bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of Thin‐Film Silicon Photovoltaic Technologies in SANYO
Authors: Aya Y. , Shinohara W. , Matsumoto M. , Murata K. , Kunii T. , Nakagawa M. , Terakawa A. , Tanaka M.
Published: April 2011

Methods to achieve a good balance among a high conversion efficiency, a large panel size and a high deposition rate of µc‐Si:H for mass production are shown here. For this purpose, an original technology called the Localized Plasma Confinement CVD (LPC‐CVD) method is investigated. Using know‐how from this method, an amorphous silicon/microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) solar panel, whose size is Gen. 5.5 (1100 mm × 1400 mm) and whose µc‐Si:H deposition rate is 2.4 nm/s, with a conversion efficiency of 11.1% (Voc = 161.7 V, Isc = 1.46 A, FF = 72.4%, Pmax = 171 W) is obtained. It is also experimentally confirmed that the value is equivalent to 10.0% of stabilized efficiency. Various reliability tests that conform to IEC standards have been performed for solar modules. It has been shown that the solar modules adapt to the major categories of IEC standards. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic evaluation of alternating CID and ETD fragmentation for phosphorylated peptides
Authors: Kim Min‐Sik , Zhong Jun , Kandasamy Kumaran , Delanghe Bernard , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: April 2011

CID has become a routine method for fragmentation of peptides in shotgun proteomics, whereas electron transfer dissociation (ETD) has been described as a preferred method for peptides carrying labile PTMs. Though both of these fragmentation techniques have their obvious advantages, they also have their own drawbacks. By combining data from CID and ETD fragmentation, some of these disadvantages can potentially be overcome because of the complementarity of fragment ions produced. To evaluate alternating CID and ETD fragmentation, we analyzed a complex mixture of phosphopeptides on an LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. When the CID and ETD‐derived spectra were searched separately, we observed 2504, 491, 2584, and 3249 phosphopeptide‐spectrum matches from CID alone, ETD alone, decision tree‐based CID/ETD, and alternating CID and ETD, respectively. Combining CID and ETD spectra prior to database searching should, intuitively, be superior to either method alone. However, when spectra from the alternating CID and ETD method were merged prior to database searching, we observed a reduction in the number of phosphopeptide‐spectrum matches. The poorer identification rates observed after merging CID and ETD spectra are a reflection of a lack of optimized search algorithms for carrying out such searches and perhaps inherent weaknesses of this approach. Thus, although alternating CID and ETD experiments for phosphopeptide identification are desirable for increasing the confidence of identifications, merging spectra prior to database search has to be carefully evaluated further in the context of the various algorithms before adopting it as a routine strategy.
Proteomics analysis of Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705 growing on glucose, fructose, mannose, xylose, ribose, and galactose
Authors: Liu Dawei , Wang Shuai , Xu Bin , Guo Yanghong , Zhao Jiangli , Liu Wei , Sun Zhongke , Shao Changlin , Wei Xiao , Jiang Zheng , Wang Xuesong , Liu Feng , Wang Jie , Huang Liuyu , Hu Darong , He Xiang , Riedel Christian U. , Yuan Jing
Published: April 2011

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying carbohydrate uptake and connected metabolic pathways of Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705, the proteomic profiles of bacteria grown on different carbon sources including glucose, fructose, mannose, xylose, ribose, and galactose were analyzed. Our results show that all sugars tested were catabolized via the bifid shunt. Sixty‐eight proteins that exhibited changes in abundance of threefold or greater were identified by MS. A striking observation was the differential expression of proteins related to the pyruvate metabolism. Further analysis of acetic acid and lactic acid in the culture supernatants by HPLC at the end of fermentation showed that more lactic acid was produced during growth on fructose, ribose, xylose, galactose and more acetic acid was produced during the fermentation of glucose and mannose. Growth experiments revealed that B. longum NCC2705 preferentially used fructose, ribose, xylose, and galactose with higher growth rates over glucose and mannose. Furthermore, five proteins (GroEL, Eno, Tal, Pgm, and BL0033) exhibited clear phosphorylation modifications at serine and/or tyrosine residues. BL0033, a component of an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter, was significantly more abundant in bacteria grown on fructose and, to a lesser extent, ribose and xylose. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that all genes of the ABC transporter are induced in the presence of these sugars suggesting that BL0033, BL0034, BL0035, and BL0036 constitute an ABC transporter with fructose as preferred substrate.
Practical issues with marginally explosible dusts—evaluating the real hazard
Authors: Rodgers Samuel A. , Ural Erdem A.
Published: April 2011

A combustible dust can be nonexplosible, marginally explosible, or severely explosible. With the exception of a few standards with a quantitative perspective (such as NFPA 68), most safety standards and regulations do not differentiate marginally explosible dusts from severely explosible dusts. As a result, a marginally explosible dust triggers the same legal and technical burden on the users as a severely explosible dust does. The issue is further complicated owing to the fact that the standard explosibility test method is inherently inaccurate when it comes to marginally explosible dusts. This article demonstrates that OSHA tests can classify nonexplosible dusts erroneously as explosible.

