bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Potential Factors Predicting Attainment of Full Gavage Feedings in Preterm Infants
Authors: Shulman Robert J. , Ou Ching-Nan , Smith E. O’Brian
Published: June 2010

Background: The clinical measures of gastric residuals and abdominal distention are often used to guide feeding in preterm infants, but there are few data demonstrating their usefulness. Similarly, techniques are now available to investigate gastrointestinal (GI) function noninvasively and safely, but their ability to predict attainment of full gavage feedings and/or feeding volume in preterm infants is unclear. Objective: We sought to determine prospectively the potential relationships of attainment of full gavage feedings and feeding volume with clinical measures and noninvasive GI tests. Methods: Fifty preterm infants were followed prospectively. Daily tally was taken of gavage feeding intake, gastric residual volumes (GRVs; milliliters per day, number of GRVs >50% of the previous feeding volume, and number of GRVs >2 ml/kg), and abdominal distention. Infants underwent repeated measurement of lactase activity, GI permeability, fecal calprotectin concentration, and gastric emptying. Results: The number of GRVs >2 ml/kg tended to decrease with postnatal age (p = 0.06). Lactase activity and feeding volume in milliliters per kilogram per day prior to achieving full feedings were correlated (p = 0.007, β = 0.164). There was no correlation between feeding outcomes and GRV (ml/day), GRV >50%, GRV >2 ml/kg, small bowel, colonic, or whole bowel permeability, fecal calprotectin concentration, gastric emptying, or abdominal distention. Conclusions: GRV is unreliable in predicting attainment of full gavage feeding. Lactase activity is related to feeding volume. However, other noninvasive GI tests utilized were not predictive. These data cast doubt upon the utility of GRV in guiding feeding therapy. Randomized trials of different GRV management protocols are needed.
An 8-Week High-Fat Diet Induces Obesity and Insulin Resistance with Small Changes in the Muscle Transcriptome of C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: de Wilde Janneke , Smit Egbert , Mohren Ronny , Boekschoten Mark V. , de Groot Philip , van den Berg Sjoerd A.A. , Bijland Silvia , Voshol Peter J. , van Dijk Ko Willems , de Wit Nicole W.J. , Bunschoten Annelies , Schaart Gert , Hulshof Martijn F.M. , Mariman Edwin C.M.
Published: June 2010

Background: Skeletal muscle is responsible for most of the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and metabolism. Therefore, it plays an important role in the development of insulin resistance, one of the characteristics of the metabolic syndrome (MS). As the prevalence of the MS is increasing, there is an urgent need for more effective intervention strategies. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed an 8-week low-fat diet (10 kcal%; LFD) or high-fat diet (45 kcal%; HFD). Microarray analysis was performed by using two comparisons: (1) 8-week HFD transcriptome versus 8-week LFD transcriptome and (2) transcriptome of mice sacrificed at the start of the intervention versus 8-week LFD transcriptome and 8-week HFD transcriptome, respectively. Results: Although an 8-week HFD induced obesity and impaired insulin sensitivity, HFD-responsive changes in the muscle transcriptome were relatively small (<1.3-fold). In fact, 8-weeks of aging induced more pronounced changes than an HFD. One comparison revealed the transcriptional downregulation of the mito- gen-activated protein kinase cascade, whereas both comparisons showed the upregulation of fatty acid oxidation, demonstrating that the two comparison strategies are confirmative as well as complementary. Conclusion: We suggest using complementary analysis strategies in the genome-wide search for gene expression changes induced by mild interventions, such as an HFD.
Professional Opera Tenors’ Vocal Tract Configurations in Registers
Authors: Echternach Matthias , Sundberg Johan , Markl Michael , Richter Bernhard
Published: June 2010

Objective: Tenor singers may reach their top pitch range either by shifting from modal to falsetto register or by using their so-called ‘voix mixte’. Material and Methods: In this study, dynamic real-time MRI of 8 frames per second was used to analyze the vocal tract profile in 10 professional opera tenors, who sang an ascending scale from C4 (262 Hz) to A4 (440 Hz) on the vowel /a/. The scale included their register transition and the singers applied both register techniques in different takes. Results: Modal to falsetto register changes were associated with only minor vocal tract modifications, including elevation and tilting of the larynx and a lifted tongue dorsum. Transitions to voix mixte, by contrast, were associated with major vocal tract modifications. Under these conditions, the subjects widened their pharynges, their lip and jaw openings, and increased their jaw protrusion. These modifications were stronger in more ‘heavy’ tenors than in more ‘light’ tenors. The acoustic consequences of these articulatory changes are discussed.
Recalcitrant Pemphigus Vulgaris Responding to Systemic Tacrolimus
Authors: Büsing Viola , Kern Johannes S. , Bruckner-Tuderman Leena , Hofmann Silke C.
Published: June 2010

