bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIC PRIVATIZATION AND TRADE POLICIES IN AN INTERNATIONAL MIXED OLIGOPOLY*
Authors: HAN LIHUA
Published: September 2011

In this paper we examine the optimal privatization and trade policies in a mixed oligopoly in which a domestic semipublic firm competes against domestic and foreign private firms in a home market. Specifically, we consider two strategic trade instruments: a domestic production subsidy and an import tariff, with partial privatization. The result shows that the privatization strategy is affected strongly by trade instruments. Moreover, the choice of trade instruments lies upon the relative number of domestic and foreign private firms.
THE MICRO‐FOUNDATIONS OF DUAL ECONOMY MODELS*
Authors: WANG XIAOBING , PIESSE JENIFER
Published: September 2011

This paper provides microfoundations for dual economy models. First, the patterns of production and population growth in the traditional agricultural sector are examined. This shows the connection between long‐run per capita income and subsistence wages. Second, it proves the existence of surplus labour and defines two types of surplus labour. Third, it considers two wage determination mechanisms in the modern sector and their relationships with the requirement for labour market restrictions. Fourth, the labour market is linked to food supply. Fifth, the dynamics of surplus labour and labour transfer are considered and two types of turning point are defined.
Scripture as the Voice of God: The Continuing Importance of Autopistia
Authors: VAN DEN BELT HENK
Published: September 2011

This article argues that the concept of autopistia offers a helpful perspective for theological reflection on the authority of Scripture in the present context. It explains the concept by eliminating some misunderstandings and offering a definition of the autopistia of Scripture from its theological sources. It faces the objections that the idea is inutile because it is too specifically Protestant and outdated because it rests on pre‐modern presuppositions. Finally it draws some implications of this perspective for the role of the church, for the communication of the authority of Scripture in the postmodern context, and for the proper place of the doctrine of Scripture in systematic theology.
Revelation, Scripture and Tradition: Lessons from Vatican II's Constitution Dei verbum for Contemporary Theology
Authors: BOEVE LIEVEN
Published: September 2011

For Roman Catholic systematic theology, any reflection on the relation between revelation, Scripture and tradition has to take into account the dogmatic constitution of the Second Vatican Council concerning this theme: Dei verbum. In this document, the dialogical nature of these fundamental theological concepts has been accentuated. Revelation, but also Scripture and tradition, are historical dynamic givens that reveal a salvific God at work in our history, both through Christ and in the Spirit. In conversation with Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, both the coming into being of this document and its main assets are discussed. Moreover, it will be Dei verbum's reception, and especially the difficulties subsequently encountered to uphold and institutionally anchor the dialogical nature of revelation, tradition, theology and the magisterium that are also commented upon. Inasmuch, however, as Dei verbum has become a part of tradition for the Roman Catholic Church, a reading and rereading of this tradition requires the same dialogical hermeneutical principles which Dei verbum itself presents and requires.
Targeted Support and Telecare in Staffed Housing for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Impact on Staffing Levels and Objective Lifestyle Indicators
Authors: Perry Jonathan , Firth Caroline , Puppa Michael , Wilson Rick , Felce David
Published: September 2011

Background  Increased provision of out‐of‐family residential support is required because of demographic changes within the intellectual disabilities population. Residential support now has to be provided in a climate requiring both financial constraint and high quality service outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the quality of life consequences of living with less intensive staff support, resulting from the introduction of more targeted staff allocation coupled with telecare.

Methods  The study comprised 91 participants who lived in 33 settings. The targeted support/telecare intervention was implemented at staggered intervals in 25 of these settings (63 participants). Data on a range of participant and setting descriptors, quality of care, and a range of objective lifestyle indicators were collected at four points in time over 2 years. Impact of the intervention was evaluated using within‐group comparisons over time.

Results  Comparison between pre‐ and post‐intervention showed that staffing levels were significantly reduced by 23%, whereas they were constant in the absence of intervention. One health indicator improved in the absence of intervention and another improved following intervention. There were no significant changes in any other lifestyle indicators (safety, money, social and community activity, independence or choice).