This article reviews the state of the art on this topic and provides a comparison of internationally recognized explosibility/combustibility evaluation test methods with those currently used by OSHA. It also highlights the changes originally proposed for the NFPA‐654, 2011 edition, which will be further considered as the document has been returned to committee for review, as well as proposals for the NFPA‐499, 2012 edition. These new approaches are intended to resolve some of the common issues in the codes and standards pertaining to life safety, property conservation, and electrical area classification. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011.
Inclined misfit dislocations in a film/substrate system
Authors: Neily Salem , Youssef Sami , Gutakovskii Anton , Bonnet Roland
Published: April 2011

The quantitative study by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of crystalline defects in ultra‐thin film deposited on a substrate system is often complicated by the elastic interactions between short dislocation segments and the free surface of the film. It is shown, in the frame of isotropic elasticity and two‐beam dark‐field TEM, how to tackle the quantitative identification of short inclined segments of misfit dislocations located at a few tens of nanometers below a free surface. The method, which uses repeatedly the concept of angular dislocation, is applied to some defects observed in a GeSi film deposited on a surface slightly deviating from a (0 0 1) silicon surface.
First‐principles study of structural stability and elastic properties of the ordered Si0.5Ge0.5 alloy under high pressure
Authors: Hao Aimin , Zhang Lixin , Gao Zhongming , Zhu Yan , Riping Liu
Published: April 2011

An investigation on electronic and elastic properties of the ordered Si0.5Ge0.5 alloy under high pressure has been conducted using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) with the plane wave basis set as implemented in the CASTEP code. Our results demonstrate that the sequence of the pressure‐induced structure transition of the ordered Si0.5Ge0.5 alloy is from the Fd3m (Si0.5Ge0.5‐I) to I41/amd (Si0.5Ge0.5‐II) phase. The calculated lattice constants and transition pressures are reported, which are in good agreement with the available experimental results and the previous theoretical data. The elastic constants and anisotropy as a function of pressure are presented.
Large multiple resonance of magnetoelectric effect in a multiferroic composite cylinder with an imperfect interface
Authors: Wang H. M. , Pan E. , Chen W. Q.
Published: April 2011

The magnetoelectric (ME) effect in a bilayered piezoelectric/piezomagnetic cylinder with an imperfect interface under harmonic excitation is solved analytically. We show that while the interface imperfection would always reduce the static ME effect, the imperfect interface could play a significant positive role in enhancing the ME effect in the frequency domain >100 kHz. Combining with the curvature of the cylinder and the mechanical boundary conditions, we further demonstrate that it is possible to excite large ME effect at double and even multiple resonance frequencies, a unique feature which should be important to various microwave devices, such as antennas.
Criticality of metal resources for functional materials used in electronics and microelectronics
Authors: Reller Armin
Published: April 2011

In microelectronic devices a multitude of essential, indispensable metals is functionalized. Many of these metals are scarce and rather often only mined as by‐products of base metals. For the industry but also for the development of new technologies this situation can evoke serious restrictions. In order to foresee, validate and minimize such risks a criticality concept is described. In this concept quantitative and qualitative criteria like scarcity, geo‐political restrictions, economic availability, efficiency, recyclability, potential dissipation, social and cultural factors, ecologic impacts, etc. are considered in order to define a reliable, sustainable and responsible implementation of strategic functional metals and materials into technical systems. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Chinese Herbal Decoction, Danggui Buxue Tang, Improves Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Induced by Food Restriction and Forced Swimming in Rats
Authors: Liu Ya , Zhang Hai‐Gang , Li Xiao‐Hui
Published: April 2011

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction that contains Radix Angelicae sinensis (Danggui) and Radix Astragali (Huangqi) at a ratio of 1:5, is used commonly for treating women's ailments. The present study explored the effects of this preparation on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Rats were subjected to a combination of food restriction and forced swimming to induce CFS, and rats were gavaged once daily with either 12 or 24 g/kg DBT for 28 days. Body weights, T‐cell subset counts, 3H‐TdR incorporation measurements and mRNA levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, NF‐кB, p38MAPK and JNK were determined on days 14 and 28. The swimming endurance capacity was measured on day 28. Rats that received DBT exhibited increased body weight and endurance capacity, corrected T cell subsets counts, increased 3H‐TdR incorporation and decreased mRNA levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, NF‐кB, p38MAPK and JNK compared with rats that did not receive DBT. The results indicate that DBT can ameliorate CFS through immune modulation and may act to normalize cytokines and their related signaling pathways. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Column generation for a UAV assignment problem with precedence constraints
Authors: Casbeer David W. , Holsapple Raymond W.
Published: April 2011