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an auto-immune blistering skin disease characterized by flaccid blisters and painful erosions of mucous membranes and skin. Suprabasal blister formation results from a loss of epidermal cohesion induced by auto-antibodies against the desmosomal protein desmoglein 3. Treatment of PV currently consists of systemic glucocorticosteroids and adjuvant immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide or dapsone. Due to the low incidence of PV, there are insufficient data to conclude which treatment is the most effective and safest. Thus far, systemic tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf®) has not yet been reported as adjuvant medication for PV. Here, we describe the successful use of systemic tacrolimus in 2 patients with recalcitrant PV of the oral mucosa. Tacrolimus was well tolerated, and clinical improvement allowed tapering of corticosteroids. Thus, oral tacrolimus may be a therapeutic alternative for patients with recalcitrant PV.
A Hairy Paradox: Congenital Triangular Alopecia with a Central Hair Tuft
Authors: Assouly Philippe , Happle Rudolf
Published: June 2010

Congenital triangular alopecia (CTA) is a developmental anomaly characterized by a bald patch involving the temporal region on one or, more rarely, both sides. We report 5 patients with CTA showing a central island of short hair that was categorized as terminal hair both macroscopically and microscopically. The cause of this paradoxical phenomenon is unknown.
Best Practice Options for Hair Removal in Patients with Unwanted Facial Hair Using Combination Therapy with Laser: Guidelines Drawn up by an Expert Working Group
Authors: Lapidoth M. , Dierickx C. , Lanigan S. , Paasch U. , Campo-Voegeli A. , Dahan S. , Marini L. , Adatto M.
Published: June 2010

Hirsutism is a common disorder affecting between 5 and 15% of the population. One of the most devastating consequences of hirsutism is the presence of unwanted facial hair. Treatment of hirsutism involves a two-pronged approach: treating the underlying cause and reduction of visible hair. Laser hair removal is one of the most effective options for reducing visible hair, however, it may not be wholly effective in all patients and combination therapy may need to be considered. Pharmacological therapy is often used in combination with mechanical hair removal due to the time needed for the drug treatment to demonstrate visible results. Clinical data investigating the use of laser treatment in combination with other treatments has focused on laser with topical eflornithine. The expert working group reviews existing data and provides guidance on the use of eflornithine in combination with laser for resistant hirsutism.
Functional Histology of the Macula Flava in the Human Vocal Fold – Part 2: Its Role in the Growth and Development of the Vocal Fold
Authors: Sato Kiminori , Umeno Hirohito , Nakashima Tadashi
Published: June 2010

Objective: This study aims to clarify the role of the maculae flavae (MFe) during growth and development of the human vocal fold mucosa (VFM). Methods: Our current results concerning the MFe in the human newborn, infant, and child VFM are summarized. Results: Newborns already had immature MFe at the same sites as adults. They were composed of dense masses of vocal fold stellate cells (VFSCs), whereas extracellular matrix components were sparse. VFSCs in the newborn MFe had already started synthesizing extracellular matrices (EM). During infancy, the EM synthesized in the MFe appeared in the VFM to initiate the formation of the three-dimensional extracellular matrix structure of the human VFM. During childhood, MFe including VFSCs continued to synthesize EM such as collagenous, reticular, and elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid (glycosaminoglycan), which are essential for the human VFM as a vibrating tissue. The MFe in newborns, infants and children were related to the growth and development of the human VFM. Conclusion: Human MFe including VFSCs were inferred to be involved in the metabolism of EM, essential for the viscoelasticity of the human VFM, and are considered to be an important structure in the growth and development of the human VFM.
Breath Group Analysis for Reading and Spontaneous Speech in Healthy Adults
Authors: Wang Yu-Tsai , Green Jordan R. , Nip Ignatius S.B. , Kent Ray D. , Kent Jane Finley
Published: June 2010

Aims: The breath group can serve as a functional unit to define temporal and fundamental frequency (f₀) features in continuous speech. These features of the breath group are determined by the physiologic, linguistic, and cognitive demands of communication. Reading and spontaneous speech are two speaking tasks that vary in these demands and are commonly used to evaluate speech performance for research and clinical applications. The purpose of this study is to examine differences between reading and spontaneous speech in the temporal and f₀ aspects of their breath groups. Methods: Sixteen participants read two passages and answered six questions while wearing a circumferentially vented mask connected to a pneumotach. The aerodynamic signal was used to identify inspiratory locations. The audio signal was used to analyze task differences in breath group structure, including temporal and f₀ components. Results: The main findings were that spontaneous speech task exhibited significantly more grammatically inappropriate breath group locations and longer breath group duration than did the passage reading task. Conclusion: The task differences in the percentage of grammatically inadequate breath group locations and in breath group duration for healthy adult speakers partly explain the differences in cognitive-linguistic load between the passage reading and spontaneous speech.
Anti-IgE Therapy with Omalizumab Decreases Endothelin-1 in Exhaled Breath Condensate of Patients with Severe Persistent Allergic Asthma
Authors: Zietkowski Ziemowit , Skiepko Roman , Tomasiak-Lozowska Maria M. , Bodzenta-Lukaszyk Anna
Published: June 2010

