bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(3 + 1)-dimensional cylindrical Korteweg-de Vries equation for nonextensive dust acoustic waves: Symbolic computation and exact solutions
Authors: Guo Shimin , Wang Hongli , Mei Liquan
Published: June 2012

By combining the effects of bounded cylindrical geometry, azimuthal and axial perturbations, the nonlinear dust acoustic waves (DAWs) in an unmagnetized plasma consisting of negatively charged dust grains, nonextensive ions, and nonextensive electrons are studied in this paper. Using the reductive perturbation method, a (3 + 1)-dimensional variable-coefficient cylindrical Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation describing the nonlinear propagation of DAWs is derived. Via the homogeneous balance principle, improved F-expansion technique and symbolic computation, the exact traveling and solitary wave solutions of the KdV equation are presented in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions. Moreover, the effects of the plasma parameters on the solitary wave structures are discussed in detail. The obtained results could help in providing a good fit between theoretical analysis and real applications in space physics and future laboratory plasma experiments where long-range interactions are present.
Lithiation of silica through partial reduction
Authors: Ban Chunmei , Kappes Branden B. , Xu Qiang , Engtrakul Chaiwat , Ciobanu Cristian V. , Dillon Anne C. , Zhao Yufeng
Published: June 2012

We demonstrate the reversible lithiation of SiO2 up to 2/3 Li per Si, and propose a mechanism for it based on molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations. Our calculations show that neither interstitial Li (no reduction), nor the formation of Li2O clusters and Si–Si bonds (full reduction) are energetically favorable. Rather, two Li effectively break a Si–O bond and become stabilized by oxygen, thus partially reducing the SiO2 anode: this leads to increased anode capacity when the reduction occurs at the Si/SiO2 interface. The resulting LixSiO2 (x<2/3) compounds have band-gaps in the range of 2.0–3.4 eV.
The Corky Root Rot Pathogen Pyrenochaeta lycopersici Secretes a Proteinaceous Inducer of Cell Death Affecting Host Plants Differentially
Authors: Clergeot Pierre-Henri , Schuler Herwig , Mørtz Ejvind , Brus Maja , Vintila Simina , Ekengren Sophia
Published: June 2012

Pathogenic isolates of Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, the causal agent of corky root rot of tomato, secrete cell death in tomato 1 (CDiT1), a homodimeric protein of 35 kDa inducing cell death after infiltration into the leaf apoplast of tomato. CDiT1 was purified by fast protein liquid chromatography, characterized by mass spectrometry and cDNA cloning. Its activity was confirmed after infiltration of an affinity-purified recombinant fusion of the protein with a C-terminal polyhistidine tag. CDiT1 is highly expressed during tomato root infection compared with axenic culture, and has a putative ortholog in other pathogenic Pleosporales species producing proteinaceous toxins that contribute to virulence. Infiltration of CDiT1 into leaves of other plants susceptible to P. lycopersici revealed that the protein affects them differentially. All varieties of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) tested were more sensitive to CDiT1 than those of currant tomato (S. pimpinellifolium). Root infection assays showed that varieties of currant tomato are also significantly less prone to intracellular colonization of their root cells by hyphae of P. lycopersici than varieties of cultivated tomato. Therefore, secretion of this novel type of inducer of cell death during penetration of the fungus inside root cells might favor infection of host species that are highly sensitive to this molecule.
Uniform derandomization from pathetic lower bounds
Authors: Allender Eric , Arvind V. , Santhanam Rahul , Wang Fengming
Published: June 2012

The notion of probabilistic computation dates back at least to Turing, who also wrestled with the practical problems of how to implement probabilistic algorithms on machines with, at best, very limited access to randomness. A more recent line of research, known as derandomization, studies the extent to which randomness is superfluous. A recurring theme in the literature on derandomization is that probabilistic algorithms can be simulated quickly by
deterministic
algorithms, if one can obtain
impressive
(i.e. superpolynomial, or even nearly exponential) circuit size lower bounds for certain problems. In contrast to what is needed for derandomization, existing lower bounds seem rather pathetic. Here, we present two instances where ‘pathetic’ lower bounds of the form
n

1+
ϵ

would suffice to derandomize interesting classes of probabilistic algorithms. We show the following:

— If the word problem over
S
5
requires constant-depth threshold circuits of size
n

1+
ϵ

for some
ϵ
>0, then any language accepted by uniform polynomial size probabilistic threshold circuits can be solved in subexponential time (and, more strongly, can be accepted by a uniform family of deterministic constant-depth threshold circuits of subexponential size).

