bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metallosphaera cuprina sp. nov., an acidothermophilic, metal-mobilizing archaeon
Authors: Liu Li-Jun , You Xiao-Yan , Guo Xu , Liu Shuang-Jiang , Jiang Cheng-Ying
Published: November 2010

A novel acidothermophilic archaeon, strain Ar-4T, was isolated from a sulfuric hot spring in Tengchong, Yunnan, China. Cells of strain Ar-4T were Gram-staining-negative, irregular cocci and motile by means of flagella. Strain Ar-4T grew over a temperature range of 55–75 °C (optimum, 65 °C), a pH range of 2.5–5.5 (optimum, pH 3.5) and a NaCl concentration range of 0–1 % (w/v). The novel strain was aerobic and facultatively chemolithoautotrophic. The strain could extract metal ions from sulfidic ore. It was also able to oxidize reduced sulfur compounds. In addition, it was able to use heterogeneous organic materials for organotrophic growth. The main cellular lipids were calditoglycerocaldarchaeol (CGTE) and caldarchaeol (DGTE). The DNA G+C content of the strain was 40.2 mol%. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ar-4T was phylogenetically related to members of the genus Metallosphaera and had sequence similarities of 97.7 %, 97.0 % and 96.8 % with Metallosphaera hakonensis DSM 7519T, Metallosphaera sedula DSM 5348T and Metallosphaera prunae DSM 10039T, respectively. Strain Ar-4T showed DNA–DNA relatedness values of 47.5 %, 30.8 % and 29.1 % with M. hakonensis DSM 7519T, M. sedula DSM 5348T and M. prunae DSM 10039T, respectively. The differences in cell motility, the temperature and pH ranges for growth, the ability to utilize carbon sources, the DNA G+C content, and the low DNA–DNA relatedness values distinguished strain Ar-4T from recognized species of the genus Metallosphaera. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that strain Ar-4T represents a novel species of the genus Metallosphaera, for which the name Metallosphaera cuprina is proposed. The type strain is Ar-4T ( = JCM 15769T = CGMCC 1.7082T).
Preparing new librarians for career and organisational impact
Authors: Leong Julia , Vaughan Maree
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to report on the activities and outcomes of a facilitated group of new librarians in one Australian university. The aims of the librarians are to increase professional networking, to promote career development, to enhance job satisfaction and retention of motivated staff, to grow participants' sense of responsibility for organisational progress, and to develop willingness to take initiative in presenting good ideas for service improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary author was the initiator of, and facilitator for, the New Professionals' Group and was able to influence approaches taken. A variety of learning experiences were utilised including an action learning project. Monthly meetings were held face‐to‐face and an online group was used as an additional communication avenue. The progress of the group was monitored by facilitator observation, by a participant survey after several months of operation, and by feedback and analysis after one year.

Findings

Participation in the New Professionals' Group had positive impact on networking activity, career advancement, contribution to the organisation and job satisfaction. No significant impact on staff retention was established.

Research limitations/implications

Self‐report was the only means of identifying the level of influence coming from participation in the group as compared with the impact of prior capabilities and attitudes.

Originality/value

Induction and socialisation of new employees commonly covers organisational structure, policies and procedures as well as job‐specific training. An emphasis on career advancement strategies and being a positive and effective voice for organisational improvement are distinctive in the reported work.
Labour, productivity and growth: an introductory essay
Authors: Marelli Enrico , Pastore Francesco
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue on “Labour, productivity and growth”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the articles in the special issue, which investigate the main theme – labour, productivity and growth – from different points of view by employing a variety of econometric methods. These include improvement of the evaluation of the impact of labour market flexibility on economic performance, analysis of the macroeconomic law of decreasing returns to labour, a new panel co‐integration method, and a reinterpretation of co‐integration analysis to assess the impact of incomes policy. Institutional variables, in particular the system of industrial relations, are duly considered.

Findings

The papers in the special issue highlight different causes of sluggish economic (productivity) growth in Europe, in the light of not only traditional macroeconomic variables, such as total factor productivity and labour market flexibility, but also such factors as neo‐corporatist industrial relations and management practices, which are generally neglected in the literature.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a number of articles proposing innovations in the interpretation and application of a wide range of theoretical approaches and econometric methodologies. It also discusses several policy suggestions for fighting sluggish productivity growth, including investment in research and development, human capital, flexicurity, innovative industrial relations practices and high‐performance workplace practices also considered capable of affecting macroeconomic performance.
The impact of the Athens Olympic Games on the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Floros Christos
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the Athens Olympic Games and the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). It aims to test: the effect of the Athens 2004 Olympics on the general index of the ASE; the impact of the Olympic Games 2004 to the sponsors' prices traded on the ASE (based on three National sponsors and one International sponsor); and the effect of the Greek Olympic Champions (winners' effect) on the course of the ASE.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper captures financial time series characteristics by employing an AR(1)‐GARCH(1,1) model with generalized error distribution (GED). The paper uses daily closing prices for the General ASE index and four Grand Sponsors listed in the ASE (Coca‐Cola, Alpha Bank, OTE, and Cosmote) over the period 19 January 1996 to 20 December 2005.

