bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Rural Electrification on Employment: New Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Dinkelman Taryn
Published: December 2011

This paper estimates the impact of electrification on employment growth by analyzing South Africa's mass roll-out of electricity to rural households. Using several new data sources and two different identification strategies (an instrumental variables strategy and a fixed effects approach), I find that electrification significantly raises female employment within five years. This new infrastructure appears to increase hours of work for men and women, while reducing female wages and increasing male earnings. Several pieces of evidence suggest that household electrification raises employment by releasing women from home production and enabling microenterprises. Migration behavior may also be affected. (JEL H54, L94, L98, O15, O18, R23)
Who Thinks about the Competition? Managerial Ability and Strategic Entry in US Local Telephone Markets
Authors: Goldfarb Avi , Xiao Mo
Published: December 2011

We examine US local telephone markets shortly after the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The data suggest that more experienced, better-educated managers tend to enter markets with fewer competitors. This motivates a structural econometric model based on behavioral game theory that allows heterogeneity in managers' ability to conjecture competitor behavior. We find that manager characteristics are key determinants in managerial ability. This estimate of ability predicts out-of-sample success. Also, the measured level of ability rises following a shakeout, suggesting that our behavioral assumptions may be most relevant early in the industry's life cycle. (JEL L96, L98, M10)
The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa
Authors: Nunn Nathan , Wantchekon Leonard
Published: December 2011

We show that current differences in trust levels within Africa can be traced back to the transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades. Combining contemporary individual-level survey data with historical data on slave shipments by ethnic group, we find that individuals whose ancestors were heavily raided during the slave trade are less trusting today. Evidence from a variety of identification strategies suggests that the relationship is causal. Examining causal mechanisms, we show that most of the impact of the slave trade is through factors that are internal to the individual, such as cultural norms, beliefs, and values. (JEL J15, N57, Z13)
Trends in Employment and Earnings of Allowed and Rejected Applicants to the Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Authors: Wachter Till von , Song Jae , Manchester Joyce
Published: December 2011

Longitudinal administrative data show that rejected male applicants to the Disability Insurance (DI) program who are younger or have low-mortality impairments such as back pain and mental health problems exhibit substantial labor force attachment. While we confirm that employment rates of older rejected applicants are low, continued high numbers of younger and low-mortality beneficiaries have raised the potential employment of DI beneficiaries. Three findings support economic inducement to apply. Mean preapplication earnings have fallen, rejected applicants experience preapplication declines in earnings, and beneficiaries whose first applications were rejected at the DDS level but who ultimately received benefits exhibit substantial employment. JEL: H55, J14, J28, J31
Relational Contracts and the Value of Loyalty
Authors: Board Simon
Published: December 2011

This paper characterizes the optimal contract for a principal who repeatedly chooses among N potential agents under the threat of holdup. Over time, the principal would like to trade with different agents; however, the possibility of ex-post opportunism allows agents to collect rents and creates a fixed cost of initiating new relationships. In the optimal contract, the principal divides agents into “insiders” with whom she trades efficiently, and “outsiders” whom she is biased against. The optimal contract is self-enforcing if the principal is sufficiently patient and can be implemented by an “employment contract” that is robust to asymmetric information. JEL: C73, D82, D83, D86
Automobiles on Steroids: Product Attribute Trade-Offs and Technological Progress in the Automobile Sector
Authors: Knittel Christopher R
Published: December 2011

This paper estimates the technological progress that has occurred since 1980 in the automobile industry and the trade-offs faced when choosing between fuel economy, weight, and engine power characteristics. The results suggest that if weight, horsepower, and torque were held at their 1980 levels, fuel economy could have increased by nearly 60 percent from 1980 to 2006. Once technological progress is considered, meeting the CAFE standards adopted in 2007 will require halting the trend in weight and engine power characteristics, but little more. In contrast, the standards recently announced by the new administration, while attainable, require nontrivial "downsizing.” JEL: L50, L60
Overborrowing and Systemic Externalities in the Business Cycle
Authors: Bianchi Javier
Published: December 2011

Credit constraints linking debt to market-determined prices embody a systemic credit externality that drives a wedge between competitive and constrained socially optimal equilibria, inducing private agents to overborrow. This externality arises because private agents fail to internalize the financial amplification effects of carrying a large amount of debt when credit constraints bind. We conduct a quantitative analysis of this externality in a two-sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model of a small open economy calibrated to emerging markets. Raising the cost of borrowing during tranquil times restores constrained efficiency and significantly reduces the incidence and severity of financial crises. JEL: E13, E32, E44, F41, G01
Evaluation of diffusion parameters and T2 values of the masseter muscle during jaw opening, clenching, and rest
Authors: Shiraishi Tomoko , Chikui Toru , Inadomi Daisuke , Kagawa Toyohiro , Yoshiura Kazunori , Yuasa Kenji
Published: December 2011

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to evaluate changes that accompany skeletal muscle contraction.

