bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of bacterial lipopolysaccharides with mass spectrometry and on‐ and off‐line separation techniques
Authors: Kilár Anikó , Dörnyei Ágnes , Kocsis Béla
Published: November 2012

The focus of this review is the application of mass spectrometry to the structural characterization of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), also referred to as “endotoxins,” because they elicit the strong immune response in infected organisms. Recently, a wide variety of MS‐based applications have been implemented to the structure elucidation of LPS. Methodological improvements, as well as on‐ and off‐line separation procedures, proved the versatility of mass spectrometry to study complex LPS mixtures. Special attention is given in the review to the tandem mass spectrometric methods and protocols for the analyses of lipid A, the endotoxic principle of LPS. We compare and evaluate the different ionization techniques (MALDI, ESI) in view of their use in intact R‐ and S‐type LPS and lipid A studies. Methods for sample preparation of LPS prior to mass spectrometric analysis are also described. The direct identification of intrinsic heterogeneities of most intact LPS and lipid A preparations is a particular challenge, for which separation techniques (e.g., TLC, slab‐PAGE, CE, GC, HPLC) combined with mass spectrometry are often necessary. A brief summary of these combined methodologies to profile LPS molecular species is provided. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 32:90–117, 2013
The pore size of PLGA bone implants determines the de novo formation of bone tissue in tibial head defects in rats
Authors: Penk Anja , Förster Yvonne , Scheidt Holger A. , Nimptsch Ariane , Hacker Michael C. , Schulz‐Siegmund Michaela , Ahnert Peter , Schiller Jürgen , Rammelt Stefan , Huster Daniel
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The influence of the pore size of biodegradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffolds on bone regeneration was investigated.

Methods

Cylindrical poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffolds were implanted into a defect in the tibial head of rats. Pore sizes of 100–300, 300–500, and 500–710 μm were tested and compared to untreated defects as control. Two and four weeks after implantation, the specimens were explanted and defect regeneration and de novo extracellular matrix generation were investigated by MRI, quantitative solid‐state NMR, and mass spectrometry.

Results

The pore size of the scaffolds had a pronounced influence on the quantity of the extracellular matrix synthesized in the graft; most collagen was synthesized within the first 2 weeks of implantation, while the amount of hydroxyapatite increased in the second 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, the scaffolds contained large quantities of newly formed lamellar bone while the control defects were filled by inhomogenous woven bone. Best results were obtained for scaffolds of a pore size of 300–500 μm.

Conclusion

Our analysis showed that the structure and dynamics of the regenerated extracellular matrix was very similar to that of the native bone, suggesting that biomineralization was significantly enhanced by the choice of the most appropriate implant material. Magn Reson Med, 70:925–935, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A nascent proteome study combining click chemistry with 2DE
Authors: Osterman Ilya A. , Ustinov Alexey V. , Evdokimov Denis V. , Korshun Vladimir A. , Sergiev Petr V. , Serebryakova Marina V. , Demina Irina A. , Galyamina Maria A. , Govorun Vadim M. , Dontsova Olga A.
Published: November 2012

To investigate the dynamic cellular response to a condition change, selective labeling of the nascent proteome is necessary. Here, we report a method combining click chemistry protein labeling with 2D DIGE. To test the relevance of the method, we compared nascent proteomes of actively growing bacterial cells with that of cells exposed to protein synthesis inhibitor, erythromycin. Cells were incubated with methionine analog, homopropargyl glycin, and their nascent proteome was selectively labeled with monosulfonated neutral Cy3 and Cy5 azides specially synthesized for this purpose. Following fluorescent labeling, the protein samples were mixed and subjected to standard 2D DIGE separation. The method allowed us to reveal a dramatic reduction of newly synthesized proteins upon erythromycin treatment, while the total proteome was not significantly affected. Additionally, several proteins, whose synthesis was resistant to erythromycin, were identified.
Light scattering by a metallic nanoparticle coated with a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Yannopapas Vassilios , Fytas Nikolaos , Kyrimi Vicky , Kallos Efthymios , Vanakaras Alexandros G. , Photinos Demetri J.
Published: November 2012

We study the optical properties of gold nanoparticles (NPs) coated with a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) whose director field is distributed around the NP according to the anchoring conditions at the surface of the NP. The distribution of the NLC is obtained by minimization of the corresponding Frank free‐energy functional whilst the optical response is calculated by the discrete‐dipole approximation (DDA). We find, in particular, that the anisotropy of the NLC coating does not affect much the (isotropic) optical response of the NP. However, for strong anchoring of the NLC molecules on the surface of NP, the inhomogeneity of the coating which is manifested by a ring‐type singularity (disclination or Saturn ring), produces an enhancement of the extinction cross spectrum over the entire visible spectrum.
Optical properties of dye‐doped polymer films incorporating photonic nanostructures
Authors: Egami Kazutaka , Nakayama Tomoya , Kosaka Yuuka , Tomita Satoshi , Ishizumi Atsushi , Yanagi Hisao , Yamashita Ken‐ichi , Oe Kunishige
Published: November 2012

