bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitising the R&D social network: revisiting the technological gatekeeper
Authors: Whelan Eoin , Golden Willie , Donnellan Brian
Published: September 2011

This paper examines how the digitisation of the social network, and the resulting interplay between its online and offline components, has impacted the role of the technological gatekeeper in research and development (R&D) settings. Previous studies have firmly established the technological gatekeeper to be a key node in the innovation process – acquiring, translating and disseminating novel information throughout the R&D social network. Drawing on social network analysis and interview evidence from a software R&D group, we find that the gatekeeper role has undergone a division of labour. Theoretically, we contribute to the body of knowledge by developing an updated technological gatekeeper conceptual framework. For practitioners, we identify the competencies exhibited by the small number of communication specialists who are largely responsible for diffusing novel information. We then advise practitioners how to maximise the contribution of these ‘stars’ to the information flow network.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of corn carotenoids in ethanol
Authors: Ye Jun , Feng Lingling , Xiong Jian , Xiong Yedan
Published: September 2011

The effect of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of carotenoids from corn with a 1:6 ratio of maize meal to ethanol (g g−1) was studied, and the extractive structure was analysed by FTIR. The results showed that at 12 min, the extraction concentration of carotenoids with ultrasound assistance was 3.6 times higher than that without ultrasound assistance. And the concentration of carotenoids obtained from using ultrasound assistance for 30 min was much higher than highest concentration of carotenoids obtained through magnetic stirring in 300 min. After studying multiple variables, the extraction concentration of carotenoids was higher using 700–900 W power, in 20 kHz frequency and at 38–40 °C than that in other conditions. The activation energy of the extraction process was 44.61 KJ mol−1. In addition, to achieve the best efficiency, the horn had to be placed deeper at the beginning of extraction and then raised at the 12 min point to 4.70 cm from the bottom of the beaker. By using FTIR analysis, we concluded that the structures of the corn carotenoids were not destroyed by ultrasound assistance.
Promoting patient care: work engagement as a mediator between ward service climate and patient‐centred care
Authors: Abdelhadi Nasra , Drach‐Zahavy Anat
Published: September 2011

ABDELHADI N. & DRACH‐ZAHAVY A. (2012) Promoting patient care: work engagement as a mediator between ward service climate and patient‐centred care. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1276–1287.

Aims.  To test a model that suggests the ward’s climate of service facilitates nurses’ patient‐centred care behaviours through its effect on nurses’ work engagement.

Background.  Organizational efforts to promote patient‐centred care focused on interventions aimed to improve nurses’ communication skills, or to improve patient’s participation in the decision‐making process. These interventions have been only partially successful, as they do not take the ward context into account; so caring professionals who attend workshops can rarely apply their newly acquired skills due to the daily pressures of the ward.

Method.  A nested cross‐sectional research design (nursing staff within wards) was adopted, with three measures of the care behaviour of nurses. Data were collected in 2009, from 158 nurses working in 40 wards of retirement homes in northern Israel. Nurses’ work engagement, ward’s climate for service and control variables were measured via validated questionnaires. Patient‐centred care behaviours were assessed by structured observations.

Results.  The findings supported our model: service climate proved a link to nurses’ work engagement and patient‐centred care behaviours. Nurses’ work engagement mediated the service‐climate patient‐centred care behaviours.

Conclusion.  The research is pioneering in demonstrating a close relation between ward service climate and patient‐centred care. In practice, to improve patient‐centred care managers should invest in facilitating ward service climate, highlighting the importance of service to the organization through appropriate rewards, guidance and administrative practices.
Electronic health record adoption and health information exchange among hospitals in New York State
Authors: Abramson Erika L. , McGinnis Sandra , Edwards Alison , Maniccia Dayna M. , Moore Jean , Kaushal Rainu ,   with the HITEC investigators
Published: September 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Unprecedented national and state initiatives are underway to promote adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) with health information exchange (HIE). New York State leads the nation in state initiatives and is conducting ongoing surveillance of its investments. Lessons learned from studying states like New York can inform federal policies and will be essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives. We undertook this first in a series of planned surveys to assess EHR adoption and HIE activities by New York State hospitals.

Methods

Between May and December 2009, we surveyed all New York State hospitals to determine rates of EHR adoption, participation in HIE and implementation of functionalities associated with nine core meaningful use criteria.

Results  We received responses from 148 (72.2%) of 205 hospitals surveyed and found that 23 (15.5%) had adopted an EHR and 29 (23.2%) were participating in HIE. Two hospitals (1.4%) reported full implementation of the meaningful use functionalities surveyed. Public hospitals were ahead of private hospitals and notable regional differences were found.