Purpose

To investigate whether jaw opening or closure affect the diffusion parameters of the masseter muscles (MMs).

Material and Methods

Eleven healthy volunteers were evaluated. Diffusion-tensor images were acquired to obtain the primary (λ1), secondary (λ2), and tertiary eigenvalues (λ3). We estimated these parameters at three different locations: at the level of the mandibular notch for the superior site, the level of the mandibular foramen for the middle site, and the root apex of the mandibular molars for the inferior site.

Results

Both λ2 and λ3 during jaw opening were significantly lower than that at rest at the superior ( P = 0.006, P < 0.0001, respectively) and middle site ( P = 0.004, P = 0.0001, respectively); however, the change in λ1 was not significant. At the lower site, no parameter was significantly different at rest and during jaw opening. There was no significant difference in T2 between at rest (40.3 ± 4.4 ms) and during jaw opening (39.2 ± 2.7 ms; P = 0.12). The changes induced by jaw closure were marked at the inferior site. In the middle and inferior sites, the three eigenvalues were increased by jaw closure, and the changes in λ1 ( P = 0.0145, P = 0.0107, respectively) and λ2 ( P = 0.0003, P = 0.0001) were significant (especially λ2).

Conclusion

The eigenvalues for diffusion of the MM were sensitive to jaw position. The recruitment of muscle fibers, specific to jaw position, reflects the differences in changes in muscle diffusion parameters.
Simultaneous bilateral contrast injection in computed tomography pulmonary angiography
Authors: Bulla Stefan , Pache Gregor , Bley Thorsten , Langer Mathias , Blanke Philipp
Published: December 2011

Background

Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) has evolved as the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism. However, subsegmental arteries are often not assessed to do insufficient attenuation.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral injection of a fixed amount of contrast media on pulmonary artery opacification and image quality in CTPA.

Material and Methods

In this institutional review board-approved prospective study, 180 patients (91 women, mean age 61.9 ± 16.5 years) referred for CTPA (100 kV) due to suspected pulmonary embolism were randomized in groups of 45 patients each, with either unilateral (A:4 mL/s; B:6 mL/s) or bilateral (C: 6 mL/s; D: 8 mL/s) (Y-shaped line) injection of 50 mL contrast media. Attenuation was assessed including the subsegmental arteries (4th order). Image quality was evaluated by two readers in consensus using a three-point grading scale (3 = excellent image quality, no artifacts, 1 = non-diagnostic).

Results

Mean pulmonary artery attenuation was significantly higher with bilateral injection (1st to 3rd order: A: 303.6 ± 8.8HU; B: 371.1 ± 11.0HU vs. C: 443.2 ± 24.1HU; D: 562.3 ± 15.3HU, P < 0.001). Evaluation of subsegmental arteries was feasible for all patients in groups B–D, but only in 36/45 (80%) patients in group A. Subsegmental attenuation was significantly higher with bilateral injection (A: 284.7 ± 12.1HU; B: 367.4 ± 12.1HU vs. C: 494.2 ± 21.5HU; D: 562.3 ± 26.7HU, P < 0.001). Image quality was diagnostic for all patients but best for group C (A: 2.15 ± 0.4; B: 2.14 ± 0.5; C: 2.92 ± 0.3, and D: 2.51 ± 0.5).

Conclusion

Using the same amount of contrast media, bilateral injection yields higher pulmonary artery attenuation and better image quality than unilateral injection. This technique may improve subsegmental pulmonary artery assessment.
Adapted Choi response criteria for prediction of clinical outcome in locally advanced gastric cancer patients following preoperative chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Kun , Li Guoli , Fan Chaogang , Zhou Changsheng , Li Jieshou
Published: December 2011

Background

Tumor response to chemotherapy has traditionally been assessed by using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) based on changes in tumor size alone. However, adapted Choi criteria, which incorporate volumetric tumor attenuation in addition to tumor size, have been reported more predictive of chemotherapeutic efficacy than RECIST in some studies.

Purpose

To examine the usefulness of adapted Choi criteria in predicting clinical survival in locally advanced gastric cancer patients treated with cytotoxic drugs.

Material and Methods

A total of 48 histologically proven gastric cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery were involved. Pre- and post-chemotherapy short-axis diameter and volumetric mean tumor attenuation of target lymph nodes on contrast-enhanced CT images were measured. Tumor response was assessed by using both RECIST and adapted Choi criteria, and was correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Significant decrease was observed in the sum of short-axis diameters and tumor attenuation of metastatic lymph nodes between baseline and post-chemotherapy CT images. The inter-observer agreement for both parameters was good. The PFS and OS of 17 RECIST responders were identical with that of 28 adapted Choi responders ( P = 0.855 and 0.913, respectively). PFS and OS of 31 RECIST non-responders were significantly prolonged compared to that of 20 adapted Choi non-responders ( P = 0.018 and 0.042, respectively). To the 11 RECIST stable disease (SD) but adapted Choi partial response (PR) patients, the PFS and OS were similar to the survival of 17 RECIST PR patients ( P = 0.785 and 0.838, respectively), but significantly prolonged compared to that of the 12 both RECIST and adapted Choi criteria SD patients ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