Findings

The results show no effect on the general ASE index, but a positive effect on the OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation) index. Also, the results show a positive effect of Greek Medallists on the ASE index and two National sponsors, Alpha Bank and OTE.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should investigate the impact of other mega sporting events (Mundial, European Championships) on the course of international stock markets using high‐frequency datasets and models.

Practical implications

The findings are strongly recommended to financial managers and investors dealing with Greek stock indices.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to examine the above hypotheses on the relationship between the Athens Olympic Games and the ASE using a large sample data, and a Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model with GED.
Anionically surface‐modified pigment/binder ink jet inks for silk fabric printing
Authors: Chakvattanatham K. , Phattanarudee S. , Kiatkamjornwong S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare anionically surface‐modified organic pigment/binder ink jet inks for printing on chitosan‐pre‐treated silk fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Anionically surface‐modified organic pigment/binder ink jet inks were prepared in four colours (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). The pigment‐to‐binder ratio was controlled at 1:6.4 for the cyan, magenta and yellow inks, and 1:3.4 for the black ink. Ink formulations (by weight) were assembled and mixed as follows: 8 per cent pigment dispersion, 10 per cent diethylene glycol, 12 per cent glycerol, 5 per cent urea, 10 per cent polyacrylate emulsion binder and 55 per cent deionised water. They were characterised in terms of their particle size, zeta‐potential, particle morphology, viscosity, surface tension and pH. The inks were printed onto silk or the chitosan pre‐treated silk fabrics using a piezo‐type ink jet printer. The fabrics were then heat cured and analysed for the effect of chitosan pre‐treatment on colour gamut, wash fastness and crock fastness.

Findings

The formulated ink jet inks yielded an acceptably good ink jetting reliability, one‐year stability and printability. The chitosan pre‐treated silk fabrics gave a wider colour gamut and colour saturation than the non‐treated one. Crock fastness and wash fastness of the chitosan pre‐treated fabrics were relatively better than those of non‐treated fabrics.

Research limitations/implications

The surface‐modified pigments are transparent and thus their inks printed on the chitosan pre‐treated fabrics produced slightly low K/S values of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colours because the limited chitosan concentration in the pre‐treatment is controlled by its solubility in acidic solution. The higher loading of chitosan pre‐treatment gave higher K/S values and a stiffer touch of the fabrics.

Practical implications

The water‐based pigmented inks having the sulphonate group on the pigment surface can be printed on the fabric surface pre‐treated with chitosan molecules which have the protonated amino groups to give good colour appearance. It is anticipated that this type of ink can be applied to any textile surface which has been pre‐treated with the protonated chitosan.

Originality/value

The modified organic pigments having the sulphonate group on their surface can be used to produce novel water‐based ink jet inks which can print on the chitosan pre‐treated silk fabric. Ionic interactions between the sulphonate group of the pigment and protonated amino groups of chitosan in conjunction with polyacrylate binder enhance colour strength, widen colour gamut and chroma, and produce good adhesion for fabric operational properties such as wash fastness and crock fastness.
Study on bonding properties of Larch with WPI adhesive
Authors: Cheng R.X. , Gu J.Y.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the bonding properties of Larch with water‐based polymer isocynate (WPI) adhesive to provide theoretical instruction for practical production of Larch glued laminated timber with WPI adhesive.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted Japanese JIS K6806 standard to test bonding properties of Larch with WPI adhesive. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe morphography of Larch surface. Micro photos were adopted to show the penetration of WPI adhesive on the radial and tangential surfaces of Larch.

Findings

There was significant difference in bonding strength between Larch radial and tangential glue‐blocks glued with WPI adhesive. Dry compressing shear strength of Larch radial glue‐block bonded with WPI adhesive was 1.41 times that of Larch tangential glue‐block bonded with WPI adhesive in normal conditions. Wood failure showed that the difference between Larch radial and tangential glue‐block was caused by wood structure of Larch itself.

Research limitations/implications

The research conclusion that the dry compressing shear strength of Larch radial glue‐block bonded with WPI adhesive was bigger than that of Larch tangential glue‐block bonded in normal conditions. These would be changed if other adhesives were adopted to glue Larch wood.