Lasing in dye‐doped polymer films incorporating twodimensional (2D) photonic nanostructures is expected to bring about a flexible and compact optical ampifier. In this work web fabricate nano‐imprint molds using electron beam lithography (EBL) together with a dry‐etching process. A photo nano‐imprint technique is used to obtain 2D nanostructures in rhodamine‐doped resin films. Narrow emission of the visible light from the surface of films incorporating 2D photonic crystals is observed using an optical excitation. Additionally we study circular dichroism (CD) in films, including “L”‐shaped holes, in which 2D space inversion symmetry is broken. A CD dip is found to be induced where the dye shows absorption The present results open a way to realize organic lasers emitting circularly‐polarized light by using a simple photo nano‐imprint technique (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence tailoring of InGaN/GaN quantum wells with silver nanoparticle‐assembled films
Authors: Sun Ling , Chen Ji , Liu Yijie , Tao Tao , Shi Chaochao , Shen Yan , Zheng Cheng , Wang Guanghou , Han Min
Published: November 2012

We present a systemic study on the tailoring of light emission properties of the InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) with nanoparticle‐assembled on‐top layers. A layer of silver nanoparticles was deposited on the top of the quantum wells in gas‐phase with a dielectric spacer layer of 15nm thickness grown between them. Time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy was used to study the radioactive recombination of electrons and holes in the QWs from 15 K to room temperature. A significant increasing of the internal quantum efficiency of the QWs is achieved at room temperature with a suitable nanoparticle coverage. The coupling of the spontaneous emission from InGaN QWs into the surface plasmon modes of the silver nanoparticle layers was demonstrated. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Broadband scattering by tapered nanoantennas
Authors: Staude Isabelle , Maksymov Ivan S. , Decker Manuel , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Neshev Dragomir N. , Jagadish Chennupati , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: November 2012

We realize a new design of tapered Yagi–Uda nanoantennas and experimentally study their far‐field light scattering. We show that in comparison with untapered structures the tapered nanoantennas exhibit broadband resonances featuring a distinct line shape. Our observations are supported by numerical calculations, which further reveal the tapered nanoantenna's wavelength‐dependent optical near‐field confinement. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Glycerol‐3‐Phosphate Acyltransferase‐1 Gene Ablation Results in Altered Thymocyte Lipid Content and Reduces Thymic T Cell Production in Mice
Authors: Gulvady Apeksha A. , Murphy Eric J. , Ciolino Henry P. , Cabrera Robert M. , Jolly Christopher A.
Published: November 2012

Glycerol 3‐phosphate acyltransferase‐1 (GPAT‐1) catalyzes the initial and rate‐limiting step in de novo glycerophospholipid and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. We have previously shown that peripheral T cell proliferation and cytokine production is altered in GPAT‐1 gene‐ablated (KO) mice. This finding is important in light of the reduction in GPAT‐1 activity associated with aged T cells. To determine if the mechanism for altered peripheral T cell function is linked to altered T cell development, we assessed thymic function in 3, 6 and 16‐week old GPAT‐1 KO compared to wild type (WT) mice. At 16 weeks of age, there was a significant reduction in thymic T cell production in KO compared to WT mice but not at 6 weeks of age. The reduced thymic T cell production was associated with altered thymic development as confirmed by increased numbers of double‐negative (DN) thymocytes and a significant reduction in the double positive (DP) thymocytes suggesting a developmental block at the DN stage. This change was accompanied by an increase in the single positive CD4 subset. These changes were associated with reduced glycerophospholipid mass while thymic cortex and medulla architecture was not altered by GPAT‐1 KO. Taken together, these data suggest that GPAT‐1 deletion is capable of reducing the number of new T cells produced via alterations in membrane receptor function rather than by causing deleterious changes within the thymic microenvironment explaining in part the observed alterations in peripheral T cell function.
Bound for the order for p-elementary subgroups in the plane cremona group over a perfect field
Authors: Fomin A. L.
Published: November 2012

We obtain a sharp bound for p-elementary subgroups in the Cremona group Cr2(k) over an arbitrary perfect field k.
Trajectory planning of mobile manipulators using dynamic programming approach
Authors: Korayem M. H. , Irani M. , Charesaz A. , Korayem A. H. , Hashemi A.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a solution for optimal trajectory planning problem of robotic manipulators with complicated dynamic equations. The main goal is to find the optimal path with maximum dynamic load carrying capacity (DLCC). Proposed method can be implemented to problems of both motion along a specified path and point-to-point motion. Dynamic Programming (DP) approach is applied to solve optimization problem and find the positions and velocities that minimize a pre-defined performance index. Unlike previous attempts, proposed method increases the speed of convergence by using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) formulation. This formulation is used for solving problems with nonlinear constraints. Also, this paper proposes a new algorithm to design optimal trajectory with maximum DLCC for both fixed and mobile base mechanical manipulators. Algorithms for DLCC calculations in previous works were based on indirect optimization method or linear programming approach. The proposed trajectory planning method is applied to a linear tracked Puma and the mobile manipulator named Scout. Application of this algorithm is confirmed and simulation results are compared with experimental results for Scout robot. In experimental test, results are obtained using a new stereo vision system to determine the position of the robot end-effector.
Environmental variability and the transmission of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Changsha, People's Republic of China
Authors: XIAO H. , GAO L. D. , LI X. J. , LIN X. L. , DAI X. Y. , ZHU P. J. , CHEN B. Y. , ZHANG X. X. , ZHAO J. , TIAN H. Y.
Published: November 2012