Adapted Choi criteria might be helpful to predict PFS and OS in locally advanced gastric cancer patients following chemotherapy.
Association between cerebral microbleeds and the first onset of intracerebral hemorrhage – a 3.0 T MR study
Authors: Sun Shengjun , Gao Peiyi , Sui Binbin , Xue Jing , Wang Hui , Wang Qiong , Jing Lina , Zhai Renyou
Published: December 2011

Background

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) detected by gradient-echo MRI have been proven to be a potential risk factor for further bleeding, while the association between CMBs and the first onset of intracerebral hemorrhage has not been well investigated.

Purpose

To analyze the association between CMBs and the first onset of primary intracerebral hemorrhage (pICH).

Material and Methods

Two hundred and two consecutive inpatients with ICH and 234 consecutive outpatients without ICH as control group were enrolled in this study. MR imaging including T2*-GRE, T1W, T2W and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences were performed to detect CMBs and other abnormalities. Prevalence, distribution, and grades of CMBs, as well as the location and size of the intracerebral hematoma were analyzed, respectively. Comparison was made between pICH and control group. Logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CMBs and ICH. The correlation between hematoma size and CMBs grade/numbers was analyzed.

Results

CMBs were detected in 140 patients in pICH (69.3%) group and 62 patients in control group (26.5%). The incidence of CMBs in pICH group was significantly higher than that in control group ( P < 0.0001). As the logistic regression analysis results, CMBs was the risk factor associated with ICH, with modulation OR value of 8.363 (95% CI 5.210–13.421). The volume of ICH with CMBs was 12.57 ± 17.23 mL, and the volume of ICH without CMBs was 17.77 ± 26.97 mL. Negative correlation was demonstrated between CMBs number and ICH volume (rs = −0.1769, P = 0.0118), as well as between CMBs grade and hematoma volume (rs = −0.1185, P = 0.1557).

Conclusion

CMBs may be an independent risk factor for the first onset of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Intensive decongestive treatment restores ability to work in patients with advanced forms of primary and secondary lower extremity lymphoedema
Authors: Stanisić M-G , Gabriel M , Pawlaczyk K
Published: December 2011

Objective

To show that adequate therapy for lymphoedema is able to restore ability to work.

Materials and Methods

The population of patients with primary lymphoedema registered in the university clinical centre diagnosed with primary or secondary lymphoedema and presumed by the national social institution as completely unable to work was selected for the retrospective analysis and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients treated with a complex decongestive therapy programme daily for 3–6 weeks. The study population comprised 19 women and six men from 14 to 61 years of age (mean 31.5). In all 25 patients, complete inability to work was certified by the social institution before the treatment started. Group 2 consisted of 47 patients, 14 men and 33 women, aged from 26 to 71 years (mean 39 years) treated by so-called standard methods, who resigned from the proposed intensive treatment. In all 47 patients, complete inability to work was declared by the social institution before the treatment. Ability to work and oedema reduction were assessed by the treating physician.

Results

The intensive phase of treatment succeeded in 3870–15,330 mL oedema reduction in Group 1. After the end of therapy, 21 patients were able to work or study without any limitation and patients returned to their regular professional activity. Among four others, two were on welfare for at least 10 years, for another one welfare was their only income and one person was receiving a social pension. In none of the patients from group 2 was any significant oedema reduction observed. Every patient from group 2 maintained the social pension due to ineffective treatment.

Conclusions

Complex decongestive therapy is a very efficient form of treatment in advanced primary and secondary lymphoedema. It allows returning to work after a short period of temporary disability without the necessity of a social pension.
Competitive Strategy for Open Source Software
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Gordon Brett R. , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: December 2011

Commercial open source software (COSS) products—privately developed software based on publicly available source code—represent a rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar market. A unique aspect of competition in the COSS market is that many open source licenses require firms to make certain enhancements public, creating an incentive for firms to free ride on the contributions of others. This practice raises a number of puzzling issues. First, why should a firm further develop a product if competitors can freely appropriate these contributions? Second, how does a market based on free riding produce high-quality products? Third, from a public policy perspective, does the mandatory sharing of enhancements raise or lower consumer surplus and industry profits?

