bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and analysis of a negative stiffness magnetic suspension vibration isolator with experimental investigations
Authors: Zhu Yu , Li Qiang , Xu Dengfeng , Hu Chuxiong , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a negative stiffness magnetic suspension vibration isolator (NSMSVI) using magnetic spring and rubber ligaments. The positive stiffness is obtained by repulsive magnetic spring while the negative stiffness is gained by rubber ligaments. In order to study the vibration isolation performance of the NSMSVI, an analytical expression of the vertical stretch force of the rubber ligament is constructed. Experiments are carried out, which demonstrates that the analytical expression is effective. Then an analytical expression of the vertical stiffness of the rubber ligament is deduced by the derivative of the stretch force of the rubber ligament with respect to the displacement of the inner magnetic ring. Furthermore, the parametric study of the magnetic spring and rubber ligament are carried out. As a case study, the size dimensions of the magnetic spring and rubber ligament are determined. Finally, an NSMSVI table was built to verify the vibration isolation performance of the NSMSVI. The transmissibility curves of the NSMSVI are subsequently calculated and tested by instruments. The experimental results reveal that there is a good consistency between the measured transmissibility and the calculated ones, which proves that the proposed NSMSVI is effective and can realize low-frequency vibration isolation.
Plasmonic effects of ultra-thin Mo films on hydrogenated amorphous Si photovoltaic cells
Authors: Lombardo S. , Tringali C. , Cannella G. , Battaglia A. , Foti M. , Costa N. , Principato F. , Gerardi C.
Published: September 2012

We report on the improvement of short circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), and open circuit resistance (ROC) in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic cells with a p-type/intrinsic/n-type structure, achieved by the addition of an ultra-thin molybdenum film between the p-type film and the transparent conductive oxide/glass substrate. For suitable conditions, improvements of ≈10% in average internal quantum efficiency and up to 5%–10% under standard illumination in JSC, FF, and ROC are observed. These are attributed to the excitation of surface plasmon polariton modes of the a-Si:H/Mo interface.
On the mirror instability in the presence of electron temperature anisotropy
Authors: Kuznetsov E. A. , Passot T. , Sulem P. L.
Published: September 2012

Computation of the mirror instability growth rate in an ion-electron bi-Maxwellian plasma is revisited, starting from the low-frequency kinetic theory. The role of the electron finite Larmor radius (FLR) effects on the instability quenching is shown to possibly be dominant, even near threshold where the smallest unstable scales significantly exceed the electron gyroscale. Validation of the results by comparison with predictions of the fully kinetic whamp software is also presented. The influence of the electron temperatures on the ion FLR effects very near threshold, where the electron kinetic effects are negligible, is also pointed out.
Generation of silver-anatase nanocomposite by excimer laser-assisted processing
Authors: Joya Yasir F. , Liu Zhu , Wang Zengbo
Published: September 2012

We demonstrate crystallization of the anatase thin film with self-adhering silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by a single-step laser process. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) sol-gel precursor film was deposited on glass substrate and Ag ions were adsorbed from silver nitrate aqueous solution. A nanosecond (ns) pulsed beam of KrF (248 nm) laser was traversed across the amorphous Ag-TiO2 film leading to crystallization of the anatase and simultaneous generation of cubic as well as hexagonal Ag NPs. A uniform size distribution of Ag NPs was observed with an average size of 9.6 nm. On the other hand, anatase grains were 38 nm in size as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Analytical simulations indicated a solid-state diffusion and phase transformation mechanism dominating within the film due to laser treatment.
Asymbiotic in vitro germination and seed quality assessment of Australian terrestrial orchids
Authors: Dowling Nicole , Jusaitis Manfred
Published: September 2012

Determining the seed quality and germination requirements for threatened orchid species in storage is vital for future conservation efforts. Seeds of many Australian terrestrial orchid species are held in conservation collections around the country, but few have been germinated in vitro, fuelling concerns over their long-term viability. This study tested three methods of assessing orchid seed quality; asymbiotic germination was compared with vital staining using triphenyltetrazolium chloride or fluorescein diacetate. Six culture media were examined for efficacy in promoting asymbiotic seed germination of four Australian terrestrial orchid species (Pterostylis nutans, Microtis arenaria, Thelymitra pauciflora and Prasophyllum pruinosum). Germination occurred on all media but germination rates were consistently highest on BM1 and development was most advanced on BM1, P723 and Malmgren media. Subsequent trials tested the efficacy of BM1 for asymbiotic germination of additional genera (Caladenia, Calochilus and Diuris), several congeneric species, and two species collected from several different provenances within each of their ranges. The results indicate that asymbiotic germination on BM1 medium is an effective technique for testing the performance of Australian terrestrial orchid seeds. The efficacy of vital stains to determine seed viability, however, remains uncertain, as significant disagreement between degree of staining and germinability was observed for some species.
Chronic treatment of female tammar wallabies with deslorelin implants during pouch life: effects on reproductive maturation
Authors: Herbert C. A. , Eckery D. C. , Trigg T. E. , Cooper D. W.
Published: September 2012