The transmission of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is influenced by climatic, reservoir and environmental variables. The epidemiology of the disease was studied over a 6-year period in Changsha. Variables relating to climate, environment, rodent host distribution and disease occurrence were collected monthly and analysed using a time-series adjusted Poisson regression model. It was found that the density of the rodent host and multivariate El Niño Southern Oscillation index had the greatest effect on the transmission of HFRS with lags of 2–6 months. However, a number of climatic and environmental factors played important roles in affecting the density and transmission potential of the rodent host population. It was concluded that the measurement of a number of these variables could be used in disease surveillance to give useful advance warning of potential disease epidemics.
Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis: time trends in positivity rates in the canton of Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
Authors: SCHMUTZ C. , BURKI D. , FREI R. , MÄUSEZAHL-FEUZ M. , MÄUSEZAHL D.
Published: November 2012

National health statistics report a 2·5-fold increase in laboratory-confirmed Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) cases over the last decade in Switzerland where no CT screening programme exists. We obtained essential denominator information to describe the epidemiology of CT in the canton of Basel-Stadt, an urban canton in north-western Switzerland. Laboratories reporting at least two CT infections from Basel-Stadt residents to the SFOPH in 2010 provided demographic and test-related data. CT positivity rates were calculated for 2002–2010. The influences of test year, age, sex and laboratory on CT positivity were investigated in a multivariable model. Positivity differed between sexes and age groups. In our sample of 32 034 records, female and male CT positivity rates were 4·7% and 11·1%, respectively. Test year was significantly associated with test outcome in the multivariable analysis but no time trend was observed. CT positivity did not change over the past 9 years in Basel-Stadt. In contrast to other European countries without CT screening, we found no evidence that the observed increase of Chlamydia cases in the national notification system represents an epidemiological trend, but rather results from an increased testing frequency.
Definiteness, Gender, and Hybrids: Evidence from Norwegian Dialects
Authors: Enger Hans-Olav , Corbett Greville G.
Published: November 2012

In some Norwegian dialects, such as older Oslo dialect, the nounmamma‘mother’ unexpectedly appears to be masculine. The Nordreisa dialect (Northern Norwegian) goes one step further. The word looks like it is masculine, but only in the definite form. This is an unusual “split” because gender mixture is normally based on number, not definiteness (but we find some few corroborative examples in other Norwegian dialects and different, but converging evidence on the Web). The Nordreisa example ofmammais unusual also because agreement targets are affected differently. The preference is for masculine agreement within the noun phrase, but for feminine agreement outside it. This is, therefore, an intriguing example since it combines a split based on definiteness with different gender require-ments according to different agreement targets. On careful analysis, and given strict adherence to the classical, agreement-based definition of gender, the unusual behavior ofmammaturns out to conform to the Agreement Hierarchy.*
Diversification in heavy-tailed portfolios: properties and pitfalls
Authors: Mainik Georg , Embrechts Paul
Published: November 2012

We discuss risk diversification in multivariate regularly varying models and provide explicit formulas for Value-at-Risk asymptotics in this case. These results allow us to study the influence of the portfolio weights, the overall loss severity, and the tail dependence structure on large portfolio losses. We outline sufficient conditions for the sub- and superadditivity of the asymptotic portfolio risk in multivariate regularly varying models and discuss the case when these conditions are not satisfied. We provide several examples to illustrate the resulting variety of diversification effects and the crucial impact of the tail dependence structure in infinite mean models. These examples show that infinite means in multivariate regularly varying models do not necessarily imply negative diversification effects. This implication is true if there is no loss-gain compensation in the tails, but not in general. Depending on the loss-gain compensation, asymptotic portfolio risk can be subadditive, superadditive, or neither.
Disturbance dynamo electric fields in response to geomagnetic storms occurring at different universal times
Authors: Huang C. M.
Published: November 2012

