bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender as risk factor for 30 days post-discharge hospital utilisation: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Woz Shaula , Mitchell Suzanne , Hesko Caroline , Paasche-Orlow Michael , Greenwald Jeffrey , Chetty V K , O'Donnell Julie , Jack Brian
Published: April 2012

Objective

In the 30 days after hospital discharge, hospital utilisation is common and costly. This study evaluated the association between gender and hospital utilisation within 30 days of discharge.

Design

Secondary data analysis using Poisson regression stratified by gender.

Participants

737 English-speaking hospitalised adults from general medical service in urban, academic safety-net medical centre who participated in the Project Re-Engineered clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier:NCT00252057).

Main outcome measure

The primary end point was hospital utilisation, defined as total emergency department visits and hospital readmissions within 30 days after index discharge.

Results

Female subjects had a rate of 29 events for every 100 people and male subjects had a rate of 47 events for every 100 people (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.06). Among men, risk factors included hospital utilisation in the 6 months prior to the index hospitalisation (IRR 3.55, 95% CI 2.38 to 5.29), being unmarried (IRR 1.72, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.64), having a positive depression screen (IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.13) and no primary care physician (PCP) visit within 30 days (IRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.50). Among women, the only risk factor was hospital utilisation in the 6 months prior to the index hospitalisation (IRR 3.08, 95% CI 1.86 to 5.10).

Conclusions

In our data, male subjects had a higher rate of hospital utilisation within 30 days of discharge than female subjects. For men—but not for women—risk factors were being retired, unmarried, having depressive symptoms and having no PCP visit within 30 days. Interventions addressing these factors might lower hospital utilisation rates observed among men.
MECHANICAL FLEXIBILITY OF ZINC OXIDE THIN-FILM TRANSISTORS PREPARED BY TRANSFER PRINTING METHOD
Authors: EUN K. T. , HWANG W. J. , SHARMA B. K. , AHN J. H. , LEE Y. K. , CHOA S. H.
Published: April 2012

In the present study, we demonstrate the performance of Zinc oxide thin film transistors ( ZnO TFTs) array subjected to the strain under high bending test and the reliability of TFTs was confirmed for the bending fatigue test of 2000 cycles. Initially, ZnO TFTs were fabricated on Si substrate and subsequently transferred on flexible PET substrate using transfer printing process. It was observed that when the bending radius reached ≥ 11 mm then cracks start to initiate first at SiO 2 bridges, acting as interconnecting layers among individual TFT. Whatever the strain is applied to the devices, it is almost equivalently adopted by the SiO 2 bridges, as they are relatively weak compared to rest of the part. The initial cracking of destructed SiO 2 bridge leads to the secondary cracks to the ITO electrodes upon further increment of bending radius. Numerical simulation suggested that the strain of SiO 2 layer reached to fracture level of 0.55% which was concentrated at the edge of SiO 2 bridge layer. It also suggests that the round shape of SiO 2 bridge can be more fruitful to compensate the stress concentration and to prevent failure of device.
A VERSION MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR RDF TRIPLE STORES
Authors: IM DONG-HYUK , LEE SANG-WON , KIM HYOUNG-JOO
Published: April 2012

RDF is widely used as an ontology language for representing the metadata in Semantic Web, knowledge management system and E-commerce. Since ontologies model the knowledge in a particular domain, they may change over time. Furthermore, ontologies are usually developed and controlled in a distributed and collaborative way. Thus, it is very important to be able to manage multiple versions for RDF data. Earlier studies on RDF versions have focused on providing the accesses to different versions (i.e. snapshots) and computing the differences between those two versions. However, the existing approaches suffer from the space overhead for large scale data, since all snapshots should be redundantly kept in a repository. Moreover, it is very time consuming to compute the delta between two specific versions, which is very common in RDF applications. In this paper, we propose a framework for RDF version management in relational databases. It stores the original version and the deltas between two consecutive versions, thereby reducing the space requirement considerably. The other benefit of our approach is appropriate for change queries. On the flip side, in order to answer a query on a specific logical version, version should be constructed on the fly by applying the deltas between the original version and the logical version. This can slow down query performance. In order to overcome this, we propose a compression technique for deltas, called Aggregated Delta, to create a logical version directly rather than executing the sequence of deltas. An experimental study with real life RDF data sets shows our framework maintains multiple versions efficiently.
RNA-Binding Proteins in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ugras Scott E. , Shorter James
Published: April 2012

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disease, which is universally fatal. While the causes of this devastating disease are poorly understood, recent advances have implicated RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that contain predicted prion domains as a major culprit. Specifically, mutations in the RBPs TDP-43 and FUS can cause ALS. Cytoplasmic mislocalization and inclusion formation are common pathological features of TDP-43 and FUS proteinopathies. Though these RBPs share striking pathological and structural similarities, considerable evidence suggests that the ALS-linked mutations in TDP-43 and FUS can cause disease by disparate mechanisms. In a recent study, Couthouis et al. screened for protein candidates that were also involved in RNA processing, contained a predicted prion domain, shared other phenotypic similarities with TDP-43 and FUS, and identified TAF15 as a putative ALS gene. Subsequent sequencing of ALS patients successfully identified ALS-linked mutations in TAF15 that were largely absent in control populations. This study underscores the important role that perturbations in RNA metabolism might play in neurodegeneration, and it raises the possibility that future studies will identify other RBPs with critical roles in neurodegenerative disease.
Cephazolin-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin and N-Acetylcysteine
Authors: Saavedra Carlos , Cárdenas Paola , Castellanos Héctor , Contreras Kateir , Castro J. R.
Published: April 2012