The present study reports on attempts to delay puberty in a model marsupial species using the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin. Female tammar wallaby pouch young received deslorelin (5 mg) or placebo implants (n = 8/group) when they were 193 ± 2 days old. Sexual maturity was significantly delayed in deslorelin-treated animals, with the first successful production of offspring in treated and control animals occurring at 813 ± 62 and 430 ± 42 days of age, respectively. This delay was associated with a period of retarded pouch and teat development. Progesterone concentrations remained at basal levels throughout the first breeding season, indicating the absence of luteal cycles in treated females. Recovery and maturation of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis was a gradual process. Treated animals failed to respond to GnRH challenge at 12 months of age and had a reduced LH response at 18 months of age, before attaining full responsiveness by 24 months of age. Despite this apparent pituitary recovery by 24 months of age, as evidenced by complete teat eversion and LH responsiveness to GnRH, the time to first parturition was significantly delayed beyond this time in three females. This suggests that there may be longer-lasting effects at the level of the ovary and/or on FSH secretion. The significant delay in the onset of sexual maturation in response to chronic GnRH agonist treatment in this model marsupial species may be of practical significance to the management of fertility in captive and semi-free range marsupial populations.
The effect of a multicomponent literacy instruction model on literacy growth for kindergartners and first‐grade students in Chile
Authors: Pallante Daniel H. , Kim Young‐Suk
Published: September 2012

In the present study we examined the impact of a comprehensive literacy instruction model called Collaborative Language and Literacy Instruction Project (CLLIP) on language and literacy achievement over the course of a year by Spanish‐speaking children in Chile. Participants included kindergartners (N = 312) from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds and first‐grade students (N = 305) from high SES families. The CLLIP model targeted phonological awareness, alphabetics and phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing, and included coaching and sustained follow‐up as key elements for teacher professional development. The results showed promise for the CLLIP model in the Chilean context. Kindergartners in CLLIP classrooms had faster growth rates in letter naming, word reading, vocabulary, and phonemic segmentation fluency than those in control classrooms, and had higher scores at the end of the year in phonemic segmentation fluency, letter naming, and word reading. In addition, kindergartners from high SES families had faster growth rates than kindergartners from low SES families in letter naming and word reading. Effect sizes ranged from small (d = .18 in word reading) to fairly large (d = .70 in letter‐naming fluency). First‐grade students in CLLIP classrooms had faster growth rates than students in control classrooms in vocabulary, nonword reading fluency, word reading, and reading comprehension. Effect sizes were small in vocabulary, nonword reading fluency, and reading comprehension (.23 ≤ d ≤ .28) and medium in word reading (d = .50). These results suggest that the present multicomponent literacy instructional model had a positive impact on Chilean children's literacy acquisition.
Unlocking the sperm's internal compass
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: September 2012

Study shows how a sperm's behavior shapes its swimming path.
X-ray diffraction study on size effects in epitaxial magnetite thin films on MgO(0 0 1)
Authors: Bertram F , Deiter C , Hoefert O , Schemme T , Timmer F , Suendorf M , Zimmermann B , Wollschläger J
Published: September 2012

Epitaxial ultrathin iron oxide films of different thicknesses were grown by reactive molecular beam epitaxy in 10−6 mbar oxygen atmosphere on MgO(0 0 1) single crystal substrates at room temperature. Afterwards, the films were studied by x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to provide information regarding film structure as well as chemical composition of the films. Except for a very thin interface layer of subnanometre thickness, the iron oxide films have magnetite stoichiometry and structure and Mg does not diffuse from the substrate into the iron oxide film. The interface layer has a wuestite structure as determined by kinematic diffraction analysis. The magnetite films exhibit very homogeneous thickness while the vertical lattice constant decreases gradually towards its bulk value.
Sonic hedgehog acts cell-autonomously on muscle precursor cells to generate limb muscle diversity
Authors: Anderson Claire , Williams Victoria C. , Moyon Benjamin , Daubas Philippe , Tajbakhsh Shahragim , Buckingham Margaret E. , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Hughes Simon M. , Borycki Anne-Gaëlle
Published: September 2012

How muscle diversity is generated in the vertebrate body is poorly understood. In the limb, dorsal and ventral muscle masses constitute the first myogenic diversification, as each gives rise to distinct muscles. Myogenesis initiates after muscle precursor cells (MPCs) have migrated from the somites to the limb bud and populated the prospective muscle masses. Here, we show that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) from the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) drives myogenesis specifically within the ventral muscle mass. Shh directly induces ventral MPCs to initiate Myf5 transcription and myogenesis through essential Gli-binding sites located in the Myf5 limb enhancer. In the absence of Shh signaling, myogenesis is delayed, MPCs fail to migrate distally, and ventral paw muscles fail to form. Thus, Shh production in the limb ZPA is essential for the spatiotemporal control of myogenesis and coordinates muscle and skeletal development by acting directly to regulate the formation of specific ventral muscles.
Telomere-binding protein Taz1 controls global replication timing through its localization near late replication origins in fission yeast
Authors: Tazumi Atsutoshi , Fukuura Masayoshi , Nakato Ryuichiro , Kishimoto Ami , Takenaka Tomokazu , Ogawa Shiho , Song Ji-hoon , Takahashi Tatsuro S. , Nakagawa Takuro , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Masukata Hisao
Published: September 2012