We develop a two-sided model of competition between COSS firms to address these issues. Our model consists of (1) two firms competing in a vertically differentiated market, in which product quality is a mix of public and private components, and (2) a market for developers that firms hire after observing signals of their contributions to open source. We demonstrate that free-riding behavior is supported in equilibrium, that a mandatory sharing setting can result in high-quality products, and that free riding can actually increase profits and consumer surplus.
Eine Bibliothek im Wandel: Die neue kombinierte Hochschul-, Landes- und Stadtbibliothek Fulda
Authors: Riethmüller Marianne
Published: December 2011

Mit der im Oktober 2011 in Betrieb genommenen Hochschul-, Landes- und Stadtbibliothek Fulda wurde ein in Deutschland bisher sehr seltenes Modellprojekt realisiert. Die Integration von drei sehr unterschiedlichen Bibliothekstypen in einem Haus ist in gewisser Weise Neuland. Beschrieben werden die planerischen und baulichen Überlegungen sowie die einzelnen notwendigen Schritte zur Umsetzung des Projektes.
Schreiben bis zum Morgengrauen. Kassels erste Lange Schreibnacht in der UB
Authors: Braun Salina
Published: December 2011

Die UB/LMB Kassel veranstaltete im Juli 2011 in Kooperation mit dem Servicecenter Lehre der Universität die erste Lange Schreibnacht in der Bibliothek. 355 Studierende nutzten die Gelegenheit, sich zu Beginn der vorlesungsfreien Zeit ihren Hausarbeiten zu widmen. Von 20 Uhr abends bis 8 Uhr morgens wurden ein umfassendes Begleitprogramm rund um das Thema wissenschaftliches Schreiben sowie weitere Aktivitäten angeboten. Den morgendlichen Abschluss stellte das gemeinsame Frühstück dar. Die Lange Schreibnacht war ein voller Erfolg. Sie wurde von den Studierenden dankbar angenommen, eine Wiederholung ist geplant.
Kallikrein-related peptidase signaling in colon carcinoma cells: targeting proteinase-activated receptors
Authors: Chung Hyunjae , Hamza Magda , Oikonomopoulou Katerina , Gratio Valérie , Saifeddine Mahmoud , Virca G. Duke , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Hollenberg Morley D. , Darmoul Dalila
Published: December 2011

We hypothesized that kallikrein-related peptidase 14 (KLK14) is produced by colonic tumors and can promote tumorigenesis by activating proteinase-activated receptors (PARs). We found that KLK14 is expressed in human colon adenocarcinoma cells but not in adjacent cancer-free tissue; KLK14 mRNA, present in colon cancer, leads to KLK14 protein expression and secretion; and KLK14 signals viaPAR-2 in HT-29 cells to cause (1) receptor activation/internalization, (2) increases in intracellular calcium, (3) stimulation of ERK1/2/MAP kinase phosphorylation, and (4) cell proliferation. We suggest that KLK14, acting via PAR-2, represents an autocrine/paracrine regulator of colon tumorigenesis.
Dye selection for live cell imaging of intact siRNA
Authors: Hirsch Markus , Strand Dennis , Helm Mark
Published: December 2011

Investigations into the fate of small interfering RNA (siRNA) after transfection may unravel new ways to improve RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency. Because intracellular degradation of RNA may prevent reliable observation of fluorescence-labeled siRNA, new tools for fluorescence microscopy are warranted to cover the considerable duration of the RNAi effect. Here, the characterization and application of new fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) dye pairs for sensing the integrity of duplex siRNA is reported, which allows an assessment of the degradation status of an siRNA cell population by live cell imaging. A panel of high-yield fluorescent dyes has been investigated for their suitability as FRET pairs for the investigation of RNA inside the cell. Nine dyes in 13 FRET pairs were evaluated based on the performance in assays of photostability, cross-excitation, bleed-through, as well as on quantified changes of fluorescence as a consequence of, e.g., RNA strand hybridization and pH variation. The Atto488/Atto590 FRET pair has been applied to live cell imaging, and has revealed first aspects of unusual trafficking of intact siRNA. A time-lapse study showed highly dynamic movement of siRNA in large perinuclear structures. These and the resulting optimized FRET labeled siRNA are expected to have significant impact on future observations of labeled RNAs in living cells.
The hCG assay or pregnancy test
Authors: Cole Laurence A.
Published: December 2011

This review examines human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or pregnancy tests from multiple perspectives. It first investigates the molecule hCG and shows that the term represents five independent molecules differing in carbohydrate and meric structure that share a common amino acid sequence. The review goes on to show that multiple degradation produces also the need to be tested for an hCG or pregnancy test to be optimally efficient. The review then carefully examines the literature showing the sensitivity and specificity of automated laboratory tests. Point-of-care pregnancy tests are then investigated along with over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Appropriate detection of hyperglycosylated hCG, nicked hCG, nicked hCG missing the β-subunit C-terminal peptide and nicked hyperglycosylated hCG is a limitation on all pregnancy tests. In the opinion of the author, just one automated laboratory test, the Siemen’s Immulite, one point-of-care test, the Beckman-Coulter Icon 25, and one brand of over-the-counter device, First Response, are suitable for early pregnancy detection and possibly other applications.
Low angle light scattering analysis: a novel quantitative method for functional characterization of human and murine platelet receptors
Authors: Mindukshev Igor , Gambaryan Stepan , Kehrer Linda , Schuetz Claudia , Kobsar Anna , Rukoyatkina Natalia , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Krivchenko Alexander , Watson Steve P. , Walter Ulrich , Geiger Joerg
Published: December 2011

Background: Determinations of platelet receptor functions are indispensable diagnostic indicators of cardiovascular and hemostatic diseases including hereditary and acquired receptor defects and receptor responses to drugs. However, presently available techniques for assessing platelet function have some disadvantages, such as low sensitivity and the requirement of large sample sizes and unphysiologically high agonist concentrations. Our goal was to develop and initially characterize a new technique designed to quantitatively analyze platelet receptor activation and platelet function on the basis of measuring changes in low angle light scattering.