— If there are no constant-depth arithmetic circuits of size
n

1+
ϵ

for the problem of multiplying a sequence of
n
 3×3 matrices, then, for every constant
d
, black-box identity testing for depth-
d
arithmetic circuits with bounded individual degree can be performed in subexponential time (and even by a uniform family of deterministic constant-depth AC
0
circuits of subexponential size).
Universality probability of a prefix-free machine
Authors: Barmpalias George , Dowe David L.
Published: June 2012

We study the notion of universality probability of a universal prefix-free machine, as introduced by C. S. Wallace. We show that it is random relative to the third iterate of the halting problem and determine its Turing degree and its place in the arithmetical hierarchy of complexity. Furthermore, we give a computational characterization of the real numbers that are universality probabilities of universal prefix-free machines.
Turing, ciphers and quanta
Authors: Ekert Artur , Kay Alastair , Pope James
Published: June 2012

Alan Turing has certainly contributed to a widespread belief that the quest for a perfect, unbreakable, cipher is a futile pursuit. The ancient art of concealing information has, in the past, been matched by the ingenuity of code-breakers, but no longer! With the advent of quantum cryptography, the hopes of would-be eavesdroppers have been dashed, perhaps for good. Moreover, recent research, building on schemes that were invented decades ago to perform quantum cryptography, shows that secure communication certified by a sufficient violation of a Bell inequality makes a seemingly insane scenario possible—devices of unknown or dubious provenance, even those that are manufactured by our enemies, can be safely used for secure communication, including key distribution. All that is needed to implement this bizarre and powerful form of cryptography is a loophole-free test of a Bell inequality, which is on the cusp of technological feasibility. We provide a brief overview of the intriguing connections between Bell inequalities and cryptography and describe how studies of quantum entanglement and the foundations of quantum theory influence the way we may protect information in the future.
The operator tensor formulation of quantum theory
Authors: Hardy Lucien
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we provide what might be regarded as a manifestly covariant presentation of discrete quantum theory. A typical quantum experiment has a bunch of apparatuses placed so that quantum systems can pass between them. We regard each use of an apparatus, along with some given outcome on the apparatus (a certain detector click or a certain meter reading for example), as anoperation. An operation (e.g.Bb2a3a1) can have zero or more quantum systems inputted into it and zero or more quantum systems outputted from it. The operationBb2a3a1has one system of typeainputted, and one system of typeband one system of typeaoutputted. We can wire together operations to form circuits, for example,. Each repeated integer label here denotes a wire connecting an output to an input of the same type. As each operation in a circuit has an outcome associated with it, a circuit represents a set of outcomes that can happen in a run of the experiment. In the operator tensor formulation of quantum theory, each operation corresponds to anoperator tensor. For example, the operationBb2a3a1corresponds to the operator tensor. Further, the probability for a general circuit is given by replacing operations with corresponding operator tensors as in1Repeated integer labels indicate that we multiply in the associated subspace and then take the partial trace over that subspace. Operator tensors must be physical (namely, they must have positive input transpose and satisfy a certain normalization condition).
Programs=data=first-class citizens in a computational world
Authors: Jones Neil D. , Simonsen Jakob Grue
Published: June 2012

From a programming perspective, Alan Turing's epochal 1936 paper on computable functions introduced several new concepts, including what is today known as
self-interpreters
and
programs as data
, and invented a great many now-common programming techniques. We begin by reviewing Turing's contribution from a programming perspective; and then systematize and mention some of the many ways that later developments in models of computation (MOCs) have interacted with computability theory and programming language research. Next, we describe the ‘blob’ MOC: a recent
stored-program computational model without pointers
. In the blob model, programs are truly
first-class citizens
, capable of being automatically compiled, or interpreted, or executed directly. Further, the blob model appears closer to being physically realizable than earlier computation models. In part, this is due to
strong finiteness
owing to early binding in the program; and a
strong adjacency property
: the active instruction is always adjacent to the piece of data on which it operates. The model is Turing complete in a strong sense: a universal interpretation algorithm exists that is able to run any program in a natural way and without arcane data encodings. Next, some of the best known among the numerous existing MOCs are described, and we develop a list of traits an ‘ideal’ MOC should possess from our perspective. We make no attempt to consider all models put forth since Turing's 1936 paper, and the selection of models covered concerns only models with discrete, atomic computation steps. The next step is to classify the selected models by qualitative rather than quantitative features. Finally, we describe how the blob model differs from an ‘ideal’ MOC, and identify some natural next steps to achieve such a model.
A Turing test for free will
Authors: Lloyd Seth
Published: June 2012

Before Alan Turing made his crucial contributions to the theory of computation, he studied the question of whether quantum mechanics could throw light on the nature of free will. This paper investigates the roles of quantum mechanics and computation in free will. Although quantum mechanics implies that events are intrinsically unpredictable, the ‘pure stochasticity’ of quantum mechanics adds randomness only to decision-making processes, not freedom. By contrast, the theory of computation implies that, even when our decisions arise from a completely deterministic decision-making process, the outcomes of that process can be intrinsically unpredictable, even to—especially to—ourselves. I argue that this intrinsic computational unpredictability of the decision-making process is what gives rise to our impression that we possess free will. Finally, I propose a ‘Turing test’ for free will: a decision-maker who passes this test will tend to believe that he, she, or it possesses free will, whether the world is deterministic or not.
From Turing machines to computer viruses
Authors: Marion Jean-Yves
Published: June 2012