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is the most severe form of drug-induced skin reaction and includes denudation of >30% of total body surface area. The mechanism of disease is not completely understood, but immunologic mechanisms, cytotoxic reactions, and delayed hypersensitivity seem to be involved. We report a case of cephazolin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and N-acetylcysteine with excellent response.
Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Veritti Daniele , Sarao Valentina , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, with an increasing incidence as the elderly population expands. Large, multi-center, randomized, clinical trials have been conducted exploring the safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF treatments. This paper aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of pegaptanib, ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab. New therapeutic agents and treatment strategies are also discussed. Procedures: Evidence available from prospective, multicenter, clinical studies and from a selective literature search is utilized to present the results of VEGF inhibition in neovascular AMD and to generate evidence-based recommendations. Results: Anti-VEGF treatment is indicated in choroidal neovascularization with active disease and produces a significant benefit in visual acuity. Conclusions: With the advent of anti-VEGF therapy, the prognosis of choroidal neovascularization has changed dramatically. Data from well-conducted clinical trials suggest that approved anti-VEGF drugs are effective and well tolerated.
Brain PET Imaging in Obesity and Food Addiction: Current Evidence and Hypothesis
Authors: Iozzo Patricia , Guiducci Letizia , Guzzardi Maria Angela , Pagotto Uberto
Published: April 2012

The ongoing epidemics of obesity is one main health concern of the present time. Overeating in some obese individuals shares similarities with the loss of control and compulsive behavior observed in drug-addicted subjects, suggesting that obesity may involve food addiction. Here, we review the contributions provided by the use of positron emission tomography to the current understanding of the cerebral control of obesity and food intake in humans. The available studies have shown that multiple areas in the brain are involved with the reward properties of food, such as prefrontal, orbitofrontal, somatosensory cortices, insula, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and others. This review summarizes the current evidence, supporting the concepts that i) regions involved in the somatosensory response to food sight, taste, and smell are activated by palatable foods and may be hyperresponsive in obese individuals, ii) areas controlling executive drive seem to overreact to the anticipation of pleasure during cue exposure, and iii) those involved in cognitive control and inhibitory behavior may be resistant to the perception of reward after food exposure in obese subjects. All of these features may stimulate, for different reasons, ingestion of highly palatable and energy-rich foods. Though these same regions are similarly involved in drug abusers and game-addicted individuals, any direct resemblance may be an oversimplification, especially as the heterogeneities between studies and the prevalent exclusion of sensitive groups still limit a coherent interpretation of the findings. Further work is required to comprehensively tackle the multifaceted phenotype of obesity and identify the role of food dependency in its pathophysiology.
Characteristics of Observed Atmospheric Circulation Patterns Associated with Temperature Extremes over North America
Authors: Loikith Paul C. , Broccoli Anthony J.
Published: April 2012

Motivated by a desire to understand the physical mechanisms involved in future anthropogenic changes in extreme temperature events, the key atmospheric circulation patterns associated with extreme daily temperatures over North America in the current climate are identified. The findings show that warm extremes at most locations are associated with positive 500-hPa geopotential height and sea level pressure anomalies just downstream with negative anomalies farther upstream. The orientation, physical characteristics, and spatial scale of these circulation patterns vary based on latitude, season, and proximity to important geographic features (i.e., mountains, coastlines). The anomaly patterns associated with extreme cold events tend to be similar to, but opposite in sign of, those associated with extreme warm events, especially within the westerlies, and tend to scale with temperature in the same locations. Circulation patterns aloft are more coherent across the continent than those at the surface where local surface features influence the occurrence of and patterns associated with extreme temperature days. Temperature extremes may be more sensitive to small shifts in circulation at locations where temperature is strongly influenced by mountains or large water bodies, or at the margins of important large-scale circulation patterns making such locations more susceptible to nonlinear responses to future climate change. The identification of these patterns and processes will allow for a thorough evaluation of the ability of climate models to realistically simulate extreme temperatures and their future trends.
Combined Diagram: A Graphical Representation of Combination Evaporation Rates
Authors: Muñoz Ricardo C.
Published: April 2012

Combination methods estimate the partition of sensible and latent heat fluxes at the surface by combining the surface energy balance equation with the transfer equations for temperature and water vapor in the atmospheric surface layer. This paper presents a diagram that graphically depicts the main assumptions and steps of the method. Potential, apparent potential, and actual evaporation rates are visually explained with the diagram. Using a linearized saturation water content relation, the diagram permits the derivation of many of the combination evaporation results by means of geometrical analysis. The diagram should be helpful in the teaching and understanding of the combination methodology.
Estimating Suppression of Eddy Mixing by Mean Flows
Authors: Klocker Andreas , Ferrari Raffaele , LaCasce Joseph H.
Published: April 2012