Background: Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, especially useful for the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite regular therapy. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of omalizumab treatment on changes in endothelin-1 (ET-1), which plays an important role in the development of airway inflammation and remodeling in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients with severe asthma. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 19 patients with severe persistent allergic asthma treated with conventional therapy (according to the Global Initiative for Asthma, 2006) and with or without omalizumab (9 vs. 10 patients). Changes in ET-1 in EBC compared with other inflammatory parameters [exhaled nitric oxide – (FENO), blood eosinophil count, and serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)] were measured after 16 and 52 weeks of therapy. Results: Omalizumab-treated patients demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of ET-1 in EBC, FENO, serum ECP, and blood eosinophil count and an increase in spirometry parameters compared to patients with conventional therapy. In the group of omalizumab-treated patients, statistically significant correlations between the decrease in ET-1 in EBC and a decrease in FENO, ECP, and blood eosinophil count as well as the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s after omalizumab therapy were revealed. Conclusions: Our results confirmed that anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab in patients with severe persistent allergic asthma results in decreased expression of ET-1 in the airways. This could be very important in limiting airway inflammation and bronchial structural changes caused by such treatment in asthmatic patients.
Noninvasive Ventilation in Chronic Respiratory Failure: Effects on Quality of Life
Authors: Tsolaki Vassiliki , Pastaka Chaido , Kostikas Konstantinos , Karetsi Eleni , Dimoulis Andreas , Zikiri Andriani , Koutsokera Aggela , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: June 2010

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been found to be an essential technique to treat chronic respiratory failure (CRF) resulting from restrictive thoracic disorders (RTD). The last decades were characterized by the expansion of NIV to treat patients suffering from various other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NIV on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with CRF during 2 years and to identify parameters associated with changes in HRQoL. Methods: Ninety-one patients with CRF [35 COPD; 17 RTD; 28 OHS; 11 neuromuscular diseases (NMD)] participated. HRQoL was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. Additional measurements included blood gases, pulmonary function tests, dyspnea, daytime sleepiness, exacerbations and hospitalizations. The patients were evaluated every 3–6 months. Results: Improvements in SF-36 physical component summary (PCS, p < 0.0001) and mental component summary (MCS, p < 0.0001) scores in RTD and MCS in OHS (p = 0.01) and COPD (p = 0.003) were observed by the third month. PCS in OHS and COPD patients improved by the sixth month (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively). NMD patients did not present improvements in HRQoL. Improvements in HRQoL were associated with improvements in PaO2 and dyspnea in COPD patients, and with total hours of daily ventilator use, improvement in dyspnea, pressure support and expiratory positive airway pressure in RTD patients. Conclusion: Home NIV is consistently effective in improving HRQoL and physiological parameters in patients with CRF. Randomized trials to identify subgroups of COPD responders are justified by our results.
The Harmful Role of C5a on Innate Immunity in Sepsis
Authors: Ward Peter A.
Published: June 2010

There is accumulating evidence in humans and in experimental sepsis that robust activation of the complement system occurs along with development of defects in the innate immune system. In this report we review evidence that the complement activation product, C5a, appears in the plasma of rodents following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). C5a interacts with its receptors (C5aR, C5L2) on phagocytes (polymorphonuclear neutrophils, PMNs, macrophages), ultimately paralyzing the ERK1/2 pathway of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. C5a is also interactive with its receptors on a variety of other cell types in various organs. Interaction of C5a with receptors on PMNs results in compromised innate immunity, with intense suppression of phagocytosis, chemotaxis and the respiratory burst. Endothelial cells acquire a pro-inflammatory phenotype (increased ICAM-1 and tissue factor expression), while macrophages are primed and produce large amounts of cytokines/chemokines. All of these outcomes are C5a and C5a receptor dependent. CLP also unleashes activation of clotting (and fibrinolytic) factors in a C5a-dependent manner. Finally, thymocytes upregulate C5aR and react with C5a, resulting in apoptosis via the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that interception of C5a in sepsis preserves innate immune functions and may be a strategy for treatment of septic humans.
German Cockroach Frass Proteases Modulate the Innate Immune Response via Activation of Protease-Activated Receptor-2
Authors: Day Scottie B. , Zhou Ping , Ledford John R. , Page Kristen
Published: June 2010