Self-replication is one of the fundamental aspects of computing where a program or a system may duplicate, evolve and mutate. Our point of view is that Kleene's (second) recursion theorem is essential to understand self-replication mechanisms. An interesting example of self-replication codes is given by computer viruses. This was initially explained in the seminal works of Cohen and of Adleman in the 1980s. In fact, the different variants of recursion theorems provide and explain constructions of self-replicating codes and, as a result, of various classes of malware. None of the results are new from the point of view of computability theory. We now propose a self-modifying register machine as a model of computation in which we can effectively deal with the self-reproduction and in which new offsprings can be activated as independent organisms.
Honest universality
Authors: Dershowitz Nachum , Falkovich Evgenia
Published: June 2012

We extend the notion of universality of a function, due to Turing, to arbitrary (countable) effective domains, taking care to disallow any cheating on the part of the representations used. Then, we can be certain that effective universal functions cannot simulate non-effective functions.
Quantifying Liver Cirrhosis by Extracting Significant Features from MRI T2 Image
Authors: Hshiao Ming-Hong , Chen Po-Chou , Jao Jo-Chi , Huang Yung-Hui , Lee Chen-Chang , Chao Shih-Yu , Lin Li-Wei , Chen Tai-Been
Published: June 2012

Most patients with liver cirrhosis must undergo a series of clinical examinations, including ultrasound imaging, liver biopsy, and blood tests. However, the quantification of liver cirrhosis by extracting significant features from a T2-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) provides useful diagnostic information in clinical tests. Sixty-two subjects were randomly selected to participate in this retrospective analysis with assigned to experimental and control groups. The T2-weighted MRI was obtained and to them dynamic adjusted gray levels. The extracted features of the image were standard deviation (SD), mean, and entropy of pixel intensity in the region of interest (ROI). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, 95% confidence intervals, and kappa statistics were used to test the significance and agreement. The analysis of area under ROC shows that SD, mean, and entropy in the ROI were significant between the experimental group and the control group. Smaller values of SD, mean, and entropy were associated with a higher probability of liver cirrhosis. The agreements between the extracted features and diagnostic results were shown significantly (). In this investigation, quantitative features of SD, mean, and entropy in the ROI were successfully computed by the dynamic gray level scaling of T2-weighted MRI with high accuracy.
Development, Characterization, and Optimization of Protein Level in Date Bars Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Salim-ur-Rehman  , Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Murtaza Mian Anjum , Mueen-ud-Din Ghulam
Published: June 2012

This project was designed to produce a nourishing date bar with commercial value especially for school going children to meet their body development requirements. Protein level of date bars was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Economical and underutilized sources, that is, whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates, were explored for protein supplementation. Fourteen date bar treatments were produced using a central composite design (CCD) with 2 variables and 3 levels for each variable. Date bars were then analyzed for nutritional profile. Proximate composition revealed that addition of whey protein concentrate and vetch protein isolates improved the nutritional profile of date bars. Protein level, texture, and taste were considerably improved by incorporating 6.05% whey protein concentrate and 4.35% vetch protein isolates in date bar without affecting any sensory characteristics during storage. Response surface methodology was observed as an economical and effective tool to optimize the ingredient level and to discriminate the interactive effects of independent variables.
Reliability and validity of the Korean version of the manual ability classification system for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jang D‐H. , Sung I. Y. , Kang J. Y. , Lee S. I. , Park J. Y. , Yuk J. S. , Byun E. M.
Published: June 2012

Background

To investigate the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability of the Korean version of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) for children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

After a two‐step forward and one‐step backward translation, the inter‐rater reliability of the Korean version of the MACS was assessed separately by parents, occupational therapists and physicians. A second assessment for intra‐rater reliability was performed 4 weeks later.

Results

Sixty‐nine children were enrolled. The intra‐class correlation coefficients were 0.956 between occupational therapists and physicians, 0.927 between parents and physicians, and 0.960 between parents and occupational therapists. Intra‐rater reliability ranged from 0.965 to 0.987.

Conclusions

The Korean version of the MACS is reliable and valid and is suitable for assessing manual ability in Korean children with cerebral palsy.
Metabolic origin of δ15N values in nitrogenous compounds from Brassica napus L. leaves
Authors: GAUTHIER PAUL P. G. , LAMOTHE MARLENE , MAHÉ ALINE , MOLERO GEMMA , NOGUÉS SALVADOR , HODGES MICHAEL , TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME
Published: June 2012

Nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) in plant organic matter is currently used as a natural tracer of nitrogen acquisition efficiency. However, the δ15N value of whole leaf material does not properly reflect the way in which N is assimilated because isotope fractionations along metabolic reactions may cause substantial differences among leaf compounds. In other words, any change in metabolic composition or allocation pattern may cause undesirable variability in leaf δ15N. Here, we investigated the δ15N in different leaf fractions and individual metabolites from rapeseed (Brassica napus) leaves. We show that there were substantial differences in δ15N between nitrogenous compounds (up to 30‰) and the content in (15N enriched) nitrate had a clear influence on leaf δ15N. Using a simple steady‐state model of day metabolism, we suggest that the δ15N value in major amino acids was mostly explained by isotope fractionation associated with isotope effects on enzyme‐catalysed reactions in primary nitrogen metabolism. δ15N values were further influenced by light versus dark conditions and the probable occurrence of alternative biosynthetic pathways. We conclude that both biochemical pathways (that fractionate between isotopes) and nitrogen sources (used for amino acid production) should be considered when interpreting the δ15N value of leaf nitrogenous compounds.
Identification of A*02:336 in a Mexican Mestizo acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient from the state of Veracruz
Authors: Alaez C. , Munguía A. , Flores H.‐A. , Hilario P. A. , Gorodezky C.
Published: June 2012