Particle- and tracer-based estimates of lateral diffusivities are used to estimate the suppression of eddy mixing across strong currents. Particles and tracers are advected using a velocity field derived from sea surface height measurements from the South Pacific, in a region west of Drake Passage. This velocity field has been used in a companion paper to show that both particle- and tracer-based estimates of eddy diffusivities are equivalent, despite recent claims to the contrary. These estimates of eddy diffusivities are here analyzed to show 1) that the degree of suppression of mixing across the strong Antarctic Circumpolar Current is correctly predicted by mixing length theory modified to include eddy propagation along the mean flow and 2) that the suppression can be inferred from particle trajectories by studying the structure of the autocorrelation function of the particle velocities beyond the first zero crossing. These results are then used to discuss how to compute lateral and vertical variations in eddy diffusivities using floats and drifters in the real ocean.
The Pretornadic Phase of the Goshen County, Wyoming, Supercell of 5 June 2009 Intercepted by VORTEX2. Part II: Intensification of Low-Level Rotation
Authors: Markowski Paul , Richardson Yvette , Marquis James , Davies-Jones Robert , Wurman Joshua , Kosiba Karen , Robinson Paul , Rasmussen Erik , Dowell David
Published: April 2012

The dynamical processes responsible for the intensification of low-level rotation prior to tornadogenesis are investigated in the Goshen County, Wyoming, supercell of 5 June 2009 intercepted by the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). The circulation of material circuits that converge upon the low-level mesocyclone is principally acquired along the southern periphery of the forward-flank precipitation region, which is a corridor characterized by a horizontal buoyancy gradient; thus, much of the circulation appears to have been baroclinically generated. The descending reflectivity core (DRC) documented in Part I of this paper has an important modulating influence on the circulation of the material circuits. A circuit that converges upon the low-level mesocyclone center prior to the DRC’s arrival at low levels (approximately the arrival of the 55-dBZ reflectivity isosurface in this case) loses some of its previously acquired circulation during the final few minutes of its approach. In contrast, a circuit that approaches the low-level mesocyclone center after the DRC arrives at low levels does not experience the same adversity.

An analysis of the evolution of angular momentum within a circular control disk centered on the low-level mesocyclone reveals that the area-averaged angular momentum in the nearby surroundings of the low-level mesocyclone increases while the mesocyclone is occluding and warm-sector air is being displaced from the near surroundings. The occlusion process reduces the overall negative vertical flux of angular momentum into the control disk and enables the area-averaged angular momentum to continue increasing even though the positive radial influx of angular momentum is decreasing in time.
Modernity and Subjectivity: Enabling Asian Consciousness of Multi-Identity
Authors: Cha In-Suk
Published: April 2012

This article discusses the dynamic between modernization of Asian cultures and societies and the process of multi- or transculturalization that characterizes an increasingly globalized world. It discusses the concrete case of the Alliance of Civilizations, and studies the possible ways to combine specific Asian axiology with a democratic organization of society. It claims that modernization is not only a social process, but the result of an individual education, and argues in favor of a grow-ing network of civic society, calling for international development ethics and global governance as a resource for governments and citizens. It concludes that the more courses in the issues of international development are taught in those Asian universities that will accommodate them, the better. On the other hand, the concern with these issues should reach secondary education in every nation as awareness of both self and other is paramount to subjectivity.
Inherent Dignity: The Essence of Human Rights (or How to Get from Dignity to Political Power)
Authors: Biletzki Anat
Published: April 2012

The UDHR posits a conjunction of dignity and rights as the basis of ‘‘freedom, justice and peace in the world’’. This paper distinguishes between the two, viewing human dignity itself as the ultimate - even though enigmatic - foundation of human rights. Although originally seen as under the purview of sovereign states (while still being international), human rights have travelled into the more amorphous territory of civil community. It is, indeed, now fashionable to address civil community (aka civil society) as both the locale for discussion of human rights and the provider of actors (aka NGOs) on the human rights stage. However, this well-meant move harbors a distancing from the centers of power, which should remain responsible and, more so, accountable for human rights. B’Tselem, a leading Israeli human rights organization, is used as a case study and illustration of this problematic relation between civil community and political power.
Governance, Sovereignty and Profane Hope in a Globalised Catastrophe-World
Authors: Naishtat Francisco
Published: April 2012

This is a paper in political philosophy. It starts by an analysis of Walter Benjamin’s notion of ‘‘baroque sovereignty’’ as an implicit transformation of Schimitt’s categories of sovereignty, decision and state of exception. It then discusses whether the dynamic between these concepts, as emanating from Benjamin’s work, is fit to make diagnosis of our own current condition, marked by fragilised sovereignties, by global-intensive governance apparatuses and by a horizon-less cata-strophe-world in which, paradoxically, the vision of the world diminishes in proportion as its technological visibility becomes ever greater through the simultaneous and instantaneous availability of images. To this effect, it discusses different theses in contemporary political reflection, and takes these concepts onto a concrete political and social situation, i.e. contemporary Argentina.
Social Gender Identities and Civil Liberties: The Law and Reality
Authors: Djossou Ariane
Published: April 2012