Conclusions  A combination of targeted support and telecare had no adverse short‐term affect on participants’ quality of life, but reduced staff input so it seems that they have a role to play in the strategic development of out‐of‐family placements for adults with intellectual disabilities. Further research is needed to explore in more detail how efficiency is achieved in practice.
Are all intertidal wetlands naturally created equal? Bottlenecks, thresholds and knowledge gaps to mangrove and saltmarsh ecosystems
Authors: Friess Daniel A. , Krauss Ken W. , Horstman Erik M. , Balke Thorsten , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Galli Demis , Webb Edward L.
Published: September 2011

Intertidal wetlands such as saltmarshes and mangroves provide numerous important ecological functions, though they are in rapid and global decline. To better conserve and restore these wetland ecosystems, we need an understanding of the fundamental natural bottlenecks and thresholds to their establishment and long‐term ecological maintenance. Despite inhabiting similar intertidal positions, the biological traits of these systems differ markedly in structure, phenology, life history, phylogeny and dispersal, suggesting large differences in biophysical interactions. By providing the first systematic comparison between saltmarshes and mangroves, we unravel how the interplay between species‐specific life‐history traits, biophysical interactions and biogeomorphological feedback processes determine where, when and what wetland can establish, the thresholds to long‐term ecosystem stability, and constraints to genetic connectivity between intertidal wetland populations at the landscape level. To understand these process interactions, research into the constraints to wetland development, and biological adaptations to overcome these critical bottlenecks and thresholds requires a truly interdisciplinary approach.
Eyeblink conditional discrimination learning in healthy young men is impaired after stress exposure
Authors: Wolf Oliver T. , Bauser Denise Soria , Daum Irene
Published: September 2011

Stress is known to influence the hippocampus. Eyeblink conditional discrimination learning is dependent on the hippocampus, but the effects of stress on the task are unknown. Male participants were allocated to a psychosocial stress condition (Trier Social Stress Test) or a control condition. Afterwards, a conditional discrimination task was performed. A tone (the CS) predicted an airpuff (the US) only when preceded by a specific visual stimulus (a red or a green colored square, the S+ and S−). Stressed participants showed a rise in cortisol and an increase in negative affect. Stressed participants also failed to acquire the conditional discrimination. They responded to all of the presented CS irrespective of the preceding occasion setter (S+ or S−). Controls, in contrast, acquired the discrimination rapidly. The present study provides further evidence for an impairing effect of acute stress on tasks relying on the hippocampal formation.
Is the P3 amplitude reduction seen in externalizing psychopathology attributable to stimulus sequence effects?
Authors: Gilmore Casey S. , Malone Stephen M. , Iacono William G.
Published: September 2011

P3 amplitude reduction (P3‐AR) is associated with biological vulnerability to a spectrum of externalizing (EXT) disorders, such as conduct disorder, antisocial behavior, and substance use disorders. P3 amplitude, however, can be affected by the context within which it is measured, for example, by the position of the target in the sequence of stimuli during an oddball task. We hypothesized that EXT‐related P3‐AR may be due to attention or working memory deficits in EXT that would weaken these stimulus sequence effects. Using a community‐based sample of adolescent males, we examined the relationship between P3 and EXT as a function of the number of standards preceding the target. Higher EXT was associated with significantly smaller P3 amplitude, regardless of the number of standards preceding the target. These results suggest that P3‐AR in EXT does not vary as a function of stimulus sequence, further supporting P3‐AR as an endophenotype for EXT disorders.
Altered Functional Connectivity Between the Insula and the Cingulate Cortex in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ichesco Eric , Quintero Andres , Clauw Daniel J. , Peltier Scott , Sundgren Pia M. , Gerstner Geoffrey E. , Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias
Published: September 2011

Background.— Among the most common chronic pain conditions, yet poorly understood, are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), with a prevalence estimate of 3‐15% for Western populations. Although it is increasingly acknowledged that central nervous system mechanisms contribute to pain amplification and chronicity in TMDs, further research is needed to unravel neural correlates that might abet the development of chronic pain.

Objective.— The insular cortex (IC) and cingulate cortex (CC) are both critically involved in the experience of pain. The current study sought specifically to investigate IC–CC functional connectivity in TMD patients and healthy controls (HCs), both during resting state and during the application of a painful stimulus.