A*02:336 was identified in a Mexican Mestizo ALL patient, born in the State of Veracruz.
Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric kidney‐transplant recipients – A national study
Authors: Cleper Roxana , Ben Shalom Efrat , Landau Daniel , Weissman Irith , Krause Irit , Konen Osnat , Rahamimov Ruth , Mor Eytan , Bar‐Nathan Nathan , Frishberg Yaakov , Davidovits Miriam
Published: June 2012

Cleper R, Ben Shalom E, Landau D, Weissman I, Krause I, Konen O, Rahamimov R, Mor E, Bar‐Nathan N, Frishberg Y, Davidovits M. Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric kidney‐transplant recipients – A national study.

Abstract:  PTLD is the most common malignancy in pediatric kidney‐transplant recipients. We examined the prevalence, clinical features, and outcome of PTLD in Israel. Twelve (4.4%) of 272 pediatric (<19 yr) kidney‐transplant recipients retrieved from a search of the NIKTR for 1991–2008 had acquired PTLD at a median of 3.2 yr post‐transplantation. PTLD‐affected patients were younger at transplantation (4.2 vs. 12.5 yr, p = 0.02), had a higher rate of OKT3 therapy for acute rejection (25% vs. 4%, p = 0.015), and 5/12 were EBV‐seropositive at transplantation. Graft dysfunction was the presenting sign in six (50%). PTLD was predominantly abdominal (83%) and B‐cell type (67%); T‐cell PTLD occurred exclusively in EBV‐seropositive patients. Treatment consisted of immunosuppression cessation (6/12, 50%), antiviral agents (7/12, 58%), anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies (4/12, 33%), and chemotherapy (6/12, 50%). Survival was 100% in the EBV‐naïve patients and 40% in the EBV‐seropositive patients. Graft loss occurred in three of eight survivors (37.5%). PTLD‐associated mortality risk was older age: 11.2 vs. 3.4 yr, longer dialysis: 15 vs. 6.5 months, T‐cell type disease (75%), later PTLD onset: 6.35 vs. 1.9 yr post‐transplantation and era of transplantation (43% mortality before vs. 20% after 2001). Pretransplantation EBV‐seronegative status might confer a survival benefit with early detected PTLD. EBV‐seropositive patients are at risk for aggressive late‐onset lethal PTLD.
Looking for a similar partner: host plants shape mating preferences of herbivorous insects by altering their contact pheromones
Authors: Geiselhardt Sven , Otte Tobias , Hilker Monika
Published: June 2012

The role of phenotypical plasticity in ecological speciation and the evolution of sexual isolation remains largely unknown. We investigated whether or not divergent host plant use in an herbivorous insect causes assortative mating by phenotypically altering traits involved in mate recognition. We found that males of the mustard leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae preferred to mate with females that were reared on the same plant species to females provided with a different plant species, based on divergent cuticular hydrocarbon profiles that serve as contact pheromones. The cuticular hydrocarbon phenotypes of the beetles were host plant specific and changed within 2 weeks after a shift to a novel host plant species. We suggest that plant‐induced phenotypic divergence in mate recognition cues may act as an early barrier to gene flow between herbivorous insect populations on alternative host species, preceding genetic divergence and thus, promoting ecological speciation.
Screen‐detected colorectal cancers show improved cancer‐specific survival when compared with cancers diagnosed via the 2‐week suspected colorectal cancer referral guidelines
Authors: Courtney E. D. , Chong D. , Tighe R. , Easterbrook J. R. , Stebbings W. S. L. , Hernon J.
Published: June 2012

Aim  Biennial screening for colorectal cancer using faecal occult blood testing has been shown to reduce the relative risk of mortality from colorectal cancer. The Norwich screening centre commenced screening in July 2006 and so far has diagnosed over 350 patients with colorectal cancer. We compared the stage at diagnosis and cancer‐specific mortality and survival in patients diagnosed through screening with a cohort of symptomatic patients with colorectal cancer within the same age range.

Method  A comparative analysis was undertaken of all screen‐detected colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between July 2006 and December 2010, with an age‐matched group of patients diagnosed in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital through the 2‐week suspected colorectal cancer guidelines.