Practical implications

The conclusion developed in this study provided a practical production instruction for Larch glued laminated timber with WPI adhesive. In order to obtain better bonding properties during the production of Larch glued laminated wood, Larch wood should be sawn into radial boards rather than tangential boards in order to obtain maximum bonding strength of Larch wood.

Originality/value

The paper shows that there was significant difference in bonding strength between Larch radial and tangential glue‐bonded blocks with WPI adhesive. Dry compressing shear strength of Larch radial glue‐block bonded with WPI adhesive was 1.41 times that of Larch tangential glue‐block bonded with WPI adhesive in normal conditions.
A unique Twitter use for reference services
Authors: Fields Erin
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that the personal use of Twitter for tracking reference questions has potential for marketing and promotion of reference work in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a brief overview of how Twitter is currently being used in libraries and how it is being used personally by library staff as it relates to reference work. The paper provides an example of how Koerner library at Several University of British Columbia (UBC) is using their institutional Twitter account to “tweet” reference questions asked during public service shifts.

Findings

Twitter accounts for libraries have the potential to market reference service by bringing attention to how the reference desks are used by the community but also, more broadly, the account can highlight reference as an important role in librarianship.

Originality/value

The paper offers insight into a non‐traditional form of Twitter use, on an institutional level, in reference work.
The rise of the pricing function: origins and perspectives
Authors: Carricano Manu , Trinquecoste Jean‐Francois , Mondejar Juan‐Antonio
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the origins and development of the pricing function and to explore how companies are organizing for price management. Since the end of the 1990s, many companies have started initiatives towards price optimization, and moreover, have invested in pricing capabilities. The authors explain how the pricing function has evolved since then, and describe the roles and responsibilities assigned to pricing managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an empirical qualitative research based on 28 interviews with pricing managers (analysts, directors, chief pricing officers) in large companies in France. A lexical analysis has been conducted in order to develop a typology of pricing orientations and a description of the different ways of performing the function within the company.

Findings

The results describe three main stages (commodity, control, and value) corresponding to different levels of maturity of the pricing function. Many managers feel they lack opportunities to “push the price button”; this research shows that a progressive and systematic deployment of tools and capabilities allows companies to gain more pricing power.

Originality/value

The authors describe three main orientations in organizing for pricing management, as degrees of maturity of the pricing function. Practitioners will find information on how to deploy the function in their organization useful given the variety of industries and pricing contexts studied.
The relative influence of pioneer and follower price on reference price and value perceptions
Authors: Lowe Ben , Alpert Frank
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate literature in the pioneer brand advantage area with the literature on reference prices to examine how reference prices work in a pioneer and follower brand context. There is evidence to suggest that pioneers have a psychological advantage over follower brands, yet how that manifests in terms of reference price effects is not fully understood. The study tests whether the pioneer price and follower price have equal influence on reference prices, or whether the pioneer has a stronger influence.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a longitudinal experiment to simulate a market of a pioneer brand followed by follower brand, and measures the relative effects of pioneer and follower prices on reference price, value perceptions and purchase intentions. This approach allows greater confidence in the causal nature of the findings.

Findings

The results indicate a clear and strong causal effect for the pioneer's price on price and value perceptions of the pioneer and follower, whereas the follower's price only seems to influence perceptions of the follower, not the pioneer. This suggests that consumers overweight the price of the pioneer brand (as exemplar) in the category, and reference price perceptions are systematically biased in its direction. However, these effects were stronger for the more innovative product category being examined. For a less innovative pioneer this effect was not so strong. These findings imply that reference price is brand specific but the more innovative the pioneer brand the more influence it has on reference prices.

Research implications

These findings are consistent with and extend the literature on pioneer advantage by suggesting that the pioneer can define ideal levels of objective attributes such as price, rather than just defining the ideal attribute combination of subjective, less discernible attributes. This highlights and presents a more complete picture of the natural advantages to product innovation. It also implies the need to consider the multi‐faceted nature of reference price in measurement and research.

Originality/value

A number of studies have examined reference price effects in existing and established product categories. Yet few studies have examined reference price effects in new product categories despite calls in the literature to do so. This study is one of the first studies to examine reference price effects in new product categories and contributes by integrating the literature on pioneer brand advantage with the literature on reference price by examining asymmetric pricing effects between pioneer and follower brands in new product categories.
A comparative study of the influence of assertiveness on negotiation outcomes in Canada and China
Authors: Ma Zhenzhong , Jaeger Alfred M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of assertiveness in determining negotiation outcomes in two different cultures and thus to help understand the cultural differences in the relationship between assertiveness and negotiation outcomes in the West and East, where assertiveness is often viewed quite differently.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from four simulated negotiations of varying degrees of complexity ranging from the most distributive to the most integrative. Over 400 business students were recruited as subjects from a Western culture and an Eastern culture, namely Canada and China, to participate in the simulations in order to test the cultural differences in the relationship between assertiveness and negotiation outcomes.