Methods: We developed a novel technique based on low angle light scattering registering changes in light scattering at a range of different angles in platelet suspensions during activation.

Results: The method proved to be highly sensitive for simultaneous real time detection of changes in size and shape of platelets during activation. Unlike commonly-used methods, the light scattering method could detect platelet shape change and aggregation in response to nanomolar concentrations of extracellular nucleotides. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the advantages of the light scattering method make it a choice method for platelet receptor monitoring and for investigation of both murine and human platelets in disease models.

Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the suitability and superiority of this new low angle light scattering method for comprehensive analyses of platelet receptors and functions. This highly sensitive, quantitative, and online detection of essential physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological-response properties of human and mouse platelets is a significant improvement over conventional techniques.
Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies are associated with the absence of distant metastases in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer
Authors: Farahati Jamshid , Roggenbuck Dirk , Gilman Elena , Schütte Martin , Jagminaite Elena , Seyed Zakavi Rasoul , Löning Thomas , Heissen Eberhard
Published: December 2011

The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) are reported to be associated with improved outcome among breast cancer patients. We evaluated the correlation between TPOab and diagnostic parameters among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Three hundred and fourteen newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer, diagnosed and treated in Bethesda Essen between January 2002 and June 2006, were included in this study; 258 (82.2%) without TPOab (≤100 IU/mL) and 56 (17.8%) with TPOab (>100 IU/mL). Blood analysis was performed to measure serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA-15-3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and TPOab by radioimmunoassay. Data regarding age, tumor size, grading, TNM classification, receptor status, lymph node, and distant metastases were collected and analyzed from patient reports. Statistics were performed using Pearson’s χ

There were no incidences of distant metastasis among 56 patients with TPOab, whereas 17 (6.6%) of 258 cases without TPOab displayed distant metastases (p=0.04). Logistic regression showed an inverse association of TPOab with CA-15-3 and CEA levels (p<0.001, respectively). Both groups, with and without TPOab, revealed no significant differences with respect to age, tumor size, grading, TNM classification, fT3, fT4, and receptor status. TPOab positive patients had higher TSH levels (2.55±3.58), compared to TPOab negative cases (1.20±1.15) (p<0.001).

TPOab occurrence is associated with significantly lower frequency of distant metastases in breast cancer. TPOab level inversely correlates with the conventional tumor markers CA-15-3 and CEA.
Metabolic-based drug-drug interactions prediction, recent approaches for risk assessment along drug development
Authors: Boulenc Xavier , Barberan Olivier
Published: December 2011

Prediction of in vivo drug-drug interactions (DDIs) from in vitro and in vivo data, also named in vitro in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE), is of interest to scientists involved in the discovery and development of drugs. To avoid detrimental DDIs in humans, new drug candidates should be evaluated for their possible interaction with other drugs as soon as possible, not only as an inhibitor or inducer (perpetrator) but also as a substrate (victim). DDI risk assessment is addressed along the drug development program through an iterative process as the features of the new compound entity are revealed. Both in vitro and preclinical/clinical outcomes are taken into account to better understand the behavior of the developed compound and to refine DDI predictions. During the last decades, several equations have been proposed in the literature to predict DDIs, from a quantitative point of view, showing a substantial improvement in the ability to predict metabolism-based in vivo DDIs. Mechanistic and dynamic approaches have been proposed to predict the magnitude of metabolic-based DDIs. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current equations and methods, the pros and cons of each method, the required input data for each of them, as well as the mechanisms (i.e., reversible inhibition, mechanism-based inhibition, induction) underlying metabolic-based DDIs. In particular, this review outlines how the methods (static and dynamic) can be used in a complementary manner during drug development. The discussion of the limitations and advantages associated with the various approaches, as well as regulatory requirements in that field, can give the reader a helpful overview of this growing area.
Free group algebras in Malcev–Neumann skew fields of fractions
Authors: Sánchez Javier
Published: December 2011

Let K be a skew field and

(
G
,
<
)

$(G,<)$

be an ordered group. We show that
the skew field generated by the group ring

K
[
G
]

$K[G]$

inside the
Malcev–Neumann series ring

K
(
(
G
;
<
)
)

$K((G;<))$

contains noncommutative free
group algebras.
Influence of specimen configuration on the measurement of the off-axis Young’s modulus of wood by vibration tests
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

