bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Political Attention: Public Opinion and the Queen's Speech in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jennings Will , John Peter
Published: September 2009

This article represents the effect of public opinion on government attention in the form of an error‐correction model where public opinion and policymaking attention coexist in a long‐run equilibrium state that is subject to short‐run corrections. The coexistence of policy‐opinion responsiveness and punctuations in political attention is attributed to differences in theoretical conceptions of negative and positive feedback, differences in the use of time series and distributional methods, and differences in empirical responsiveness of government to public attention relative to responsiveness to public preferences. This analysis considers time‐series data for the United Kingdom over the period between 1960 and 2001 on the content of the executive and legislative agenda presented at the start of each parliamentary session in the Queen's Speech coded according to the policy content framework of the U.S. Policy Agendas Project and a reconstituted public opinion dataset on Gallup's “most important problem” question. The results show short‐run responsiveness of government attention to public opinion for macroeconomics, health, and labor and employment topics and long‐run responsiveness for macroeconomics, health, labor and employment, education, law and order, housing, and defense.
Do Participants and Observers Assess Intentions Differently During Bargaining and Conflict?
Authors: Dickson Eric S.
Published: September 2009

Political actors in conflict settings are often uncertain about their counterparts' intentions. This article explores the psychology of how intentions are assessed using a novel experimental design that randomly assigns subjects to one of three roles—“proposer,”“recipient,” or “observer.” Recipients and observers are given identical noisy information about proposers' actions, and make postplay assessments of proposers' intentions that are rewarded based on accuracy. A first experiment explores a context of ambiguity, while a second experiment explores a context of uncertainty. The results suggest that actors' perceptions can sometimes be directly affected by the set of strategic alternatives they possess. When signals about proposer behavior appear “negative,” recipients' assessments of proposers' intentions are more negative than observers' assessments if recipients have the ability to respond to the proposer's action—but not if recipients lack this ability. The ability to respond to proposer behavior appears to cause recipients to make more negative inferences about the proposer than circumstances warrant. Interestingly, recipients' and observers' assessments are indistinguishable when signals about proposer behavior instead appear “positive.”
International Organization as a Seal of Approval: European Union Accession and Investor Risk
Authors: Gray Julia
Published: September 2009

Much of the literature on international institutions argues that membership regularizes expectations about members' future behavior. Using the accession of the postcommunist countries as a test case, this article argues that the EU can send strong signals to financial markets about the trajectory of a particular country. Examining spreads on sovereign debt from 1990 to 2006, this article shows that closing negotiation chapters on domestic economic policy—in other words, receiving a seal of approval from Brussels that previously existing policy reform is acceptable to the wider EU—substantially decreases perceptions of default risk in those countries. That decrease operates independently from policy reform that the country has taken and is also distinct from selection processes (modeled here with new variables, including UNESCO World Heritage sites and domestic movie production, that proxy for cultural factors). Thus, this particular international organization has played an important role in coordinating market sentiment on members, conferring confidence that policy reform alone could not accomplish.
The Separation of Powers, Court Curbing, and Judicial Legitimacy
Authors: Clark Tom S.
Published: September 2009

A major focus of judicial politics research has been the extent to which ideological divergence between the Court and Congress can explain variation in Supreme Court decision making. However, conflicting theoretical and empirical findings have given rise to a significant discrepancy in the scholarship. Building on evidence from interviews with Supreme Court justices and former law clerks, I develop a formal model of judicial‐congressional relations that incorporates judicial preferences for institutional legitimacy and the role of public opinion in congressional hostility towards the Supreme Court. An original dataset identifying all Court‐curbing legislation proposed between 1877 and 2006 is then used to assess the influence of congressional hostility on the Court's use of judicial review. The evidence indicates that public discontent with the Court, as mediated through congressional hostility, creates an incentive for the Court to exercise self‐restraint. When Congress is hostile, the Court uses judicial review to invalidate Acts of Congress less frequently than when Congress is not hostile towards the Court.
The Participatory Effects of Redistricting
Authors: Hayes Danny , McKee Seth C.
Published: September 2009

While the effects of legal and institutional arrangements on political participation are well documented, little attention has been given to the potential participatory effects of one of the United States' most important electoral laws: constitutionally mandated reapportionment. By severing the ties between constituents and their incumbents, we argue, redistricting raises information costs, leading to increased levels of nonvoting in U.S. House contests. Survey data from the 1992 American National Election Studies show that redrawn citizens are half as likely to know their incumbent's name as citizens who remain in a familiar incumbent's district and, consequently, significantly more likely to roll off, or abstain from voting in the House election after having cast a presidential vote. We also show that participation rates in the 2002–2006 House elections in Texas—each of which followed a redistricting—match these patterns, with roll‐off increasing 3% to 8% in portions of the state that were redrawn, controlling for other factors. The findings demonstrate that scholars and policy makers ought to be concerned with the extent to which the redrawing of congressional lines affects citizens' exercise of political voice.
Right Atrial Metastasis Mimicking Myxoma in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Anwar Ashraf M. , Nosir Youssef F. M. , Chamsi‐Pasha Mohammed A. R. , Ajam Aref , Chamsi‐Pasha Hassan
Published: September 2009