Methods.— Eight patients with TMD, and 8 age‐ and sex‐matched HCs were enrolled in the present study. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data during resting state and during the performance of a pressure pain stimulus to the temple were acquired. Predefined seed regions were placed in the IC (anterior and posterior insular cortices) and the extracted signal was correlated with brain activity throughout the whole brain. Specifically, we were interested whether TMD patients and HCs would show differences in IC–CC connectivity, both during resting state and during the application of a painful stimulus to the face.

Results.— As a main finding, functional connectivity analyses revealed an increased functional connectivity between the left anterior IC and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in TMD patients, during both resting state and applied pressure pain. Within the patient group, there was a negative correlation between the anterior IC–ACC connectivity and clinical pain intensity as measured by a visual analog scale.

Conclusions.— Since the pregenual region of the ACC is critically involved in antinociception, we hypothesize that an increase in anterior IC–ACC connectivity is indicative of an adaptation of the pain modulatory system early in the chronification process.

(Headache 2012;52:441‐454)
Bismuth Zinc Niobate Pyrochlore, a Relaxor‐Like Non‐Ferroelectric
Authors: Osman Rozana A. M. , Masó Nahum , West Anthony R.
Published: September 2011

Fixed frequency plots of ε′ and tan δ versus temperature for (Bi1.5Zn0.5)(Zn0.5Nb1.5)O7 (BZN) ceramics with the pyrochlore structure show relaxor‐like response below ~180 K with frequency‐independent permittivity of ~130 above ~180 K and over the frequency range of 103–106 Hz. Impedance data in the range, 10–180 K fit an equivalent circuit derived from the classic dielectric relaxation circuit in which the relaxation resistance is replaced by a constant phase element (CPE). Temperature dependence of the circuit parameters shows that BZN is not ferroelectric; the CPE, which is responsible for the relaxor‐like behavior, gradually changes from primarily capacitive to primarily resistive with increasing temperature.
Color Charts, Esthetics, and Subjective Randomness
Authors: Sanderson Yasmine B.
Published: September 2011

Color charts, or grids of evenly spaced multicolored dots or squares, appear in the work of modern artists and designers. Often the artist/designer distributes the many colors in a way that could be described as “random,” that is, without an obvious pattern. We conduct a statistical analysis of 125 “random‐looking” art and design color charts and show that they differ significantly from truly random color charts in the average distance between adjacent colors. We argue that this attribute generalizes results in subjective randomness in a black/white setting and gives further evidence supporting a connection between subjective randomness and what is esthetically pleasing.
The Treg/Th17 Imbalance in Toxoplasma gondii‐Infected Pregnant Mice
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Hu Xuemei , Liu Xianbing , Zhang Ruijin , Fu Qiang , Xu Xiaoyan
Published: September 2011

Citation Zhang H, Hu X, Liu X, Zhang R, Fu Q, Xu X. The Treg/Th17 Imbalance in Toxoplasma gondii‐Infected Pregnant Mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 112–121

Aim  To evaluate whether impaired Treg/Th17 balance exists in the pregnant mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

Method of Study  Regulatory T (Treg) and T‐helper type 17 (Th17) cells were measured in both placenta and spleens of the pregnant mice infected with and without T. gondii by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) were analyzed using real‐time PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), retinoic acid–related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), and IL‐6 were also analyzed using real‐time PCR. The correlations of the ratio of Treg/Th17 to the mRNA or protein expression level of those factors were analyzed by Spearman’s correlation analysis. Data were analyzed by unpaired t‐test and paired t‐test.

Results  The proportion of Tregs or Th17 cells in the placenta and spleens of the T. gondii‐infected pregnant mice was significantly lower or higher than in those of non‐infected mice, respectively. Upregulation of TGF‐β and downregulation of IL‐17A were found in the placenta of T. gondii‐infected pregnant mice. The ratio of Treg to Th17 was significantly lower in the infected mice than that in the non‐infected mice (P < 0.01).The ratio of Treg to Th17 positively or negatively correlated with the protein expression level of TGF‐β (r = 0.6204, P < 0.05) or IL‐17A (r = −0.6296, P < 0.05), respectively. The ratio also positively correlated with the mRNA expression level of Foxp3 (r = 0.7985, P < 0.01), but negatively correlated with the mRNA expression level of RORγt (r = −0.6153, P < 0.05), and IL‐6 (r = −0.7492, P < 0.01).