This paper invites reflection on the gap between law and facts about the equality of women and men as to effective enjoyment of civil liberties. It discusses the question whether the universality of human rights is translatable into real life without referring back to social gender identity. It mainly focuses on West African case studies, particularly Benin, to examine different experiences of gendered civil liberties, and the way how constitutional legislation and other kinds of legal instruments are applied differently according to gender.
Chronicle: Renée Vivien, From One Century to Another
Authors: Albert Nicole G.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, Nicole G. Albert presents a critical portrait of Anglo-French writer Renée Vivien (1877-1909), a major figure of the so-called feminine literature of the turn of the century. By analyzing several of her poems, Albert argues that Renée Vivien’s work is marked by a sometimes fatal conception of love, a view of sexual pleasure that is always Sapphic in nature, and a very unconventional idea of the feminine condition. Her homosexuality, her condemnation of marriage, her scorn for family and her absolute refusal of motherhood distinguish her from her contemporaries, and make of her an author worth being rediscovered and studied.
The Ontology of Coexistence: From Cogito to Facio
Authors: Tingyang Zhao
Published: April 2012

This paper discusses crisis from the standpoint of philosophical ideas. It argues that philosophy, as a structure of our deep understanding of the world, has been derailed by metaphysics of things for a long time, and claims that a philosophical turn to a metaphysics of facts might be a useful tool to rethink the problems of the world. It considers ‘‘relational rationality’’ as a key theoretical feature to change human coexistence, and conceives coexistence as prior to individual existence. It finally discusses the relations between human duties or obligations and rights.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interaction Between Tolvaptan and Warfarin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Shoaf Susan E. , Mallikaarjun Suresh
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Tolvaptan, a nonpeptide V2 receptor antagonist approved in Japan and in the United States, is likely to be co‐administered with warfarin in patients with heart failure (HF). Therefore, the effect of tolvaptan on warfarin pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and protein binding was evaluated. Methods: An open‐label, randomized, 2‐period crossover trial was conducted involving healthy subjects (N = 24) administered 25 mg warfarin sodium on day 4 of a 13‐day regimen of either 60 mg once daily tolvaptan or matching placebo. Blood samples were taken over 240 hours postdose for analysis of tolvaptan, R‐ and S‐warfarin, and 7‐ and 10‐hydroxywarfarin concentrations and for the measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio. Results: For S‐warfarin, the geometric mean ratios (warfarin+tolvaptan/warfarin alone; 90% confidence interval) for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC∞) were 1.09 (1.05, 1.12) and 1.09 (1.04, 1.13), respectively. Corresponding ratios for R‐warfarin were 1.06 (1.02, 1.09) and 1.05 (1.01, 1.11), respectively. No changes were observed in 7‐ or 10‐hydroxywarfarin Cmax or AUC∞ values, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio. The protein binding of racemic warfarin and tolvaptan was not significantly altered by the presence of the other compound. Conclusion: Warfarin doses do not need to be altered when co‐administered with tolvaptan.
Structural tuning of photoluminescence in nanoporous anodic alumina by hard anodization in oxalic and malonic acids
Authors: Santos Abel , Alba Maria , Rahman Mahbubur M , Formentín Pilar , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Pallarès Josep , Marsal Lluis F
Published: April 2012

We report on an exhaustive and systematic study about the photoluminescent properties of nanoporous anodic alumina membranes fabricated by the one-step anodization process under hard conditions in oxalic and malonic acids. This optical property is analysed as a function of several parameters (i.e. hard anodization voltage, pore diameter, membrane thickness, annealing temperature and acid electrolyte). This analysis makes it possible to tune the photoluminescent behaviour at will simply by modifying the structural characteristics of these membranes. This structural tuning ability is of special interest in such fields as optoelectronics, in which an accurate design of the basic nanostructures (e.g. microcavities, resonators, filters, supports, etc.) yields the control over their optical properties and, thus, upon the performance of the nanodevices derived from them (biosensors, interferometers, selective filters, etc.)
Detection of helicobacter pylori in benign laryngeal lesions by polymerase chain reaction: a cross sectional study
Authors: Izadi Farzad , Ahmadi Aslan , Ghourchian Shadi , Daneshi Ahmad , Memari Faramarz , Khadivi Ehsan , Mohammadi Shabahang
Published: April 2012

Background

Although Helicobacter Pylori (HP) was detected in some cases of chronic laryngitis, the results were not confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By this time, it has not been found in laryngeal lesions by in house PCR, the most sensitive method for detecting the genome tracks. Regarding the previous results and also few numbers of studies about the presence of HP in benign laryngeal lesions, specifically by PCR, we aimed to investigate the presence of HP in benign laryngeal lesions by in-house PCR.