We apply column generation with branch‐and‐price optimization to a multi‐target, multi‐task assignment problem, with precedence constraints. Column generation transforms the nonlinear program with separable costs and constraints into a linear program. This reformulation divides the original problem into a number of smaller problems, where one of these smaller problems accounts for the coupling constraints between agents and must be known by every agent. All other divisions consider local constraints affecting only one agent; these smaller problems are known by only one corresponding agent. Because of this reformulation, the assignment problem can be solved in a distributed manner. A theorem is proven which details the central analytical result of the paper, allowing a nonlinear program to be reformulated as a linear program. Simulation results for a multi‐target, single‐task assignment problem, as well as a multi‐target, multi‐task assignment problem with precedence constraints are presented. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Error‐constrained finite‐horizon tracking control with incomplete measurements and bounded noises
Authors: Wei Guoliang , Wang Zidong , Shen Bo
Published: April 2011

This paper is concerned with the finite‐horizon tracking control problem for discrete nonlinear time‐varying systems with state delays, bounded noises and incomplete measurement output. The exogenous bounded noises are unknown and confined to specified ellipsoidal sets. A deterministic measurement output model is proposed to account for the incomplete data transmission phenomenon caused by possible sensor aging or failures. The aim of the addressed tracking control problem is to develop an observer‐based control over a finite‐horizon such that, for the admissible time delays, nonlinearities and bounded noises, both the quadratic tracking error and the estimation error are not more than certain upper bounds that are minimized at every time step. A recursive linear matrix inequality approach is used to solve the problem addressed. The observer and controller parameters are characterized in terms of the solution to a convex optimization problem that can be easily solved by using the semi‐definite programme method. A simulation example is exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POTENTIAL FOR VEGETATION‐BASED RIVER MANAGEMENT IN DRYLAND, SALINE CATCHMENTS
Authors: Callow J. N.
Published: April 2011

The approaches used to manage rivers have been developed and adapted to many different problems and settings. Because of their relatively low cost, vegetation‐based approaches implemented at the reach, landholder and catchment scales have become the foundation for river management in most landscapes. In many dryland agricultural catchments, secondary (anthropogenic) salinity caused by clearing native vegetation has resulted in rising saline groundwater, streamflow salinity values that exceed seawater and severe the degradation of riparian vegetation communities. The potential effectiveness of vegetation‐based strategies in these landscapes remains largely unknown, yet these strategies are still widely pursued.

This study initially investigated the patterns of vegetation recovery and recolonization following a large flood in a saline river that disturbed the system. A conceptual model was developed to describe spatial patterns of where different vegetation types had regrown and recovered in relation to controls exerted by streamflow salinity, surface texture characteristics, topography and reach morphology. Using this model, vegetation‐based river management options for different reaches were developed, and their potential effectiveness in stabilizing reaches was investigated using a 1‐D hydraulic modelling approach. This study finds that in a dryland catchment with high stream salinity (20 000–93 000 mg L−1), there is still a strong potential for successful vegetation‐based management, but only in selected reaches. Results showed that changes in stream power and channel velocity were not associated with the areas of most severe vegetation degradation. Rather, there is a complex interplay between channel morphology, channel slope and places of potential vegetation growth within a reach. This paper outlines an approach to evaluate the potential success of vegetation‐based river management in saline landscapes. It identifies the need to prioritize investment based on the following: an understanding of factors controlling revegetation potential, the likely impact of revegetation in mitigating adverse channel changes and the proximity of reaches to high‐value infrastructure and biodiversity assets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiparametric regression models for detecting effect modification in matched case‐crossover studies
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Cheong Hae‐Kwan , Kim Ho
Published: April 2011

In matched case‐crossover studies, it is generally accepted that covariates on which a case and associated controls are matched cannot exert a confounding effect on independent predictors included in the conditional logistic regression model because any stratum effect is removed by the conditioning on the fixed number of sets of a case and controls in the stratum. Hence, the conditional logistic regression model is not able to detect any effects associated with the matching covariates by stratum. In addition, the matching covariates may be effect modification and the methods for assessing and characterizing effect modification by matching covariates are quite limited. In this article, we propose a unified approach in its ability to detect both parametric and nonparametric relationships between the predictor and the relative risk of disease or binary outcome, as well as potential effect modifications by matching covariates. Two methods are developed using two semiparametric models: (1) the regression spline varying coefficients model and (2) the regression spline interaction model. Simulation results show that the two approaches are comparable. These methods can be used in any matched case‐control study and extend to multilevel effect modification studies. We demonstrate the advantage of our approach using an epidemiological example of a 1–4 bi‐directional case‐crossover study of childhood aseptic meningitis associated with drinking water turbidity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the aerodynamics of a high solidity, small‐scale vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: McLaren K. , Tullis S. , Ziada S.
Published: April 2011

A computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed for a small‐scale, high solidity (σ = 0.48) H‐type Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine. Two‐dimensional unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved for the turbine numerical model, which has a large stationary domain and smaller rotating subdomain connected by a sliding mesh interface. The simulation results were first validated against steady‐state airfoil data. The model was then used to solve for three rotating blades with constant ambient flow velocity (Re = 360,000) over numerous blade speed ratios. The high solidity and the associated low blade speed ratio and rotational speed of the turbine result in complex flow–blade interaction mechanisms. These include dynamic stall resulting in vortex shedding, vortex impingement on the source blade and significant flow momentum extraction causing reduced power production from the downstream blade pass. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suicidal ideation in adolescence: Examining the role of recent adverse experiences
Authors: Thompson Richard , Proctor Laura J. , English Diana J. , Dubowitz Howard , Narasimhan Subasri , Everson Mark D.
Published: April 2011

Although there is a well‐known link between adverse experiences and suicidal ideation, there has been little study of the effects of recent adverse experiences on suicidal ideation in teenagers. This study examined the association between recent adverse experiences and suicidal ideation in a sample of 740 at‐risk 16‐year‐old youth in the LONGSCAN studies, as well as potential mediators. 8.9% of the youth reported suicidal ideation. Recent adverse experiences, as a class, were associated with suicidal ideation; both recent physical abuse and recent psychological maltreatment were uniquely associated with suicidal ideation. The links between recent adverse experiences and suicidal ideation were significantly mediated by psychological distress. There were also significant main effect associations between both internalizing behavioral problems and low positive achievement expectations and suicidal ideation. Recent adverse experiences are important in understanding suicidal ideation in high risk youth.
SUMOylation and de‐SUMOylation in response to DNA damage
Authors: Dou Hong , Huang Chao , Van Nguyen Thang , Lu Long-Sheng , Yeh Edward T.H.
Published: April 2011

To maintain genomic integrity, a cell must utilize multiple mechanisms to protect its DNA from the damage generated by environmental agents or DNA metabolism. SUMO (small ubiquitin‐like modifier) can regulate protein stability, protein cellular location, and protein–protein interactions. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the roles of SUMOylation and de‐SUMOylation in DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair with a specific focus on the role of RPA SUMOylation in homologous recombination (HR).
Post‐translational timing mechanisms of the Drosophila circadian clock
Authors: Weber Frank , Zorn Daniela , Rademacher Christoph , Hung Hsiu-Cheng
Published: April 2011

Circadian clocks allow a temporal coordination and segregation of physiological, metabolic, and behavioural processes as well as their synchronization with the environmental cycles of day and night. Circadian regulation thereby provides a vital advantage, improving an organisms’ adaptation to its environment. The molecular clock can be synchronized with environmental cycles of day and night, but is able to maintain a self‐sustained molecular oscillation also in the absence of environmental stimuli. Interlocked transcriptional‐translational feedback loops were shown to form the basis of circadian clock function in all phyla from bacteria, fungi, plants, insects to humans. More recently post‐translational regulation was identified to be equally important, if not sufficient for molecular clock function and accurate timing of circadian transcription. Here we review recent insights into post‐translational timing mechanisms that control the circadian clock, with a particular focus on Drosophila. Analogous to transcriptional feedback regulation, circadian clock function in Drosophila appears to rely on inter‐connected post‐translational timers. Post‐translational regulation of clock proteins illustrates mechanisms that allow a precise temporal control of transcription factors in general and of circadian transcription in particular.
Experiences and needs of Nigerian women after stillbirth
Authors: Kuti Oluwafemi , Ilesanmi Clara E.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To determine the type of care that Nigerian women would find useful after stillbirth.

Methods

Between January and June 2009, the study consecutively enrolled women attending the prenatal clinic of Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria, who had previously had a stillborn infant. The women were asked whether they had been offered any of the following recommended care procedures: (1) see the infant; (2) hold the infant; (3) obtain mementoes; (4) name the infant; or (5) autopsy. They were also asked which of these procedures they found helpful in coping with their loss. Data were collected via an interviewer‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Of the 45 women interviewed, 24 (53.3%) were given the opportunity to see the body of their infant. None was given the opportunity to hold, take pictures, or name the infant. Thirty (66.7%) wished they had seen their infant, and 8 (17.8%) and 2 (4.4%) wished that they could have held and taken photographs of their infant, respectively. Only 7 (31.82%) women had fully recovered within 3 years of stillbirth.

Conclusion

Contrary to general beliefs, most women wished to see the body of their stillborn infant and many desired to hold them.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization versus systemic methotrexate for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Li Chunhai , Li Caixia , Feng Danjun , Jia Chunling , Liu Bin , Zhan Xinfeng
Published: April 2011

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness/safety of systemic methotrexate (MTX) treatment versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using different embolic agents for termination of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

Women with CSP were randomized to receive intravenous infusion of MTX (group 1, n = 13), or chemoembolization with MTX and either gelatin sponge (GS; group 2, n = 15) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; group 3, n = 16) particles. Uterine suction curettage followed all procedures. Bleeding volume, time until resolution of serum β‐hCG, and length of hospital stay were recorded as outcome endpoints.