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary tumor of the liver accounting for 4.6% of all new human cancers. Cardiac metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma is an uncommon secondary cardiac malignancy. We described two cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with large masses in the right atrium mimicking atrial myxoma. The RA masses were incidentally detected during two‐dimensional echocardiographic examination. (Echocardiography 2010;27:80‐83)
Study of Left Ventricular Rotation and Torsion in the Acute Phase of ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Govind Satish C. , Gadiyaram Varuna K. , Quintana Miguel , Ramesh Srinivasiah Saligrama , Saha Samir
Published: September 2009

Background: The mechanics of the complex left ventricular (LV) myocardial fiber architecture may accurately be assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). The role of STE to assess LV mechanical dysfunction in the setting of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (AMI) is still poorly studied. Patients and Methods: 29 consecutive patients (55 ± 13 years) presenting with AMI underwent STE within 72 hours of admission. Reperfusion was achieved with thrombolysis in 15 patients and with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 14. LV rotational and torsion data were registered during peak systole. Standard Doppler data included LV ejection fraction (EF), mitral inflow deceleration time (DT), and conventional E/A ratio. E/E′ ratio (mitral inflow E velocity/tissue Doppler E velocity) was calculated as a marker of LV filling pressure. Twelve subjects with clinically indicated but negative dobutamine stress echocardiogram served as Controls. Results: Peak systolic torsion was not only significantly lower in AMI compared with Controls (13.3 ± 7.6 vs. 21.8 ± 6.1; P < 0.01), it was also lower in subjects with LVEF <40% (5.0 ± 2.9) compared with those who had LVEF >40% (10.6 ± 6.6; P < 0.02). Torsion had a modest but significantly positive linear relation (R = 0.6; P < 0.05) with DT, not with E/E′ or LVEF. Conclusion: LV systolic torsion is decreased in AMI and more markedly decreased in patients with LVEF <40%. The most significant linear relationship between DT and torsion may possibly indicate that the LV mechanical dysfunction is also associated with altered filling dynamics. (Echocardiography 2010;27:45‐49)
Adult‐Type Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Main Pulmonary Artery: One Case Report
Authors: Örem Cihan , Kırış Abdülkadir , Korkmaz Levent , Öztürk Serkan , Kahraman Nuray , Koşucu Polat , Karaci Ali Rıza , Çelik Şükrü
Published: September 2009

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital defect that presents even less frequently in adults. Here we described a 40‐year‐old patient presenting with palpitations. Electrocardiography revealed frequent ventricular ectopy. Echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle and an abnormal flow pattern in the pulmonary artery and at the right side of the interventricular septum. Coronary angiography demonstrated an enlarged right coronary artery (RCA) with collateralization to the left coronary artery (LCA) and reflux of contrast into the pulmonary artery. Computed tomography confirmed ALCAPA syndrome. Surgical corrections were planned. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume **, ***********)
Ten‐Year Echo/Doppler Determination of the Benefits of Aerobic Exercise after the Age of 65 Years
Authors: Muster Alexander J. , Kim Hyunggun , Kane Bonnie , McPherson David D.
Published: September 2009