In eukaryotes, the replication of chromosome DNA is coordinated by a replication timing program that temporally regulates the firing of individual replication origins. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the program remains elusive. Here, we report that the telomere-binding protein Taz1 plays a crucial role in the control of replication timing in fission yeast. A DNA element located proximal to a late origin in the chromosome arm represses initiation from the origin in early S phase. Systematic deletion and substitution experiments demonstrated that two tandem telomeric repeats are essential for this repression. The telomeric repeats recruit Taz1, a counterpart of human TRF1 and TRF2, to the locus. Genome-wide analysis revealed that Taz1 regulates about half of chromosomal late origins, including those in subtelomeres. The Taz1-mediated mechanism prevents Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK)-dependent Sld3 loading onto the origins. Our results demonstrate that the replication timing program in fission yeast uses the internal telomeric repeats and binding of Taz1.
Bis(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)amino 4-methylbenzenesulfonate: a new member of the (RSO2)ON(SO2R)2family
Authors: Suarez Sebastián , Doctorovich Fabio , Baggio Ricardo
Published: September 2012

The title compound, C21H21NO7S3, consists of an SO2ON(SO2)2central fragment and three terminal 4-methylphenyl groups each attached at a sulfonyl S atom. The most obvious characteristic is the presence of two nearly face-to-face benzene rings, with their centroids separated by a rather short distance [3.7808 (18) Å], but with a rather slanted relative orientation [dihedral angle = 20.63 (13)°] so as to preclude a strong intramolecular π–π interaction. The third benzene ring is nearly perpendicular to the other two [dihedral angles = 71.62 (14) and 70.4 (13)°]. The packing of the structure is directed by two C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving aromatic H atoms (methyl H atoms are strictly non-interacting), which define chains running in the [100] direction. These one-dimensional chains evolve parallel to each other and exhibit no significant lateral interactions.
Specific immunotherapy can greatly reduce the need for systemic steroids in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Aasbjerg K. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Backer V.
Published: September 2012

Background

Worldwide, more than 400 million individuals have allergic rhinitis, which has a significant impact on the individual's general health. Most patients self‐medicate with over‐the‐counter drugs, but severe cases need treatment with topical corticosteroids and/or immunotherapy (SCIT). Although the ARIA guidelines discourage the use of systemic corticosteroids, this treatment is often used by general practitioners.

Aims

To investigate the use of systemic steroids to treat allergic rhinitis in Denmark and the role of SCIT as an alternative.

Methods

A retrospective study based on Danish National Registry databases 1995–2009. Steroid use was defined as a minimum of one steroid injection during April–July for at least three consecutive years. SCIT treatment against grass (Phleum pratense), birch (Betula verrucosa) or both was included.

Results

Overall, 39 173 individuals were treated with either SCIT or steroids; 93.1% received only steroids, and 6.9% received SCIT and/or steroids. The steroid‐to‐SCIT ratio was 14 : 1 (P < 0.0001). The mean annual steroid injections were 1.6 in the steroid‐only group and 1.0 in the SCIT group (P < 0.0001). Of the SCIT‐treated individuals, 84% did not need steroids after SCIT treatment (P < 0.0001). The hazard ratios of receiving steroids after SCIT against grass, birch or both were 0.65, 0.83 and 0.72, respectively (P < 0.0001), when compared with the steroids‐only group. The maximum hazard reduction was obtained if patients responded well to SCIT treatment after one to 3 years.

Conclusions

Systemic steroid injections are still widely used to treat pollen allergy. Specific immunotherapy can greatly reduce the need for steroids.
Molecular Modeling of a Phenyl‐Amidine Class of NMDA Receptor Antagonists and the Rational Design of New Triazolyl‐Amidine Derivatives
Authors: Abreu Paula A. , Castro Helena C. , Paes‐de‐Carvalho Roberto , Rodrigues Carlos R. , Giongo Viveca , Paixão Izabel C. N. P. , Santana Marcos V. , Ferreira Jainne M. , Caversan Octavia M. , Leão Raquel A. C. , Marins Luana M. S. , Henriques André M. , Farias Florence M. C. , Albuquerque Magaly G. , Pinheiro Sergio
Published: September 2012

Recently, many efforts have been made to develop N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor antagonists for treating different pathological conditions such as thrombo‐embolic stroke, traumatic head injury, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases). However, as side‐effects limit the use of most antagonists, new drugs are still required. In this work, we performed a (quantitative) structure‐activity relationship analysis of 17 phenyl‐amidine derivatives (1a–1q), reported as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor antagonists, and used this data to rationally design the triazolyl‐amidines. The best (quantitative) structure‐activity relationship model constructed by multiple linear regression analysis presented high data fitting (R = 0.914) was able to explain 83.6% of the biological data variance (R2 = 0.836), presented a satisfactory internal predictive ability (Q2 = 0.609) and contained the descriptors (EHOMO, Ovality and cLogP). Our assays confirmed that glutamate promotes an extensive cell death in avian neurons (77%) and 2a and 2b protected the neurons from the glutamate effect (from 77% to 27% and 45%, respectively). The results of neurotoxicity and cytotoxicity on Vero cells suggested the favorable profile of 2a and 2b. Also, the molecular modeling used to predict the activity, the interaction with the receptor and the pharmacokinetic and toxicity of the triazolyl‐amidines pointed them as a promising class for further exploration as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor antagonists.
Stability and change – a 7‐ to 8‐year follow‐up study of mental health problems in Norwegian children in long‐term out‐of‐home care
Authors: Havnen Karen Skaale , Breivik Kyrre , Jakobsen Reidar
Published: September 2012