Discussion  EHR adoption rates and participation in HIE are higher among New York hospitals than hospitals nationwide, suggesting that state initiatives funding community EHR implementation may influence these efforts by hospitals. However, overall rates of adoption and preparedness to meet meaningful use remain low. Direct support for hospitals, such as that provided through the national EHR Incentive Program, will likely be critical for rates of EHR adoption and HIE to significantly rise, even in advanced states.
Patterns of osteoporosis treatment change and treatment discontinuation among commercial and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug members in a national health plan
Authors: Xu Yihua , Viswanathan Hema N. , Ward Melea A. , Clay Brad , Adams John L. , Stolshek Bradley S. , Kallich Joel D. , Fine Shari , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: September 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Multiple treatments are available for osteoporosis; however, little is known about treatment change patterns and associated factors. Osteoporosis treatment change patterns, discontinuation and factors associated with treatment change in members of a large national health plan were examined.

Methods  A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 7315 commercial and 34 146 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) members newly initiated on an osteoporosis medication between 2006 and 2008. Osteoporosis treatment change, discontinuation and re‐initiation patterns were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with treatment change. Commercial and MAPD members were assessed separately because of differences in demographics and insurance benefits.

Results  Approximately 12% of members had a change in index therapy within 12 months. Almost 60% of members discontinued the index medication at least once, based on a 90‐day refill gap. Over 40% of members discontinued all osteoporosis medications by the end of 12 months post‐index. Among MAPD and commercial members, women and those with risedronate, ibandronate or calcitonin at index, index therapy in 2008 and an osteoporosis diagnosis were more likely to have a treatment change while members with health plans other than health maintenance organizations and generic alendronate at index were less likely to have a treatment change.

Conclusions  Osteoporosis treatment change occurred in approximately 12% of members, while a greater proportion of members discontinued treatment completely within 12 months. Member characteristics may be used to predict therapy change for evaluation and quality initiatives within a health plan.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio
Authors: FANG X. , LIU X. , LIU W. , LU C.
Published: September 2011

Fang, X., Liu, X., Liu, W., Lu, C. Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 397–401.

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin (EF) was investigated after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) in 300 healthy allogynogenetic silver crucian carp at 24–26 °C. The plasma concentrations of EF and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CF) were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. After i.v. administration, the plasma concentration–time data were described by an open two‐compartment model. The elimination half‐life (T1/2β), area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) and total body clearance of EF were 63.5 h, 239.6 μg·h/mL and 0.04 L/h/kg, respectively. Following p.o. administration, the plasma concentration–time data showed a double peak–shaped curve, indicating the possibility of enterohepatic recirculation of EF in allogynogenetic silver crucian carp. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), T1/2β and AUC of EF were 4.5 μg/mL, 62.7 h and 205.9 μg·h/mL, respectively. Absorption of EF was very good with a bioavailability (F) of 86%, which could be correlated with the unique structure of the alimentary canal in allogynogenetic silver crucian. CF, an active metabolite of EF, was not detected in this study.
Hepatic iron overload is common in chronic hepatitis B and is more severe in patients coinfected with hepatitis D virus
Authors: Sebastiani G. , Tempesta D. , Alberti A.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  Hepatic iron overload has been described in chronic hepatitis C as a cofactor affecting fibrosis progression. Data in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection are scarce. We investigated hepatic iron deposits and serum iron indices in 205 consecutive patients with hepatitis B and compensated liver disease. Mean age of the patients was 42.4 ± 12.4 years and 72.5% were males. Coinfection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) was present in 8.8%. At least one of the serum iron indices was elevated in 41.5% of cases. Hepatic iron deposits were detected in 35.1% of patients, most of them being minimal (grade I) (59.7%) or mild (grade II) (27.8%). Variables significantly associated with hepatic iron deposits were male gender (P = 0.001), serum ferritin (P = 0.008), γGT (P = 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.05) levels. By multivariate analysis hepatic iron deposits correlated with serum ferritin [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.4, P = 0.002]. Presence of mild‐moderate (grades II and III) hepatic iron deposits could be excluded with high negative predictive value (90%) when serum ferritin was within normal values. A significant correlation between coinfection with HDV and hepatic iron deposits was also found (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.52–11.82, P = 0.003). When compared to monoinfected cases, HDV positive patients had more elevated γGT (P = 0.03), more advanced fibrosis and more severe iron deposits (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, in well‐compensated chronic hepatitis B infection, hepatic iron deposits and elevation of serum iron indices are common, especially in male gender and in patients coinfected with HDV. As HBV/HDV liver disease is generally more rapidly progressive than that caused by HBV monoinfection, we speculate that iron overload may be one of the factors contributing to the severity of liver disease.
New insight in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders: association between genetics and colonic transit
Authors: Wouters M. M.
Published: September 2011