Results  Three hundred and fifty‐six cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed through the screening programme, in patients with an age range of 60–79 years. In the same time period, 292 patients in the same age range were diagnosed with colorectal cancer through the 2‐week suspected colorectal cancer pathway. Sixteen patients in the screening group had evidence of metastatic disease at presentation compared with 62 in the symptomatic group (χ2, P < 0.001). The proportion of T1/T2 and Dukes A cancers was significantly greater in the screening group (χ2, P < 0.001). There were 21 colorectal cancer‐related deaths in the screening group compared with 66 in the symptomatic group. Survival analysis curves showed significantly better survival in the screening group (log‐rank analysis P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Screening for colorectal cancer identifies cancers at a significantly earlier stage than in symptomatic patients, with subsequent improvement in cancer‐specific survival.
Clinical associations and risk factors for bleeding from colonic angiectasia: a case‐controlled study
Authors: Sekino Y. , Endo H. , Yamada E. , Sakai E. , Ohkubo H. , Higurashi T. , Iida H. , Hosono K. , Takahashi H. , Koide T. , Nonaka T. , Abe Y. , Gotoh E. , Maeda S. , Nakajima A. , Inamori M.
Published: June 2012

Aim  A case‐controlled study was performed to investigate the association of colonic angiectasia with other conditions and to identify risk factors for bleeding.

Method  Information was collected from all patients who underwent colonoscopy at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2010. Data on 90 individuals with angiectasia [58 men; median age 69 (26–92) years] were compared with those of 180 individuals without angiectasia, matched for gender and age.

Results  Multivariate analysis showed that occult gastrointestinal bleeding [odds ratio (OR) 2.523; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.238–5.142], liver cirrhosis (OR 13.195; 95% CI 3.502–49.711), chronic renal failure (OR 6.796; 95% CI 1.598–28.904) and valvular heart disease (OR 6.425; 95% CI 1.028–40.165) were identified as significant predictors of the presence of colonic angiectasia. Eight patients were diagnosed with bleeding from angiectasia. Cardiovascular disease (OR 22.047; 95% CI 1.063–457.345) and multiple angiectasias (P‐value 0.0019) were identified as significant risk factors for active bleeding. Medication and a large size were not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Conclusion  The presence of colonic angiectasia was associated with valvular heart disease, liver cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. Valvular heart disease and multiple lesions increased the risk of bleeding.
Sex differences in how a low sensitivity to alcohol relates to later heavy drinking
Authors: SCHUCKIT MARC A. , SMITH TOM L. , TRIM RYAN S. , KUPERMAN SAMUEL , KRAMER JOHN , HESSELBROCK VICTOR , BUCHOLZ KATHLEEN K. , NURNBERGER JR JOHN I. , HESSELBROCK MICHIE , SAUNDERS GRETCHEN
Published: June 2012

Introduction and Aims. A low level of response (LR), or low sensitivity, to alcohol is a genetically influenced characteristic that predicts future heavy drinking and alcohol problems. While previous analyses of how LR relates to heavier drinking reported the process is similar in males and females, some potential sex differences have been identified. This difference is further explored in these analyses.

Design and Methods. Prospective structural equation models (SEMs) were evaluated for 183 young adult females and 162 males, none of Asian background, from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. Invariance analyses and SEM evaluations by sex were used to compare across females and males for these primarily Caucasian (75%), non‐Asian young (mean age 19) subjects.

Results. The prospective SEM for the full set of 345 subjects had good fit characteristics and explained 37% of the variance. While the initial invariance analyses identified few sex differences, comparisons of correlations and direct evaluations of path coefficients across males and females indicated that only females showed a link between a low LR and future alcohol problems that was partially mediated by more positive alcohol expectancies and drinking to cope. These sex differences were reflected in the different structures of the SEM results for female versus male subjects.

Discussion and Conclusions. These prospective results indicate that there might be some important sex differences regarding how a lower LR relates to alcohol outcomes that should be considered in protocols focusing on preventing the impact of LR on future drinking problems.[Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Trim RS, Kuperman S, Kramer J, Hesselbrock V, Bucholz KK, Nurnberger Jr JI, Hesselbrock M, Saunders G. Sex differences in how a low sensitivity to alcohol relates to later heavy drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:871–880]
Performance Sensitivity of Executive Pay: The Role of Foreign Investors and Affiliated Directors inJapan
Authors: Colpan Asli M. , Yoshikawa Toru
Published: June 2012

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates the effects of corporate governance factors on the firm performance and executive compensation linkage. Specifically, we examine how domestic corporate‐appointed directors, bank‐appointed directors and foreign ownership moderate the relationship between firm profitability, sales growth, and executive bonus pay in Japanese firms.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a sample of the largest Japanese manufacturing companies from 1997 to 2007, we find that corporate‐appointed directors positively moderate the relationship between firm growth and bonus pay, while foreign shareholders exhibit a positive moderating effect on the relationship between firm profitability and bonus pay. Bank‐appointed directors are straddled between their profitability orientation and relational role: They link firm profitability and bonus pay, but also show positive influence on the firm growth and bonus pay relationship.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study makes a contribution to research on ownership heterogeneity and executive compensation by empirically showing that different owners and directors affiliated with certain ownership groups have varied implications on the firm performance–executive pay relationship. It also makes a contribution to research on corporate governance change by providing insights on how different actors facilitate shifts in the linkage between performance and pay.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings offer insights to stakeholders to pay attention to ownership structure and board composition in acknowledging the varied financial motivation of executives to pursue growth and/or profitability.
Assessment of the Impact of Avian Influenza–related Regulatory Policies on Poultry Meat Trade and Welfare
Authors: Wieck Christine , Schlüter Simon W. , Britz Wolfgang
Published: June 2012