The aim of the study was to explore stability and change in mental health problems in Norwegian children aged 6–12 years old (n = 70) in long‐term out‐of‐home care. The children's mental health problems were assessed shortly after the placement and 7–8 years later by the caregivers and the teachers on the Revised Rutter Scales. Information on pre‐placement and placement factors were collected from the child welfare workers. At a group level the children's mental health problems had improved significantly over time according to the teachers' reports. According to the caregivers' reports, however, the children's problems were high and stable across time. Analyses aimed at detecting individual changes revealed a great variability in development according to both informants, indicating that treating the placed children as a homogenous group could be misleading. Several pre‐placement and placement variables were associated with the change in the children's mental health problems from the time of placement to the follow‐up time according to both informants' reports. However, all the predictors were accounted for by the strong effect of the children's problem scores when entering care.
An unusual cribriform variant of salivary basal cell tumours: a clinicopathological study of 22 cases
Authors: Tian Zhen , Hu Yuhua , Wang Lizhen , Li Lei , Zhang Chunye , Li Jiang
Published: September 2012

Tian Z, Hu Y, Wang L, Li L, Zhang C & Li J  (2012) Histopathology 61, 921–929

An unusual cribriform variant of salivary basal cell tumours: a clinicopathological study of 22 cases

Aims:  To clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of salivary basal cell tumours exhibiting cribriform architecture, and to discuss the differential diagnosis of these tumours with regard to adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC).

Methods and results:  Eighteen basal cell adenomas (BCAs) and four basal cell adenocarcinomas (BcACs) with at least a 10% area of cribriform morphology were collected, and the histological and immunohistochemical features were evaluated. The majority of tumours showed the typical histological patterns of basal cell tumours, in addition to cribriform architecture. In some areas, the periphery of cribriform nests had a palisade arrangement. Focal capsular infiltration, but not invasion of surrounding normal tissue, was detected in 14 of 18 BCAs. The capsules were absent or incomplete and mainly accompanied by focal invasion in BcACs. Cystic degeneration was observed in 12 of 22 tumours. The Ki67 labelling index of basal cell tumours was significantly lower than that of cribriform AdCCs (P = 0.001). All patients had a good outcome after a follow‐up of 15–96 months.

Conclusions:  The cribriform variant shares most of the clinicopathological features of conventional basal cell tumours. Admixtures of cribriform and trabecular or tubulo‐trabecular subtypes, peripheral palisading, cystic changes, non‐invasive or low‐grade invasive growth patterns and a low Ki67 labelling index may be useful for distinguishing basal cell tumours with a cribriform architecture from AdCCs.
Pathological significance of epidermal growth factor receptor expression and amplification in human gliomas
Authors: Zhao Li‐li , Xu Kan‐lun , Wang Shan‐wei , Hu Bai‐lai , Chen Li‐rong
Published: September 2012

Zhao L‐l, Xu K‐l, Wang S‐w, Hu B‐l & Chen L‐r  (2012) Histopathology 61, 726–736

Pathological significance of epidermal growth factor receptor expression and amplification in human gliomas

Aims:  To investigate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and amplification in gliomas and to assess their association with survival.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization were performed to analyse EGFR status in 158 cases of primary glioma. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to analyse the prognosis of patients. Overexpression of EGFR and expression of EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) were found in 102 cases (64.6%) and 47 cases (29.7%), respectively. Overexpression of EGFR was significantly correlated with World Health Organization (WHO) grade and Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (both P < 0.05). Expression of EGFRvIII was significantly correlated with WHO grade, gender, age, and KPS (all P < 0.05). EGFR amplification was found in 46 cases (29.1%), and was significantly correlated with WHO grade, age, KPS and EGFR overexpression (all P < 0.05). Cox multifactor analysis showed that EGFR amplification was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for human gliomas at all ages, and EGFRvIII was an independent prognostic factor in patients older than 60 years.

Conclusions:  EGFR amplification and EGFRvIII expression were associated with an unfavourable prognosis for patients of all ages, and for those older than 60 years, respectively. The differing significance of EGFR status in young and old glioma patients and its impact on prognosis needs further study.
Cytomegalovirus infection during immunosuppressive therapy for diffuse parenchymal lung disease
Authors: ARAI TORU , INOUE YOSHIKAZU , TACHIBANA KAZUNOBU , TSUYUGUCHI KAZUNARI , NISHIYAMA AKIHIDE , SUGIMOTO CHIKATOSHI , SASAKI YUMIKO , KAGAWA TOMOKO , MATSUDA YOSHINOBU , HAYASHI SEIJI
Published: September 2012

Background and objective:  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a life‐threatening condition in patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs), who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of CMV infection and to propose a strategy for managing CMV infection in patients with DPLD who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods:  A retrospective longitudinal observational study was performed on 69 patients with DPLDs (39 with acute/subacute onset, 30 with chronic onset) who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy and were positive for CMV pp65 antigen (CMV‐pp65Ag) in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs).