Perturbed electric fields in the Earth's ionosphere during storm activities may result from the penetration electric fields from high latitudes and/or from the dynamo mechanism driven by the neutral disturbances, depending on the storm phases. In general, the identification of the penetration electric fields is easier than that of the dynamo electric fields. At times, the latter becomes unperceivable or difficult to identify. This is an interesting problem that motivates a model study to investigate the possible reasons. Model runs made from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model will be presented. Theoretical studies of ionospheric responses to geomagnetic storms with model simulations indicate that the intensities of disturbance dynamo electric fields are highly dependent on various parameters, for example, solar activities, seasonal effects and universal times, etc. When geomagnetic activities commence at 01 ~ 07 UT in summer solstices with low solar fluxes, the disturbance dynamo electric fields become very small. Compared with the general daily variations, they seem to be unperceivable. This phenomenon can be explained by the model results, which show that the positive charge accumulation at low latitudes will be weakened when the equatorward neutral disturbances penetrate the opposite hemisphere in the storm time. For other cases, the magnitudes of the dynamo electric fields are relatively larger under the same geomagnetic activities.
Evaluating the impact of orbital sampling on satellite–climate model comparisons
Authors: Guan Bin , Waliser Duane E. , Li Jui‐Lin F. , da Silva Arlindo
Published: November 2012

The effect of orbital sampling is one of the chief uncertainties in satellite–climate model comparisons. In the context of an ongoing activity to make satellite data more accessible for model evaluation (i.e., obs4MIPs), six variables (temperature, specific humidity, ozone, cloud water, cloud cover, and ocean surface wind) associated with six satellite instruments are evaluated for the orbital sampling effect. Comparisons are made between reanalysis and simulated satellite‐sampled data in terms of bias and pattern similarity. It is found that the bias introduced by orbital sampling for long‐term annual means, monthly climatologies, and monthly means is largely negligible, which is within ~3% of the standard deviation of the three quantities for most fields. The bias for 2‐hPa temperature and specific humidity, while relatively large (9–10%), is within the estimated observational uncertainty. In terms of pattern similarity, cloud water and upper level specific humidity are the most sensitive to orbital sampling among the variables considered, with the magnitude of the sampling effect dependent on the spatial resolution—insignificant at 1.25° × 1.25° resolution for both. For all variables considered, orbital sampling effects are not an important consideration for model evaluation at 1.25° × 1.25° resolution. At 0.5° × 0.5°, orbital sampling is potentially important for cloud water and upper level specific humidity when evaluating model long‐term annual means and monthly climatologies, and for cloud water when evaluating monthly means, all in terms of pattern similarities. Orbital sampling is not an important factor for evaluating zonal means in call cases considered.
Acid sulfate alteration of fluorapatite, basaltic glass and olivine by hydrothermal vapors and fluids: Implications for fumarolic activity and secondary phosphate phases in sulfate‐rich Paso Robles soil at Gusev Crater, Mars
Authors: Hausrath E. M. , Golden D. C. , Morris R. V. , Agresti D. G. , Ming D. W.
Published: November 2012

Phosphate‐rich rocks and a nearby phosphate‐rich soil, Paso Robles, were analyzed in Gusev Crater, Mars, by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit and interpreted to be highly altered, possibly by hydrothermal or fumarolic alteration of primary, phosphate‐rich material. To test mineral phases resulting from such alteration, we performed hydrothermal acid‐vapor and acid‐fluid experiments on olivine (Ol), fluorapatite (Ap), and basaltic glass (Gl) as single phases and a mixture of phases. Minerals formed include Ca‐, Al‐, Fe‐ and Mg‐sulfates with different hydration states (anhydrite, bassanite, gypsum; alunogen; hexahydrite, and pentahydrite). Phosphate‐bearing minerals formed included monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCP) (acid‐vapor and acid‐fluid alteration of fluorapatite only) and ferrian giniite (acid‐fluid alteration of the Ol + Gl + Ap mixture). MCP is likely present in Paso Robles if primary Ca‐phosphate minerals reacted with sulfuric acid with little transport of phosphate. Under fluid:rock ratios allowing transport of phosphate, a ferric phosphate phase such as ferrian giniite might form instead. Mössbauer measurements of ferrian giniite‐bearing alteration products and synthetic ferrian giniite are consistent with Spirit's Mössbauer measurements of the ferric‐bearing phase in Paso Robes soil, but are also consistent with ferric sulfate phases in the low‐P soil Arad_Samra. Therefore, Mössbauer data alone do not constrain the fluid:rock ratio. However, the excess iron (hematite) in Paso Robles soil, which implies aqueous transport, combined with our laboratory experiments, suggest acid‐sulfate alteration in a hydrothermal (fumarolic) environment at fluid:rock ratios sufficient to allow dissolution, transport, and precipitation of secondary chemical components including a ferric phosphate such as ferrian giniite.
A resampling method for generating synthetic hydrological time series with preservation of cross‐correlative structure and higher‐order properties
Authors: Keylock C. J.
Published: November 2012