Results

Bleeding volume was smaller in groups 2 (mean ± SD, 73 ± 20 mL) and 3 (63 ± 22 mL) than in group 1 (952 ± 471 mL) (P < 0.001). Time until resolution of β‐hCG was shorter in groups 2 (29 ± 16 days) and 3 (30 ± 19 days) than in group 1 (57 ± 25 days) (P < 0.01). Length of hospital stay was shorter in groups 2 (13 ± 4 days) and 3 (12 ± 3 days) than in group 1 (36 ± 8 days) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was more effective than systemic MTX treatment for termination of CSP. Large cohort studies are warranted to compare effectiveness between PVA and GS particles.
Community‐based stillbirth rates and risk factors in rural Sarlahi, Nepal
Authors: Lee Anne C. , Mullany Luke C. , Tielsch James M. , Katz Joanne , Khatry Subarna K. , LeClerq Steven C. , Adhikari Ramesh K. , Darmstadt Gary L.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To assess stillbirth rates and antepartum risk factors in rural Nepal.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively during a cluster‐randomized, community‐based trial in Sarlahi, Nepal, from 2002 to 2006. Multivariate regression modeling was performed to calculate adjusted relative risk estimates.

Results

Among 24 531 births, the stillbirth rate was 35.4 per 1000 births (term stillbirth rate 21.2 per 1000 births). Most births occurred at home without a skilled birth attendant. The majority (69%) of intrapartum maternal deaths resulted in stillbirth. The adjusted RR (aRR) of stillbirth was 2.74 among nulliparas and 1.47 among mothers with history of a child death. Mothers above the age of 30 years carried a 1.59‐fold higher risk for stillbirth than mothers who were 20–24 years old. The stillbirth risk was lower among households where the father had any formal education (aRR 0.70). Land ownership (aRR 0.85) and Pahadi ethnicity (aRR 0.67; reference: Madhesi ethnicity) were associated with significantly lower risks of stillbirth.

Conclusion

Stillbirth rates were high in rural Nepal, with the majority of stillbirths occurring at full‐term gestation. Nulliparity, history of prior child loss, maternal age above 30 years, Madhesi ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantage were significant risk factors for stillbirth.

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00 109616
Comparison of the efficacy and adverse effects of nifedipine and indomethacin for the treatment of preterm labor
Authors: Kashanian Maryam , Bahasadri Shohreh , Zolali Bita
Published: April 2011

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of nifedipine versus indomethacin in the treatment of preterm labor.

Methods

In a randomized clinical trial, 79 women with labor pain at 26–33 weeks of gestation were treated with either oral nifedipine (n = 40) or rectal indomethacin (n = 39).

Results

Twenty‐three (59%) women in the indomethacin group, and 10 (25%) in the nifedipine group did not respond to treatment (P = 0.002). None of the 16 and 30 women remaining in the indomethacin and nifedipine groups, respectively, delivered during the subsequent 48 hours. Of these remaining women, 1 (6.25%) in the indomethacin group and 4 (13.3%) in the nifedipine group delivered between 48 hours and 7 days (P = 0.162). For the women who responded to treatment, the mean gestational age at time of delivery was 238.5 ± 19.4 days and 246.4 ± 15.4 days in the nifedipine and indomethacin groups, respectively (P = 0.182). Seventeen (42.5%) women in the nifedipine group, and 11 (28.2%) in the indomethacin group showed adverse effects (P = 0.184).

Conclusion

Indomethacin was less effective than nifedipine for the fast treatment of preterm labor. For women who responded to treatment within 2 hours, however, the delaying of delivery by indomethacin was similar to that by nifedipine.
A survey of providers’ knowledge, opinions, and practices regarding induced abortion in Jamaica
Authors: Fletcher Horace , Gordon‐Strachan Georgiana , McFarlane Shelly , Hamilton Pansy , Frederick Joseph
Published: April 2011

Objective

To determine the stance of providers in Jamaica regarding the suggested change in abortion law and proposal to train providers.

Methods

A face‐to‐face anonymous survey of 35 obstetrician‐gynecologists (Obs) and 228 general practitioners (GPs) in Kingston was used to assess knowledge, opinions and practice.

Results

Demand for abortion was high: 94.7% of GPs and 100% of Obs had been asked to perform an abortion. Although 50.7% of GPs and 70.6% of Obs had performed abortions, 81.2% and 88.6%, respectively, had referred women to another provider. Training was more likely for Obs (65.7% versus 52.2%; P < 0.001). Patient assessment was appropriate, but written guidelines, counseling, and social services referral were uncommon. More Obs knew the laws (62.9% versus 42.5%; P = 0.052). Most participants did not agree to abortion under any circumstance, but only 25.3% had moral or religious objections, and only 9.4% refused to perform abortions because they were illegal. Most providers felt that abortions should be made more accessible, and almost all felt that abortions should be performed only by Obs.