A Heckman‐type gravity model is used to estimate the trade impact of avian influenza–related quarantine ex post measures. An accompanying spatial partial equilibrium simulation model is developed to simulate related welfare changes. The simulation model considers spread and transmission risk according to the disease status of both importers and exporters. The econometric results show that the principle of regionalisation is preferred to import trade bans for uncooked meat. The simulation results verify the negative welfare impact of currently implemented quarantine policies and indicate that significant trade diversion effects occur according to the disease status of countries. A trade ban is a costly measure to address the infection risk resulting from the spread of the avian influenza virus.
Evolution of Risk and Political Regimes
Authors: Petrova Maria , H. Bates Robert
Published: June 2012

The risk of political predation impedes the achievement of economic prosperity. In this study, we analyze how the risk of predation evolves in different political regimes. Formally, we look at the interaction between a government and citizens in which, in each period, the government has an option to predate. Citizens prefer governments that are competent and non‐predatory and strive to replace ones that are not. Regimes differ in the degree to which citizens can succeed in doing so. In pure democracies, citizens can displace incumbent governments; in pure autocracies, they cannot; and in intermediate cases, they can do so in probability. After economic downturns, the posterior probability that the government is competent and benevolent declines. According to the model, in intermediate regimes, but not in others, governments can separate by type. One implication, then, is that these regimes are politically and economically more volatile, with higher levels of variation in assessments of political risk and in economic performance. Another is that in such regimes, political leadership can make an economic difference. Empirically, we test our argument by measuring the impact of economic downturns on the perceived risk of political expropriation in different regime types, using as instruments the incidence of natural disasters and unexpected terms of trade shocks.
Tomás Eloy Martínez, Biography and the Boom: La novela de Perón (1985) and Santa Evita (1995)
Authors: MARTIN GERALD
Published: June 2012

This article places Tomás Eloy Martínez's work, in particular his two ‘biographical’ novels La novela de Perón and Santa Evita, within post‐1960 Latin American literature. It explains why Martínez's full critical recognition is still pending. To this end the article shows how, situated strategically between the 1960s ‘Boom’ novels and the ‘Post‐Boom’ novels of the 1970s and beyond, Martínez's novels assimilate lessons of the Boom to carry that work in new directions. Thereafter the article discusses the role of journalism in literature, before assessing Martínez's work as both journalist and fiction writer, pointing out how these areas meld to produce new hybrid forms in his two major works.
Intrauterine temperature during intrapartum amnioinfusion: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tomlinson TM , Schaecher C , Sadovsky Y , Gross G
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Tomlinson T, Schaecher C, Sadovsky Y, Gross G. Intrauterine temperature during intrapartum amnioinfusion: a prospective observational study. BJOG 2012;119:958–963.

Objective  To determine the influence of routine intrapartum amnioinfusion (AI) on intrauterine temperature.

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  Maternity unit, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO, USA.

Sample  Forty women with singleton gestations and an indication for intrapartum intrauterine pressure catheter placement.

Methods  Using a temperature probe, we digitally recorded intrauterine temperature every 10 minutes during labour. Amnioinfusion was administered according to a standard protocol using saline equilibrated to the ambient temperature.

Main outcome measure  Mean intrauterine temperature during labour.

Results  Participants were monitored for a mean of 280 minutes (range 20–820). A total of 164 intrauterine temperature readings in the AI cohort were compared with 797 control measurements. When compared with controls, we observed a lower intrauterine temperature in the AI cohort (36.4 versus 37.4°C, P < 0.01). More measurements in the AI cohort were recorded in the presence of intrapartum fever (40% versus 30%). A subgroup analysis of measurements recorded in afebrile parturients revealed an even greater effect of AI (1.5°C decrease, 37.3 versus 35.8°C, P < 0.01).

Conclusion  Routine intrapartum AI using saline equilibrated to a mean ambient temperature of 25.0°C reduces intrauterine temperature and may thereby affect fetal core temperature.
The effect of alcohol binge drinking in early pregnancy on general intelligence in children
Authors: Kesmodel US , Eriksen H‐L Falgreen , Underbjerg M , Kilburn TR , Støvring H , Wimberley T , Mortensen EL
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Kesmodel U, Falgreen Eriksen H, Underbjerg M, Kilburn T, Støvring H, Wimberley T, Mortensen E. The effect of alcohol binge drinking in early pregnancy on general intelligence in children. BJOG 2012;119:1222–1231.

Objective  To examine the effects of binge alcohol consumption during early pregnancy, including the number of binge episodes and the timing of binge drinking, on general intelligence in 5‐year‐old children.