Based on existing techniques in nonlinear physics that work in the Fourier domain, we develop a multivariate, wavelet‐based method for the generation of synthetic discharge time series. This approach not only retains the cross‐correlative structure of the original data (which makes it preferable to principal component methods that merely preserve the correlations) but also replicates the nonlinear properties of the original data. We argue that the temporal asymmetry of the typical hydrograph is the most important form of nonlinearity to preserve in the synthetic data. Using the derivative skewness as a measure of asymmetry and an example data set of 35 years of daily discharge data from 107 gauging stations in the United States, we compare two approaches that preserve the asymmetry of the original records. We generate synthetic data and then study the properties of fitting a generalized extreme value distribution to the annual maxima for a total flux time series. The synthetic series provides error bands for the fitted distribution that give a different way of assessing credible return periods. It is found that the best approach for studying extremes is to match the asymmetry of each series individually, rather than to formulate a global threshold criterion.
Inter-laboratory test on drug residues in water intended for
human consumption
Authors: Py J.S. , Rosin C. , Rimlinger N. , Munoz J.F.
Published: November 2012

In June 2009, the Laboratory in hydrology of Nancy (Ansès-LHN, Nancy) conducted an
exploratory inter-laboratory proficiency tests (ILT) test in collaboration with the
AQUAREF network to identify laboratory practices and estimate inter-laboratory uncertainty
for the compounds under study. There were a total of 12 compounds belonging to six
families (hormones, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers,
antipsychotics and others) including one compound used in veterinary medicine. It was the
first ILT conducted in France on water intended for human consumption. Thirty-one
laboratories participated, 4 of which were located abroad.
Tertiary Syphilis in the Cervical Spine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Salem K. M. I. , Majeed H. , Bommireddy R. , Klezl Z.
Published: November 2012

As the prevalence of syphilis rises, an increase in tertiary syphilis with spinal involvement is predicted. We report what we believe to be the first case of compressive cervical spine syphilitic gummata, with central cord compression signs. We also review the relevant literature to date. The diagnosis of syphilis in the spine relies on the physician to be aware of it as part of the differential diagnosis. Treponemal laboratory tests are an important aid in establishing a diagnosis.
Differences in the cost of admitted patient care for Indigenous people and people from remote locations
Authors: Malyon Rosalyn , Zhao Yuejen , Oates Brett
Published: November 2012

The introduction of activity-based funding (ABF) means that Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups and their relative costs will become the basis for reimbursing public hospitals for admitted patient services. This study sought to investigate the variation in admitted patient costs for Indigenous people and people from remote areas that cannot be explained by variation in the clinical mix of cases, and to interpret this variation within an ABF framework. The study used a dataset of discharges from public hospitals of Northern Territory residents between July 2007 and June 2009. Multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the variation in average costs, using the logarithm of patient cost as the dependent variable and Major Diagnostic Categories (MDCs), hospitals and population subgroups (Indigenous v. non-Indigenous; urban v. remote) as independent variables. Although much of the additional cost of Indigenous and remote patients was found to be due to differences in severity and complexity between MDCs, there were extra costs for remote Indigenous patients that were not captured by the classification system. Hospitals servicing larger than average proportions of these patients could be systematically underfunded within an ABF framework unless a price adjustment is applied. What is known about the topic? Indigenous people and people living in remote locations have a greater burden of disease and injury and are high users of hospital services. Past studies have quantified the relative cost of providing admitted patient services to these groups using survey data or the average length of stay as a proxy for cost. What does this paper add? This study provides estimates of the additional costs of providing admitted patient services to Indigenous people and people from remote areas and interprets these within an activity-based funding framework. What are the implications for practitioners? This paper provides information on the importance of recognising high cost populations in payment systems for public hospitals.
The Australian pharmacist workforce: employment status, practice profile and job satisfaction
Authors: Mak Vivienne S. L. , Clark Alice , March Geoff , Gilbert Andrew L.
Published: November 2012

Objective. The aims were to determine Australian registered pharmacists’ current employment status, practice profile and professional satisfaction. Method. A questionnaire was mailed to all registered pharmacists (n = 7764) on the Pharmacy Boards of Victoria and South Australia’s registers; 19 were returned undeliverable. Quantitative data were entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 17. Qualitative data were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results. 1627 (21%) pharmacists responded: 259 (16%) were registered as pharmacists but no longer worked in the pharmacy profession. A total of 1366 respondents reported still working as pharmacists. Of the 1366, 912 (67%) indicated that they spend most of their time in a clinical area; 233 (17%) spend most of their time in ‘non-clinical pharmacist work (i.e. dispensing as technical supply)’; 216 (16%) worked in other non-clinical roles and; 1053 (77%) were professionally satisfied. Conclusion. Measuring the pharmacist workforce based on registration data significantly overestimates the available clinical pharmacist workforce: 708 (44%) respondents were no longer working in the profession, were not mainly involved in clinical practice or were working in non-clinical roles. A significant re-professionalisation program is needed if pharmacists’ unique knowledge and skills are to contribute to better healthcare delivery. What is known about the topic? A well trained and sufficient workforce is an essential requirement if the objectives of Australia’s healthcare reform agenda are to be met. For the pharmacy profession, a change in practice profile of pharmacists from a product supply focus to a patient care focus is also required. Recent workforce studies have used pharmacist registration data to model the supply of pharmacists. What does this paper add? This paper reports on a survey of registered pharmacists to more closely examine the available pharmacist workforce. The insights into the current employment status and practice profile of pharmacists provide an understanding of the available clinical pharmacist workforce. What are the implications for practitioners? Previous workforce modelling may seriously overestimate the ‘available’ pharmacist workforce to meet the needs of the community as the health reform agenda rolls out. Strategies are needed to retain pharmacists within the pharmacy profession, and to attract and retain pharmacists in clinical roles.
Forging Model/World Relations: Relevance and Reliability
Authors: Peschard Isabelle
Published: November 2012