To determine the Young’s modulus of solid wood, longitudinal and flexural vibration methods are very effective because the Young’s modulus can be measured non-destructively. When the specimen has an off-axis angle, however, the specimen configuration has an influence on the measurement of Young’s modulus. Therefore, it is important to reveal the influence of specimen configuration on the measurement of off-axis Young’s modulus. In this research, the off-axis Young’s modulus of wood was obtained by conducting longitudinal and flexural vibration tests using specimens with various widths and performing a subsequent numerical analysis on the test data. The off-axis Young’s modulus was dependent on specimen configuration when the off-axis angle ranged from approximately 5° to 15° because the bending and torsional deformations in the longitudinal and flexural vibration tests, respectively, were significant in this range.
Phylogenetic analysis and discoloration characteristics of major molds inhabiting woods. Part 3. Genus Cladosporium
Authors: Lee Young Min , Jang Yeongseon , Kim Gyu-Hyeok , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: December 2011

The genus Cladosporium Link is one of the most well-known dark molds causing sapwood discoloration. Although the Cladosporium species are widespread in the world, little is known about the extent to which they stain wood. Twenty-eight isolates from seven different tree species in Korea were obtained and investigated in this study. Nine species, including three unknown Cladosporium species, were identified based on their genotypic characteristics. Cladosporium cladosporioides was the dominant species, followed by C. rectoides, C. perangustum, C. pseudocladosporioides, C. tenuissimum, and C. ramotenellum . Their discoloration ability was determined with sapwood blocks of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and radiata pine (Pinus radiata). On both blocks, Cladosporium tenuissimum and C. cladosporioides showed the highest level of discoloration.
Effect of tibolone and its principal metabolites (3α- and 3β-hydroxy, 3α-sulfate, and 4-ene derivatives) on estrone sulfatase activity in normal and cancerous human breast tissue
Authors: Chetrite Gérard S. , Cortes-Prieto Joaquin , Pasqualini Jorge R.
Published: December 2011

Background: Tibolone (Org-OD14) is the active substance of Livial®, a synthetic steroid with the structure 7α,17α-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one, possessing weak tissue-specific estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic properties, used to treat menopausal complaints. After oral administration, tibolone is extensively metabolized into the 3α-(Org-4904) and 3β-(Org-30126) hydroxy derivatives with estrogenic properties, its 4-ene (Org-OM38) isomer with progestogenic/androgenic activities, and the 3α-sulfate (Org-34322) derivative, a major biologically inactive circulating form. We compared the dose response of tibolone and its metabolites on estrone sulfatase activity [conversion of estrone sulfate (E1S) to estrone (E1)] in normal and cancerous human breast tissues.

Materials and methods: Tissue minces were incubated with physiological concentrations of [3H]-E1S (5×10–9M) alone or in the presence of tibolone and its metabolites (concentration range: 5×10–7to 5×10–5M) for 4 h. Tritiated E1, estradiol (E2), and E1S were separated and evaluated quantitatively by thin-layer chromatography.

Results: The sulfatase activity was significantly higher in cancerous breast but strongly inhibited by tibolone and the different metabolites, whereas 3α- and 3β-hydroxy derivatives were the most potent inhibitors.

Conclusion: This very significant inhibitory effect of tibolone and its principal metabolites on the enzyme involved in E2biosynthesis in the human breast provides interesting perspectives to study the biological responses of these compounds in trials with breast cancer patients.
Is there a syndrome of bullying?
Authors: Srabstein Jorge , Piazza Thomas
Published: December 2011

Objective: We investigated the existence of a psychosomatic disorder associated with bullying by delineating its health and safety and correlates, and defining the demographic characteristics of the USA adolescents affected by this condition.

Methods: This study was based on an analysis of USA data from the 1996 World Health Organization Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey. The survey provides nationally-representative, cross-sectional survey information on 9938 USA students in Grades 6–10. We examined those students who were involved in bullying as a victim and/or as a bully, with or without a self-reported cluster of depression, “bad mood”, “feeling low”, “feeling nervous” and sleeping difficulties, and one or more physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches, back aches, dizziness).

Results: A cluster of physical and emotional symptoms linked to their participation in bullying as bullies and/or victims was reported by 9.5% of adolescents, with a higher frequency of 8th Grade students and a predominance of females. These students were 8.14 times more likely to hurt themselves on purpose and 4.20 times more likely to hurt others purposely than their peers who were not involved in bullying and did not suffer from a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms.