As the human lifespan becomes progressively extended, potential health‐related effects of intense aerobic exercise after age 65 need evaluation. This study evaluates the cardiovascular (CV), pulmonary, and metabolic effects of competitive distance running on age‐related deterioration in men between 69 (±3) and 77 (±2) years (mean ± SD). Twelve elderly competitive distance runners (ER) underwent oxygen consumption and echo/Doppler treadmill stress testing (Balke protocol) for up to 10 years. Twelve age‐matched sedentary controls (SC) with no history of CV disease were similarly tested and the results compared for the initial three series of the study. CV data clearly separated the ER from SC. At entry, resting and maximal heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2max), and E/A ratio of mitral inflow were better in the ER (P < 0.05 vs. SC). With aging, ER had a less deterioration of multiple health parameters. Exceptions were VO2max and left ventricular diastolic function (E/A, AFF, IVRT) that decreased (P < 0.05, Year 10 vs. Year 1). Health advantages of high‐level aerobic exercise were demonstrated in the ER when compared to SC. Importantly, data collected in ER over 10 years confirm the benefit of intensive exercise for slowing several negative effects of aging. However, the normative drop of exercise capacity in the seventh and eighth decades reduces the potential athleticism plays in prevention of CV events. (Echocardiography 2010;27:5‐10)
Persistent Ventricular Asynchrony after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Predicts Cardiac Events
Authors: Bajraktari Gani , Duncan Alison , Pepper John , Henein Michael Y.
Published: September 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic LV systolic and diastolic measurements that predict clinical events post–coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We collected data from 27 patients (age 70 ± 7 years) who underwent elective CABG, before and within 6 weeks after surgery. LV systolic function was assessed by conventional echocardiographic parameters. A number of LV filling measurements were also made, which included total isovolumic time (t‐IVT), Tei index, and restrictive filling pattern. Postoperative cardiac events were death or hospitalization for chest pain, breathlessness, or arrhythmia. Results: Patient's follow‐up period was 17 ± 10 months. Of the 27 patients (age 70 ± 7 years, 22 male), 10 had postoperative cardiac events. LV ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were lower (P = 0.01, and P = 0.007, respectively), t‐IVT longer (P < 0.001), and Tei index was higher (P < 0.001) preoperatively in patients with events compared to those without. The same differences between groups remained after surgery; EF (P = 0.002), FS (P = 0.002), t‐IVT (P < 0.001), and Tei index (P < 0.001). T‐IVT was the only preoperative predictor of events (P = 0.038) but its postoperative value as well as that of FS predicted events (P = 0.034, and P = 0.042, respectively). T‐IVT of 12.2 s/min and FS of 26% were 80% sensitive and 88% specific for predicting postoperative events. Conclusion: Despite successful surgical revascularization residual impairment of LV systolic function and persistent asynchrony in the form of prolonged t‐IVT are associated with postoperative events. Since these abnormalities remained despite full medical therapy, they may thus suggest a need for electrical resynchronization therapy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:32‐37)
Noninvasive Assessment of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Isolated Hypertension
Authors: Guntekin Unal , Gunes Yilmaz , Gunes Ahmet , Ceylan Yemlihan , Gumrukcuoglu Hasan Ali , Yucel Yavuz , Simsek Hakki , Tuncer Mustafa
Published: September 2009

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is considered the first stage in the development of atherosclerosis. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) has been used to assess endothelial dysfunction. An impaired FMD response may reflect a vascular phenotype prone to atherosclerosis. The thickness of the common carotid intima‐media (CIMT) as measured by ultrasound represents a marker of structural atherosclerosis. Recently, it has been shown that color M‐mode propagation velocity measured along the origin of descending thoracic aorta (AVP) may reflect atherosclerosis. In this study, the effects of isolated hypertension on these atherosclerosis markers are investigated. Methods: Fifty patients with newly diagnosed hypertension and forty healthy people were enrolled. Patients were evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography. Diastolic functions were evaluated by transmitral filling parameters of deceleration time (DT), E/A ratio, and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT). Carotid intima‐media thickness, FMD, and AVP were measured. Results: Age, gender, and BMI of both groups were similar. Compared to control group CIMT, DT and IVRT values were significantly higher, and FMD and AVP values were significantly lower in hypertensive patients. There were significant correlations between AVP and CIMT (r =−0.699, P < 0.001), AVP and FMD (r = 0.400, P < 0.001), and FMD and CIMT (r =−0.600, P < 0.001). Carotid intima‐media thickness, AVP, and FMD were significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures and DT and IVRT. Conclusions: In patients with isolated hypertension, AVP and FMD decrease and CIMT increases. In addition, CIMT is inversely correlated with AVP and FMD, and AVP is directly correlated with FMD. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:155‐160)
Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm Secondary to Eccentric Severe Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Bilge Mehmet , Yasar Ayse Saatci , Bozkurt Mehmet , Karakas Fatih , Bilen Emine , Yuksel Isa Oner
Published: September 2009

Dilatation primarily confined to the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an unusual condition in nonrheumatic mitral valve disease. We report a case of 56‐year‐old male with a giant LAA secondary to ischemic severe mitral regurgitation without significant dilatation of the left atrial main chamber. The mitral regurgitation jet was directed toward the LAA, which we thought as the cause of disproportionate LAA enlargement. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, November 2009)
Segmental Contribution to Left Ventricular Systolic Function at Rest and Stress: A Quantitative Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Kort Smadar , Mamidipally Swapna , Madahar Purnema , Buzzanca Laura , Blizzard Barbara , Gamboa Juan , Brown David L.
Published: September 2009

Objective: To assess the relative contribution of each myocardial segment to global systolic function during stress using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). Background: During stress, global augmentation in contractility results in an increased stroke volume. The relative contribution of each myocardial segment to these volumetric changes is unknown. Methods: Full volume was acquired using RT3DE at rest and following peak exercise in 22 patients who had no ischemia and no systolic dyssynchrony on two‐dimensional (2D) stress echocardiography. The following were calculated at rest and peak stress: end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), relative SV, and relative EF. Results: With stress, an increase in global EDV from 90.8 to 101.1 ml (P < 0.001), SV from 59 to 78.4 ml (P = 0.01), and EF from 65.6 to 78.4% (P = 0.001) was observed. ESV decreased from 31.8 to 22.7 ml (P < 0.001). Segmental analysis revealed significantly higher SV, relative SV, and relative EF for the basal anterior, basal anterolateral, and basal inferolateral segments compared with the apical septum and apical inferior segments at both rest and stress (P < 0.001). The SV, relative SV, and relative EF increased significantly from apex to mid to base at both rest and stress (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The relative volumetric contribution of each myocardial segment to global left ventricular systolic function at rest and stress is not uniform. The basal segments contribute more than the mid and apical segments. Specifically, the basal anterior, basal anterolateral, and basal inferolateral segments contribute the most to augmentation of left ventricular systolic function with exercise. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:167‐173)
Can dialyzer membrane selection affect outcomes in patients with acute kidney injury requiring dialysis?
Authors: DAVENPORT Andrew
Published: September 2009

The choice of dialyzer membrane may potentially affect not only solute clearances but also blood‐dialyzer interactions. Although on one hand alteration of the dialyzer surface or pore size to increase inflammatory mediator loss may potentially be beneficial for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), dialyzer membrane interactions, which precipitate intradialytic hypotension, may worsen AKI. Several years ago cellulosic membrane dialyzers were shown to reduce both patient survival and renal recovery in patients with AKI. This review looks at the earlier studies of dialyzer membrane choice and outcomes in AKI, besides discussing the newer developments in membrane technology for patients with AKI.
Hexagonal Perovskite‐Type Phases in the BaO‐Rich Part of the BaO–WO3–Nb2O5 System
Authors: Bezjak Jana , Jančar Boštjan , Boullay Philippe , Rečnik Aleksander , Suvorov Danilo
Published: September 2009

BaO‐rich phases with the nominal compositions Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=1, 2), 9L‐Ba9Nb2W4O26, 12‐layered (12L)‐Ba4Nb2WO12, and 27L‐Ba9Nb6WO27 were synthesized as polycrystalline powders using solid‐state techniques and characterized by X‐ray powder diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. Of these powders only the 5L2‐Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=2) and 9L‐Ba9Nb2W4O26 were obtained as single‐phase materials. The formation of Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=1, 2) started with the occurrence of binary compounds. Thus, 5L1‐Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=1) appeared over binary Ba4Nb2O9 in contrast to 5L2‐Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=2), which formed through a reaction between Ba5Nb4O15 and other barium–tungsten oxides. 5L2‐Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=2) appeared in two different polymorphs structurally related to the hexagonal Ba6Ta2WO14 and the orthorhombic β‐Ba4Nb2O9. The structural refinement of the high‐temperature 5L2‐Ba6NbxW3−xO15−x/2 (x=2) was carried out using the space group P3m1. The fitted parameters of the hexagonal unit cell corresponded to aH=6.030(1) Å and cH=12.44(1) Å. Additional reflections of variable intensity and strong, diffuse scattering in the electron diffraction patterns indicated a strong structural disorder. The formation of 9L‐Ba9Nb2W4O26, 12L‐Ba4Nb2WO12, and 27L‐Ba9Nb6WO27 started with the reaction between the binary compounds and continued over a series of intermediate hexagonal perovskite‐type phases lying on the Ba3W2O9–Ba5Nb4O15 tie line.
Effect of the Flow Pattern in a Float Glass Furnace on Glass Quality: Calculations and Experimental Evaluation of On‐Site Samples
Authors: Feng Zhijun , Li Dongchun , Qin Guoqiang , Liu Shimin
Published: September 2009

Simulations of the fluid dynamics of daily quantity of outflow from different locations (flowing cycles) in a float glass furnace were performed using a FLOTRAN module in ANSYS software. Simulation results were compared with experimental data obtained from side stripe images of the produced glass ribbon. Results showed that, with increased daily melting quantities, the daily quantity of outflow through the furnace outlet from cycle I and cycle III increased, but the daily quantity of outflow from cycle II decreased. The comparison of the simulation and the experimental results reveals remarkable consistency.
Crack Propagation in a Ruby Single Crystal by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation
Authors: Moon Chiwon , Kanehira Shingo , Nishi Masayuki , Miura Kiyotaka , Nakaya Takayuki , Tochigi Eita , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi , Hirao Kazuyuki
Published: September 2009

We have investigated the deformation mechanism of ruby in a microscopic area using a femtosecond laser having a pulse width, wavelength, and repetition rate of 238 fs, 780 nm, and 1 kHz, respectively. Transmission electron microscope observation revealed that a specific oblique pattern originating from cracks having a width of approximately 10 nm formed at the focal point. The peak shift of ruby fluorescence indicated the existence of a residual stress of 0.11 GPa at the irradiated area. Considering the pattern and magnitude of the residual stress at the focal point, we suggest that the crack propagated along the

rhombohedral planes and the

planes by laser irradiation.
Sexual competitiveness of a transgenic sexing strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Morrison N. I. , Segura D. F. , Stainton K. C. , Fu G. , Donnelly C. A. , Alphey L. S.
Published: September 2009