Genome wide association studies and meta‐analyses identified risk factors related to epithelial integrity of the intestinal barrier, innate immune responses and autophagy in inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) and celiac disease. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), coexists and shares common, although milder, features with IBD and celiac disease. Although our knowledge on genetic variability in IBS symptom generation is very limited, smaller scale studies attempt to provide insight in the mechanisms underlying IBS. Camilleri et al. identified associations for susceptibility loci in inflammatory and epithelial barrier genes with colonic transit in lower FGID. Their report is the first descriptive study to assess potential genetic factors involved in motor function. Further exploration of genetic variation in IBS will be crucial to unravel its’ pathogenesis.
Response of Brontispa longissima to coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) leaf volatiles
Authors: FANG YULING , SUN JIANGHUA , ZHANG ZHONGNING
Published: September 2011

Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Hispidae) is a new invasive pest in China that has caused severe economic damage to palm trees (Arecaceae, Palmae). The response of this beetle to coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) leaf volatiles is investigated in laboratory bioassays. Both sexes are attracted to a mixture of β‐myrcene, (−)‐limonene and E‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol (1 : 6 : 1), which are key components of coconut palm leaf volatiles. A blend of β‐myrcene and (−)‐limonene (0.7 : 1–1 : 0.7) in low amounts (100 ng) elicits aggregation and oviposition in females. Chemical analyses of food‐deprived, gravid female B. longissima show high concentrations of β‐myrcene and (−)‐limonene in their accessory glands, suggesting that female beetles sequester both compounds and release them during oviposition.
Protein–protein interactions of the cytochrome c oxidase DNA barcoding region
Authors: PUSLEDNIK LOUISE , YEATES DAVID K. , FAITH DANIEL P. , BALLARD J. WILLIAM O.
Published: September 2011

Enzymatic amplification of homologous regions of DNA using ‘universal’ polymerase chain reaction primers has provided insight into insect systematics, phylogeography, molecular evolution and species identification. One of the more commonly amplified and sequenced regions is a short region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), commonly called the barcoding region. COI is one of three mitochondrial‐encoded subunits of complex IV (Cox) of the electron transport chain. In addition to the mitochondrial subunits there are nine nuclear‐encoded subunits of the complex in Drosophila. Whereas a number of phylogenetic biases associated with this region have been examined and the quaternary structure of Cox has been modelled, the influence of protein–protein interactions on the observed patterns of evolution in this barcoding region of insects has never been examined critically. Using a well‐resolved independently derived phylogeny of 38 Diptera species, we examined the homogeneity of the substitution processes within the barcoding region. We show that, within Diptera, amino acid residues interacting with nuclear‐encoded subunits of Cox are evolving at elevated rates across the phylogeny. Furthermore, we show that codon position two is biased by protein–protein interactions. In contrast, third codon positions provide a less biased estimate of genetic variation in the region. This study highlights the need to examine the potential for systematic bias in DNA barcoding regions as part of the critical assessment of evidence in systematics and in biodiversity assessments.
Clinical study of twenty‐nail dystrophy in Korea
Authors: Lee Young Bok , Cheon Min Seok , Park Hyun Jeong , Cho Baik Kee
Published: September 2011

Background  Twenty‐nail dystrophy (TND) is an idiopathic and non‐congenital nail dystrophy that is characterized by excess longitudinal ridges and loss of luster in multiple nail plates. There are a few studies on TND.

Materials and methods  In order to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with TND in Korea, a retrospective study was performed. Eighty‐eight patients were diagnosed with TND from February 1, 2003, to April 30, 2010.

Results  In this study, morphology of TND was clinically divided as atrophic, hypertrophic, pitting dominant, shallow fissure‐dominant, and deep fissure‐dominant types. The patients consisted of 33 males and 55 females. The proportions of subtype and gender predominance showed differences between the child–adolescent‐onset TND (20 cases) and the adult‐onset TND (68 cases).