Results:  Clinical CMV disease and subclinical CMV antigenaemia developed in 23 and 46 patients, respectively. The cut‐off level of CMV‐pp65Ag indicating clinical CMV disease, as determined by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, was 7.5 cells per 5 × 104 PBLs. Multivariate analysis revealed that early CMV infection was associated with acute/subacute onset of underlying DPLD and with respiratory dysfunction at the commencement of immunosuppressive therapy. Multivariate analysis also suggested that the acute/subacute onset of underlying DPLD, a CMV‐pp65Ag titre of >7.5 cells per 5 × 104 PBLs, and C‐reactive protein levels ≥10 mg/L indicated a poor prognosis.

Conclusions:  We recommend that CMV‐pp65Ag antigenaemia of >7.5 cells per 5 × 104 PBLs in patients with DPLD should be treated with ganciclovir. Patients with lower levels of CMV‐pp65Ag antigenaemia should be closely monitored or treated with ganciclovir if the clinical findings suggest a poor prognosis.
Girly mags and girly jobs: Pornography and gendered inequality in forensic practice
Authors: Mercer Dave
Published: September 2012

This article presents findings from a discourse analytic study into the constructive nature and textual variations of language in a high‐security hospital. It explores how mental health nurses, and men convicted of sexual offences who also have a diagnosis of personality disorder, talked about pornography and sexual crime in the context of forensic provision. Access to sexually‐explicit media, in relation to treatment environments for people convicted of sexual offences, has become a cause for professional and political concern in the UK. Data collection and analysis, undertaken concurrently, were informed by a discursive design. Semistructured interviews, as co‐constructed accounts with nursing staff and detained patients, were audio‐taped and transcribed. Data were coded to identify the discursive repertoires, or collective talk, of respondents. In contrast to empirical inquiry into pornography and sexual violence, methodology shifted attention from measurement to meaning, and situated research in a clinical domain. The findings focus on performative language use, where talk about pornography textured the treatment environment, contributed to an overtly masculine discourse, framed the ward as male space, and promoted gendered inequality. The discussion questions the legitimacy of the therapeutic enterprise.
Emotional Dynamics and Strategizing Processes: A Study of Strategic Conversations in Top Team Meetings
Authors: Liu Feng , Maitlis Sally
Published: September 2012

An important but largely unexplored issue in the study of strategy‐as‐discourse is how emotion affects the discursive processes through which strategy is constructed. To address this question, this paper investigates displayed emotions in strategic conversations and explores how the emotional dynamics generated through these displays shape a top management team's strategizing. Using microethnography, we analyse conversations about ten strategic issues raised across seven top management team meetings and identify five different kinds of emotional dynamic, each associated with a different type of strategizing process. The emotional dynamics vary in the sorts of emotions displayed, their sequencing and overall form. The strategizing processes vary in how issues are proposed, discussed, and evaluated, and whether decisions are taken or postponed. We identify team relationship dynamics as a key mechanism linking emotional dynamics and strategizing processes, and issue urgency as another important influence.
Standard of Care, Professional Obligations, and Distributive Justice
Authors: Mackay Douglas
Published: September 2012

The problem of standard‐of‐care in clinical research concerns the level of care that investigators ought to provide to research subjects in the control arm of their clinical trials. Commentators differ sharply on whether subjects in trials conducted in lower income countries should be provided with the same level of care as subjects in trials conducted in higher income countries. I consider an argument that commentators have employed on both sides of this debate: professional role arguments. These arguments claim to justify a conclusion to the standard‐of‐care problem solely by appeal to the professional obligations that investigators possess. I argue that prominent versions of professional role arguments cannot justify a solution to the problem of standard‐of‐care that is both determinate and reasonable simply by appeal to the professional obligations of investigators. Instead, to do so, one must also (1) determine the level of care or types of treatment that individuals are entitled to as a matter of distributive justice, and (2) identify which agents possess the duties that correspond to these entitlements. The level of care that investigators owe to subjects in the control arm of their clinical trials is thus in part dependent on the level of care that these subjects are entitled to as a matter of distributive justice, and whether it is the investigators who possess the corresponding distributive obligation to provide them with the care that they are entitled to.
Afghanistan's Aynak copper deposit tender process: case study
Authors: Handelsman Simon
Published: September 2012

This paper contributes to the literature of case studies about doing business in conflict zones and post‐conflict zones by presenting the details of holding an international tender process in Afghanistan. The potential importance of Aynak to Afghanistan's economy is explained. The tender plan, rights offered, expectations and bid evaluation process for awarding the right to develop the Aynak copper deposit in Afghanistan are described in detail. This paper shows how an equitable, transparent, objective, standards‐based process approach, incorporating technically and socially responsible development requirements, may be adopted and implemented in countries with difficult conditions.
The Effect of Ability on Young Men's Self‐Employment Decision: Evidence from the NELS
Authors: Eren Ozkan , Sula Ozan
Published: September 2012