Findings

The results provide support for the effects of assertiveness on both economic outcome and affective outcome, and thus confirm the importance of assertiveness as a negotiator trait; the relationship between assertiveness and negotiation outcomes is found to be culture dependent whereby assertiveness is associated with economic outcome and affective outcome for Canadians, but only with affective outcome for the Chinese.

Practical implications

This study provides important guidelines for negotiation practitioners. Relevant training and development programs could be designed for international managers to improve their effectiveness when they negotiate with the Chinese who often place more emphasis on affective outcome and on negotiation process.

Originality/value

Negotiation skills become more important in the increasingly globalized world market and research on negotiation needs to provide more knowledge for scholars and negotiation practitioners. This paper attempts to enrich our understanding of negotiation in two different cultures and to provide insights on cross‐cultural differences in negotiation process.
Contribution of cultural similarity to foreign products negotiation
Authors: Debabi Mohsen
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The image of the country of origin is a determinant variable for the success or failure of launching a product into a new market. For companies of emerging countries which want to access markets of industrialized countries, the choice of a local negotiator sharing the same culture as the purchaser might have a moderating effect on the image of the country of origin which is generally perceived as negative. Cultural similarity induces trust between negotiators and facilitates communication. Consequently, it is an important factor in the presentation of a foreign product. The purpose of this paper is to examine the different variables and factors intervening during a negotiation of a product coming from an emerging country to a foreign market.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study based on a quantitative survey of a sample of international negotiators has been conducted with the aim of testing the above mentioned hypotheses. The questionnaire used in this survey has been administered through mail and has been sent to French and Italian negotiators.

Findings

The research hypotheses have been tested empirically. The results show effectively that a product coming from an emerging country is ill‐perceived by buyers in developed countries. The results show as well that cultural similarity induces trust which in turn expresses expertise and contact easiness.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the size of the sample. Despite the big number of the sent questionnaires, return rate was very low, which shows the limitations of surveys using the mail. The second limitation of this study concerns the variable trust which, despite a theoretical abundance on this concept, no compromise on its dimensionality has been detected till now.

Practical implications

At the level of management, these results constitute an encouragement to opt for local negotiators in order to succeed in launching a new product in to a foreign market.

Originality/value

This paper shows that professionals and researchers ought to collaborate on studies related to topics and themes related to intercultural negotiation, which is currently seen as a good way to bring together academic research and exporting companies.
Managing complexity: systems thinking as a catalyst of the organization performance
Authors: Skaržauskienė Aelita
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse new management practices for addressing complexity, uncertainty and changes of today's business landscape. In this context it is critical to understand the role of intellectual capital and particularly what are the key competencies to be developed in order to deal with the fluidity of business. Effective decision making and learning in a world of growing dynamic complexity requires leaders to become systems thinkers – to develop tools to understand the structures of complex systems. The paper aims to clarify the relationship between systems thinking and organization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of systems thinking is inseparable from the philosophy of systems thinking, thus, the first part of the paper presents the common theory of systems and the systems approach to the organization. The paper follows a quantitative research approach. Firstly, exploratory factor analysis was employed to assess dimensionality of scales. Secondly, relationships between variables were explored using Spearman's correlation. Thirdly, multiple linear regression was run to test the hypothesized model of relationships. Finally, one‐way ANOVA was employed to test the influence of intelligence competence level on mean of organization performance.

Findings

Based on the analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature a conceptual model of the relationship between cognitive intelligence competencies (such as systems thinking) and organization performance was developed. The theoretical model was supported by empirical evidence. Correlational and regression analyses revealed that systems thinking was associated with higher organization performance.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. The sample of this research was limited only to national level therefore it is not possible to compare results across different countries. In order to generalize the research findings, further research should include more companies from different industries. Secondly, the traditional self assessment method has been used for evaluation of competencies in this paper, but the results could be supplemented by adding 360‐degree feedback or multisource assessment results.

Practical implications

A systems thinking approach allows the realization of various interrelations and working schemes in the organization and helps to identify regularities of the organizational development. The application of systems thinking principles cannot guarantee success but may be a useful means or a permanent form of activity when solving conceptual problems.

Originality/value

Rich insight to the systems thinking approach was provided at the conceptual level and meaning of systems thinking was developed. The paper discloses the effects of systems thinking on organization performance and includes implications for the development of systems thinking and other leadership competencies.
Assessing the impact of RFID and sensor technologies on the returns management of time‐sensitive products
Authors: Condea Cosmin , Thiesse Frédéric , Fleisch Elgar
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the value of radio‐frequency identification (RFID) and sensor technologies to reverse logistics processes. The research is motivated by the question of to what extent the accuracy of information on product quality delivered by such technologies impacts the total recovered value that companies obtain from returned goods in an industry with time‐sensitive products.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first presents a case study to examine the returns management process at a manufacturer of high‐tech consumer electronics. It then develops an analytical model to study the monetary benefits in a scenario with RFID‐enabled product disposition.

Findings

The results show that RFID allows for a redesign of the return process that performs more efficiently regarding the total recovered value depending on technology costs (i.e. tag costs) and capabilities (i.e. sufficient sensor‐delivered parameters to rightly infer product quality). Second, the results indicate that maximum benefits can be drawn with lower accuracy but early decision on the disposition option.

Originality/value

This paper compares traditional and RFID‐enabled returns management processes. It provides a model to quantitatively investigate whether RFID and sensor implementation is a feasible and economically viable approach.
The effect of subsidy on housing construction in various regions of Sweden
Authors: Warsame Abukar , Wilhelmsson Mats , Borg Lena
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent that interest subsidies have impacted on the total production of Swedish single‐ and multifamily houses. It also intends to examine whether tenure neutrality provision of interest subsidy that subsidy policy advocates was maintained.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple regression of two models, a balanced panel data from 1975 to 2006 that consist of various related construction cost variables of all regions of Sweden will be analyzed. Instrumental variable (IV) and seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) will be utilized to examine the role of subsidy on housing production and tenure neutrality, respectively.

Findings

The results seem to indicate that a general subsidy is expected to be ineffective since it may increase the existing stocks of a low demand region but not the housing stocks of big regions where the demand is high. Moreover, a targeted subsidy may change the balance between different types of housings since lower construction costs due to the subsidy could favor the development of certain profitable housing types.

Originality/value

The paper tries to substantiate (empirically) the assertion that subsidy policies contributed both to the production of housing units in low demand regions and distortion of the preference of different tenures.
Fractographic analysis of fatigue crack growth in lightweight integral stiffened panels
Authors: Moreira Pedro M.G.P. , de Castro Paulo M.S.T.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to complement available macroscopic fatigue crack growth measurements in flat stiffened panels with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements of striation spacing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is fatigue testing of two‐stiffener flat panels manufactured using three different processes, with a central initial crack perpendicular to the stiffeners and load, in order to identify striation spacing during crack growth up to final fracture, using SEM.

Findings

An increase of striation spacing as cracks grow was quantified. Although when cracks approach the stiffeners the stress intensity factor decreases, there is no clear decrease of striation spacing in that region. Striation spacing is roughly similar to macroscopic crack‐propagation rate da/dN measured in the panels testing. This observation is no longer valid once the stiffeners are reached; this stage is characterized by fast acceleration of the cracking process until final complete rupture is verified, and macroscopic crack growth measurements are made difficult because of the “T” geometry in that region.

Originality/value

A complete picture of the striation spacing during the fatigue crack growth up to final fracture of a two‐stiffener flat panel is provided for three different manufacturing processes: high‐speed machining, laser beam welding and friction stir welding.
The STEP into Action study: a peer‐based, personal risk network‐focused HIV prevention intervention with injection drug users in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Tobin Karin Elizabeth , Kuramoto Satoko Janet , Davey‐Rothwell Melissa Ann , Latkin Carl Asher
Published: November 2010

Aims  To assess the effectiveness of a peer‐based, personal risk network‐focused HIV prevention intervention to (i) train injection drug users (IDUs) to reduce injection and sex risk behaviors, (ii) conduct outreach to behaviorally risky individuals in their personal social networks [called risk network members (RNM)], and (iii) reduce RNM HIV risk behaviors.

Design  Randomized controlled trial with prospective data collection at 6, 12 and 18 months. Intervention condition consisted of five group sessions, one individual session and one session with Index and the RNM.

Setting  This study was conducted in Baltimore, Maryland from March 2004 to March 2006.

Participants  (i) Index participants were aged ≥18 years and self‐reported injection drug use in the prior 6 months and (ii) their RNM who were aged ≥18 years and drug users or sex partners of Index.