Design  Follow‐up study.

Setting  Neuropsychological testing in four Danish cities 2003–2008.

Population  A cohort of 1617 women and their children sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Methods  Participants were sampled on the basis of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. At 5 years of age the children were tested with six subtests from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised (WPPSI‐R). Parental education, maternal IQ, prenatal maternal smoking, the child’s age at testing, the gender of the child, and tester were considered core confounding factors, whereas the full model also controlled for prenatal maternal average alcohol intake, maternal age, maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity, home environment, postnatal parental smoking, health status, and indicators for hearing and vision impairment.

Main outcome measure  WPPSI‐R.

Results  There were no systematic or significant differences in general intelligence between children of mothers reporting binge drinking and children of mothers with no binge episodes, except that binge drinking in gestational weeks 1–2 significantly reduced the risk of low, full‐scale IQ (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.31–0.96) when adjusted for core confounding factors. The results were otherwise not statistically significantly related to the number of binge episodes (with a maximum of 12) and timing of binge drinking.

Conclusions  We found no systematic association between binge drinking during early pregnancy and child intelligence. However, binge drinking reduced the risk of low, full‐scale IQ in gestational weeks 1–2. This finding may be explained by residual confounding.
Effect of contraception provided at termination of pregnancy and incidence of subsequent termination of pregnancy
Authors: Cameron ST , Glasier A , Chen ZE , Johnstone A , Dunlop C , Heller R
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Cameron S, Glasier A, Chen Z, Johnstone A, Dunlop C, Heller R. Effect of contraception provided at termination of pregnancy and incidence of subsequent termination of pregnancy. BJOG 2012;119:1074–1080.

Objective  To determine the incidence of subsequent termination of pregnancy (TOP) within a 2‐year period in relation to the method of contraception provided to women following the index TOP.

Design  Case note review.

Setting  NHS hospital TOP service, Edinburgh, UK.

Population  Nine hundred and eighty‐six women requesting a TOP in 2008.

Methods  Case notes were reviewed to determine the contraception provided at index TOP and whether women had subsequent TOP at the same hospital within 2 years.

Main outcome measures  Incidence of subsequent TOP within 2 years amongst women receiving different contraceptive methods.

Results  One hundred and twenty‐one women (12.3%) of the 986 who attended the clinic requesting a TOP returned requesting another TOP in the subsequent 2 years. Both intrauterine contraception and the progestogen‐only implant were associated with the lowest incidence of subsequent TOP. Using the combined oral contraceptive pill as the reference method, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of a further TOP within 2 years with intrauterine contraception and the implant were OR = 0.05 (95% CI, 0.01–0.41; P < 0.001) and OR = 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01–0.23; P < 0.001), respectively. Women choosing the implant were significantly younger than those choosing the intrauterine method (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Women undergoing a TOP who wish to avoid another unintended pregnancy should consider immediate initiation of either intrauterine contraception or the progestogen‐only implant. Service providers should be trained and supported to provide these methods to women at the time of TOP.
Transfers of women planning birth in midwifery units: data from the Birthplace prospective cohort study
Authors: Rowe RE , Fitzpatrick R , Hollowell J , Kurinczuk JJ
Published: June 2012

Please cite this paper as: Rowe R, Fitzpatrick R, Hollowell J, Kurinczuk J. Transfers of women planning birth in midwifery units: data from the Birthplace prospective cohort study. BJOG 2012;119:1081–1090.

Objective  To examine the percentage of women transferred, reasons for transfer and factors associated with the transfer of women planning birth in midwifery units (MUs).

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  All freestanding midwifery units (FMUs) and alongside midwifery units (AMUs) in England.

Participants  Twenty‐nine thousand, two hundred and forty‐eight eligible women with a singleton, term and ‘booked’ pregnancy, planning birth in an MU between April 2008 and April 2010.

Methods  Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with transfer.

Main outcome measures  Transfer during labour or within 24 hours of birth.

Results  Over one in four women were transferred from AMUs and over one in five from FMUs. In both types of MU, compared with multiparous women aged 25–29 years, nulliparous women aged <20 years had higher odds of transfer (FMU‐adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.10–6.57; AMU‐adjusted OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.18–2.06), and the odds of transfer increased with increasing age. Nulliparous women aged ≥35 years in FMUs had 7.4 times the odds of transfer (95% CI, 5.43–10.10) and, in AMUs, 6.0 times the odds of transfer (95% CI, 4.81–7.41). Starting labour care after 40 weeks of gestation and the presence of complicating conditions at the start of labour care were also independently associated with a higher risk of transfer.

Conclusions  Transfer from MUs is common, especially for first‐time mothers. This study provides evidence on the maternal characteristics associated with an increased risk of transfer, which can be used to inform women’s choices about place of birth.
Embryo Donation in Iran: An Ethical Review
Authors: Afshar Leila , Bagheri Alireza
Published: June 2012

Iran is the only Muslim country that has legislation on embryo donation, adopted in 2003. With an estimated 10–15% of couples in the country that are infertile, there are not any legal or religious barriers that prohibit an infertile couple from taking advantage of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs).