Conclusion  TheTreg/Th17 imbalance exists in the pregnant mice infected with T. gondii, which is associated with the expression of related cytokine and key transcription factors. This result suggests that the embryo loss caused by this parasite may be associated with a reduced ratio of Treg to Th17 cell number.
Formative research for the development of a market‐based home fortification programme for young children in Niger
Authors: Tripp Katie , Perrine Cria G. , de Campos Pascal , Knieriemen Marily , Hartz Rebecca , Ali Farah , Jefferds Maria Elena D. , Kupka Roland
Published: September 2011

The objective of this formative research was to assess the acceptability of a micronutrient powder (Sprinkles®) and a lipid‐based nutrient supplement (Nutributter®), and to explore people's willingness to pay for these products in a resource‐poor context like Niger. In four sites, 84 focus group discussions among mothers, fathers and grandmothers of children 6–23 months were conducted, as well as 80 key informant interviews of mothers who participated in a home study where their children 6–23 months were given either Sprinkles® or Nutributter® to use either for a period of 4 weeks, or they were given both products over the 4‐week period, i.e. Sprinkles® for 2 weeks and Nutributter® for an additional 2 weeks. The mothers understood how to use the products and generally used the products correctly. Both products were highly acceptable to adults and most children. In Niamey, where the 4‐week home study used both products for 2 weeks each, the mothers tended to prefer Nutributter®. The mothers who used either product were pleased with the improvements they saw in their children's health, including increased appetite, weight gain and increased energy and activity. A few mothers were concerned with how they would be able to provide for their child's increased appetite. Most participants across all four sites reported that they would be willing and able to afford to buy a single sachet of either Sprinkles® at a cost of US$0.03 or Nutributter® at a cost of US$0.08 several times a week. This study provides evidence that both of these products were are highly acceptable in different settings in Niger and suggests that delivery of Nutributter® or Sprinkles® at a low or subsidized cost through a market‐based system may be possible in Niger, if an appropriate distribution system can be identified.
Fortifying complementary foods with NaFeEDTA – considerations for developing countries
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Siekmann Jonathan , Schofield Dominic
Published: September 2011

As a highly bioavailable iron compound, sodium iron (iii) ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) has been recommended as a food additive for fortification. The amount of a food additive that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk is termed the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The ADI for NaFeEDTA is based on body weight. For complementary foods and food supplements for infants and young children in low‐income countries, where prevalence of underweight is high yet nutrient needs are also high, it is not clear which doses might be appropriate. The objective is to calculate the dosage of NaFeEDTA for fortifying complementary foods assuming different population prevalences of underweight. Mathematical models were used to simulate the dosage of NaFeEDTA for 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants under different prevalences of underweight ranging from 5% to 40%. In order to keep NaFeEDTA intake below the ADI for ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) recommended by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives for 95% of 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants, the daily iron dose from NaFeEDTA in fortified complementary foods should be set between 2.2 mg and 1.8 mg in countries with a prevalence of underweight among 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants between 5% and 40%, respectively. If 2 mg of iron is given to all 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants, the percentage exceeding the ADI for EDTA would be <10% for populations with <30% of children who are underweight, which is the case for many countries. In conclusion, 2 mg of iron from NaFeEDTA could be used for fortifying one daily serving of complementary food to ensure EDTA levels are below the ADI for infants 6–8 months of age. An additional source of iron (such as ferrous sulfate) should be included to increase the iron dose to desired fortification levels.
Early child growth: how do nutrition and infection interact?
Authors: Dewey Kathryn G. , Mayers Daniel R.
Published: September 2011

It is well known that the relationship between child nutrition and infection is bidirectional, i.e. frequent illness can impair nutritional status and poor nutrition can increase the risk of infection. What is less clear is whether infection reduces the effectiveness of nutrition interventions or, vice versa, whether malnutrition lessens the impact of infection control strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the evidence regarding this interaction between nutrition and infection with respect to child growth in low‐income populations. Even when there are no obvious symptoms, physiological conditions associated with infections can impair growth by suppressing appetite, impairing absorption of nutrients, increasing nutrient losses and diverting nutrients away from growth. However, there is little direct evidence that nutrition interventions are less effective when infection is common; more research is needed on this question. On the other hand, evidence from four intervention trials suggests that the adverse effects of certain infections (e.g. diarrhoea) on growth can be reduced or eliminated by improving nutrition. Interventions that combine improved nutrition with prevention and control of infections are likely to be most effective for enhancing child growth and development.
Synergistic activity between Bacillus thuringiensis Cry6Aa and Cry55Aa toxins against Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Peng Donghai , Chai Lujun , Wang Fenshan , Zhang Fengjuan , Ruan Lifang , Sun Ming
Published: September 2011

Plant‐parasitic nematodes are the most destructive group of plant pathogens worldwide and are extremely challenging to control. Some Bacillus thuringiensis crystal proteins are highly toxic to the plant‐parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. In this study, the nematicidal crystal proteins Cry6Aa, Cry5Ba and Cry55Aa were tested against M. incognita to select the best toxin combination for its management. The results showed that a combination of Cry6Aa and Cry55Aa showed significant synergistic toxicity against M. incognita, and the highest synergistic effect (five times the expected toxicity of the two toxins calculated from their separate toxicities) was observed when they were combined in a 1:1 ratio. Furthermore, ligand blot analyses of the interaction between total proteins of M. incognita and the three toxins showed many different signal bands, indicating that there is a range of host proteins with which the toxins can interact. One explanation of the observed synergism is that the toxins damage the host in diverse ways, and they may thus act cooperatively and thereby show greater toxicity in combination. Our discovery provides an effective strategy for controlling M. incognita by using a combination of Cry6Aa and Cry55Aa.
High‐Resolution Melting technology: a new tool for studying the Wolbachia endosymbiont diversity in the field
Authors: HENRI H. , MOUTON L.
Published: September 2011

Stable infections by maternally transmitted symbionts are frequently found in field populations, especially in arthropods. Many questions remain regarding their contribution to host biology and ecology, and especially on environmental adaptation of their host. Wolbachia is one of the most common endosymbiont of invertebrates. This cytoplasmically inherited endocellular bacterium induces number of reproductive alterations in its arthropod hosts and various fitness effects that allow it to spread in host populations. To better understand the influence of Wolbachia on host phenotypes and consequences of the manipulation of reproduction on the host genetic differentiation, it is crucial to be able to discriminate Wolbachia strains and determine their prevalence, which requires exhaustive screening. In the present report, we proposed the use of a new tool for the population studies, based on the high resolution melting (HRM) analysis, less expensive and faster than the ‘classical’ methods for large‐scale studies. We investigated the effectiveness of HRM to explore and characterize the diversity of Wolbachia strains. Results obtained showed that HRM is a powerful tool to identify strains and detect polymorphism in singly infected hosts. When individuals harboured a mixture of Wolbachia strains (multiple infections), there is a risk of underestimation of the diversity if the proportions of the strains are highly different. However, the same limitations exist for the other techniques commonly used. Overall, this study demonstrated that HRM analysis is a rapid and reliable technique useful for studying, without a priori, Wolbachia strains diversity in field populations.
Hieracium sect. Oreadea (Asteraceae) in Sweden – from a complete mess to a preliminary taxonomic classification
Authors: Tyler Torbjörn
Published: September 2011