Measurements  Outcomes included: (i) injection risk based on sharing needles, cookers and cotton for injection and drug splitting, (ii) sex risk based on number of sex partners, condom use and exchanging sex and (iii) Index HIV outreach behaviors.

Findings  A total of 227 Index participants recruited 336 RNM. Retention of Index at 18‐month follow‐up exceeded 85%. Findings suggest that the experimental condition was efficacious at 18 months in reducing Index participant injection risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18–0.77), drug‐splitting risk (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.25–0.88) and sex risk among Index (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34–0.86). Significant intervention effect on increased condom use among female RNM was observed (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.18–0.62).

Conclusions  Training active IDU to promote HIV prevention with behaviorally risky individuals in their networks is feasible, efficacious and sustainable.
Differential response to IV carfentanil in chronic cocaine users and healthy controls
Authors: Minkowski Carolynne P. , Epstein David , Frost J. James , Gorelick David A.
Published: November 2010

Chronic cocaine exposure in both rodents and humans increases regional brain mu‐opioid receptor (mOR) binding potential, suggesting that cocaine users might have an altered response to mOR agonists. We evaluated the response to IV carfentanil (a selective mOR agonist) in 23 cocaine users [mean (standard deviation) age 33.8 (4.0) years, 83% men] who underwent positron emission tomography (PET) scanning with [C‐11]‐carfentanil [44.7 (19.5) ng/kg] while housed on a closed research ward and 15 healthy non‐drug‐using controls [43.9 (14.2) years, 80% men] scanned [49.5 (12.6) ng/kg] as outpatients. Cocaine users had used for 8.7 (4.3) years and on 73 (22)% of days in the two weeks prior to PET scanning. Common adverse effects associated with mOR agonists (nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, itchiness) were assessed by self‐report (five‐point Likert scales) during and for 90 minutes after the scans. Cocaine users were significantly less likely than controls to report any symptom (30.4% versus 60%) and had fewer total symptoms [0.43 (0.73) versus 1.1 (1.0)] during scans, even after statistically controlling for age and carfentanil dose. These differences were also present after the scans and at repeat scans performed after about one week or 12 weeks of monitored cocaine abstinence. In a larger group of cocaine users and separate controls, there was no significant group difference in carfentanil half‐life, suggesting that the observed difference was pharmacodynamically, rather than pharmacokinetically, based. These findings suggest that cocaine users are less responsive than healthy controls to mOR agonist adverse effects despite having increased regional brain mOR binding potential.
Tissue level of advanced glycation end products is an independent determinant of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels in haemodialysis patients
Authors: NAGANO MAKIO , FUKAMI KEI , YAMAGISHI SHO‐ICHI , SAKAI KAZUKO , KAIDA YUSUKE , MATSUMOTO TAKAFUMI , HAZAMA TAKUMA , TANAKA MASAHIRO , UEDA SEIJI , OKUDA SEIYA
Published: November 2010

Aim:  C‐reactive protein (CRP) level predicts future cardiovascular events in patients on haemodialysis (HD). Advanced glycation end products (AGE) play a role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HD patients. However, which variables including tissue AGE levels are independently associated with CRP remains unknown. Therefore, whether tissue AGE and CRP levels were correlated with atherosclerosis in HD patients was examined.

Methods:  Fifty‐four HD patients underwent determinations of blood chemistries and tissue AGE. Tissue AGE levels were evaluated by measuring skin autofluorescence. Pulsatility index (PI) in the carotid artery was measured using a Doppler ultrasonography.

Results:  Univariate analyses showed that age, white blood cells, serum albumin (inversely), alkaline phosphatase (inversely), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) (inversely) and skin AGE levels were significantly correlated with high‐sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum albumin, TRAP5b and skin AGE levels were independent determinants of hsCRP. Further, PI was highest among HD patients with high skin AGE and high hsCRP levels.

Conclusion:  The present study suggests that tissue AGE level is one of the independent determinants of hsCRP in HD patients. Tissue AGE and hsCRP levels may be correlated with each other, which could in concert contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis in these subjects.
Slope Estimation for Bivariate Longitudinal Outcomes Adjusting for Informative Right Censoring by Using a Discrete Survival Model: Application to the Renal Transplant Cohort
Authors: Jaffa Miran A. , Woolson Robert F. , Lipsitz Stuart R.
Published: November 2010

Patients undergoing renal transplantation are prone to graft failure which causes loss of follow-up measures on their levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. These two outcomes are measured repeatedly over time to assess renal function following transplantation. Loss of follow-up on these bivariate measures results in informative right censoring, which is a common problem in longitudinal data that should be adjusted for so that valid estimates are obtained. In this study, we propose a bivariate model that jointly models these two longitudinal correlated outcomes and generates population and individual slopes adjusting for informative right censoring by using a discrete survival approach. The approach proposed is applied to a clinical data set of patients who had undergone renal transplantation. A simulation study validates the effectiveness of the approach.
Detection of human papilloma virus in normal skin and in superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas in immunocompetent subjects
Authors: Escutia B. , Ledesma E. , Serra‐Guillen C. , Gimeno C. , Vilata J.J. , Guillén C. , Nagore E.
Published: November 2010

Background  Human papilloma virus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as an important human carcinogen but its role in the aetiopathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in immunocompetent individuals is unclear.