Using the National Educational Longitudinal Study data, we examine the role of pre‐market abilities on young men's self‐employment decision. Our results indicate that cognitive and non‐cognitive abilities are two important, in opposing directions, predictors of self‐employment. We also find that cognitive and non‐cognitive abilities may differ in their malleability with the latter being more malleable during adolescence.
The Effect of Prevailing Wage Regulations on Contractor Bid Participation and Behavior: A Comparison of Palo Alto, California with Four Nearby Prevailing Wage Municipalities
Authors: Kim Jaewhan , Kuo‐Liang Chang , Philips Peter
Published: September 2012

This sample of bids by union and nonunion contractors on and off municipal prevailing wage projects in the San Francisco Bay area of California provides the first empirical evidence examining the effects of prevailing wage regulations on contractor participation and bidding behavior. The data show that the presence of prevailing wage regulations does not decrease the number of bidders nor alter the bidding behavior of contractors relative to the engineer's estimate of the value of the project. Furthermore, in this heavily unionized area during an upswing in the business cycle, the presence of prevailing wage regulations did not discourage the participation of nonunion contractors nor reduce their chances of winning work.
The Impact of Oportunidades on Consumption, Savings and Transfers*
Authors: Angelucci Manuela , Attanasio Orazio , Di Maro Vincenzo
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we estimate the effect of the Mexican conditional cash transfer programme, Oportunidades, on transfers, savings and consumption for treated households. We find positive effects on consumption of non‐durable and durable goods, an increase in savings coupled with a drop in the number and values of loans, and a reduction of in‐kind transfers received by households in treatment areas. These results are consistent with the existing evidence that conditional cash transfer programmes have beneficial effects in both the short and medium term, but that they partly crowd out private transfers.
A Quantile Regression Analysis of the Effect of Farmers’ Attitudes and Perceptions on Market Participation
Authors: Kostov Philip , Davidova Sophia
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study is to investigate the subjective determinants of farmers’ participation in output markets in five EU New Member States (NMS) characterised by large semi‐subsistence sectors. It employs quantile regression to model market participation reflecting the heterogeneity amongst farmers. The study also uses the Bayesian adaptive lasso to simultaneously select important covariates and estimate the corresponding quantile regression models. The empirical results show that only two variables affect all quantiles, while their effect varies across quantiles. Some of the remaining variables affect the share of output sold at the lower quantiles (i.e. for subsistence‐ and semi‐subsistence‐oriented farmers) only, whereas other variables are only significant at the upper quantiles (i.e. for more commercially oriented farms). Advisory services, and particularly agricultural business advice, and information and advice on markets and prices can facilitate the market participation of subsistence‐oriented farms.
Hospital‐Acquired Pressure Ulcers: Results from the National Medicare Patient Safety Monitoring System Study
Authors: Lyder Courtney H. , Wang Yun , Metersky Mark , Curry Maureen , Kliman Rebecca , Verzier Nancy R. , Hunt David R.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To determine the national and state incidence levels of newly hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers (PUs) in Medicare beneficiaries and to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics and outcomes of these individuals.

Design

Retrospective secondary analysis of the national Medicare Patient Safety Monitoring System (MPSMS) database.

Setting

Medicare‐eligible hospitals across the United States and select territories.

Participants

Fifty‐one thousand eight hundred forty‐two randomly selected hospitalized fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007.

Measurements

Data were abstracted from the MPSMS, which collects information on multiple hospital adverse events.

Results

Of the 51,842 individuals in the MPSMS 2006/07 sample, 2,313 (4.5%) developed at least one new PU during their hospitalization. The mortality risk–adjusted odds ratios were 2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.44–3.23) for in‐hospital mortality, 1.69 (95% CI = 1.61–1.77) for mortality within 30 days after discharge, and 1.33 (95% CI = 1.23–1.45) for readmission within 30 days. The hospital risk–adjusted main length of stay was 4.8 days (95% CI = 4.7–5.0 days) for individuals who did not develop PUs and 11.2 days (95% CI = 10.19–11.4) for those with hospital‐acquired PUs (P < .001). The Northeast region and Missouri had the highest incidence rates (4.6% and 5.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

Individuals who developed PUs were more likely to die during the hospital stay, have generally longer hospital lengths of stay, and be readmitted within 30 days after discharge.
Does the Presence of Anterior Mandibular Teeth Increase the Incidence of Denture Stomatitis?
Authors: Sakar Olcay , Sulun Tonguc , Bilhan Hakan , Ispirgil Ebru
Published: September 2012

Purpose: To compare the frequency of denture stomatitis (DS) under maxillary complete dentures (CDs) in patients with opposing mandibular distal extension removable partial dentures (RPDs) and CDs.

Materials and Methods: Participants included 365 maxillary CD wearers (241 women, mean age 70.5 ± 13.2 years; 124 men, mean age 71.5 ± 10.4 years) from 7 rest homes in Istanbul. A total of 268 had mandibular CDs; 97 had mandibular distal extension RPDs. Two independent, calibrated examiners performed oral examinations. Presence of maxillary denture‐related stomatitis and the effect of risk factors on DS were evaluated and recorded.