Among Swedish Hieracium sect. Oreadea (Fr.) Arv.‐Touv., more than 100 taxa have been recognized by various experts but, except for a regional monograph from 1894 there are no thorough published revisions of the group and many of the names have never been validly published. At the same time, some of the oldest names have been variously applied to morphologically clearly different species. In the present study, 5000 specimens in Swedish herbaria have been revised using both traditional and statistical morphometric methods and the complicated nomenclature has been disentangled. Twenty‐eight species are recognized and described with diagnostic keys and illustrations aiding identification and their known distributions are mapped. Six species are described as new to science (viz. H. marinum T. Tyler, H. eulasium Dahlst. ex T. Tyler, H. victoriae T. Tyler, H. falcifolium Johanss. ex T. Tyler, H. guldbergense Folin ex T. Tyler and H. hispidosum Dahlst. ex T. Tyler) and 3 additional names are raised to the specific rank (viz. H. gigantocybe (Dahlst.) T. Tyler, H. hilare (Dahlst. ex Omang) T. Tyler and H. tanyphyllum (Dahlst. ex Zahn) T. Tyler). Lectotypes are designated for 50 names based on material from Sweden, Norway or Finland and one name is neotypified. Except for a few infraspecific names for which all original material appears to be lost, all names based on material from Sweden are typified. However, it is concluded that albeit the number of taxa is relatively low, the species of H. sect. Oreadea are morphologically less distinct and clear‐cut than those of other widespread Scandinavian sections of the genus. Many of the characters that are most important in other sections of the genus are either invariable or unreliable in H. sect. Oreadea. Thus, the taxonomy has to rely on characters more subjected to environmentally‐induced modification. Furthermore, members of this section exhibit great morphological plasticity, possibly connected to their preference for exposed rocky habitats where the environmental conditions may be both severe and unpredictable.In addition, due to their ecological demands, they are confined to habitats that have always been both strongly fragmented and restricted in size giving rise to multiple small and locally adapted local populations. The section is here circumscribed in agreement with previous Scandinavian authors, i.e. including both the H. schmidtii‐group sometimes referred to H. sect. Stelligera and the H. norvegicum group approaching H. sect. Tridentata, but it is concluded that the section is relatively heterogeneous and that further studies aiming at the identification of more natural supraspecific taxa are much needed.
WHEN DO VERTICAL RESTRAINTS HARM COMPETITION? THE ECONOMICS‐BASED APPROACH AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE BATSA CASE
Authors: THERON NICOLA M. , BOSHOFF WILLEM H.
Published: September 2011

An “effects‐based” or “economics‐based” approach to competition policy requires a theory of harm that causally links a business practice and its allegedly anti‐competitive effects and also weighs anti competitive effects against the pro‐competitive effects of the practice. This implies a shift away from per se prohibitions of certain practices towards case‐by‐case analysis – a move that has been hotly debated, especially in Europe. Using a case study of the recently concluded British American Tobacco case, we study the core features of an effects‐based approach to vertical restraints. We find the approach followed in the British American Tobacco South Africa case generally consistent with an effects‐based analysis, but highlight some limitations.
Exploring the Development of Cultural and Art Consciousness in Istanbul: A Study of Interior Design Students
Authors: Usal S. Selhan Yalcin , Evcil A. Nilay
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study is to compare development of cultural and art consciousness in interior design students enrolled in three major universities in Istanbul, Turkey. The study examines design preferences in relation to art and culture exposure. Findings from a survey conducted with interior design students indicated that significant differences between cultural and art consciousness stem from three factors: participation in liberal arts courses in the K–12 curriculum, exposure to classical music, and class standing. These factors appear influential in shaping the cultural and art consciousness development of interior design candidates and need to be emphasized in both K–12 and undergraduate curricula.
Predictor variables and an equation for estimating HbA1c attainable by initiation of basal supported oral therapy†
Authors: Fujita Naotaka , Tsujii Satoru , Kuwata Hirohito , Kurokawa Rie , Matsunaga Satoshi , Okamura Shintaro , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Furuya Miyuki , Kitatani Masako , Ishii Hitoshi
Published: September 2011

Aims/Introduction:  A method of estimating HbA1c attained after initiation of basal supported oral therapy (BOT) has not been reported previously. The aim of the present study was to determine which characteristics of patients could influence the effectiveness of BOT introduction, and to obtain an equation to estimate HbA1c after BOT initiation.

Materials and Methods:  Sixty consecutive insulin‐naive type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.5%) started once‐daily injections of insulin glargine. Simple correlations were calculated between parameters such as HbA1c at baseline, HbA1c at week 24, reduction rate of HbA1c over 24 weeks (calculated as: [HbA1c level at baseline – HbA1c level at week 24]/HbA1c level at baseline), duration of diabetes, and the number of classes of coadministered oral antidiabetic drugs. Using multiple linear regression models, the independent effects of these parameters on HbA1c at week 24 were evaluated separately.