The sterile insect technique (SIT), when used for the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), generally relies on the release of sterile flies of only the male sex. Male selection is achieved through the use of a genetic sexing strain (GSS) in which females are killed by heat treatment in the generation prior to release. Transgenic sexing strains (TSS) have been developed that perform the same function of female‐lethality, this time by withholding tetracycline (or related compounds) from the larval diet. The use of TSS may allow for certain problems associated with conventional GSS, such as strain instability and reduced productivity in mass‐rearing, to be avoided. The performance, and principally the sexual competitiveness, of released male flies is important for the success of an SIT control programme. This study describes field cage experiments in which the competitiveness of males from a TSS (OX3376B) was compared with that of a conventional GSS (VIENNA‐8) and two wild‐type strains (TOLIMAN and ARG). When competing for female mates with wild‐type males, OX3376B male performance was acceptable. When OX3376B males competed directly for mates with VIENNA‐8 males, VIENNA‐8 slightly outperformed the TSS males. Parallel tests, in which wild‐type males competed with either OX3376B or VIENNA‐8 males, showed that males from both sexing strains were highly competitive with wild‐type males. These results suggest that OX3376B in particular, and TSS in general, show sufficiently good mating competitiveness to merit further research into their suitability for eventual use in SIT programmes.
The 5/95 gap in the indexation of psychiatric journals of low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Mari J. J. , Patel V. , Kieling C. , Razzouk D. , Tyrer P. , Herrman H.
Published: September 2009

Mari JJ, Patel V, Kieling C, Razzouk D, Tyrer P, Herrman H. The 5/95 gap in the indexation of psychiatric journals of low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Objective:  To investigate the relationship between science production and the indexation level of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LAMIC) journals in international databases.

Method:  Indicators of productivity in research were based on the number of articles produced over the 1994–2004 period. A survey in both Medline and ISI/Thomson was conducted to identify journals according to their country of origin. A WPA Task Force designed a collaborative process to assess distribution and quality of non‐indexed LAMIC journals.

Results:  Twenty LAMIC were found to present more than 100 publications and a total of 222 indexed psychiatric journals were found, but only nine were from LAMIC. The Task Force received 26 questionnaires from editors of non‐indexed journals, and concluded that five journals would meet criteria for indexation.

Conclusion:  Barriers to indexation of journals contribute to the difficulties in achieving fair representation in the main literature databases for the scientific production in these countries.
Substitutes for grazing in semi‐natural grasslands – do mowing or mulching represent valuable alternatives to maintain vegetation structure?
Authors: Römermann Christine , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Kleyer Michael , Poschlod Peter
Published: September 2009

Question: Which management treatments are suitable to replace historically applied grazing regimes? How and why does vegetation structure change following changes in management?

Location: Semi‐natural calcareous dry grasslands in southwest Germany.

Methods: We analysed changes in floristic and functional composition induced by different management treatments (grazing, mowing, mulching, succession) in long‐term experimental sites. First, floristic and functional distances between the initial conditions and the following years were determined. Second, we used RLQ analyses to include data on abiotic conditions, vegetation composition and functional traits in one common analysis. Finally, we applied cluster analyses on RLQ species scores to deduce functional groups.

Results: In contrast to the historical management regime of grazing, all alternative management treatments led to changes in floristic and functional composition, depending on their intensity with respect to biomass removal. The distance analyses showed that mulching twice per year and mowing did not lead to strong changes in floristic or functional composition. However, RLQ analysis clearly provided evidence that only the grazed sites are in equilibrium, indicating that vegetation change still goes ahead.

Conclusions: The current study clearly shows that RLQ is a powerful tool to elucidate ongoing processes that may remain hidden when separately analysing floristic and functional data. Alternative management treatments are not appropriate to sustain the typical disturbance dynamics of species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands. The less frequent an alternative management treatment is with respect to biomass removal, the less the floristic and functional structure can be maintained.
A meta‐ethnographic synthesis of women's experience of breastfeeding
Authors: Burns Elaine , Schmied Virginia , Sheehan Athena , Fenwick Jennifer
Published: September 2009

Despite considerable evidence and effort, breastfeeding duration rates in resource‐rich countries such as Australia remain below World Health Organization recommendations. The literature on the experience of breastfeeding indicates that women construct and experience breastfeeding differently depending upon their own personal circumstances and the culture within which they live. Breastfeeding has also been described as a deeply personal experience, which can be associated with ‘moral’ decision‐making. The aim of this synthesis was to better understand the social phenomenon of breastfeeding by making the hidden obvious. Using a meta‐ethnographic approach, we analysed the findings from 17 qualitative studies exploring women's experience of breastfeeding. Commonly used metaphors, ideas and phrases across the national and international qualitative studies were identified. Two overarching themes emerged. Breastfeeding was described in terms of ‘expectation’ and ‘reality’, while the emotional aspects of breastfeeding were expressed in ‘connected’ or ‘disconnected’ terms. The prevalence of health professionals and public health discourses in the language women use to describe their experience, and the subsequent impact of this on maternal confidence and self‐assessment of breastfeeding are discussed. This synthesis provides insight into some of the subtle ways health professionals can build maternal confidence and improve the experience of early mothering.
Nanoparticles as a Novel Delivery Vehicle for Therapeutics Targeting Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Han George , Tar Moses , Kuppam Dwaraka S.R. , Friedman Adam , Melman Arnold , Friedman Joel , Davies Kelvin P.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Nanoparticles represent a potential novel mechanism for transdermal delivery of erectogenic agents directly to the penis.