Conclusion

Demand for abortions is high in Jamaica, but many doctors refer clients to another provider. Patient assessment is good, but support services need improvement.
Effect on ovarian reserve of laparoscopic bipolar electrocoagulation versus laparotomic hemostatic sutures during unilateral ovarian cystectomy
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed L. , Nouh Amal A. , El‐Behery Manal M. , Mansour Shymaa A.E.‐A.
Published: April 2011

Objective

To compare the effects of laparoscopic bipolar electrocoagulation with laparotomic hemostatic suturing during unilateral ovarian cystectomy on the ovarian reserve.

Methods

A prospective randomized trial was conducted on 59 women with unilateral benign ovarian cysts who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy by a stripping technique (n = 30) or open laparotomy with hemostatic suturing (n = 29). Serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian stromal peak systolic velocity (PSV) at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative cycle were used to assess the ovarian reserve.

Results

Preoperative AMH levels did not differ significantly (P = 0.18) between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. In the laparoscopy group, there was a significant decrease in AMH levels, AFC, and PSV at the 3rd and 6th postoperative cycles compared with the 1st postoperative cycle, with an insignificant decrease between the 3rd and 6th cycles. In the laparotomy group, nonsignificant decreases in AMH levels, AFC, and PSV were detected at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative cycle and between the 3rd and 6th cycles.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is associated with a significant reduction in ovarian reserve. This is a consequence of damage to the ovarian vascularity and the removal of an increased amount of ovarian tissue.
The dynamics of consumer behavior: A goal systemic perspective
Authors: Kopetz Catalina E. , Kruglanski Arie W. , Arens Zachary G. , Etkin Jordan , Johnson Heather M.
Published: April 2011

Like most behavior, consumer behavior too is goal driven. In turn, goals constitute cognitive constructs that can be chronically active as well as primed by features of the environment. Goal systems theory outlines the principles that characterize the dynamics of goal pursuit and explores their implications for consumer behavior. In this vein, we discuss from a common, goal systemic, perspective a variety of well known phenomena in the realm of consumer behavior including brand loyalty, variety seeking, impulsive buying, preferences, choices and regret. The goal systemic perspective affords guidelines for subsequent research on the dynamic aspects of consummatory behavior as well as offering insights into practical matters in the area of marketing.
Status and relationships in social dilemmas of teams
Authors: Wu Yaozhong , Loch Christoph , Ahmad Ghufran
Published: April 2011

A social dilemma occurs when it is optimal for each member of a team to act in his own interest but, if all participants do so, everyone is worse‐off than if they had done otherwise. Social dilemmas are often observed in operational processes involving teamwork, such as developing new products or implementing total quality programs. The extent to which an employee cooperates with others is driven not only by material incentives but also by social preferences: individuals have an interest in the welfare of others as well as their own. Two known social preferences are status and relationship maintenance. Multiple studies have shown that status seeking leads team members to compete more whereas relationship building leads them to cooperate more. The question remains of whether these two preferences can coexist and complement one another (as when status seeking triggers effort and relationship building encourages cooperation) or whether they are at odds. In this experimental study we demonstrate that these two social preferences hinder one another: status reduces the collaboration benefit from relationships, and increases only individual, but not collaborative, effort. These results suggest that managerial interventions that promote status seeking and relationship building behavior cannot easily be used simultaneously when motivating teams to perform in situations involving social dilemmas.
Ogilvie's syndrome‐related right colon perforation after cesarean section: A case series
Authors: Shakir Ali Jabbir , Sajid Muhammad Shafique , Kianifard Babak , Baig Mirza Khurrum
Published: April 2011

The objective of this article is to discuss and report three cases of right colon perforation secondary to postcesarean Ogilvie's syndrome (OS; colonic pseudo‐obstruction) requiring right hemicolectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of three patients who underwent caesarean section and postoperatively developed OS. OS is an uncommon problem in patients undergoing caesarean section. Abdominal X‐ray and water‐soluble contrast enema are the main diagnostic modalities. Drip‐suck therapy along with endoscopic or pharmacological decompression should be performed in early stages. In a significant percentage of patients, diagnosis is delayed resulting in bowel ischemia and perforation requiring surgical resection and adding significant mortality/morbidity. We recommend our obstetric colleagues to involve surgical team in earlier stages to avoid surgery‐related mortality and morbidity. We also advocate general surgeons to be aware of OS in patients after caesarean section and recommend a stepwise systematic approach toward the diagnosis and management of OS.
Using social capital to organise for success? A case study of public–private interface in the UK Highways Agency
Authors: Johnson Noel , Elliott Dominic
Published: April 2011

Drawing from a social capital perspective, this paper explores sources of organisational resilience within a public–private partnership. Responding to persistent poor performance the UK Highways Agency, responsible for maintaining and developing the national road infrastructure introduced a collaborative approach to supplier management and engagement. Drawing from a case study of the Construction Management Framework (CMF), it is argued that the development of structural, cognitive and relational elements of social capital provides a fertile context for the emergence of organisational resilience. The CMF achieved significant performance improvement, adapting itself to the changing needs of the Highways Agency, and found ways to capture and use innovation, and provides an example of effective Business Continuity Management (BCM) practice in identifying and responding to threats and in building organisational resilience, safeguarding the interests of key stakeholders and value-creating activities.
The Campanian Ignimbrite (Y5) tephra at Crvena Stijena Rockshelter, Montenegro
Authors: Morley Mike W. , Woodward Jamie C.
Published: April 2011