Allergen exposure can induce an early innate immune response; however, the mechanism by which this occurs has not been addressed. In this report, we demonstrate a role for the active serine proteases in German cockroach (GC) feces (frass) and protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 in modulating the innate immune response. A single exposure of GC frass induced inflammatory cytokine production and cellular infiltration in the airways of mice. In comparison, exposure to protease-depleted GC frass resulted in diminution of inflammatory cytokine production and airway neutrophilia, but had no effect on macrophage infiltration. Selective activation of PAR-2 confirmed that PAR-2 was sufficient to induce airway inflammation. Exposure of GC frass to PAR-2-deficient mice led to decreased immune responses to GC frass compared to wild-type mice. Using the macrophage as an early marker of the innate immune response, we found that GC frass induced significant release of tumor necrosis factor-α from primary alveolar macrophages. This effect was dependent on the intrinsic proteases in GC frass. We confirmed GC frass-induced cytokine expression was mediated by activation of NF-ĸB and ERK in a macrophage cell line. Collectively, these data suggest a central role for GC frass protease-PAR-2 activation in regulating the innate immune response through the activation of alveolar macrophages. Understanding the potential role of protease-PAR-2 activation as a danger signal or adjuvant could yield attractive therapeutic targets.
Spontaneous Resolution of a Giant Pulmonary Bulla in an Older Woman: Role of Functional Assessment
Authors: Scarlata Simone , Cesari Matteo , Caridi Irene , Chiurco Domenica , Antonelli-Incalzi Raffaele
Published: June 2010

Pulmonary bullae usually occur as isolated abnormalities in otherwise normal lung tissue or, more frequently, in the presence of emphysema. Pulmonary bullae tend to progressively increase in their size, and spontaneous regressions have very rarely been reported. In this paper, we report the case of an older woman experiencing the spontaneous resolution of a giant pulmonary bulla. Interestingly, the reported case is characterized by a negligible improvement in respiratory function parameters, despite a substantial increase in the 6-min walking test and the oxygen arteriolar partial pressure.
With a Little Help from My Spouse: Does Spousal Collaboration Compensate for the Effects of Cognitive Aging?
Authors: Rauers Antje , Riediger Michaela , Schmiedek Florian , Lindenberger Ulman
Published: June 2010

Background: Collaborating with another person may help people compensate for aging-related losses in memory performance. However, collaborating in itself is effortful and draws upon individual cognitive resources. One factor that can facilitate collaboration, and decrease its resource requirements, is familiarity between interaction partners. Such facilitation should be particularly important when cognitive-mechanic resources are low. Objective: The current study was conducted to empirically test this theoretical notion. We hypothesized that cognitive aging should amplify the advantage of collaborating with a familiar partner over collaborating with an unfamiliar person. Methods: We developed an interpersonal cueing task based on the game Taboo©. The task modeled an everyday-life situation in which one person cues another person to retrieve a piece of information from memory. Seventy-six younger adults (20–33 years) and 80 older adults (63–79 years) worked on this task once with their spouse and once with an unfamiliar cross-sex partner from the same age group. Collaborative performance was operationalized as the number of cue words needed until the partner guessed the target, as determined by independent trained coders. Performance in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test was used as an indicator of cognitive aging. Results: Multilevel-modeling analyses revealed that collaborating spouses outperformed collaborators who had not known each other before. This effect was comparable for both age groups but larger in persons with lower Digit Symbol scores. While participants with lower Digit Symbol scores generally performed worse in the collaborative task, they partly made up for this difference when working with the spouse. Conclusion: We conclude that spousal collaboration may offer a compensatory strategy to cope with individual aging-related losses.
Learning Factorizations in Estimation of Distribution Algorithms Using Affinity Propagation
Authors: Santana Roberto , Larrañaga Pedro , Lozano José A.
Published: June 2010

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) that use marginal product model factorizations have been widely applied to a broad range of mainly binary optimization problems. In this paper, we introduce the affinity propagation EDA (AffEDA) which learns a marginal product model by clustering a matrix of mutual information learned from the data using a very efficient message-passing algorithm known as affinity propagation. The introduced algorithm is tested on a set of binary and nonbinary decomposable functions and using a hard combinatorial class of problem known as the HP protein model. The results show that the algorithm is a very efficient alternative to other EDAs that use marginal product model factorizations such as the extended compact genetic algorithm (ECGA) and improves the quality of the results achieved by ECGA when the cardinality of the variables is increased.
Approximating Covering Problems by Randomized Search Heuristics Using Multi-Objective Models
Authors: Friedrich Tobias , He Jun , Hebbinghaus Nils , Neumann Frank , Witt Carsten
Published: June 2010

The main aim of randomized search heuristics is to produce good approximations of optimal solutions within a small amount of time. In contrast to numerous experimental results, there are only a few theoretical explorations on this subject. We consider the approximation ability of randomized search heuristics for the class of covering problems and compare single-objective and multi-objective models for such problems. For the VertexCover problem, we point out situations where the multi-objective model leads to a fast construction of optimal solutions while in the single-objective case, no good approximation can be achieved within the expected polynomial time. Examining the more general SetCover problem, we show that optimal solutions can be approximated within a logarithmic factor of the size of the ground set, using the multi-objective approach, while the approximation quality obtainable by the single-objective approach in expected polynomial time may be arbitrarily bad.
Representation Invariant Genetic Operators
Authors: Rowe Jonathan E. , Vose Michael D. , Wright Alden H.
Published: June 2010

A genetic algorithm is invariant with respect to a set of representations if it runs the same no matter which of the representations is used. We formalize this concept mathematically, showing that the representations generate a group that acts upon the search space. Invariant genetic operators are those that commute with this group action. We then consider the problem of characterizing crossover and mutation operators that have such invariance properties. In the case where the corresponding group action acts transitively on the search space, we provide a complete characterization, including high-level representation-independent algorithms implementing these operators.
Spatially Variable Advection Correction of Radar Data. Part II: Test Results
Authors: Shapiro Alan , Willingham Katherine M. , Potvin Corey K.
Published: June 2010

The spatially variable advection-correction/analysis procedure introduced in Part I is tested using analytical reflectivity blobs embedded in a solid-body vortex, and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) and Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data of a tornadic supercell thunderstorm that passed over central Oklahoma on 8 May 2003. In the TDWR tests, plan position indicator (PPI) data at two volume scan times are input to the advection-correction procedure, with PPI data from a third scan time, intermediate between the two input times, that is used to validate the results. The procedure yields analyzed reflectivity fields with lower root-mean-square errors and higher correlation coefficients than those reflectivity fields that were advection corrected with any constant advection speed.
Revisiting the Definition of the Drag Coefficient in the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Foreman Richard J. , Emeis Stefan
Published: June 2010

A new functional form of the neutral drag coefficient for moderate to high wind speeds in the marine atmospheric boundary layer for a range of field measurements as reported in the literature is proposed. This new form is found to describe a wide variety of measurements recorded in the open ocean, coast, fetch-limited seas, and lakes, with almost one and the same set of parameters. This is the result of a reanalysis of the definition of the drag coefficient in the marine boundary layer, which finds that a constant is missing from the traditional definition of the drag coefficient. The constant arises because the neutral friction velocity over water surfaces is not directly proportional to the 10-m wind speed, a consequence of the transition to rough flow at low wind speeds. Within the rough flow regime, the neutral friction velocity is linearly dependent on the 10-m wind speed; consequently, within this rough regime, the new definition of the drag coefficient is not a function of the wind speed. The magnitude of the new definition of the neutral drag coefficient represents an upper limit to the magnitude of the traditional definition.
Customer managed knowledge factories
Authors: Moon Jongmin T. , Desouza Kevin C.
Published: June 2010

This article highlights the importance of knowledge management for organizations, and the understanding of how customers play an important role in shaping an organization’s customer knowledge management strategy. Briefly introducing the evolution of customer knowledge management, the authors make the case for the next step in evolution — customer managed knowledge factories. Drawing from real-world examples such as Apple’s iPhone and using the Global Text Project as an illustration, the authors describe the key factors behind successful customer managed knowledge factories.
Evaluating online information services
Authors: Ryan Frank
Published: June 2010

The primary role of corporate information units is to provide shortcuts to relevant, reliable published information that underpins the core business decisions of the organization. Hence, close alignment to the organization’s core business is paramount when evaluating online business information services. Good signposting of online database records, that is indexing, enables information professionals to build up a ‘picture’ of an online service and to match its relevance to the business of the organization. Content and functionality, that includes design, are equally important for online business information services. Good functionality that leads to rapid retrieval saving valuable executive time. Relevant, reliable, well-designed online business Information services are very powerful productivity tools.
Creativity, chaos and knowledge management
Authors: Smith Sara , Paquette Scott
Published: June 2010

With the dynamic and turbulent nature of today’s business environment, organizations have to manage under uncertain, or chaotic, circumstances. This article examines the connection between the management of an organization’s knowledge and chaos theory in order to understand what implications chaos brings to knowledge management. It uses two industry cases to illustrate both the challenges and opportunities.
Going nowhere - but fast! E-Employment - the next internet revolution
Authors: Messer Ron
Published: June 2010

The Internet has rapidly become both a facilitator and enabler for the exchange of information. Today’s knowledge workers create, manage and actively exchange information while producing value for their companies. In doing so, they have become the primary business assets of the new millennium. By overcoming time and space constraints the Internet provides the opportunity for knowledge workers to work anytime and anywhere, creating a true 24/7 society. In this context, mobility means going nowhere by using electronic transportation systems to move information and not people. This e-employment model of work is more expansive than simple telecommuting, which only overcomes local, short-distance space constraints. Telecommuting neither addresses time constraints, nor does it achieve the significant cost savings possible when the Internet’s capability to overcome space limitations is fully utilized. The fact that electronically enabled work options, or e-employment, have not been fully realized is primarily because of antiquated notions concerning corporate culture and creating value. Here, the open source software movement shows us that culture can exist in cyberspace and also provide real value for companies. This new e-employment model of work represents the next Internet revolution.
Real-world intranets in 2010: SWOT analysis
Authors: Beverly Tracy
Published: June 2010