Conclusions: This study may elicit further examination and debate about the existence of a nosological entity linked to bullying. Pending further research, the present results should support the need to ascertain participation in bullying, as a bully and/or as a victim, in all pediatric visits. Furthermore, there is a need to enquire about symptoms and risks related to this form of abuse.
Rough ends of infinite primitive permutation groups
Authors: Smith Simon M.
Published: December 2011

If is a group of permutations of a set , then the suborbits of  are the orbits of point-stabilizers acting on . The cardinalities of these suborbits are the subdegrees of . Every infinite primitive permutation group with finite subdegrees acts faithfully as a group of automorphisms of a locally-finite connected vertex-primitive directed graph with vertex set , and there is consequently a natural action of  on the ends of .
We show that if is closed in the permutation topology of pointwise convergence, then the structure of  is determined by the length of any orbit of  acting on the ends of .
Examining the ends of a Cayley graph of a finitely-generated group to determine the structure of the group is often fruitful. B. Krön and R. G. Möller have recently generalised the Cayley graph to
what they call a rough Cayley graph, and they call the ends of this graph the rough ends of the group.
It transpires that the ends of are the rough ends of , and so our result is equivalent to saying that the structure of a closed primitive group whose subdegrees are all finite is determined by the length of any orbit of  on its rough ends.
Interfacial behavior between particle and matrix in a composite rubber material
Authors: Trentadue Bartolomeo
Published: December 2011

Electronic holography moiré is applied to the measurement of interfacial deformation field between an embedded particle and its surrounding matrix in a non-homogeneous rubber material. A tensile specimen is subjected to creep loading. The loads are applied in steps and measurements are carried out at equal intervals of time. The final output is provided by the Holo-Moiré Strain Analyzer and gives the principal strains and their directions in the region of observation. A definition of adhesion as an experimental measurable quantity through the evaluation of contour integrals is introduced.
Das Übersetzen im Zeichen der Globalisierung: Dialog der Kulturen und die Entstehung einer transnationalen Zivilgesellschaft, am Beispiel der politischen Essays von Arundhati Roy in deutscher Übersetzung
Authors: Harshvardhan Chitra
Published: December 2011

This article addresses the issue of the relevance of translating the political essays of Arundhati Roy into German within the framework of a globalized world and engages with the strategies and techniques of translation applied by the translators concerned. It also seeks to assess the degree of success achieved in translating the articles.

Roy's political essays, dealt with in this article, are located within a deterritorialised concept of cosmopolitanism as defined by the German sociologist Ulrich Beck. Beck's concept of "risk society" also underpins the argument for the emergence of a transnational civil society advocating the shared values of equality, social justice, diversity, empowerment of the grass-roots, democratic participation in decision-making and pacificity, transcending narrow national boundaries, interests and identities. The adhesive binding the risk society is a potential fear of eventual destruction or future crisis emerging from the unintended fall-out of man-made activities and of technology. It is argued that the cohesion of activist-oriented transnational civil society is predicated on potential fear of a future crisis such as that of an impending nuclear war or environmental disaster or terrorism. Against this background, it is contended that the political essays of Arundhati Roy serve to consolidate and contribute to the solidarity of transnational civil society. The translation of the essays, therefore, both widens and deepens transnational civil society – this is possible through the use of glocalisation both in the original and in translation, resulting in a possible intercultural dialogue, creating a common database of shared memory across the global community.

The article engages with the polemical style of the original and examines the manner in which this is reproduced in translation. It is further asserted that the use of generalization in the choice of words or phrases in translation tends to mute in translation the rather sharp criticism expressed in the original.
Bild-Text-Beziehungen beim Filmübersetzen
Authors: Mälzer-Semlinger Nathalie
Published: December 2011

By analysing some scenes of translated (dubbed and subtitled) feature films, I want to show what kind of relationships we find between the text and images and how important it is for the translator to respect them in order to provide an appropriate translation. In a second step, I will show that many translation errors are not so much due to the translator, but to the complex translation processes of dubbing and subtitling, where the persons involved are not always aware of the incoherences produced by a translation that does not sufficiently take into account the relationships between the text and images.
Predicting the surface waviness of sheet moulding compound parts by simulating process-induced thermal stresses
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Kremer Christoph
Published: December 2011

This paper describes an opportunity to compute the surface waviness of compression moulded sheet moulding compound (SMC) parts by simulating residual stresses. First, different types of surface defects occurring on SMC parts are discussed. A method for calculating the surface waviness of the compression moulded part is presented, which combines the simulation of the production process and the structural computation. Modelling of the curing reaction and the development of mechanical properties are discussed and implemented. The potential of the computation method is shown for an automotive fender made of SMC. The results state that the curing reaction of SMC can be well described using the approach of Ng and Manas-Zloczower. The position of the measured waviness on the examined fender is in good agreement with the calculated stress distribution.
Long-term Follow-up of 2 Newborns With a Combined Birth Weight of 540 Grams
Authors: Muraskas Jonathan K. , Rau Brian J. , Castillo Patricia Rae , Gianopoulos John , Boyd Lauren A. C.
Published: December 2011

Long-term growth and developmental data are presented for the smallest and third smallest surviving newborns in the world literature to 5 and 20 years of age, respectively. Both patients exhibited normal motor and language development. Although head circumference for both newborns demonstrated catchup growth, significant differences in height and weight growth velocities persisted.
Family-centered Program Deters Substance Use, Conduct Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Black Adolescents
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi-fu , Kogan Steven M. , Yu Tianyi , Molgaard Virginia K. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

The present research addressed the following important question in pediatric medicine: Can participation in a new family-centered preventive intervention, the Strong African American Families–Teen (SAAF–T) program, deter conduct problems, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms among rural black adolescents across 22 months?