Methods

The samples were taken from 55 patients with benign laryngeal lesions and frozen in −20°C. One milliliter (ml) of lysis buffer was added to 100 mg (mg) of each sample and the tube was placed in 56°C overnight. Then DNA extraction was carried out.

Results

To find HP DNA, in-house PCR was performed that revealed 5 positive results among 55 patients with benign laryngeal lesions. Of them, 3 were polyp, 1 was nodule and 1 was papilloma.

Conclusion

Although the number of positive results was not a lot in this study, it was in contrast with previous studies which could not find any HP tracks in benign laryngeal lesions by other methods. More studies about the prevalence of HP in benign laryngeal lesions improve judging about the effect of this infection on benign laryngeal lesions.
A retrospective, deformable registration analysis of the impact of PET-CT planning on patterns of failure in stereotactic body radiation therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: Wang Kyle , Heron Dwight E , Flickinger John C , Rwigema Jean-Claude M , Ferris Robert L , Kubicek Gregory J , Ohr James P , Quinn Annette E , Ozhasoglu Cihat , Branstetter Barton F
Published: April 2012

Background

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has seen increasing use as a salvage strategy for selected patients with recurrent, previously-irradiated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (rSCCHN). PET-CT may be advantageous for tumor delineation and evaluation of treatment failures in SBRT. We analyzed the patterns of failure following SBRT for rSCCHN and assessed the impact of PET-CT treatment planning on these patterns of failure.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 96 patients with rSCCHN treated with SBRT. Seven patients (7%) were treated after surgical resection of rSCCHN and 89 patients (93%) were treated definitively. PET-CT treatment planning was used for 45 patients whereas non-PET-CT planning was used for 51 patients. Categories of failure were assigned by comparing recurrences on post-treatment scans to the planning target volume (PTV) from planning scans using the deformable registration function of VelocityAI™. Failures were defined: In-field (>75% inside PTV), Overlap (20-75% inside PTV), Marginal (<20% inside PTV but closest edge within 1cm of PTV), or Regional/Distant (more than 1cm from PTV).

Results

Median follow-up was 7.4 months (range, 2.6–52 months). Of 96 patients, 47 (49%) developed post-SBRT failure. Failure distribution was: In-field–12.3%, Overlap–24.6%, Marginal–36.8%, Regional/Distant–26.3%. There was a significant improvement in overall failure-free survival (log rank p = 0.037) and combined Overlap/Marginal failure-free survival (log rank p = 0.037) for those receiving PET-CT planning vs. non-PET-CT planning in the overall cohort (n = 96). Analysis of the definitive SBRT subgroup (n = 89) increased the significance of these findings (overall failure: p = 0.008, Overlap/Marginal failure: p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in age, gender, time from prior radiation, dose, use of cetuximab with SBRT, tumor differentiation, and tumor volume between the PET-CT and non-PET-CT groups.

Conclusions

Most failures after SBRT treatment for rSCCHN were near misses, i.e. Overlap/Marginal failures (61.4%), suggesting an opportunity to improve outcomes with more sensitive imaging. PET-CT treatment planning showed the lowest rate of overall and near miss failures and is beneficial for SBRT treatment planning.
Research Note— Analyzing Pricing Strategies for Online Services with Network Effects
Authors: Pang Min-Seok , Etzion Hila
Published: April 2012

In this study, we model firms that sell a product and a complementary online service, where only the latter displays positive network effects. That is, the value each consumer derives from the service increases with the total number of consumers that subscribe to the service. In addition, the service is valuable only to consumers who buy the product. We consider two pricing strategies: (1) bundle pricing, in which the firm charges a single price for the product and the service, and (2) separate pricing, in which the firm sets the prices of the product and the service separately, and consumers self-select whether to buy both or only the product. We show that in contrast to the common result in the bundling literature, often the monopolist chooses not to offer the bundle (he either sells the service separately or not at all) although bundling would increase both consumer surplus and social welfare. Thus, underprovision of the service can be the market outcome. We also demonstrate that network effects may cause the underprovision of the service.
Contractual Flexibility, Rent Seeking, and Renegotiation Design: An Empirical Analysis of Information Technology Outsourcing Contracts
Authors: Susarla Anjana
Published: April 2012

This paper examines renegotiation design in contracts for outsourced information technology (IT) services. Whereas prior literature in information systems has highlighted the likelihood of ex post rent seeking engendered by renegotiation, we build upon literature on incomplete contracts to posit that renegotiation can be Pareto improving by incorporating contingencies revealed ex post. Research on contract renegotiation has been hampered by two sets of challenges: the lack of appropriate data and empirical challenges in identification. We circumvent this problem both by appropriate data collection and by employing an identification strategy to address alternate causal explanations. We propose a measure, Pareto improving amendments, to assess renegotiation outcomes that enhance the value from outsourcing by hazard equilibration and by incorporating learning. Using a unique sample of 141 IT outsourcing contracts, we examine the role of decision rights delineated ex ante in enabling Pareto improving amendments and in resolving the trade-off between adaptation and rent seeking. We find that flexibility provisions, termination for convenience rights, and contractual rights whereby vendors are granted rights to reuse know-how are associated with Pareto improving amendments. The results are robust to potential endogeneity of contractual provisions when parties have feasible foresight and to the possibility of adverse selection in the sample. We also examine alternate explanations from the literature on contractual breach. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.

This paper was accepted by Sandra Slaughter, information systems.
Trajectory of Behavior and Emotional Problems in Autism
Authors: Gray Kylie , Keating Caroline , Taffe John , Brereton Avril , Einfeld Stewart , Tonge Bruce
Published: April 2012

High rates of behavior and emotional problems have been consistently reported in children and adolescents with autism. Elevated rates of mental health problems have also been reported in adults with autism. Little is known, however, about the longitudinal development of behavior and emotional problems in autism. This study followed a cohort of children and adolescents over 18 years. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of behavior and emotional problems and autism symptomatology. The role of childhood factors (age, gender, IQ, behavior, and emotional problems) and the environment (socioeconomic disadvantage) were considered in terms of adult outcomes. Overall, improvements in comorbid behavior and emotional problems and autism symptomatology were observed. However, rates of comorbid behavior and emotional problems in adulthood remained high.
Reichskonkordat für Ermächtigungsgesetz?
Authors: Wolf Hubert
Published: April 2012

Vorspann

Historiker sind – entgegen weit verbreiteter Vorurteile – mitnichten streitscheu, wie die lange Reihe heftiger Debatten von der Fischer-Kontroverse über den Historikerstreit bis zum „Amt“-Disput zeigt. Einen besonderen Stellenwert hat dabei die Auseinandersetzung zwischen Scholder/Repgen über das Reichskonkordat und das Ermächtigungsgesetz im Frühjahr 1933, die in den siebziger Jahren die Gemüter bewegte. Der renommierte Kirchenhistoriker Hubert Wolf historisiert diese nie ganz verstummte Debatte, die mit harten Bandagen geführt wurde – aber auch beträchtlichen Erkenntnisgewinn abwarf.
Konfrontation und Kommunikation
Authors: Metzler Gabriele
Published: April 2012

Vorspann

Politische Morde ohne mediale Inszenierung – das war für linke Terroristen immer ausgeschlossen. Sie wollten die Öffentlichkeit erreichen, ihre Botschaften und Heilsideologien in die Gesellschaft tragen. Gabriele Metzler von der Humboldt- Universität in Berlin zeigt, dass der Staat darauf nicht unvorbereitet war. Er reagierte auf die medialen Stilisierungen und Herausforderungen des Terrorismus nicht nur mit politischen, polizeilichen und legislativen Mitteln, sondern auch mit einer breit angelegten publizistischen und performativen Gegenstrategie, die seine Widersacher sogar im eigenen Umfeld isolierte. Besonderen Reiz gewinnt dieser methodisch innovative Ansatz durch den transatlantischen Vergleich: Handelte Washington, das mit den linksradikalen Weathermen konfrontiert war, anders als Bonn, wo man mit der RAF zu tun hatte?
Vom Nutzen der Sozialwissenschaften für die Zeitgeschichte
Authors: Dietz Bernhard , Neumaier Christopher
Published: April 2012

Vorspann

Die Historiker Rüdiger Graf und Kim Christan Priemel haben in der Oktobernummer 2011 der Vierteljahrshefte eine wichtige Diskussion über das Verhältnis von Zeitgeschichte und Sozialwissenschaften angestoßen und ihrer Zunft die mitunter allzu unbekümmerte Entlehnung sozialwissenschaftlicher Theorien angekreidet. Bernhard Dietz und Christopher Neumaier führen diese Diskussion fort und stellen dabei ihr Projekt einer Historischen Wertewandelsforschung vor, das von einer reflektierten Nutzung der Sozialwissenschaften zeugt.
Androgens, diabetes and prostate cancer
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Wittert Gary
Published: April 2012

Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome have been shown to modulate prostate cancer (PCa) risk and aggressiveness in population-based and experimental studies. While associations between these conditions are modest and complex, two consistent findings have emerged. First, there is observational evidence that obesity and associated insulin excess are linked to increased PCa aggressiveness and worse outcomes. Secondly and somewhat paradoxically, long-standing diabetes may be protective against PCa development. This apparent paradox may be due to the fact that long-standing diabetes is associated with insulin depletion and decreased IGF1 signalling. Men with obesity or diabetes have moderate reductions in their androgen levels. The interconnectedness of metabolic and androgen status complicates the dissection of the individual roles of these factors in PCa development and progression. Metabolic factors and androgens may promote prostate carcinogenesis via multiple mechanisms including inflammation, adipokine action, fatty acid metabolism and IGF signalling. Moreover, androgen deprivation, given to men with PCa, has adverse metabolic consequences that need to be taken into account when estimating the risk benefit ratio of this therapy. In this review, we will discuss the current epidemiological and mechanistic evidence regarding the interactions between metabolic conditions, sex steroids and PCa risk and management.
Kettős DIEP lebenyek egyoldali emlőrekonstrukcióban
Authors: Lóderer Zoltán , Bognár Gábor , Berki Csaba , Bognár Gábor , Novák András , Ondrejka Pál
Published: April 2012

Absztrakt

A saját szövettel végzett emlő-helyreállítás kiváló lehetősége a DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) lebennyel végzett rekonstrukció. Az alsó median laparotomia műtéti hege kihívást jelent, ha az ellenoldali emlő mérete a teljes hasfali lebeny felhasználását indokolja a megfelelő volumen elérése végett. Három ilyen esetben kettős DIEP lebenyekkel végeztünk rekonstrukciót, mikrosebészeti módszerrel. A betegek szövődmény nélkül gyógyultak, jó esztétikai eredmény mellett. A módszer biztonságos lehetőséget kínál, és bővíti az emlő-helyreállítás spektrumát.
Optical Properties of Alloyed PbSexS1-x Nanorods
Authors: Brusilovski Anna Rubin , Kolan Dikla , Maikov Georgy I. , Vaxenburg Roman , Sashchiuk Aldona , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: April 2012

We report the synthesis, structural and optical characterization of PbSexS1-x nanorods with diameter between 2 nm to 4.5 nm and length of 12 nm to 24 nm. Their typical photoluminescence spectra exhibit a split of the band-edge exciton band. The temperature dependence photoluminescence of these nanorods revealed a relatively small band-gap temperature coefficient and a mild extension of the radiative lifetime at cryogenic temperatures - all in comparison with photoluminescence processes in PbSe nanorods, as well as in PbSexS1-x quantum dots, with similar absorption band-edge energy. A theoretical model associates the experimental observations to the occurrence of independent transitions from either degenerate or non-degenerate band-edge valleys in PbSexS1-x nanorods, each of which possessing a relatively small electron-hole exchange interaction.
Free-floating Reaction Centers (RCs) versus Attached Monolayer of RCs in Bio-photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Yaghoubi Houman , Takshi Arash , Jun Daniel , Saer Rafael , Madden John D. , Beatty J. Thomas
Published: April 2012

The high quantum efficiency (~100%) in the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center (RC) has inspired research on the application of RCs to build protein based solar cells. Conventionally, applying RCs as the photosensitive layer on the surface of a carbon electrode has shown poor photocurrents in the cells. The low photocurrent is partly due to the weak absorption of light in the monolayer of RCs. Also, an Atomic Force Microscopy image of the electrode shows lots of defects on the immobilized RCs at the electrode surface. In this work, we have built a bio-photoelectrochemical cell in which the RCs are floating in the electrolyte instead of being attached to the surface of an electrode. Despite the simple structure of the cell, the photocurrent is significantly higher in the new cell compared to when RCs are attached to an electrode. The amplitude of current reached to ~40 nA for free floating RCs, about five times larger than that in the cell with attached RCs. The aging effect was studied in both cells in a course of a week. The lifetime of attached RCs on electrode surface was slightly better than solubilized RCs in the electrolyte. Also, it is found that the mechanism which governs the charge transfer from RCs to the electrodes is the same in both bio-photoelectrochemical cells.
The Essence and Efficiency Limits of Bulk-Heterostructure Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Alam M. , Ray B. , Khan M. , Dongaonkar S.
Published: April 2012

Since its introduction in early 1990s, bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic solar cell (BHJ-OPV) has promised high-efficiency at ultra-low cost and weight, with potential for non-traditional applications such as building-integrated PV. There is a widespread presumption, however, that the complexity of morphology makes carrier transport in OPV irreducibly complicated, and possibly, beyond predictive modeling. In this paper, we use elementary and intuitive arguments to derive the fundamental thermodynamic as well as morphology-specific practical limits of BHJ-OPV efficiency. We find that constraints of the percolation threshold and trade-off among short-circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor make substantial improvement in OPV efficiency difficult. We posit that future improvement in OPV will rely not on morphology engineering, or reducing the polymer bandgap, but on increasing both the effective μ × τ product and the cross-gap between donor/acceptors. Even if the OPV fails to achieve the highest efficiency anticipated by the thermodynamic limit, its novel form factor, lightweight, and transparency can make it a commercially viable option for many applications.
Facile Mechanochemical Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of pervoskite YCrxFe1-xO3, (0≤x≤1).
Authors: MalagaReddy Vijayalaxmi , Rai Binod , Mishra Sanjay , Rong Chaunbing , Liu J
Published: April 2012

Single-phase samples of YCrxFe1−xO3were synthesized by a mechanochemical method. X-ray diffraction data show linear reduction in the lattice parameters of YCrxFe1−xO3perovskites with the Cr content, indicating that Cr ions substitute for Fe ions to form a solid solution. Magnetic measurements show hysteresis loops at 5K. The substitution of Cr for Fe enhances the magnetization for up to x=0.33 Cr doping level. For higher doping levels, 0.33<x<1, the system behaves as a frustrated system. At x=1, YCrO3behaves as a week ferromagnet with TN~140 K. The chloride salt based machenochemical method offers simple synthesis route for the synthesis of pure multiferroic compounds.
A new vertical nanoporous functional structure process fabrication to control one dimensional nanostructure growth
Authors: Lefeuvre Emmanuel , Kim Ki-Hwan , Châtelet Marc , Cojocaru Costel-Sorin
Published: April 2012