Objective  A prospective case–control study was designed to compare the prevalence of HPV in BCC and normal skin samples from immunocompetent subjects and to assess the influence of different clinical features on the risk of cutaneous HPV.

Methods  A total of 142 samples from 70 BCC cases (superficial BCC 38 and nodular BCC 32) and 72 controls were analysed by a degenerated nested PCR technique. Clinical data were recorded and risk factors for HPV infection were assessed by multivariate analysis.

Results  There were 31 HPV DNA‐positive samples. HPV was detected more frequently in cases (25.7%) than in controls (18.1%) and in nodular (31.3%) than in superficial (21.1%) BCC lesions but differences were not statistically significant. Older age (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09) and actinic keratosis (OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.15–5.96) were the only significant factors associated to the presence of HPV. Risk of HPV positivity was also higher in blond‐haired subjects, fair/pale skin colour, history of sunburn, solar lentigines and seborrheic keratosis but the differences were not significant. Both in cases and controls, β ‐types were the most frequent.

Conclusions  HPV does not seem to play a fundamental role in the aetiopathogenesis of either nodular or superficial BCC. The presence of HPV appears to be more related to actinic damage and possibly to an alteration of the barrier function associated with ageing.
How much disability is caused by fibrofolliculomas during Birt–Hogg–Dubé Syndrome?
Authors: Kluger N. , Letois F. , Picot M.‐C. , Guillot B. , Bessis D.
Published: November 2010

Background  Facial fibrofolliculomas (FFs) develop mainly on the face of patients with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHDS) after the second decade and increase in number and size during life.

Objectives  Measurement of the impairment of health‐related quality of life (HQoL) related to facial FFs in a series of French patients with BHDS in an analytical epidemiology study using two self‐reported HQoL questionnaires.

Study design  The Dermatology Life Quality Index© (DLQI) and a modified version of the validated French version of the Cardiff Acne Disability Index© (CADI) were sent to 19 patients with BHDS. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Analysis  Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.

Results  Eighteen patients (56% male, 44% female, mean age 50.2 years) responded. Self‐reported alteration in HQoL was reported in approximately one‐third of the patients. The mean DLQI score (maximum 30) was low 2.2 (±4.3, range 0–18). Six (33.3%) had small effect on life (score 2–5) and one patient (5.5%) had a very large effect on her life (score 11–20) scoring 18. The mean CADI score (maximum 15) was a low 3.3 (±4.36, range 0–13). Five patients (31.1%) scored over 5 (>33% impairment). The highest DLQI and CADI scores were related to higher number of FFs. Limitation relies on the absence of validation of the modified version of the CADI.

Conclusions  This study stresses the burden of facial FFs for a minority of patients and the importance of providing a local treatment.
Antenatal steroids and neonatal outcome after chorioamnionitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Been JV , Degraeuwe PL , Kramer BW , Zimmermann LJI
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Been J, Degraeuwe P, Kramer B, Zimmermann L. Antenatal steroids and neonatal outcome after chorioamnionitis: a meta‐analysis. BJOG 2011;118:113–122.

Background  There is debate concerning the safety and efficacy of antenatal steroids in preterm labour with suspected intrauterine infection (chorioamnionitis).

Objectives  We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of antenatal steroids in clinical and histological chorioamnionitis.

Search strategy  MEDLINE, EMBASE, BioMed Central and the Cochrane databases were searched using the terms ‘chorioamnionitis OR intrauterine infection’ and ‘*steroids OR *corticoids’.

Selection criteria  Studies that reported selected neonatal outcome measures in preterm infants with clinical or histological chorio‐amnionitis, according to antenatal steroid exposure, were eligible.

Data collection and analysis  Study selection, data extraction and data analysis were performed by two independent investigators. The meta‐analysis techniques used included: Mantel–Haenszel analysis; an assessment of study heterogeneity using the Q statistic; and Egger’s regression test and funnel plots, to assess publication bias.