Conclusion  The clinical data of this study contribute to our understanding of TND.
Food web structure within kelp holdfasts (Laminaria): a stable isotope study
Authors: Schaal Gauthier , Riera Pascal , Leroux Cédric
Published: September 2011

Kelp holdfasts are highly reticulated structures which host a large diversity of small fauna. These microhabitats have been reported to play a crucial role in the biodiversity associated to kelp forest ecosystems. This study aimed at identifying trophic links and the main food sources sustaining food webs within communities associated with kelp holdfasts, through a stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) approach. Sampling of the main invertebrates inhabiting Laminaria digitata holdfasts, and of their potential food sources, took place in February and May 2007. Stable isotope results reveal that most of the primary consumers, including filter‐feeders and deposit‐feeders, rely on the particulate organic matter sedimented within kelp holdfasts. Only three grazers departed from this general pattern. The correspondence between the stable isotope ratios of predators and sediment consumers indicated that this source is at the base of the main pathway through which energy and matter transit in the food web. δ15N ranges found for consumers revealed that the food web associated with kelp holdfasts is composed of 3.5 levels. In spite of the low diversity of food sources at the base of the food web, these microhabitats can therefore be considered micro‐scale ecosystems, from a functional perspective.
Laparoscopic promontofixation for pelvic organ prolapse: A 10‐year single center experience in a series of 501 patients
Authors: Bacle Julien , Papatsoris Athanasios G , Bigot Pierre , Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahmene , Brychaet Pierre‐Emmanuel , Piussan Jean , Mandron Eric
Published: September 2011

Objectives:  To assess the long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic promontofixation (LP) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods:  A total of 501 consecutive patients with POP were included in this prospective study. The patients' mean age was 63.23 (36–90) years, their mean body mass index was 25.14 (15–36) and their mean number of deliveries was 3.3 (0–14). A POP grade ≥3 was diagnosed in 70.4% of the patients and 38.9% of them had a history of abdominal surgery. The patients underwent a Bonney test and urodynamic study. In cases of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the patients underwent the simultaneous insertion of a tension‐free vaginal tape. A prolapse quality of life questionnaire was sent to all patients.

Results:  The mean operative time was 97.4 min (50–210) and there were 1.7% cases of intra‐operative complications. The mean hospitalization time was 3.7 days (1–13 days). During the mean follow‐up of 20.7 months (3–120), 91 (17.8%) complications were recorded, including constipation (5.5%), SUI (3.5%), vaginal erosion (2.4%), and urge incontinence (2%). Recurrences were recorded in 11.5% of the patients within an average time of 37.2 months. Risk factors for recurrence were the use of the polypropylene mesh compared with the polyester mesh (P < 0.0001), an intra‐operative hysterectomy (P = 0.02), and bleeding (P = 0.049). There was a statistical significant (P < 0.001) improvement in most of the symptoms in the prolapse quality of life questionnaire.

Conclusions:  LP is safe with effective long‐term results, with low recurrence and morbidity rates, and a good quality of life.
Local and landscape determinants of pollen beetle abundance in overwintering habitats
Authors: Rusch Adrien , Valantin‐Morison Muriel , Roger‐Estrade Jean , Sarthou Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2011

The development of integrated pest management strategies requires that the semi‐natural habitats scattered across the landscape are taken into account. Particular determinants of insect pest abundance in overwintering habitats just before they migrate onto crops appear to be poorly known and of crucial importance for understanding patterns of crop colonization and pest population dynamics at the landscape scale.

The emergence of pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus F. was studied in grassland, woodland edge and woodland interior over a 3‐year survey in France using macro‐emergence traps. A suite of variables at the local and the landscape scale was assessed for each trap, aiming to identify potential relevant habitat indicators. The effects of habitat characteristics were evaluated using partial least square regressions.

It was found that M. aeneus can overwinter in all types of habitat but that particular habitat characteristics at the local and landscape scales may explain their abundance in overwintering sites more than the types of habitat: relative altitude, litter thickness, soil moisture and proximity to the previous year's oilseed rape fields appear to be positively correlated with abundance of adults over the 3 years.

Hence, the abundance of emerged pollen beetles depends on both the landscape configuration of the previous year's oilseed rape fields around overwintering sites and local habitat characteristics. Landscape configuration may determine population flow towards overwintering sites in the late summer, and local habitat characteristics may influence survival rates during the winter. The findings of the present study provide valuable insight into the role of semi‐natural habitats as a source of pests, patterns of crop colonization in the spring, and the influence of landscape on pollen beetle abundance.
Parasitoids of the rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and prospects for enhancing biological control with nectar plants
Authors: Gurr Geoff M. , Read Donna M. Y. , Catindig Josie Lynn A. , Cheng Jiuan , Liu Jian , Lan La Pham , Heong Kong Luen
Published: September 2011

The rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a serious rice pest in Asia. The conspicuous foliar damage caused by C. medinalis larvae leads to early‐season insecticide applications that disrupt the biological control of this and other pest species.