Clearly defined distal tephras are rare in rockshelter sediment records. Crvena Stijena, a Palaeolithic site in Montenegro, contains one of the longest (> 20 m) rockshelter sediment records in Europe with deposits ranging in age from Middle Pleistocene to mid-Holocene. A distinctive tephra is clearly exposed within the well stratified record approximately 6.5 m below the present land surface. We present geochemical data to confirm that this tephra is a distal equivalent of the Campanian Ignimbrite deposits and a product of the largest Late Pleistocene eruption in Europe. Originating in the Campanian volcanic province of southwest Italy, this tephra has been independently dated to 39.3 ka. It is a highly significant chronostratigraphic marker for southern Europe. Macrostratigraphic and microstratigraphic observations, allied with detailed particle size data, show that the tephra layer is in a primary depositional context and was transported into the rockshelter by aeolian processes. This site is unique because the tephra forms an abrupt boundary between the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic records. Before they can be used as chronostratigraphic markers in rockshelter and cave-mouth environments, it is essential to establish the stratigraphic integrity of distal tephras and the mechanisms and pathways involved in their transport and deposition.
Marketing Planning and Control Theory and Its Applications in a Competitive Industry
Authors: Ratnatunga Janek
Published: April 2011

This paper explores the practical acceptance of the various tools, techniques, planning and control aids and performance evaluation criteria which have been recommended by the “conventional wisdom” of the marketing literature. The tools, techniques, etc. chosen for this study were those that have been part of the academic marketing literature for well over 15 – 20 years. It was hypothesised that given this long period of time for the theory to perculate into practice, evidence of significant usage of such tools, techniques, etc. should be found in industry, especially in a highly competitive industry. In such an industry, it was expected that firms would be applying the conventional wisdom of marketing theory to focus on both strategy and tactics in order to gain a competitive advantage.

The findings of the study are that marketers are taking a tactical focus based on the short-term, rather than a longer-term strategic focus; and that even in a highly competitive industry, marketing executives place more importance on the planning aids, performance evaluation techniques and control measures developed in managerial accounting, than those developed in the mainstream of marketing theory.
Market Segmentation
Authors: Hoek Janet , Gendall Philip , Esslemont Don
Published: April 2011

ACCEPTANCE of the benefits of market segmentation is so pervasive that it seems almost sacrilegious to question the validity of this faith in the power of segmentation as a marketing tool. But, at the risk of being labelled heretics, we argue that segmentation is not the marketers’ nirvana it is sometimes made out to be. This paper discusses a number of assumptions and arbitrary decisions involved in the segmentation process, including beliefs about the selection of base variables, the analysis method chosen, the number and composition of segments, the validity of the solution and its stability over time. Techniques for assessing the reliability of the outcome are then reviewed, and we conclude that managers should be more aware of the limitations of segmentation studies.
Is There More to Ethical Marketing than Marketing Ethics?
Authors: Brennan Mike
Published: April 2011

RECENT events in New Zealand have focussed public attention on business ethics, and led to calls for stricter controls over business practices. This paper outlines a variety of ways in which people deal with ethical issues, and suggests that most simply add to the problem. It is suggested that the objectives of business and even the language of business also put business people “at risk” of unethical conduct, and that the commonly cited moral imperatives and “rules of thumb” do not adequately equip people to deal with the types of moral dilemmas commonly encountered. Instead, it is suggested that, if we want people in business to be ethical rather the merely appear ethical, a completely different paradigm and method of enquiry may be required.
Effects of different levels of dietary sulfur and molybdenum on concentrations of copper and other elements in plasma and liver of lambs fed palm kernel cake diets
Authors: Alimon A. R. , Ivan M. , Jalaludin S.
Published: April 2011