Aim

To determine if nanoparticles encapsulating known erectogenic agents (tadalafil, sialorphin, and nitric oxide [NO]) can improve erectile function in a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) as a result of aging (the Sprague-Dawley retired breeder rat).

Methods

Nanoparticles encapsulating the erectogenic agents were applied as a gel to the glans and penile shaft of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats and the intracorporal pressure/blood pressure (ICP/BP) monitored for up to 2 hours with or without stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Control nanoparticles were made without encapsulating erectogenic agents and applied in a similar manner in separate experiments.

Results

Nanoparticles encapsulating NO caused spontaneous visible erections in the rat, with an average time of onset of 4.5 minutes, duration of 1.42 minutes, and ICP/BP of 0.67 ± 0.14. The sialorphin nanoparticles also caused visible spontaneous erections after an average of 4.5 minutes, with a duration of 8 minutes and ICP/BP ratio of 0.72 ± 0.13. The difference in the erectile response between groups of animals treated with NO or sialorphin nanoparticles was significantly different from the control group treated with empty nanoparticles (P <0.05) Tadalafil nanoparticles showed a significant increase in the mean ICP/BP (0.737 ± 0.029) following stimulation of the cavernous nerve (4 mA) 1 hour after application of the nanoparticles with a visibly improved erectile response.

Conclusions

Nanoparticles encapsulating three different erectogenic agents resulted in increased erectile function when applied to the penis of a rat model of ED. Nanoparticles represent a potential novel route for topical delivery of erectogenic agents which could improve the safety profile for existing orally administered drugs by avoiding effects of absorption and first-pass metabolism, and would be less hazardous than injection.
Time for change? Electoral politics after the local and European elections
Authors: Travers Tony
Published: September 2009

Tony Travers analyses the outcome of the 2009 local and European elections – contrasting the difference between first past the post and proportional representation‐based results – and predicts trouble for Labour, whose support, he argues, has been reduced to its core vote
Reimagining England: English voices, spaces and institution building
Authors: Hassan Gerry
Published: September 2009

Gerry Hassan asks whether the factors that have given rise to the so‐called English Question are concerned with identity and culture or governance and legitimacy – or both – before looking to possible solutions
No country for old men: The rise of managerialism and the new cultural vacuum
Authors: Zigmond David
Published: September 2009

The UK's National Health Service recently came under international scrutiny after a scathing attack from the US healthcare establishment trying to derail Obama's health plans. NHS reform is never far from the headlines at home, either. Here, GP and psychiatrist David Zigmond draws on personal experience to assert that rigid management practices in the NHS derived from models in the corporate sector might be inhibiting the best clinical practice
Management of Mineral and Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Nakai Kentaro , Komaba Hirotaka , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: September 2009

Mineral and bone disorder in chronic kidney disease (CKD‐MBD) is a serious complication because of its profound impact on morbidity and mortality. Recent introduction of calcimimetic cinacalcet hydrochloride has led to a major breakthrough in the management of CKD‐MBD. Numerous clinical studies have shown that in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, cinacalcet effectively reduces serum parathyroid hormone levels without increasing serum calcium and phosphorus levels. This is in contrast to vitamin D analogs that inhibit parathyroid hormone secretion at the price of enhanced intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. More recent studies have focused on the efficacy of combination therapy with calcimimetics and low‐dose vitamin D analogs. One of the most important issues in this context is whether treatment with cinacalcet results in improved clinical outcomes. This is currently under investigation by prospective clinical trials. However, many important questions remain unresolved, including issues with whether and how calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs should be combined and whether calcimimetics or vitamin D analogs should be preferred as primary therapy. With a view to improving patient‐level outcomes, further work should establish more precisely the role of calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs in combination with other therapeutic approaches for CKD‐MBD management.
Cinacalcet in Hyperfunctioning Parathyroid Diseases
Authors: Imanishi Yasuo , Inaba Masaaki , Kawata Takehisa , Nishizawa Yoshiki
Published: September 2009