Despite the often dramatic impact of C. medinalis, rice plants can tolerate severe defoliation with no impact on grain yield, although persuading farmers to withhold insecticide application has proven very difficult.

The present review assesses the prevention of damage caused by C. medinalis via biological control using parasitoids. Information on the indigenous parasitoids of C. medinalis is drawn together for the first time from the non‐English literature published in Asia. This is integrated with the wider English language literature to provide a comprehensive analysis of the parasitoid fauna.

Survey studies have been conducted in many Asian countries in recent decades, showing that parasitoids of rice pests can achieve high rates of parasitism but are far from consistent as a mortality factor. There is much less work available on the biology of leaffolder parasitoids in rice and there is an unexpected dearth of studies regarding increasing their performance by providing nectar sources, which is a widely explored approach for other crop systems.

It is concluded that the recently reported work in which nectar plants are established on rice bunds to support planthopper parasitoids may have significant benefit for leaffolder parasitoids. The use of plant species, however, that are selective in not allowing adult moths to feed will be essential.
Intraocular signet‐ring cell melanoma in a hamster (Cricetulus griseus)
Authors: Lima Leandro , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Sousa Renato , Langohr Ingeborg
Published: September 2011

A two‐and‐a‐half year‐old male Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) was referred for evaluation of an intraorbital mass involving the right eye.

Based on ophthalmic examination and ultrasonography, a diagnosis of intraocular neoplasia was made. Enucleation of the affected eye was performed. The mass was histologically diagnosed as a primary malignant intraocular signet‐ring cell melanoma. No signs of recurrence were detected, and the hamster remained clinically healthy until it died 6 months after surgery. This case report attempts to contribute to the limited body of knowledge available in the literature on primary intraocular neoplasms in hamsters.
Prevalence, incidence and mortality of diagnosed diabetes: evidence from an Italian population‐based study
Authors: Monesi L. , Baviera M. , Marzona I. , Avanzini F. , Monesi G. , Nobili A. , Tettamanti M. , Cortesi L. , Riva E. , Fortino I. , Bortolotti A. , Fontana G. , Merlino L. , Roncaglioni M. C.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 385–392 (2012)

Aims  To describe trends in diagnosed diabetes prevalence, incidence and mortality from 2000 to 2007 in the most heavily populated Italian region.

Methods  We examined the prevalence and incidence rates of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and yearly mortality rates among individuals with diabetes from 2000 to 2007 using an administrative health database of prescription, disease‐specific exemption and hospitalization records of more than 9 million inhabitants of Lombardy. Age‐ and sex‐specific rates were calculated and temporal trends for subjects aged ≥ 30 years were analysed.

Results  The crude point diabetes prevalence rose from 3.0% in 2000 to 4.2% in 2007, a 40% increase. The incidence remained stable during the study period with a rate of 4/1000 per year. Overall mortality declined from 43.2/1000 in 2001 to 40.3/1000 in 2007 (6.7% decrease) at a rate slightly higher than that of the general population (4.8% decrease). Our projection in subjects aged ≥ 30 years indicates that the prevalence will rise continuously over the next years, reaching 11.1% in 2030.

Conclusions  The prevalence of diabetes increased substantially between 2000 and 2007, mainly because there are more patients with a new diagnosis each year than those who die. The increase observed by 2007 almost reached the World Health Organization prediction for 2030. Our analyses suggest that the increase will continue over the next few decades. These data are important for defining the burden of diabetes in the near future, to help in planning health services and ensure proper allocation of resources.
Sources of earnings variability and their effect on earnings forecasts
Authors: Tan Hwee C. , Sidhu Baljit
Published: September 2011

Previous research shows that analysts’ forecasts of earnings do not fully incorporate information contained in reported earnings variability. This study investigates whether the inefficient forecast is because of a failure to incorporate observable information on two components of earnings variability: variability in operating performance and income smoothing. Our results show that analysts’ forecasts fully incorporate information contained in earnings variability for firms with high income smoothing and for firms with low operating variability. A smaller serial correlation of forecast errors is observed for firms with low operating variability, which suggests that analysts recognize the permanence in earnings for such firms.
The application of a domains‐based analysis to family processes: implications for assessment and therapy
Authors: Hill Jonathan , Wren Bernadette , Alderton Jane , Burck Charlotte , Kennedy Eilis , Senior Rob , Aslam Neelo , Broyden Nichaela
Published: September 2011