Corporate intranets are an essential part of organizational management strategies. They are important to client service, information and knowledge management, internal communications, cost and change management, employee retention and career development. Successful intranets support business, administrative and compliance processes. Great intranets do so in a simple, straightforward, engaging manner that both employees and senior management understand and trust. Real-world intranet teams are meeting the challenge and delivering value to their companies and their employees. They do so by continually evaluating where they are against their own objectives, as well as other intranet best practices. This article facilitates this ongoing process by presenting a composite of best practices, summarizing trends and shared challenges in a broad variety of in-service intranets.
Rehabilitation in Practice: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and its management
Authors: Panicker Jalesh N , de Sèze Marianne , Fowler Clare J
Published: June 2010

This series of articles for rehabilitation in practice aims to cover a knowledge element of the rehabilitation medicine curriculum. Nevertheless they are intended to be of interest to a multidisciplinary audience. The competency addressed in this article is ‘the trainee consistent demonstrates a knowledge of the pathophysiology of various specific impairments including bladder dysfunction’ and ‘management approaches for specific impairments including bladder dysfunction’. The lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) has two roles: storage of urine and emptying at appropriate times. The optimal and coordinated activity of the lower urinary tract is subject to a complex neural control which involves all levels of the nervous system, from cortex to peripheral innervation. The complexity of the neural control of lower urinary tract explains the high prevalence of urinary disturbances in neurologic disease. Information obtained from history taking and supplemented by use of a bladder diary forms the cornerstone of evaluation. Ultrasonography is used to assess the degree of incomplete bladder emptying, and for assessing the upper tracts. Urodynamic tests, with or without simultaneous fluoroscopic monitoring, assess detrusor and bladder outlet function and give fundamental information about detrusor pressure and thus the risk factor for upper tract damage. Impaired emptying is most often managed by clean intermittent self-catheterization and this should be initiated if the post-void residual urine is greater than 100 mL or exceeds one third of bladder capacity, or rarely if spontaneous voiding is dangerous due to high detrusor pressure. Storage symptoms are most often managed using antimuscarinic medications. Other options include desmopressin to reduce urine output or intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin type A to reduce detrusor overactivity. Understanding of the underlying mechanism of lower urinary tract dysfunction is crucial for effective management.
Rethinking work-family conflict: dual-earner policies, role conflict and role expansion in Western Europe
Authors: Grönlund Anne , Öun Ida
Published: June 2010

The aim of this article is to deepen the understanding of work—family conflict and the impact of social policies by integrating the theoretical perspectives of role conflict and role expansion. First, we present a theoretical model identifying different mechanisms through which policy may affect both role conflict and role expansion, with a particular focus on dual-earner policies. Second, we examine some of its implications, using data from the European Social Survey comprising 10,950 employees in 15 countries. In contrast to traditional theories presenting conflict and expansion as mutually exclusive, we find that work—family conflict and experiences of role expansion, measured with indicators of life satisfaction and psychological well being, may go hand in hand. The results also indicate that such a balance is more common in countries with dual-earner policies than in other countries. Women committing as strongly to work as men experience more work—family conflict, but also high levels of well being and satisfaction. The findings largely support our theoretical arguments and imply that future research should examine the conflict-expansion nexus rather than focussing on either of the two. In this context, both gender and policy need to be considered.
From universalism to selectivism: the ideational turn of the anti-poverty policies in Finland
Authors: Kuivalainen Susan , Niemelä Mikko
Published: June 2010

In the universalistic Nordic welfare states, targeted anti-poverty policies have not been considered as specific aims of social policy. The situation has, however, altered in Finland and there is now a new element in Finnish social policy that can be called ‘anti-poverty policy’. This article explores when, how and why the policy paradigm relating to poverty changed in Finland. It includes an empirical analysis of the documents produced by key actors. Analyses show that the basic idea behind the policy prescriptions for alleviating poverty in Finland has changed from the idea of universalism to the idea of selectivism. The results emphasise that the Church, non-governmental organisations, the European Union’s Lisbon agenda as well as an active opposition politics had an important agenda-setting role behind the ideational turn from universalism to the idea of selectivism.
Institutions, interests and ideas: explaining social policy change in welfare states incorporating an indigenous population
Authors: Humpage Louise
Published: June 2010

The last 30 years has seen significant change in social policy regarding indigenous peoples living in advanced welfare states. However, such change has not been uniform even in ‘liberal’ welfare states where the recognitive claims of indigenous peoples have been most widely endorsed by governments. This article proposes a tentative framework for qualitatively analysing these divergences in indigenous social policy cross-nationally, using the example of indigenous capacity building initiatives from New Zealand and Australia to demonstrate its utility. It is argued that, in combining an emphasis on institutions, interests and ideas, the framework may offer a way to answer both traditional welfare questions — do welfare regimes matter? — as well as recent ones emerging in many European countries about the best balance between recognition and redistribution.
Who cares? assessing generosity and gender equality in parental leave policy designs in 21 countries
Authors: Ray Rebecca , Gornick Janet C. , Schmitt John
Published: June 2010