Methods:

Data were collected from 502 black families in rural Georgia, assigned randomly to SAAF–T or an attention control condition. The prevention condition consisted of 5 consecutive meetings at community facilities with separate, concurrent sessions for caregivers and adolescents followed by a caregiver-adolescent session in which families practiced skills they learned in the separate sessions. Adolescents self-reported conduct problem behaviors, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms at ages 16 years (pretest) and 17 years 10 months (long-term assessment).

Results:

Adolescents who participated in SAAF–T evinced lower increases in conduct problem behavior, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptom frequencies than did adolescents in the attention control condition across the 22 months between pretest and long-term assessment.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to demonstrate efficacy in a prevention program designed to deter conduct problems, substance use, substance use problems, and depressive symptoms among rural black adolescents. Because SAAF–T is a manualized, structured program, it can be easily disseminated to public health agencies, schools, churches, boys’ and girls’ clubs, and other community organizations.
Identifying Quality Improvement Opportunities in a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Authors: Deem Kenneth C. , Diaz-Ordaz Ernesto A. , Shiner Brian
Published: December 2011

Background And Objectives:

Hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programs are encouraged to maintain quality assurance protocols, but many hospitals lack the time and resources to initiate this process. We studied a practical approach to measuring baseline quality indicators and identifying improvement opportunities in UNHS programs.

Methods:

We determined screening processes and quality indicators for UNHS programs at 4 hospitals through site visits and a 2-year retrospective review of nursery and audiology records. Nurses, audiologists, and otolaryngologists met for feedback of hospital-specific quality indicators. The sessions identified improvement opportunities and proposed system changes for immediate implementation.

Results:

Hospitals screened 21 957 newborns for hearing loss. Screening rates were >99% at all hospitals. Rates of referral and diagnostic testing varied significantly between hospitals. Low referral rates prompted 2 hospitals to adjust screening processes to reduce potential false-negative screening results. Two other hospitals addressed poor diagnostic follow-up by changing the referral process to include additional family contact information. Hospitals also increased referrals to Early Intervention Child Find services on the basis of our finding that these referrals increased the likelihood of diagnostic follow-up fourfold. We could not fully assess indicators of hearing aid eligibility and enrollment in early intervention services due to insufficient documentation.

Conclusions:

Review of nursery and audiology records successfully established most quality indicators for the UNHS programs we studied. Feedback of quality indicators identified multiple improvement opportunities and facilitated endorsement of immediate system changes. This study demonstrates a practical and data-driven approach to quality improvement that can be used by any UNHS program.
Studies on phytoremediation in a chromium contaminated area in Hungary
Authors: Lakatos Gy. , Csatári I. , Igaz T. , Gyulai I. , Mészáros I.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the results of the floristical examinations performed in the units of a former secondary sedimentation pond system in Hungary. The outcome of analyses on the chromium content of the plants is discussed. Beside the chemical analyses, observations on the plants, the characterization of the ecological state of plant stands adapted to heavy metal load. Results of the elemental analysis for heavy metals revealed that none of the plants constituting the natural vegetation can be treated as hyperaccumulator plant. A green cover and the detoxification process of Cr(VI) by plants is suggested to be more important than the present extensive phytoextraction procedure. It can be stated that due to the disturbance our investigated area has diverse vegetation, in addition these plants can tolerate a high concentration of heavy metals, and they are able to take up them.
Diversidade de habitats físicos e sua relação com macroinvertebrados bentônicos em reservatórios urbanos em Minas Gerais
Authors: Molozzi Joseline , França Juliana S. , Araujo Thiago L. A. , Viana Tales H. , Hughes Robert M. , Callisto Marcos
Published: December 2011

Foram avaliados os efeitos da estrutura física de habitats em comunidades de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em três reservatórios: Serra Azul (SA), Vargem das Flores (FV) e Ibirité (IB). Mensurações de variáveis físicas e químicas e comunidade bentônica foram realizadas em 30 estações de amostragem em cada reservatório. Em SA, foram coletados 12 táxons com predomínio de Melanoides tuberculatus Müller, 1774 (15,2%) e Chaoboridae (63,8%). Em VF foram coletados 11 táxons sendo M. tuberculatus (34,2%) e Oligochaeta (33,6%) os dominantes. Em IB foram coletados 7 táxons com domínio de M. tuberculatus (91,2%) e Chaoboridae (6,27%). Em Serra Azul foi observada influência significativa do sub-bosque arbustivo e do ângulo de inclinação do barranco. Nos reservatórios de Ibirité e Vargem das Flores as variáveis significativas foram cobertura do solo, influência humana e macrófitas aquáticas. Concluímos que as ações humanas reduzem a cobertura da vegetação terrestre e a complexidade de habitats físicos na região litorâneos dos reservatórios, levando a uma redução na qualidade de água. Essas mudanças, por sua vez, reduzem a riqueza taxonômica dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos.