstanding work of Newell and Simon in information processing theory. In section 3, we apply this formalism to the problem of representing the institutional aspects of a social action system, using a familiar institution—the restaurant—as a case study. In section 4 we discuss further aspects of the theory and method involved in this type of representation.
Visualisation and Social Reproduction
Authors: Latour Bruno
Published: May 2015

Religious paintings offer an excellent testing ground to compare the various kinds of displacements or translations. The paper focuses on two such displacements: the repetition of the message of Jesus versus the movement of immutable mobiles allowed by perspective. These two regimes offer completely different definitions of what it is to ‘represent’ something: to the re- presentation of the Presence is opposed the accurate representation of distant places and times. In between 1450 and 1520 these two regimes of displacement first merge, then collide, and later go their separate ways. Religion on the one hand, and Science on the other ignore each other. Going to Heaven, and going through the Sky are two different movements of representation that generate different space-times.
‘Views of the Past’ — Reflections on the Treatment of Historical Objects and Museums of History (1750–1850)
Authors: Bann Stephen
Published: May 2015

It is argued that ‘viewing the past’ has a precise significance when this activity is interpreted within the context of the specific modes of representation which were current in the period from 1750 to 1850. Although theoretical awareness of this possibility came at a later stage, with Nietzsche's analysis of the ‘antiquarian’ attitude and Alois Riegl's concept of ‘age-value’, the antiquarians and collectors of the eighteenth century were already developing practices of installation and exhibition which gave expression to the new ‘vision’ of the past. The particular case of the Faussett Pavilion is examined to show how one of these antiquarians gave a strong affective character to the process of historical and archaeological retrieval. But it is also suggested that the ‘antiquarian’ attitude was vulnerable to ironic revision, as Scott and his fellow Romantic writers popularised the study of the Middle Ages; in Barham's Ingoldsby Legends (1840), the visual representation of a monument is merely the pretext for a far-fetched medieval story. It is further argued that the historical museum, essentially a product of this period, provided the most stable conditions for ‘viewing the past’. Although early examples like Alexandre Lenoir's Musée des Monuments français and Sir John Soane's Museum are discussed, it is Alexandre du Sommerard's Musée de Cluny (opening in the early 1830s) which is shown to have fulfilled these conditions to greatest effect.
Space‐time tradeoffs in the development of precipitation‐based isoscape models for determining migratory origin
Authors: Vander Zanden Hannah B. , Wunder Michael B. , Hobson Keith A. , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Bowen Gabriel J.
Published: May 2015

Precipitation stable isotope patterns over continental scales provide a fundamental tool for tracking origins of migratory species. Hydrogen isotopes from rain and environmental waters are assimilated into animal tissues and may thereby reveal the location where tissues were synthesized. Predictive isotopic maps (or isoscapes) of stable hydrogen isotope values in precipitation (δ2Hp) are typically generated by time‐averaging observations from a global network of stations that have been sampled irregularly in space and time. We previously demonstrated that restricting the temporal range in δ2Hp isoscapes to biologically relevant time frames did not improve predictions of geographic origin for two migratory species in North America and Europe; rather, it decreased the accuracy of assignment. Here, we examined whether the reduction in assignment accuracy stemmed from a decrease in the number of sampling stations available to support isoscape development for shorter time periods. Multiple regression models were used to predict the hydrogen isotope composition in precipitation using isotopic measurements from each station along with a suite of independent variables. The reduction in the number of stations with δ2Hp measurements used to estimate isoscape model parameters did not alter the accuracy and precision of assignments consistently. We also examined accuracy across a range of reduced station numbers and found that mean accuracy was affected only at very low numbers of stations, indicating that the spatial isotopic patterns in precipitation that are useful for assignment applications can be characterized with data from relatively limited data stations. The number and spatial distribution of stations may have more influence when geostatistical models are used to generate isoscapes, as they incorporate spatial correlation in the dataset. The results can be used to guide future research in understanding how data availability and constraints in creating δ2Hp isoscapes may affect predictions of geographic origins.
Fine‐scale habitat use during the non‐breeding season suggests that winter habitat does not limit breeding populations of a declining long‐distance Palearctic migrant
Authors: Blackburn Emma , Cresswell Will
Published: May 2015