Parental leave laws can support new parents in two complementary ways: by offering job-protected leave and by offering financial support during that leave. This study assesses the design of parental leave policies operating in 21 high-income countries. Specifically, the study analyzes how these countries vary with respect to the generosity of their parental leave policies; the extent to which their policy designs are gender egalitarian; and the ways in which these two crucial dimensions are inter-related. The study finds that public policies in all 21 study countries protect at least one parent’s job for a period of weeks, months, or years following the birth or adoption of a child. The availability and generosity of wage replacement varies widely, as does the gendered nature of policy designs. Four countries stand out as having policies that are both generous and gender egalitarian: Finland, Norway, Sweden and — unexpectedly — Greece.
Network governance of active employment policy: the Danish experience
Authors: Damgaard Bodil , Torfing Jacob
Published: June 2010

The recent reform of the Danish governance system in the field of active employment policy has been subject to fierce criticism, as many commentators fear that it is the beginning of the end of the Danish Model of active stakeholder involvement. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, this study aims to analyse the impact of the governance reform by assessing the initial experiences with the Local Employment Councils (LECs). The analysis shows that the LECs are relatively well-functioning and contribute to an effective and democratic governance of local employment policy. Furthermore, the tight metagovernance of the LECs does not seem to straight-jacket the LECs as there is a considerable scope for local policy making which makes it worthwhile for the social partners to participate in the local networks.
The Earl of Essex and Parliament’s Army at the Battle of Edgehill: A Reassessment
Authors: Graham Aaron
Published: June 2010

The conduct of the Earl of Essex at the battle of Edgehill has usually been condemned. On the basis of estimates of his army which give him superior numbers, he has been castigated for failing to press home his advantage and defeat the king’s forces. This article reconstructs in greater detail the actual size of the army. It shows that these estimates were wrong, by a considerable order of magnitude, and that Essex enjoyed, at best, no more than parity with the king’s army. His caution, defensiveness, and unwillingness to force and win a decisive engagement are, therefore, partially excusable.
World Police for World Peace: British Internationalism and the Threat of a Knock-out Blow from the Air, 1919-1945
Authors: Holman Brett
Published: June 2010

This paper argues that the remarkably widespread enthusiasm in Britain after 1918 for an international air force was due to a confluence of two factors: the long-standing liberal belief that international law could prevent war, and the emergence of a new theory of warfare which claimed that the bomber was a weapon which could not be defended against. The origins of the international air force concept in the 1920s, its apogee in the 1930s, and its decline (and revival) in the Second World War are examined, showing that its fortunes rose and fell with internationalism and the knock-out blow.
The Italian Military Records of the Second World War
Authors: Trani Silvia , Battistelli Pier Paolo
Published: June 2010

The paper provides a summary and overview of Italian records related to the Second World War held in Italian archives, with particular emphasis on the military records which may offer detailed insights, at every level, into Italian politics, strategy, and conduct of the war. Until recently these have been seldom used by non-Italian historians, and their wider use will help to fill a major gap in historical research, though limited access to many archives and the dispersal of records are still likely to hamper any large-scale research.
Triazolyl-linked 8-Hydroxyquinoline Dimer as a Selective Turn-on Fluorosensor for Cd2+
Authors: Jiao Lijuan , Meng Ting , Chen Yongmin , Zhang Min , Wang Xiaolong , Hao Erhong
Published: June 2010

A novel 1,2,3-triazolyl-linked 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) dimer, as a selective turn-on fluorescent sensor for Cd2+ was efficiently synthesized from the “click” reaction and gave weaker fluorescence in protic solvents and water-based mixture solvent (CH3CN/H2O = 5/95, v/v). This sensor showed highly selective turn-on fluorescence for Cd2+ over Zn2+ within a broad pH range in aqueous solution (CH3CN/H2O = 5/95, v/v).
Supramolecular Stacks of Asymmetric Zinc Phthalocyanines Functionalized with One Tetrathiafulvalene Unit
Authors: Kimura Mutsumi , Otsuji Satoshi , Takizawa Junko , Tatewaki Yoko , Fukawa Tadashi , Shirai Hirofusa
Published: June 2010

An asymmetric hybrid compound, in which one tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit is attached to a zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) ring, has been studied by spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Its Langmuir–Blodgett film-forming properties have also been examined.
Introduction of a Highly Photodurable and Common-laser Excitable Fluorescent Amino Acid into a Peptide as a FRET Acceptor for Protease Cleavage Detection
Authors: Taki Masumi , Yamazaki Yoshito , Suzuki Yuto , Sisido Masahiko
Published: June 2010

Synthesis and photochemical properties of a benzoacridone-containing fluorescent amino acid (badAla) which is photodurable and excitable by widely applicable 488 nm lasers was described. The amino acid carries a relatively small fluorophore that shows absorption around 450–500 nm, emission above 500 nm with a high fluorescence quantum yield (0.65), and relatively long fluorescence lifetime (17 ns). BadAla can be used in solid-phase peptide synthesis without any precaution. A peptide-containing badAla was used to measure caspase activity via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Semisolid Phase Synthesis of Metal-complexed Organic Nanotubes
Authors: Kogiso Masaki , Aoyagi Masaru , Asakawa Masumi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: June 2010