A novel vertical nanoporous structure is reported as a starting point for the fabrication of a fully-surround gate field effect transistor (FET) based on well-ordered nanostructures array. The proposed porous stacking is perfectly suited both for the collective organization of high density (up to 1011.cm-2) arrays of nanostructures like nanowires (NWs) or nanotubes (NTs), as with calibrated diameters (during growth), as well as for easing the Source, Gate, and Drain electrodes connections for individual or groups of nanostructures. Moreover the unique fully-surround gate architecture enables a quasi-ideal coupling between the gate and the channel, theoretically leading to improved devices performance and reduced global power consumption.

In this paper we describe the main steps for this versatile and lithography-free technique to fabricate a multi-layer porous template down to the nanometer scale, as well as the first nanostructures (carbon NTs) growth attempts inside such functional template. We highlight the fact that the proposed porous structure may acts as a passive template for the one-dimensional nanomaterials growth as well as an active element in the future device.

The proposed approach is in line with bottom-up fabrication approach to provide smaller devices, and is fully-compatible with classical processes used in the silicon industry.
Regional Mapping of Perennial Weeds in Cotton with the Use of Geostatistics
Authors: Kalivas Dionissios P. , Vlachos Christos E. , Economou Garifalia , Dimou Paraskevi
Published: April 2012

Perennial weeds constitute a serious problem in Greek cotton-growing areas, as they strongly competing against the crop and downgrade the final product. Monitoring weeds at a regional scale and relating their occurrence with abiotic factors will assist in the control of these species. Purple nutsedge, field bindweed, bermudagrass, and johnsongrass were studied in cotton crops for three consecutive growing seasons (2007 through 2009) in a large area of central Greece. Weed densities and uniformities per sampling site were assessed in relation to soil and climatic data. Abundance index (AI), which is highly dependent on abiotic factors, was also estimated, and revealed purple nutsedge to the most persistent and damaging species among the recorded weeds. Field bindweed showed the highest correlation with soil properties and especially with clay content. Furthermore, correlation analysis was used over the sampling years in order to assess the stability of weed occurrence in the sampling sites. Purple nutsedge, field bindweed, and bermudagrass proved to be stable in location and intensity. The weed density spatial distribution was evaluated by using local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) statistics, and was mapped by ordinary kriging and co-kriging interpolation methods. Only 1 to 3 spatial outliers were identified in each 1 of the 3 yr. Between the two interpolation methods co-kriging delivered better results for field bindweed and purple nutsedge, indicating that soil data could improve the estimation of weed occurrence. These co-kriging interpolated weed maps would be a very useful tool for decision makers in taking appropriate weed control measures.
Oral Rehabilitation With Dental Implants for Teeth Involved in a Maxillary Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Monje Alberto , Monje Florencio , Suarez Fernando , González‐García Raúl , Villanueva‐Alcojol Laura , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare but important benign lesion affecting the maxillofacial region that presents bone pain, deformities, and fracture. Although FD presents radiographic patterns, it has to be analyzed histologically for a final diagnosis. Currently, there is no universally accepted guide for FD treatment. This case report describes a successful case of excision of the entire lesion in the upper left maxilla and the placement of two dental implants for oral rehabilitation, followed by guided bone regeneration.

Case Presentation: A 49‐year‐old female patient presented with a growth on the left side of the maxilla that developed 4 years previously. Cone‐beam computed tomography was used to analyze the lesion and clinical features, and the FD was confirmed by histologic analysis. Extraction of the teeth involved with the lesion and excising the lesion was suggested. This was followed by two‐implant placement for oral rehabilitation, grafting the cavity with an osteoconductive material. Both implants were successfully integrated, as confirmed by clinical examination and a resonance frequency test.

Conclusion: Dental implant and related guided bone regeneration can be successfully obtained in a patient with an FD lesion.
Addressing the Implementation Gap in Global Road Safety: Exploring Features of an Effective Response and Introducing a 10-Country Program
Authors: Hyder Adnan A. , Allen Katharine A. , Di Pietro Gayle , Adriazola Claudia A. , Sobel Rochelle , Larson Kelly , Peden Margie
Published: April 2012

Yearly, more than 1.2 million people are killed by road traffic injuries (RTIs) around the globe, and another 20 to 50 million are injured. The global burden of RTIs is predicted to rise. We explored the need for concerted action for global road safety and propose characteristics of an effective response to the gap in addressing RTIs.

We propose that a successful response includes domains such as strong political will, capacity building, use of evidence-based interventions, rigorous evaluation, increased global funding, multisectoral action, and sustainability.

We also present a case study of the global Road Safety in 10 Countries project, which is a new, 5-year, multipartner initiative to address the burden of RTIs in 10 low- and middle-income countries.