The calcium‐sensing receptor (CaR) on the parathyroid cell surface senses ionized calcium concentration in the extracellular fluid and regulates minute‐to‐minute parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Synthetic allosteric modulators of CaR have been developed, and one of the positive modulators (calcimimetics) is cinacalcet HCl or cinacalcet. Cinacalcet increases the sensitivity of CaR to be activated by extracellular calcium, and thus suppresses PTH release. Cinacalcet is an effective treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with uremia on hemodialysis. In this review, based on basic experiments using cinacalcet, we postulate the beneficial effects of cinacalcet on hyperfunctioning parathyroid diseases.
Clinical Issues Regarding Cinacalcet Hydrochloride in Japan
Authors: Yokoyama Keitaro
Published: September 2009

Currently available cinacalcet hydrochloride has a greater advantage over conventional vitamin D therapy, although the ability of cinacalcet to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) varies among individuals. This article deals with the clinical issues of cinacalcet. Studies examining the impact of cinacalcet on parathyroid gland cells showed that cinacalcet may cause changes in PTH secretion, reduce the parathyroid gland size, and alter parathyroid gland function, suggesting the possibility that use of cinacalcet can eventually be stopped. Combined cinacalcet and vitamin D can reportedly increase vitamin D receptor expression. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study involving 1184 previously untreated secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients, cinacalcet significantly reduced the likelihood of hospitalization for parathyroidectomy, fractures, and cardiovascular disease. Fibrous osteitis was suppressed in the rat model of renal failure treated with cinacalcet. Considering that the drug price of cinacalcet is lower in Japan than in the USA and Europe, it is highly likely that cinacalcet will be used to suppress PTH in Japan.
Does Cinacalcet Improve the Prognosis of Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Taniguchi Masatomo , Yamada Shunsuke , Tokumoto Masanori , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Hirakata Hideki , Fujimi Satoru , Iida Mitsuo
Published: September 2009

Appropriate control of serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels is required for better prognosis of dialysis patients. Cinacalcet is known to reduce not only serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) but also Ca and Pi levels; however, it remains unclear whether cinacalcet can ultimately improve the prognosis of such patients. In this paper, the ongoing prospective observational study (Q Cohort Study) and double‐blind randomized controlled study (EVOLVE Study) are introduced. In the Q Cohort Study, cinacalcet therapy is indicated when intact PTH levels exceed 180 pg/mL, accounting for 31.3% of the study population (N = 3009). In the EVOLVE Study, the primary endpoint is the time to occurrence of composite events including all‐cause mortality or nonfatal cardiovascular events. There is a related pilot study that treated patients over a 6‐month period with cinacalcet. The findings showed that cinacalcet reduced serum PTH, Ca, and Pi levels and that if the patient had lower PTH levels at baseline, the dosage of vitamin D could be greatly reduced. Thus, in some patients concomitant vitamin D and cinacalcet therapy may be preferred to vitamin D alone.
Determinants of Online Privacy Concern and Its Influence on Privacy Protection Behaviors Among Young Adolescents
Authors: YOUN SEOUNMI
Published: September 2009

With Rogers' protection motivation theory as the theoretical framework, this study identified determinants of young adolescents' level of privacy concerns, which, in turn, affects their resultant coping behaviors to protect privacy. Survey data from 144 middle school students revealed that perceived risks of information disclosure increased privacy concerns, whereas perceived benefits offered by information exchange decreased privacy concerns. Subsequently, privacy concerns had an impact on risk‐coping behaviors such as seeking out interpersonal advice or additional information (e.g., privacy statement) or refraining from using Web sites that ask for personal information. Counter to our expectation, privacy self‐efficacy did not appear to be related to privacy concerns. Implications of privacy education to protect online privacy among young adolescents were discussed.
Consumers' Rules of Engagement in Online Information Exchanges
Authors: PODDAR AMIT , MOSTELLER JILL , ELLEN PAM SCHOLDER
Published: September 2009

This research reveals three perceptual themes or “rules of engagement” used by consumers when personal information is requested in online exchanges. The themes—the criticality of the exchange, felt invasion, and fair play—underlie the choice of responses from compliance to blatant falsification of information to company requests. Identified from consumers' in‐depth interviews, these themes, along with the range and variations of response behaviors, reveal that consumers' motivations vary from very simple rules to more customized rules. Our findings may help firms understand consumers' interpretation of online informational requests better and identify factors that influence how consumers respond.
Standing in the Footprint: Including the Self in the Privacy Debate and Policy Development
Authors: NORBERG PATRICIA A. , HORNE DAVID A. , HORNE DANIEL R.
Published: September 2009

Personal information can be considered a shared good, since in many cases this information is accessed, used and distributed by more than just the individual. Thus, how personal information is defined or characterized and why it is valued differs based on whether or not one is the person whom the information describes. This article shows how current debates that influence policy and regulation are largely based on economic and social frameworks, points out policy issues that are evident due to the absence of a “self‐perspective,” and suggests how inclusion of the “self” might lead to more effective policy in the future.
Credit Scoring and Its Effects on the Availability and Affordability of Credit
Authors: AVERY ROBERT B. , BREVOORT KENNETH P. , CANNER GLENN B.
Published: September 2009