Although all forms of ARTs available in Iran have been legitimized by religious authorities, there is a lack of legislation in all ARTs except embryo donation. By highlighting ethical issues in embryo donation, the paper presents a critical review of the Act of Embryo Donation in Iran. The paper argues that the Act does not provide enough safeguards for the future child and assurance for the safety of the donated embryos. It also does not restrict embryo donation to surplus embryos from infertile couples and is silent about the number of embryos that could be donated by each couple as well as the number of recipients for donated embryos by a couple.

The Act is also silent about the issues of genetic linkage (nasab) and heritage which are challenging issues, especially in a conservative Islamic society. As a result, the future child may not inherit from their birth parents, as it is not required by the Act, or from the genetically related parents under the anonymity policy. Finally there is no standard national protocol or guidelines to evaluate the safety of the donated embryos.

The paper concludes that despite its benefits, the Act lacks clarity, and it is subject to misunderstanding and confusion.
Synthesis and fluorescence properties of novel benzoxazole‐ and chromone‐functionalised bis(arylvinylene)imidazoles
Authors: Sun Yi‐Feng , Zhong Liu , Hou Xian‐Ming , Ma Shi‐Ying , Duan Wen‐Zeng , Wu Ren‐Tao
Published: June 2012

Novel benzoxazole‐ and chromone‐functionalised bis(arylvinylene)imidazoles were synthesised and characterised by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier Transform–infrared, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses. These dyes were found to exhibit two quite different types of fluorescence behaviour in the alkali examined; i.e. fluorescence quenching for the benzoxazole–imidazole hybrids and fluorescence enhancement for the chromone–imidazole hybrids. The benzoxazole‐based imidazoles emit intense green fluorescence, but the fluorescence is remarkably quenched upon addition of alkali. Such a process can be reversibly controlled by simple deprotonation/protonation of the imidazole group; thus, they exhibit efficient fluorescence on/off switchable behaviour. In contrast, significant fluorescence enhancement is observed for the chromone–imidazole hybrids in the presence of alkali. Without alkali, these imidazole dyes are very weakly fluorescent, whereas the addition of alkali leads to an appearance of strong blue fluorescence and a dramatic increase of emission intensity.
The impact of epilepsy on sleep architecture during childhood
Authors: Pereira Alessandra M. , Bruni Oliviero , Ferri Raffaele , Palmini Andre , Nunes Magda L.
Published: June 2012

Purpose:  The effect of etiology on the relationship between epilepsy and sleep during childhood has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in sleep structure in drug‐resistant epilepsies with different underlying causes.

Methods:  We studied 31 patients with drug‐resistant epilepsies with or without a structural lesion (lesional and nonlesional) and compared their sleep architecture with that of normal controls and with that of a group of children with benign epilepsy with rolandic spikes (BERS). Subjects underwent a single‐night polysomnographic recording. Sleep recordings were scored according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) criteria.

Key Findings:  Compared to normal controls, patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy showed a significant reduction of time in bed, total sleep time, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sleep stage N3, and sleep efficiency, and a significant increase in wake after sleep onset. The lesional subgroup showed a reduction in total sleep time and sleep latency and an increase in REM latency and wake after sleep onset. No significant differences, however, were found comparing the lesional and nonlesional subgroups. When compared to BERS, patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy showed a significant reduction in sleep stage N3, REM sleep, and sleep efficiency. Regarding CAP analysis, when compared to controls, the drug‐resistant group had an increased A1% and a decreased A2%, with a decrease of A1 index in N3 and a global decrease of A2 and A3 indexes. The lesional subgroup showed a slight increase of A1% with a decrease of A1 index in N3 and a global decrease of A2 and A3 indexes. Drug‐resistant epilepsy, compared to benign epilepsy showed an increase of CAP rate in N2 and of A1 index in N1 and N2 but not in N3; A2 and A3 indexes were similar in both, but patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy showed a significant reduction of A3 index in N1.

Significance:  Our findings suggest that the presence of structural cerebral abnormalities may play an important role in disrupting sleep architecture.
EF‐1α and Mitochondrial ATP Synthase β Chain: Alteration of their Expression in Encystment‐Induced Colpoda cucullus
Authors: Sogame Yoichiro , Kojima Katsuhiko , Takeshita Toshikazu , Kinoshita Eiji , Matsuoka Tatsuomi
Published: June 2012

Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the total proteins contained in encystment‐induced Colpoda cucullus showed that a 50‐kDa protein (p50) disappeared, whereas the expression of a 49‐kDa protein (p49) was enhanced in early phase of morphogenetic transformation into the resting cyst (i.e. 2–5 h after the onset of encystment induction). Puromycin or actinomycin D inhibited the alteration in the expression of p50 and p49 by the induction of encystment. These results suggest that the encystment‐specific alteration in expression of these proteins is performed by a transcriptional regulation. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that p50 is mitochondrial ATP synthase β chains, and that p49 is elongation factor 1α.