Social domains are classes of interpersonal processes each with distinct procedural rules underpinning mutual understanding, emotion regulation and action. We describe the features of three domains of family life – safety, attachment and discipline/expectation – and contrast them with exploratory processes in terms of the emotions expressed, the role of certainty versus uncertainty, and the degree of hierarchy in an interaction. We argue that everything that people say and do in family life carries information about the type of interaction they are engaged in – that is, the domain. However, sometimes what they say or how they behave does not make the domain clear, or participants in the social interactions are not in the same domain (there is a domain mismatch). This may result in misunderstandings, irresolvable arguments or distress. We describe how it is possible to identify domains and judge whether they are clear and unclear, and matched and mismatched, in observed family interactions and in accounts of family processes. This then provides a focus for treatment and helps to define criteria for evaluating outcomes.
A Widening Gap? The Political and Social Organization of Childcare in Argentina
Authors: Faur Eleonor
Published: September 2011

This article examines how social policies and programmes implemented in Argentina shape the political and social organization of childcare. The author seeks to analyse how welfare institutions are currently responding to emerging needs, and to what extent they facilitate the defamilialization of childcare for different social classes. Because Argentina lacks a truly unified ‘care policy’, four different kinds of facilities and programmes are examined: employment‐based childcare services; pre‐school schemes; social assistance care services; and poverty reduction strategies. It is argued that far from offering equal rights and services with a universalist cast, these ‘caring’ institutions reflect the ethos of the current welfare model in Argentina: a fragmented set of social policies based on different assumptions for different social groups, which in turn filter down to the social organization of childcare.
Stratified Familialism: The Care Regime in India through the Lens of Childcare
Authors: Palriwala Rajni , Neetha N.
Published: September 2011

This article explores the political and social economy of care in India through a focus on childcare practices, from the viewpoint of the care giver — a perspective frequently ignored or touched on only generally in earlier discussions on development or social policy. It is argued that the care regime is an ad hoc summation of informal, stratified practices. It is shaped by the institutional context, in particular the economic and social inequalities of work and livelihoods, as well as trends and absences in state economic and social policy. Central to the dynamics of care practices in India is the ideology of gendered familialism in public discourse and policy, which reiterates care as a familial and female responsibility and works to devalue and diminish the dimensions of care. By delineating the range of institutions through which everyday childcare practices are organized, this contribution draws out the differentiations and actualities of stratified familialism and care. At one end of the spectrum are those who have the possibility to retain familial carers at home and supplement them with paid and other institutional carers; at the other are those who are neither able to retain family members at home nor fill the care gap through formal institutions.
Putting Two and Two Together? Early Childhood Education, Mothers’ Employment and Care Service Expansion in Chile and Mexico
Authors: Staab Silke , Gerhard Roberto
Published: September 2011

In recent years, several middle‐income countries, including Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, have increased the availability of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. These developments have received little scholarly attention so far, resulting in the (surely unintended) impression that Latin American social policy is tied to a familialist track, when in reality national and regional trends are more varied and complex. This article looks at recent efforts to expand ECEC services in Chile and Mexico. In spite of similar concerns over low female labour force participation and child welfare, the approaches of the two countries to service expansion have differed significantly. While the Mexican programme aims to kick‐start and subsidize home‐ and community‐based care provision, with a training component for childminders, the Chilean programme emphasizes the expansion of professional ECEC services provided in public institutions. By comparing the two programmes, this article shows that differences in policy design have important implications in terms of the opportunities the programmes are able to create for women and children from low‐income families, and in terms of the programmes’ impacts on gender and class inequalities. It also ventures some hypotheses about why the two countries may have chosen such different routes.
Harsh Choices: Chinese Women's Paid Work and Unpaid Care Responsibilities under Economic Reform
Authors: Cook Sarah , Dong Xiao‐yuan
Published: September 2011

China's economic reforms over the past three decades have dramatically changed the mechanisms for allocating goods and labour in both market and non‐market spheres. This article examines the social and economic trends that intensify the pressure on the care economy, and on women in particular in playing their dual roles as care givers and income earners in post‐reform China. The analysis sheds light on three critical but neglected issues. How does the reform process reshape the institutional arrangements of care for children and elders? How does the changing care economy affect women's choices between paid work and unpaid care responsibilities? And what are the implications of women's work–family conflicts for the well‐being of women and their families? The authors call for a gendered approach to both social and labour market policies, with investments in support of social reproduction services so as to ease the pressures on women.
A Perfect Storm? Welfare, Care, Gender and Generations in Uruguay
Authors: Filgueira Fernando , Gutiérrez Magdalena , Papadópulos Jorge
Published: September 2011