A 6-month experiment with nine dietary treatments was conducted to determine amounts of S plus Mo supplements required to maintain normal hepatic concentrations of Cu and Mo and to prevent chronic Cu toxicity in lambs fed palm kernel cake (PKC) diets. All diets consisted of PKC supplemented with minerals and vitamins, and with appropriate amounts per kg DM of S (level 0 or level 1 = 1 g) as sodium sulfate and/or Mo (level 0; level 1 = 4 mg; level 2 = 8 mg; level 3 = 16 mg; level 4 = 32 mg) as ammonium molybdate to form treatments S0Mo1, S0Mo2, S0Mo3, S0Mo4, S1Mo0, S1Mo1, S1Mo2, S1Mo3 and S1Mo4.There was no effect (P>0·05) of dietary treatments on the growth performance of the lambs. The dietary supplement of 1 g S plus 8 mg Mo per kg dietary DM (treatment S1Mo2) prevented accumulation of Cu in the liver without elevation of the concentration of Mo (P>0·05). The treatments S0Mo1, S0Mo2 and S0Mo3 increased (P < 0·05) hepatic Cu concentrations from 376 μg/g DM to between 1090 and 1294 μg/g DM. Also, the treatments S1Mo3 and S1Mo4 resulted in higher (P < 0·05) hepatic Mo concentrations compared with the treatment S1Mo0. It was concluded that the dietary supplement of 1 g S plus 8 mg Mo/kg PKC DM added to the PKC used is sufficient to maintain normal hepatic concentrations of Cu and Mo and to prevent chronic Cu toxicity in sheep fed diets containing any amount of PKC.
Genetic diversity, geographical range and origin ofBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Indian Ocean Ms
Authors: Delatte H. , Holota H. , Warren B.H. , Becker N. , Thierry M. , Reynaud B.
Published: April 2011

The whiteflyBemisia tabaciis a pest vector of begomoviruses on crops worldwide.Bemisia tabaciis composed of a complex of cryptic species which barely interbreed. An exception is the Ms from the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO), which crosses in low proportions with the exotic B. The Ms, together with B and Q is part of the same phylogenetic clad. To infer the genetic structure, the geographical range and putative origin of this putative species, microsatellite data and mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome oxydase I) sequences were analysed on an extensive sample set, including all the islands of the region and samples from mainland Africa. Only B and Ms populations were detected across these islands. The exotic B was found only on the islands of Réunion and Mauritius, whereas the Ms is found on all the SWIO islands. Very high isolation by distance was found for the Ms populations between islands of the SWIO, suggesting a long period of presence in this region. Ms populations from mainland Africa had a higher COI diversity than the Ms of the SWIO islands. This diversity is correlated with size and geological ages of the SWIO islands. The population genetic data obtained are in accordance with an origin of Ms in Africa, followed by its expansion and evolution across the SWIO islands prior to human arrival, confirming the status of Ms as indigenous in the SWIO islands.
Phylogeographic structure of Teretrius nigrescens (Coleoptera: Histeridae) predator of the invasive post harvest pest Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
Authors: Omondi B.A. , van den Berg J. , Masiga D. , Schulthess F.
Published: April 2011

The invasive larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) is the most important pest of farm-stored maize in Africa. It was introduced into the continent from Mesoamerica in the late 1970s and by 2008 had spread to at least 18 countries. Classical biological control using two populations of the predator Teretrius nigrescens Lewis achieved long-term and cost effective control in warm-humid areas, but not in cool and hot-dry zones. The present study investigated the phylogenetic relationships between geographical populations of the predator. Ten populations of T. nigrescens were studied using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), sequence analysis of mitochondrial Cytochrme oxydase 1 (mtCOI) gene and ribosomal internally transcribed spacers (ITS) 1, 5.8S and ITS2. The mtCOI variation revealed two clades associated with geographical regions in Central America. It also reveals a significant isolation by distance between populations and considerable genetic shifts in laboratory rearing. RAPD-PCR did not reveal any potential SCAR diagnostic markers. The ITS variation mainly involved insertions and deletions of simple sequence repeats even within individuals. This study reveals the existence of two different mitochondrial lineages of the predator, associated with the geographical origin of populations distinguishable by fixed mutations on the mtCOI gene. The populations of T. nigrescens released in Africa belonged to two different clades from Meso America, namely south (released in West Africa) and north (released in eastern Africa). However, more polymorphic markers are required to clarify the observations in demographic time scales.
Explorations of Ovid, Amores 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.14
Authors: LUI SOO-LIN
Published: April 2011

These four poems are compulsory set texts in the Latin AS level syllabus prescribed by the UK examining board OCR from 2012 to 2014. There is at present no appropriate commentary on Book 3 of the Amores. Fortunately the Bristol Classical Press quickly responded to the situation by commissioning an edition of the four specified poems (using E. J. Kenney's Oxford Classical Text) from Jennifer Ingleheart and Katharine Radice, and this will be published later in 2011; but it was felt that Greece & Rome could help to plug the gap by reviving in some form the ‘Critical Appreciations’ that it published between 1973 and 1980; in these, a schoolteacher's close analysis of a selected text was juxtaposed with one by a university teacher.

In the circumstances, it seemed best to cover all four poems, and so the decision was taken to assign one to each author. However, the tradition of thirty-odd years ago is preserved in the fact that two of the present contributors teach in schools and the other two at a university. Two of them, incidentally, were trained at Cambridge and two at Oxford. The commentary on 3.5 contains more reference to scholarly debate than the others: for all its literary complexities this poem has struck many as a misfit and its authorship is a matter of debate (Kenney brackets it in the OCT). Thus, it seems better to face the difficulties than to ignore them. Throughout we hope to suggest lines of interpretation, and to stimulate debate – and disagreement.