For migrant birds, which habitats are suitable during the non‐breeding season influences habitat availability, population resilience to habitat loss, and ultimately survival. Consequently, habitat preferences during winter and whether habitat segregation according to age and sex occurs directly influences migration ecology, survival and breeding success. We tested the fine‐scale habitat preferences of a declining Palearctic migrant, the whinchatSaxicola rubetra, on its wintering grounds in west Africa. We explored the influence of habitat at the territory‐scale and whether dominance‐based habitat occupancy occurs by describing the variation in habitat characteristics across wintering territories, the degree of habitat change within territories held throughout winter, and whether habitat characteristics influenced territory size and space‐use within territories or differed with age and sex. Habitat characteristics varied substantially across territories and birds maintained the same territories even though habitat changed significantly throughout winter. We found no evidence of dominance‐based habitat occupancy; instead, territories were smaller if they contained more perching shrubs or maize crops, and areas with more perching shrubs were used more often within territories, likely because perches are important for foraging and territory defence. Our findings suggest that whinchats have non‐specialised habitat requirements within their wintering habitat of open savannah and farmland, and respond to habitat variation by adjusting territory size and space‐use within their territories instead of competing with conspecifics. Whinchats show a tolerance for human‐modified habitats and results support previous findings that some crop types may provide high‐quality wintering habitat by increasing perch density and foraging opportunities. By having non‐specialised requirements within broad winter habitat types, migrants are likely to be flexible to changing wintering conditions in Africa, both within and across winters, so possibly engendering some resilience to the rapid anthropogenic habitat degradation occurring throughout their wintering range.
Labor Unions and Forms of Corporate Liquidity
Authors: Tong Zhenxu
Published: May 2015

We examine how the presence of labor unions affects a firm's choice of corporate liquidity between bank lines of credit and corporate cash holdings. We find that firms in industries with higher unionization rates hold a higher fraction of corporate liquidity in the form of bank lines of credit. We divide the firms into sub‐groups and find that this positive relationship holds for firms that are not in a state with right‐to‐work legislation and for firms that are financially constrained. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a firm chooses the forms of corporate liquidity to take advantage of the bargaining benefits associated with bank lines of credit.
Proximal caries lesion detection using the Canary Caries Detection System: an in vitro study
Authors: Jan Janja , Wan Bakar Wan Zaripah , Mathews Sapna M. , Okoye Linda O. , Ehler Benjamin R. , Louden Christopher , Amaechi Bennett T.
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study investigated the accuracy of the Canary System (CS) to detect proximal caries lesions in vitro, and compared it with conventional methods: International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and bitewing radiography (BW).

Methods

Visible proximal surfaces of extracted human teeth were assessed by ICDAS‐II before setting them in five manikin mouth models. Then contacting proximal surfaces in mouth models were assessed by BW and CS. Histological validation with polarized‐light microscopy served as a gold standard. Pairwise comparisons were performed on area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the three methods, and corrected using Bonferroni's method. Sensitivities and specificities were compared using a test of proportions and AUC values were compared using DeLong's method.

Results

The CS presented significantly higher sensitivity (0.933) than ICDAS‐II (0.733, P = 0.01) and BW (0.267, P < 0.001), and ICDAS‐II higher sensitivity than BW (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between their specificity values: 0.825 (CS), 0.65 (ICDAS‐II), and 0.875 (BW). The AUC of CS (0.862) was significantly higher than of ICDAS‐II (0.681, P < 0.001) and BW (0.577, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The CS demonstrated greater accuracy in detecting proximal lesions than ICDAS‐II and BW, although without significantly higher specificity.
National survey of fibrinogen concentrate usage for post‐partum hemorrhage in Japan: Investigated by the Perinatology Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Makino Shintaro , Takeda Satoru , Kobayashi Takao , Murakami Maki , Kubo Takahiko , Hata Toshiyuki , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide basic documents applicable to studying the usefulness of administering fibrinogen concentrate to patients with massive post‐partum hemorrhage. We investigated the usage of fibrinogen concentrate at training institutions for specialist physicians of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Material and Methods

The subjects were women who required fibrinogen concentrate for hemostasis of post‐partum hemorrhage during the period between April 2008 and March 2013. The underlying diseases, obstetric disseminated intravascular coagulation scores, blood loss, amount of blood transfusion, dose of fibrinogen concentrate administered, and plasma fibrinogen levels before and after the administration of fibrinogen concentrate were retrospectively investigated.

Results

Ninety‐nine (98.0%) patients survived and two died after taking fibrinogen concentrate. Of the surviving 99 cases, the average amount of blood loss at the time of initial fibrinogen administration and total blood loss was 3559 ± 2103 mL and 4562 ± 3198 mL, respectively. The dose per administration was 3 g, and the plasma fibrinogen level before the initial administration of fibrinogen concentrate was 70.5 mg/dL, thereafter increasing to 187.0 mg/dL. The increase in the fibrinogen level was 32.9 mg/dL/g of fibrinogen concentrate. It was less than 150 mg/dL after the first administration of fibrinogen concentrate only in patients with amniotic fluid embolism and patients with atonic bleeding showed the smallest increase in fibrinogen per gram of fibrinogen concentrate. No adverse events, including thromboembolism, were reported.

Conclusion

The results indicated the increase in blood fibrinogen levels to, on occasion, be insufficient even with fibrinogen concentrate use; however, this survey may support the safety and usefulness of fibrinogen concentrate for PPH.