This article claims that welfare states modelled on a contributory basis and with a system of entitlements that assumes stable two‐parent families, a traditional breadwinner model, full formal employment and a relatively young age structure are profoundly flawed in the context of present‐day challenges. While this is true for affluent countries modelled on the Bismarckian type of welfare system, the costs of the status quo are even more devastating in middle‐income economies with high levels of inequality. A gendered approach to welfare reform that introduces the political economy and the economy of care and unpaid work is becoming critical to confront what may very well become a perfect storm for the welfare of these nations and their peoples. Through an in‐depth study of the Uruguayan case, the authors show how the decoupling of risk and protection has torn asunder the efficacy of welfare devices in the country. An ageing society that has seen a radical transformation of its family and labour market landscapes, Uruguay maintained during the 1980s and 1990s a welfare state that was essentially contributory, elderly and male‐oriented, and centred on cash entitlements. This contributed to the infantilization of poverty, increased the vulnerability of women and exacerbated fiscal stress for the system as a whole. Furthermore, because of high levels of income and asset inequality, the redistribution of risk between upper‐ and lower‐income groups presented a deeply regressive pattern. The political economy of care and welfare has begun to change in the last decade or so, bringing about mild reforms in the right direction; but these might prove to be too little and too late.
Decision‐making in the pharmaceutical industry: analysis of entrepreneurial risk and attitude using uncertain information
Authors: Cowlrick Ivor , Hedner Thomas , Wolf Roland , Olausson Michael , Klofsten Magnus
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of this study was to investigate judgments made by employees from the pharmaceutical industry and allied health‐care sectors in a set of four different drug discovery and development cases derived from real scenarios. Each case study related to go/no‐go decisions taken from various steps in drug discovery through preclinical and clinical development (investigational new drug) on to market introduction (new drug application) and treatment of the target population. Using a web‐based questionnaire, 52 respondents made five sets of judgment within each drug case whether to continue or halt further project development. For each case, additional details of the developmental scenario were disclosed to the respondent after completion of each judgment response. We also assessed to what extent the individual judgments given by the respondents were influenced by work experience and functional role, education, or their perceived entrepreneurial character. Our study demonstrates that health‐care employees differ substantially in their individual intuitive judgments of benefit and risk in go/no‐go decisions during the drug discovery and development process. This lack of coherence and wide variability with respect to the drug development cases selected may reflect judgment in the real world. Such judgments are usually taken from incomplete information, and individual decision‐making rules vary substantially between experts in the field. Further knowledge about this inherent human functional judgment variability may be helpful to form a better understanding of individual decision‐making in relation to inherent uncertainties. Additional research may also clarify how personal experience within drug discovery and development influences judgment and help to optimize decision outcomes in the drug development sector. Importantly, a deeper insight of the fundamentals and rules that shape individual and group decision‐making of everyday drug discovery and development may help to optimize the decision processes in the pharmaceutical industry.
Assessing the product architecture decision about product features – a real options approach
Authors: Wouters Marc , Workum Mark , Hissel Paul
Published: September 2011

Product architecture decisions impact how a firm can introduce new products to the market and are therefore strategically important. This article presents an approach to financially assess the product architecture decision about the incorporation of a product feature. If demand for the feature arises, this can be met quickly and at a low implementation cost if the feature has already been included or if the product design has been specially prepared for it. However, if the feature will not be sold, it may be better to not consider it for the current product design or even to optimize the design by specifically excluding it. Four product architecture decisions are conceptually developed and operationalized in an assessment method, using real option reasoning. This method has been developed jointly by university researchers and consultants of Philips Applied Technologies. In a pilot application, the method was practically usable, provided financial insights, and enabled cross‐functional cooperation.
The effect of inducement prizes on innovation: evidence from theAnsariXPrize and theNorthropGrummanLunarLanderChallenge
Authors: Kay Luciano
Published: September 2011

Inducement prizes are increasingly popular because of their potential to induce technological innovations and attain related goals. Academic research, however, has barely investigated these prizes. This paper investigates the motivation of prize entrants, the characteristics of their research and development (R&D) activities, and the overall effect of prizes on innovation using case study research and documentary data sources. TheAnsariXPrize and theNorthropGrummanLunarLanderChallenge, both considered successful technology competitions in the aerospace sector, are investigated. The findings show that, first, incentives created by competitions, particularly those that are nonmonetary, attract unconventional entrants. The market value of the prize technologies motivate entrants as well but do not attract traditional industry players. Second, limited technology development lead times and no up‐front funding characterize prizeR&Dactivities, yet their differences with traditional industry practices are caused by participant‐level factors. Most importantly, the introduction of novelR&Dapproaches is associated with the participation of unconventional entrants. Third, these prizes induced innovations over and above what would have occurred anyway, with the caveat that they were linked to significant technology incentives and fundamentally, ongoingR&Dprocesses. These findings put forward lessons that inform the design of more effective prize competitions.
A Game-Theoretic Foundation for Competitive Equilibria in the Stiglitz–Weiss Model
Authors: Arnold Lutz G.
Published: September 2011