The relation between models and the world is mediated by experimental procedures generating data that are used as evidence to evaluate the model. Data can serve as empirical evidence, for or against, only if they result from reliable experimental procedures. The aim of this article is to discuss the role of relevance judgments in the evaluation of reliability and to clarify the conditions under which reliability can be a strictly empirical matter. It is argued that reliability is a strictly empirical issue only in the restricted case in which the claim under test/investigation is about a data-generating procedure.
Multilevel Lineages and Multidimensional Trees: The Levels of Lineage and Phylogeny Reconstruction
Authors: Haber Matthew H.
Published: November 2012

The relation among method, concept, and theory in science is complicated. I seek to shed light on that relation by considering an instance of it in systematics: the additional challenges phylogeneticists face when reconstructing phylogeny not at a single level but simultaneously at multiple levels of the hierarchy. How does this complicate the task of phylogenetic inference, and how might it inform and shape the conceptual foundations of phylogenetics? This offers a lens through which the interplay of method, theory, and concepts may be understood in systematics, which, in turn, provides data for a more general account.
Causation: Interactions between Philosophical Theories and Psychological Research
Authors: Woodward James
Published: November 2012

This article explores some ways in which philosophical theories of causation and empirical investigations into causal learning and judgment can mutually inform one another.
Power and Negative Results
Authors: Machery Edouard
Published: November 2012

The use of power to infer null hypotheses from negative results has recently come under severe attack. In this article, I show that the power of a test can justify accepting the null hypothesis. This argument also gives us a new powerful reason for not treatingp-values and power as measures of the strength of evidence.
Portable Causal Dependence: A Tale of Consilience
Authors: Hitchcock Christopher
Published: November 2012

This article describes research pursued by members of the McDonnell Collaborative on Causal Learning. A number of members independently converged on a similar idea: one of the central functions served by claims of actual causation is to highlight patterns of dependence that are highly portable into novel contexts. I describe in detail how this idea emerged in my own work and also in that of the psychologist Tania Lombrozo. In addition, I use the occasion to reflect on the nature of interdisciplinary collaboration in general and on the interaction between philosophy and psychology in particular.
The Elusive Basis of Inferential Robustness
Authors: Justus James
Published: November 2012

Robustness concepts are often invoked to manage two obstacles confronting models of ecological systems: complexity and uncertainty. The intuitive idea is that any result derived from many idealized but credible models is thereby made more reliable or is better confirmed. An appropriate basis for this inference has proven elusive. Here, several representations of robustness analysis are vetted, paying particular attention to complex models of ecosystems and the global climate. The claim that robustness is itself confirmatory because robustness analysis employs a Bayesian variety-of-evidence argument is criticized, but recent overwhelming pessimism about robustness may have a silver lining.
Detecting Themes and Variations: The Use of Cases in Developmental Biology
Authors: Ankeny Rachel A.
Published: November 2012

This article unpacks a particular use of ‘cases’ within developmental biology, namely as a means of describing the typical or canonical patterns of phenomena. The article explores how certain cases have come to be established within the field and argues that although they were initially selected for reasons of convenience or ease of experimental manipulation, these cases come to serve as key reference points within the field because of the epistemological structures imposed on them by the scientists using them and, hence, become usable in a wider variety of circumstances including future theory development.
“Author TBD”: Radical Collaboration in Contemporary Biomedical Research
Authors: Kukla Rebecca
Published: November 2012

Ghostwriting scandals are pervasive in industry-funded biomedical research, and most responses to them have presumed that they represent a sharp transgression of the norms of scientific authorship. I argue that in fact, ghostwriting represents a continuous extension of current socially accepted authorship practices. I claim that the radically collaborative, decentralized, interdisciplinary research that forms the gold standard in medicine is in an important sense unauthored, and that this poses a serious problem in applied social epistemology. It is no easy matter to find procedural or architectural solutions that can secure epistemic trust and accountability for collaborative publishing in biomedicine.
Demystifying Typicality
Authors: Frigg Roman , Werndl Charlotte
Published: November 2012