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (the FACT Act) directed several federal agencies to conduct studies related to the credit reporting industry. A primary concern was the accuracy and fairness of the credit reporting and scoring systems. In this article, Federal Reserve System Board economists report on a study in which they examined various issues related to credit scoring, including how credit scoring has affected the availability and affordability of credit. In a responding commentary, Calvin Bradford notes flaws and deficiencies in the Federal Reserve System study.
Privacy Crimes, Annoyances and Self‐Defeating Business Practices
Authors: ROTFELD HERBERT JACK
Published: September 2009

It appears that everyone says they want privacy, but no one wants to be left alone. Every journal article on the topic presents additional conflicts and contradictions of what people say they want, what the consumer advocates say is needed, and the self‐inflicted harm consumers create. At the same time, business practices undertaken by managers recruited from the shallow end of the intellectual gene pool extend from trivial privacy invasions to the facilitation of cyber crimes. Unfortunately, the consumer protection debate has combined the annoying with the criminal, to the detriment of public policy planning that should focus on the latter.
China's Urban and Rural Old Age Security System: Challenges and Options
Authors: Wang Dewen
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews the development of the urban and rural old age security system in China, and discusses the challenges in the process of constructing a sustained old age security system. Although funding gaps and empty individual accounts have imposed a heavy burden on the sustainability of China's urban pension system, there is a relatively high coverage rate of 35.3 percent for urban workers. However, China's pension system provides low coverage rate for rural farmers. The more rapidly aging population and lower incomes in rural areas pose challenges to the vulnerable rural household support system. The separation of the old age security system between rural and urban areas also puts great pressure as a result of urbanization on farmers who lose their farmland. Therefore, it is urgent for China to speed up the reform of its old age security system to provide an institutional support for its economic and social transition.

(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
China's Pattern of Growth: Moving to Sustainability and Reducing Inequality
Authors: Kuijs Louis , Wang Tao
Published: September 2009

This paper uses both macro level and sectoral data to study the sources and pattern of China's impressive economic growth over the last 25 years. Extending the growth accounting framework, we show that widening inequality, rural poverty, and resource intensity are to a large extent rooted in China's growth strategy, and resolving them requires a rebalancing of policies. We find that growth of investment in the industrial sector has been the single most important factor driving gross domestic product and overall labor productivity growth since the early 1990s. The shift of labor from low‐productivity agriculture has been limited. The productivity gap between agriculture and the rest of the economy has continued to widen, leading to increased rural‐urban income inequality. Continuing with the current growth pattern would further increase already high investment and saving needs to unsustainable levels, lower urban employment growth, and widen the rural‐urban income gap. However, reducing subsidies to industry and investment, encouraging the development of the services industry, and reducing barriers to labor mobility would result in a more balanced growth and a substantial reduction in the income gap between rural and urban residents.

(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
China's Macroeconomic Development: Stages and Nonlinear Convergence
Authors: Lai Pingyao
Published: September 2009

The central theme of this paper is that China's macroeconomic development can be divided into three distinct stages with significant trend changes. Market‐oriented reform and opening to the outside world provide main driving forces for the convergence. However, the gradual reform and some inappropriate policies have caused serious ups and downs in China's macroeconomic performance.

(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)
Modalities of Microfinance Delivery in Asia and Latin America: Lessons for China
Authors: Montgomery Heather , Weiss John
Published: September 2009

Microfinance, the provision of small size loans and other financial services to low income households, is often seen as the key innovation of the last 25 years in terms of means of reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. There is extensive experience in microfinance provision in both Asia and Latin America, but as yet relatively little use of the approach in China. This paper assesses different approaches to microfinance delivery using a threefold distinction, the credit union approach, the non‐government organization approach and the banking approach, to generalize across recent Asian and Latin American experience and discuss the role of microfinance in poverty reduction in a theoretical framework. Considering the current state of microfinance in China and international experience, we suggest the banking approach as the way to best increase outreach of micro‐financial services in China.

(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
Rural Electrification in China: History and Institution
Authors: Peng Wuyuan , Pan Jiahua
Published: September 2009

China has been highly successful in electrifying rural areas in the past half century. Institutional structure and its reform are important for investment and, therefore, development of rural electrification. Over time, there have been three major institutional changes initiated by the central government; When the People's Republic was founded in 1949, it was short of capital, technology and management professionals to promote rural electrification, so rural electricity had a separate administrative system from the urban areas. From 1949 to 1977, China established a comprehensive vertical system of rural electricity administration under strict central planning. At the end of the 1970s, with the adoption of economic reform policy, the central government handed over the management of the local electricity system to local government. County level has proved the most effective implementation unit for both planning and project implementation of the rural electricity system. From 1998 to 2002, the central government has been separating local electricity supply from local governments to facilitate the commercial operation of the utility market. After 2002, the rural electricity system was merged with the urban system, forming an integrated national electricity administrative system in China.

(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)