Financial intermediaries are, by definition, engaged in two-sided competition. Despite the well-known problems of achieving competitive solutions under twosided price competition, models of financial intermediation are commonly solved for competitive equilibria. This article provides a game-theoretic foundation for competitive equilibria in one of the most important models of financial intermediation, the seminal Stiglitz-Weiss (1981) adverse selection model of the credit market with a continuum of borrower types.
Routine cardiac evaluation in patients with ischaemic stroke and absence of known atrial fibrillation or coronary heart disease: transthoracic echocardiography vs. multidetector cardiac computed tomography
Authors: Kim S. J. , Choe Y. H. , Park S.‐J. , Kim G.‐M. , Chung C.‐S. , Lee K. H. , Bang O. Y.
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose:  Cardiac evaluation is routinely conducted in patients with ischaemic stroke because embolisms originating from the heart are an important cause of stroke. We compared the prevalence of cardioaortic sources of cerebral embolism (CSCE) in patients with ischaemic stroke detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and/or multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT). Additionaly, we investigated the frequency and severity of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who underwent MDCT.

Methods:  We prospectively recruited patients with non‐atrial fibrillation‐related stroke who had no history of cardiac disease. Patients underwent cardiac evaluation using TTE alone (N = 243, during the early phase of this study – TTE period), TTE and MDCT (N = 62, midphase – transitional period) and MDCT alone (N = 138, late phase – MDCT period). CSCE were defined according to the original and revised TOAST classifications. CAD was defined as 50% or more stenosis of the coronary artery.

Results:  Patients’ characteristics did not differ amongst groups; however, CSCE were more frequently detected in the MDCT period than in the TTE period (18.1% vs. 6.6%, P < 0.001). In the transitional period, there were 16 patients (25.8%) who were found to be CSCE by MDCT but not TTE, whilst three patients (4.8%) were found to be CSCE by TTE but not MDCT (P = 0.004). Amongst the patients who underwent MDCT, 72 (36.0%) had asymptomatic CAD, invasive coronary angiography was needed in 21 (10.5%) and 10 (5.0%) patients finally underwent coronary intervention.

Conclusion:  Multidetector cardiac computed tomography proved to be complementary to TTE for the identification of CSCE and can detect asymptomatic CAD, one of the major causes of vascular death in patients with stroke, in patients with non‐atrial fibrillation‐related stroke.
Improving the diagnosis and prognosis of atrial fibrillation in stroke: quo vadis?
Authors: Banerjee A. , Lip G. Y. H.
Published: September 2011

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How dung beetles respond to a human‐modified variegated landscape in Mexican cloud forest: a study of biodiversity integrating ecological and biogeographical perspectives
Authors: Rös Matthias , Escobar Federico , Halffter Gonzalo
Published: September 2011

Aim  To analyse how the dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) respond to a modified, variegated landscape, taking into account the biogeographical peculiarities of the Mexican Transition Zone.

Location  This study covers cloud forest (CF) of the Sierra Norte de Puebla mountain range and part of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range (Mexico).

Methods  We applied proportional sampling based on the landscape variegation model with Scarabaeinae as the indicator group, and using two approaches: structural units (vegetation type) and spatial units (windows). We used two measures – richness and Shannon diversity – and applied multiplicative diversity partitioning to obtain independent alpha and beta diversities for the landscape, windows and vegetation types. We grouped species by biogeographical distribution pattern for the biogeographical analysis and by whether they were originally from CF.

Results  The transformation of CF into secondary forest, pastures and other types of vegetation increases the Scarabaeinae diversity of the landscape, in vegetation types and windows. This increase is the result of species arriving from the tropical lowlands. However, the original dung beetle community of the CF dominates at different scales in the number of species, abundance and biomass. With increasing habitat modification, beta diversity increases in the windows, and species with the Tropical Palaeoamerican distribution pattern increase in abundance in vegetation types and windows.

Main conclusions  The variegated character of the landscape explains well the distribution and diversity of this dung beetle community. The peculiar characteristics of the Mexican Transition Zone have an effect owing to the overlap of fauna with different biogeographical origins. The conversion of fragmented landscapes to variegated landscapes could be a conservation goal in human‐modified mountain landscapes. Sampling proportional to the area of different types of vegetation and the use of windows offer an alternative experimental design in variegated landscapes.