Main results  Seven observational studies were included. In histological chorioamnionitis (five studies), antenatal steroids were associated with reduced mortality (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.30–0.68; P = 0.0001), respiratory distress syndrome (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40–0.71; P < 0.0001), patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.37–0.85; P = 0.007), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH; OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.18–0.66; P = 0.001) and severe IVH (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.19–0.82; P = 0.01). In clinical chorioamnionitis (four studies), antenatal steroids were associated with reduced severe IVH (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10–0.89; P = 0.03) and periventricular leucomalacia (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.14–0.85; P = 0.02).

Conclusions  Antenatal steroids may be safe and reduce adverse neonatal outcome after preterm birth associated with chorioamnionitis. There is a need for randomised clinical trials to address this issue.
From the Cold War to Global Warming: Observing Complexity in IR
Authors: Kavalski Emilian
Published: November 2010

Few international relations (IR) experts will challenge the profound effects that environmental degradation has on the relationship between human and non-human systems and on their ability to survive. Yet this acknowledgement does not seem to produce an agreement on either the conceptualisation of an appropriate IR paradigm, or the best way for mainstreaming the environment in IR. This article provides an overview of the dominant perceptions of climate change in IR: either as a security concern, as a foreign policy issue or as a task that needs to be addressed via a global governance mechanism. The claim, however, is that the inability of IR to grapple convincingly with the issues of climate change reflects its neglect for the ecology within which human affairs are embedded. Thus, current criticisms emanate not because IR offers a truncated representation of the reality of world affairs, but because of its failure to acknowledge that this truncation is only one facet of a much more complex field of observation. The article concludes with a sketch of the likely future trajectories for the IR conversation on the environment.
Occipital Neuralgia With and Without Migraine: Difference in Pain Characteristics and Risk Factors
Authors: Sahai‐Srivastava Soma , Zheng Ling
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:124‐128)

Objectives.— We conducted this study to identify differences in presentation and symptomatology between patients with isolated occipital neuralgia (ON) and patients with ON who also had migraine headache (ON + M).

Background.— Occipital neuralgia is an uncommon cause of headaches. Very little is known about the pain characteristics and associated features of patients with ON + M and whether these pain characteristics differ from those of patients with isolated ON.

Methods.— We studied 35 consecutive patients presenting with ON to the University of Southern California headache clinic. All patients met International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of ON. Patients completed a questionnaire designed for this study. We also collected demographic data, including age, gender, and ethnicity.

Results.— Twenty patients had ON + M and 15 had isolated ON. There was no difference in age, gender or ethnicity between patients with ON + M and those with isolated ON. Patients with ON + M had significantly more complaints of pain traveling to the scalp and presence of scalp tenderness and tingling compared with patients with isolated ON; 25% patients in the ON + M group described the pain as “dull” whereas none of the isolated ON group reported this characteristic. There was higher use of chiropractors and massage therapy in patients from ON + M group than from isolated ON.

Conclusion.— There may be significant differences in pain characteristics for patients with ON + M and those for patients with isolated ON. The data indicate that patients with migraine should also be screened for symptoms of ON, as there may be similarities in presentation. The clinical implications of distinguishing ON + M and isolated ON include differences in treatment regimen, avoidance of inappropriate use of medical resources, and differences in long‐term outcomes.
Assistive Technology Use of Older American Indians in a Southeastern Tribe: The Native Elder Care Study
Authors: Goins R. Turner , Spencer S. Melinda , Goli Srikanth , Rogers Joan C.
Published: November 2010

The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of assistive technology (AT) use, type of assistance used for each activity of daily living (ADL) limitation, and correlates of AT use among Native Indian aged 55 and older. Data were collected as part of a cross‐sectional study of disability with 505 members of a federally recognized tribe using in‐person interviewer administered surveys. Participants who reported difficulty with ADLs, including bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, walking, toileting, grooming, and getting outside, were asked about AT use. Other measures were demographics, living arrangements, receipt of personal care, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiary status, number of chronic conditions, lower body function, and personal mastery. Results indicated that 22.3% of participants aged 55 and older and 26.0% aged 65 and older reported AT use. Toileting had the largest percentage of participants who relied on AT only and getting outside had the largest percentage of participants relying on a combination of AT and personal care. Multiple variable logistic regression analysis identified receipt of personal care, having more chronic conditions, and poorer lower body function as significantly associated with higher odds of AT use. The results suggest that there is greater AT use in this sample than in same‐aged adults in national samples. This greater use may be reflective of a combination of higher disability rates, cultural factors, and greater access to AT. Clinicians can use this information to identify the activities with which their patients are experiencing the most difficulty and which ones can be addressed with AT versus personal care.