Results: The frequency of palatal DS (Newton I‐III) was 45.1% (n = 121) in the mandibular CD group and 49.5% (n = 48) in the mandibular distal extension RPD group, a statistically insignificant difference (p= 0.4). Factors significantly associated with palatal DS were maxillary denture age (p= 0.02), reduced occlusal vertical dimension (p= 0.04), and nocturnal denture wear (p= 0.03).

Conclusion: In this study, DS beneath maxillary CDs did not differ between mandibular distal extension RPD and CD wearers. The presence of mandibular anterior teeth did not influence the occurrence of palatal DS.
Low‐Income Mothers as “Othermothers” to Their Romantic Partners' Children: Women's Coparenting in Multiple Partner Fertility Relationships
Authors: Burton Linda M. , Hardaway Cecily R.
Published: September 2012

In this article, we investigated low‐income mothers' involvement in multiple partner fertility (MPF) relationships and their experiences as “othermothers” to their romantic partners' children from previous and concurrent intimate unions. Othermothering, as somewhat distinct from stepmothering, involves culturally‐scripted practices of sharing parenting responsibilities with children's biological parents. We framed this investigation using this concept because previous research suggests that many low‐income women practice this form of coparenting in their friend and kin networks. What is not apparent in this literature, however, is whether women unilaterally othermother their romantic partners' children from different women. How often and under what circumstances do women in nonmarital MPF intimate unions with men coparent their partners' children from other relationships? We explored this question using a modified grounded theory approach and secondary longitudinal ethnographic data on 256 low‐income mostly unmarried mothers from the Three‐City Study. Results indicated that 78% of the mothers had been or were involved in MPF unions and while most had othermothered the children of their friends and relatives, 89% indicated that they did not coparent their partners' children from any MPF relationship. Mothers' reasons for not doing so were embedded in: (a) gendered scripts around second families, or “casa chicas”; (b) the tenuous nature of pass‐through MPF relationships; and (c) mothers' own desires for their romantic partners to child‐swap. Implications of this research for family science and practice are discussed.
Computational Evidence That Frequency Trajectory Theory Does Not Oppose But Emerges From Age‐of‐Acquisition Theory
Authors: Mermillod Martial , Bonin Patrick , Méot Alain , Ferrand Ludovic , Paindavoine Michel
Published: September 2012

According to the age‐of‐acquisition hypothesis, words acquired early in life are processed faster and more accurately than words acquired later. Connectionist models have begun to explore the influence of the age/order of acquisition of items (and also their frequency of encounter). This study attempts to reconcile two different methodological and theoretical approaches (proposed by Lambon Ralph & Ehsan, 2006 and Zevin & Seidenberg, 2002) to age‐limited learning effects. The current simulations extend the findings reported by Zevin and Seidenberg (2002) that have shown that frequency trajectories (FTs) have limited and specific effects on word‐reading tasks. Using the methodological framework proposed by Lambon Ralph and Ehsan (2006), which makes it possible to compare word‐reading and picture‐naming tasks in connectionist networks, we were able to show that FT has a considerable influence on age‐limited learning effects in a picture naming task. The findings show that when the input–output mappings are arbitrary (simulating picture naming tasks), the links formed by the network become entrenched as a result of early experience and that subsequent variations in frequency of exposure of the items have only a minor impact. In contrast, when the mappings between input‐output are quasi‐systematic or systematic (simulating word‐reading tasks), the training of new items was generalized and resulted in the suppression of age‐limited learning effects. At a theoretical level, we suggest that FT, which simultaneously takes account of time and the level of exposure across time, represents a more precise and modulated measure compared with the order of introduction of the items and may lead to innovative hypotheses in the field of age‐limited learning effects.
Travailleurs salariés et indépendants faiblement rémunérés en Inde
Authors: RANI Uma , BELSER Patrick
Published: September 2012

Les inégalités et la pauvreté en Inde ont été beaucoup étudiées, mais sans guère d'attention au rôle du marché du travail. Pour y remédier, les auteurs examinent le phénomène des faibles rémunérations, avec son ampleur, ses caractéristiques et ses déterminants. Ils établissent un seuil absolu de gains au‐delà duquel les travailleurs ont un niveau de vie décent. Partant de microdonnées sur les ménages des salariés et des travailleurs indépendants, ils constatent qu'environ la moitié de la main‐d'œuvre indienne est mal rémunérée, ce qui dénote un grave déficit de «travail décent». Ils proposent des pistes pour élever les salaires et la productivité, donc les gains.
Afrique du Sud: une réglementation sur le salaire minimum peu respectée
Authors: BHORAT Haroon , KANBUR Ravi , MAYET Natasha
Published: September 2012

Le travail a pour objet d'asseoir sur une base quantitative plus solide le débat sur le niveau et l'application des salaires minima en Afrique du Sud et dans d'autres pays en développement. Les auteurs comparent les salaires minima en vigueur, selon l'activité et la localisation, avec les données de l'Enquête sur la main‐d'œuvre de 2007. Ils observent que 44 pour cent des travailleurs sont payés au‐dessous du minimum et que le manque à gagner moyen est de 35 pour cent. Les secteurs les plus touchés sont la sécurité, la foresterie et l'agriculture.
An analysis of bundle pricing: the case of biotech seeds
Authors: Shi Guanming , Chavas Jean‐Paul , Stiegert Kyle , Meng Xiangyi
Published: September 2012