The first semisolid phase synthesis of organic nanotubes was achieved by mixing an aqueous solution of metal salt with an alcoholic dispersion of glycylglycine lipid. The dry 80–240 g of nanotubes are easily obtained within a few hours using 1 L of solvent.
Hg(OTf)2-catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Aryl- and Hetero-substituted 1,3-Dienes
Authors: Yamamoto Hirofumi , Shiomi Shinya , Odate Daiki , Sasaki Ikuo , Namba Kosuke , Imagawa Hiroshi , Nishizawa Mugio
Published: June 2010

We developed Hg(OTf)2-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts-like cycloisomerization of 7-arylhepta-1,3-dienes to give propenyl-substituted tetrahydronaphthalenes in excellent catalytic turnover under very mild conditions. 1,3-Dienyl sulfonamides and 1,3-dienyl alcohols were also efficiently cyclized to afford heterocyclic compounds.
Trade Shocks and Labor Adjustment: A Structural Empirical Approach
Authors: Artuç Erhan , Chaudhuri Shubham , McLaren John
Published: June 2010

The welfare effects of trade shocks turn on the nature and magnitude of the costs workers face in moving between sectors. Using an Euler-type equilibrium condition derived from a rational expectations model of dynamic labor adjustment, we estimate the mean and variance of workers' switching costs from the US CPS. We estimate high values of both parameters, implying slow adjustment of the economy and sharp movements in wages in response to trade shocks. However, import-competing workers can still benefit from tariff removal; liberalization lowers their wages in the short and long run but raises their option value. (JEL E24, F13, F16)
Intertemporal Consumption and Credit Constraints: Does Total Expenditure Respond to an Exogenous Shock to Credit?
Authors: Leth-Petersen Søren
Published: June 2010

There is continuing controversy over the importance of credit constraints. This paper investigates whether total household expenditure and debt is affected by an exogenous increase in access to credit provided by a credit market reform that enabled Danish house owners to use housing equity as collateral for consumption loans. We find that the magnitude of the response is correlated with the amount of equity released by the reform and that the effect is strongest for younger households. Even for this group, the response was moderate. The aggregate effect of the reform was significant but small. (JEL D14, D91, E21)
Peddling Influence through Intermediaries
Authors: Li Wei
Published: June 2010

A sender may communicate with a decision maker through intermediaries. In this model, an objective sender and intermediary pass on information truthfully, while biased ones favor a particular agenda but also have reputational concerns. I show that the biased sender and the biased intermediary's reporting truthfulness are strategic complements. The biased sender is less likely to use an intermediary than an objective sender if his reputational concerns are low, but more likely to do so if his reputational concerns are moderate. Moreover, the biased sender may be more likely to use an intermediary perceived to be more biased. (JEL D82, D83)
What Causes Industry Agglomeration? Evidence from Coagglomeration Patterns
Authors: Ellison Glenn , Glaeser Edward L , Kerr William R
Published: June 2010

Why do firms cluster near one another? We test Marshall's theories of industrial agglomeration by examining which industries locate near one another, or coagglomerate. We construct pairwise coagglomeration indices for US manufacturing industries from the Economic Census. We then relate coagglomeration levels to the degree to which industry pairs share goods, labor, or ideas. To reduce reverse causality, where collocation drives input-output linkages or hiring patterns, we use data from UK industries and from US areas where the two industries are not collocated. All three of Marshall's theories of agglomeration are supported, with input-output linkages particularly important. (JEL L14, L60, O33, R23, R32)
Specific Capital and Vintage Effects on the Dynamics of Unemployment and Vacancies
Authors: Eyigungor Burcu
Published: June 2010

In a reasonably calibrated Mortensen and Pissarides matching model, shocks to average labor productivity can account for a small portion of the fluctuations in unemployment and vacancies (Shimer (2005)). I add heterogeneity in jobs (matches) with respect to the time the job is created in the form of different embodied technology levels. I also introduce specific capital that, once adapted for a match, has less value in another match. I show that the augmented model can account for fluctuations in unemployment and vacancies, and that specific capital is important to decreasing the volatility of the destruction rate of existing matches.
Are Risk Aversion and Impatience Related to Cognitive Ability?
Authors: Dohmen Thomas , Falk Armin , Huffman David , Sunde Uwe
Published: June 2010

This paper investigates whether there is a link between cognitive ability, risk aversion, and impatience, using a representative sample of roughly 1,000 German adults. Subjects participate in choice experiments with monetary incentives measuring risk aversion, and impatience over an annual horizon, and conduct two different, widely used, tests of cognitive ability. We find that lower cognitive ability is associated with greater risk aversion, and more pronounced impatience. These relationships are significant, and robust to controlling for personal characteristics, education, income, and measures of credit constraints. We perform a series of additional robustness checks, which help rule out other possible confounds.