A gas prepared in a nonequilibrium state will approach equilibrium and stay there. An influential contemporary approach to statistical mechanics explains this behavior in terms of typicality. However, this explanation has been criticized as mysterious as long as no connection with the dynamics of the system is established. We take this criticism as our point of departure. Our central claim is that Hamiltonians of gases that are epsilon-ergodic are typical with respect to the Whitney topology. Because equilibrium states are typical, it follows that typical initial conditions approach equilibrium and stay there.
Spin-dependent six-fold symmetric anisotropic magnetoresistance in epitaxial magnetite films
Authors: Li Peng , Sun M Y , Jin C , Bai H L
Published: November 2012

Six-fold anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) was observed in epitaxial Fe3O4(1 1 1) films on conductive ZnO (0 0 0 1), while the current flowed perpendicularly to the film plane and the magnetic field rotated in the film plane, demonstrating the close relation between AMR and magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The spin injection efficiency of Fe3O4 films was modulated from 60% to 20% with increasing underlayer ZnO surface roughness through changing the sputtering pressure. Larger AMR is observed in epitaxial Fe3O4(1 1 1) films with higher spin injection efficiency. Under the induction of a magnetic field and magnetocrystalline anisotropic fields along the easy axis, it is supposed that the scattering of carriers by the noncollinear moments near antiphase boundaries is weaker for the films with higher spin injection efficiency.
Improved performance of top-emitting oxide-confined polyimide-planarized 980 nm VCSELs with copper-plated heat sinks
Authors: AL-Omari A N , Alias M S , Ababneh A , Lear K L
Published: November 2012

Top-emitting, oxide-confined, copper-plated 980 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with improved performance were fabricated and characterized. Annular copper-plated heat sinks reduced the device's thermal resistance and increased the output optical power and the bias current density at which the output optical power saturates. Increasing the plated heat sink radii from 0 to 8 µm greater than the mesa diameter for VCSELs with 26 µm mesa diameter and 8 µm active area diameter reduced the measured thermal resistance by 65% and increased the bias current density at which the output optical power saturates by 62%, which increased the maximum output optical power achieved by 162%. VCSELs with active area diameter and heat sink overlap of 8 µm demonstrated ∼64% decrease in active region temperature at the maximum output optical power compared with devices with no heat sink overlap. A 29% improvement in the devices' modulation bandwidth was calculated due to reduced temperature and increased power. Devices with identical mesa diameters of 26 µm and different heat sink overlaps exhibited a threshold current density and a total series resistance of (1.25 ± 4%) kA cm−2 and ∼95 Ω, respectively. Simple VCSEL L–I and thermal models were used to simulate the VCSEL's L–I performance at elevated ambient temperatures. Good agreement between measured and simulated characteristics was obtained. Detailed protocols for critical fabrication steps are presented.
Interface and transport properties of GaN/graphene junction in GaN-based LEDs
Authors: Wang Liancheng , Zhang Yiyun , Li Xiao , Liu Zhiqiang , Guo Enqing , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Junxi , Zhu Hongwei , Wang Guohong
Published: November 2012

A normalized circular transmission line method pattern with uniform interface area was developed to obtain contact resistances of p-, u-, n-GaN/graphene contacts (p, u and n represent p-type doped, unintentionally doped and n-type doped, respectively) and N-polar u-, n-GaN/graphene contacts in GaN-based LEDs. The resistances of the graphene/GaN contacts were mainly determined by the work function gap and the carrier concentration in GaN. Annealing caused diffusion of metal atoms and significantly influenced the interface transport properties.
Sputtering yields and surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by low-energy Ar+/

ion bombardment with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photon irradiation
Authors: Yoshimura Satoru , Tsukazaki Yasuhiro , Kiuchi Masato , Sugimoto Satoshi , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: November 2012

Sputtering yields and surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by mono-energetic ion beams and/or vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light are studied with the use of a low-energy mass-selected ion beam system. Sputtering yields of PMMA by Ar+ or

ion beams are obtained as functions of ion incident energy below 500 eV. It is found that surface modification of PMMA due to

ion incidence is limited to the region near the film surface, whereas that due to Ar+ ion incidence is seen in a relatively deeper region of the film, where PMMA is partially carbonized and diamond-like carbon (DLC) is formed. Under the conditions of incident energies and fluxes of ion and VUV light used in the experiments, the sputtering yield of PMMA by simultaneous incidence of VUV light and

ions is found to be nearly equal to the sum of the yields by separate incidences of VUV light and

ions. Some of the etching characteristics observed in this study (such as DLC formation by ion sputtering) may be shared by a wide range of organic polymers that have main chain structures similar to those of PMMA.
Application of Vector Autoregression to Dynamic Relationships within the U.S. Dairy Sector
Authors: Haden Kimberly L. , VanTassell Larry W.
Published: November 2012