Biotechnology has provided opportunities for strategic management and pricing of patented products. This article analyzes the economics and strategy of bundling and bundle pricing of biotech traits in seeds. When the bundling of genes/traits is decided by biotech firms, firms may choose among subadditive pricing, component pricing, or superadditive pricing strategies. We argue that complementarity among component genes contributes to subadditive pricing, while substitution among components contributes to superadditive pricing. The nature of bundle pricing is explored empirically using U.S. seed corn data from 2000 to 2007. We document that subadditive bundle pricing of traits is commonly found in the seed corn market. However, we also present evidence of superadditive pricing and component pricing. The presence of different pricing and bundling strategies suggests a rapidly advancing and complex market. The preponderance of subadditive pricing suggests that trait bundling offers benefits to farmers exhibiting strong demand for multiple complementary genetic traits.
After the Coalition: What's left?
Authors: Kelly Gavin , Pearce Nick
Published: September 2012

Seeking to provoke serious debate on a credible social democratic agenda for the coming decade, Gavin Kelly and Nick Pearce set out the magnitude of the economic and fiscal challenges facing Britain in the next parliament and beyond, and offer ideas for rising to them.
Turkey's Syria problem
Authors: Phillips Christopher
Published: September 2012

Christopher Phillips explains why Turkey's recent regional resurgence in the Middle East is at risk of drowning in the Syrian quagmire.
Self‐Cleaning and Antibacteric Ceramic Tile Surface
Authors: de Niederhãusern Simona , Bondi Moreno , Bondioli Federica
Published: September 2012

The aim of this investigation was the surface functionalization of industrial ceramic tiles by sol‐gel technique to improve at the same time the cleanability and the antibacterial activity of surfaces. This objective was pursued through the design and preparation of nanostructured titania‐silver coating that was deposited on glazed, unglazed, and polished tiles by air‐brushing. The obtained results showed that the applied coatings are transparent, show a good adhesion, and a remarkable antibacterial activity under the tested conditions. The surface photocatalicity was optimized with the higher thermal treatments (200°C) even if photodegradation process is clearly affected by the sample surface roughness.
Hot moments for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Radeloff Volker C. , Beaudry Fred , Brooks Thomas M. , Butsic Van , Dubinin Maxim , Kuemmerle Tobias , Pidgeon Anna M.
Published: September 2012

Biodiversity conservation requires prioritization to be effective. Biodiversity hotspots and conservation planning identify where to focus conservation efforts, but it is unclear when conservation is most successful. Our goals were to: (a) investigate if hot moments for conservation occur, (b) calculate how important and prevalent they are, and (c) discuss what may catalyze hot moments for conservation. We analyzed the worldwide network of protected areas since inception, analyzing both all countries, and those 35 countries that contained at least 1% of either the total count or the total area protected globally. The evidence for hot moments for conservation was very strong. Among all countries, 44% protected more than half of their protected area in 1 year, and 61% did so in one 5‐year period. The 35 countries that contain most of the protected area globally (77%) protected 23% and 49%, respectively, within 1 or 5 years. Hot moments often coincided with societal upheaval such as the collapse of the USSR or the end of colonialism. Conservationists need to account for hot moments for conservation to be most effective.
Serum biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis
Authors: Leite Nathalie Carvalho , Salles Gil Fernando , Cardoso Claudia Regina Lopes , Villela‐Nogueira Cristiane Alves
Published: September 2012

Aim

Advanced stages of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), however, no diabetes‐related or biochemical variable seems to be predictive of severity of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of several serum biomarkers with the more severe histopathological stages of NAFLD in T2DM.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional design, 84 T2DM patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD had adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, interleukin (IL)‐6, ‐8 and ‐10, and C‐reactive protein measured. NAFLD severity was evaluated by two hepatopathologists according to the non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Clinical Research Network scoring system. Independent associations of cytokines with NASH and advanced fibrosis were evaluated by multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Sixty‐six patients (78.6%) had NASH, and 52 patients (61.9%) had advanced fibrosis considering the highest score between the two pathologists. Patients with NASH or with advanced fibrosis had equal cytokine levels to those without NASH or with absent/light fibrosis, except for a lower serum adiponectin (8.59 vs 12.77 μg/mL; P = 0.015) in patients with NASH and a lower TGF‐β1 (170 vs 180 pg/mL; P = 0.026) in patients with advanced fibrosis. In multivariate analysis, lower adiponectin was independently associated with NASH (odds ratio = 7.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5–39.9, P = 0.014, for the subgroup with adiponectin below the median value), whereas both lower adiponectin and lower TGF‐β1 levels were associated with advanced fibrosis.

Conclusion

Low adiponectin and low TGF‐β1 are associated with severest NAFLD stages in T2DM and may be a valuable tool to support liver biopsy indication in this setting.