Numerous studies have econometrically analyzed the dairy sector and effects of alternative dairy policies. While many of these studies have included dynamic aspects, often strict a priori assumptions have been made concerning which variables enter each equation and the lag length or the structure of the lags. Vector autoregression is a dynamic multiequation technique that places few a priori restrictions on the system of relationships. This study attempts to analyze several of the dynamic relationships in the dairy sector utilizing a vector autoregression.
New York Milk Supply with Bovine Growth Hormone
Authors: Magrath William B. , Tauer Loren W.
Published: November 2012

New York milk supply functions with and without bovine growth hormone (somatotropin) were estimated by a sector linear programming model. High government price supports make bGH profitable and induce significant increases in output. Reduction or elimination of price supports greatly diminishes bGH as a viable technology except with high‐producing herds or at low bGH prices.
1986 Tax Reform and Dairy Farm Businesses
Authors: LaDue Eddy , Casler George , Conrad Jeffrey
Published: November 2012

The 1985 tax data for 120 dairy farm businesses was used to determine the effects of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 on taxes paid by dairy farmers. Taxes before credits peak in 1991 without capitalization and in 1987 with capitalization of pre‐productive expenses. Carryover of investment tax credit limits tax increases for a few years, particularly for middle income dairymen. Modification of the ratio of regular depreciable to capitalizable property caused by changes in culling rates can alter the optimal capitalization election decision. In the long run, average taxes will increase about 170 percent.
Potential Impact of Biological Nitrogen Fixation: The Case of Corn
Authors: Halbrendt Catherine , Blase Melvin
Published: November 2012

With the discovery of gene‐splicing technique and advances in biotechnology, biological nitrogen fixation in corn could occur. This study evaluates the impact of BNF on U.S. nitrogen fertilizer demand and corn‐planted acreage. An econometric model was constructed. Three substitutive levels of 25, 33 and 50 percent reduction of current application rates were examined. The results showed a decrease of 18, 25 and 36 percent of nitrogen fertilizer demand and about 1 percent in acreage planted as a result of lower production costs.
Economic Impacts of Porcine Somatotropin on Midwest Hog Producers
Authors: Lemieux Catharine M. , Richardson James W.
Published: November 2012

Porcine Somatotropin (PST) administered to feeder pigs has been shown to increase feed efficiency, ratio of lean meat to carcass weight, and market weight. Three representative grain‐hog farms in the Midwest were simulated for five years to estimate the economic incentives for adopting PST. Larger‐scale operations garnered greater increases in income from PST adoption than small‐ and medium‐scale operations that adopted PST. Without a carcass merit premium, however, the economic benefits from adoption are merely sufficient to cover the costs of adoption.
Farm Characteristics and Business Risk in Production Agriculture
Authors: Schurle Bryan , Tholstrup Mike
Published: November 2012

This article uses historical farm level data to investigate relationships between business risk and farm characteristics. Farm characteristics examined are the enterprise mix, farm size, location of the farm, age of the operator, financial obligation of the farm, machinery investment, government program payments and a measure of returns to the operation. Many of these variables are significantly related to business risk, which suggests several possibilities for future research.
Effects of the 1986 Tax Reform Act on Grain Marketing Decisions: A Case Study of Winter Wheat Producers
Authors: Tronstad Russell , Taylor C. Robert
Published: November 2012

Dynamic programming is utilized to derive an optimal monthly marketing‐storage decision rule for winter wheat. Tax years before (1986) and after (1987 and 1988) the 1986 Tax Reform Act are analyzed in conjunction with the state variables of grain price, storage and before‐tax income. In general, results indicate that it is better for producers to store less winter wheat now than before passage of the 1986 Tax Reform Act. This is especially true for winter wheat prices between $2.75 and $3.75 per bushel.
The Economic Damages of Groundwater Contamination in Small Rural Communities: An Application to Nitrates
Authors: Walker David R. , Hoehn John P.
Published: November 2012

Procedures are developed for estimating the economic damages imposed on small rural communities when groundwater becomes contaminated. Net economic damages are the sum of producer and consumer surplus. In the case of nitrate contamination, annual damages for communities typical of rural Michigan range from $40 to $330 per household. Damage levels within this range depend on nitrate level, average household income, community size, climatic characteristics, and the selected treatment alternative.
Third World Debt and Wheat Imports: An Analysis for Selected Countries
Authors: Stiegert Kyle , Azzam Azzeddine
Published: November 2012

Questions have been raised recently concerning the potential threat of a reduced ability to import in nations where external debt is rapidly increasing. The central purpose of this paper is to explore to what extent external debt is having on LDC wheat imports. A model, which allows for increasing government intervention as the capacity to import decreases, was tested using time series data (1970–1985) for six wheat importing nations.
Management Information Systems: Impact on Dairy Farm Profitability
Authors: Lazarus William F. , Streeter Deborah , Jofre-Giraudo Eduardo
Published: November 2012

Seven of 196 New York dairy farms used on‐farm computers for accounting in 1984, rising to twenty‐three in 1987. A regression of net farm income per cow on computer use, years computer experience and other variables showed income increasing the first year of computer use, dropping and rising again by year four.