Results:  Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that duration of diabetes (β = 0.561; P < 0.001) and HbA1c at baseline (β = 0.284; P = 0.006) were significant predictors of HbA1c at week 24. The best fitting multiple regression equation was: HbA1c at week 24 = 0.078 × duration of diabetes + 0.218 × HbA1c at baseline + 4.628 (r2 = 0.437).

Conclusions:  The equation based on the multiple linear regression models indicates necessary conditions for type 2 diabetic patients to achieve target HbA1c. The present findings emphasize the principle that early initiation of BOT in type 2 diabetes effectively achieves good glycemic control. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00164.x, 2011)
Uveitic glaucoma in the horse
Authors: Annear M. J. , Gemensky‐Metzler A. J. , Wilkie D. A.
Published: September 2011

Glaucoma is a serious complication of anterior uveitis that can result in significant ocular discomfort and loss of vision. As glaucoma is insidious and mostly asymptomatic until late in the course of disease, it is often undiagnosed. Equine recurrent uveitis is the most common underlying disorder: it is a disease of high prevalence, characterised by recurrent‐remitting episodes of ocular inflammation. Here, the inflammatory cells and mediators they release alter the normal anatomic structure of the anterior chamber and aqueous drainage pathways of the eye. These changes alter the homeostatic mechanisms of intraocular pressure control. Management of glaucoma secondary to uveitis can be challenging due to the difficulties of managing the underlying disorder and its effects on the eye. This article reviews the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma in the horse and medical and surgical management options.
Adapting the US Institute for Safe Medication Practices' Medication Safety Self Assessment tool for community pharmacies in Finland
Authors: Teinilä Tuula , Halmepuro-Jaatinen Suvi , Yritys Kirsi , Manni Katri , Airaksinen Marja
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To adapt a US Institute for Safe Medication Practices' Medication Safety Self Assessment (MSSA) tool to, and test its usefulness in, Finnish community pharmacies.

Methods

A three-round Delphi survey was used to adapt self-assessment characteristics of the US MSSA tool to Finnish requirements, and to obtain a consensus on the feasibility and significance of these characteristics in assessing the safety of medication practices in community pharmacies. The Delphi modified self-assessment tool was piloted in 18 community pharmacies in order to refine the tool, using a questionnaire containing structured and open-ended questions.

Key findings

A total of 211 self-assessment characteristics were accepted to the self-assessment tool for pilot use by expert panellists in the Delphi rounds. Most pilot users considered the tool as useful in: identifying medication safety targets for development; medication safety assessment; and identifying the strengths of medication safety. The substance of the self-assessment tool was considered as comprehensive and essential for medication safety. Most criticism was regarding: the multiplicity of self-assessment characteristics; interpretation of some characteristics; and that all the characteristics were not yet available. After the modification, according to the pilot users' comments, the final Finnish tool consisted of 230 medication safety characteristics.

Conclusions

The study indicated the feasibility of adapting a US medication safety self-assessment tool for use in community pharmacy practice in Finland. More efforts should be made to familiarise Finnish community pharmacists with the self-assessment tool and its benefits, and get them to use the tool as part of their long-term quality improvement.
Genetic and environmental transmission in the Colorado Adoption Project: Path analysis
Authors: Fulker D. W. , DeFries J. C.
Published: September 2011

A path model of genetic and environmental transmission developed for application to data collected in the ongoing Colorado Adoption Project was evaluated. In addition to providing tests of hereditary and environmental influences, the model includes parameters for passive genotype‐environment correlation, parental influences on the child's environment, assortative mating and selective placement. A maximum likelihood method was used to obtain parameter estimates from mental ability data on one‐ and two‐year‐old children, their biological and adoptive parents, and members of control families.

There was a satisfactory fit of the model to the data. Highly significant estimates of genetic influence and a significant measure of home environment were obtained. By comparing the fit of the full model to that of a reduced model in which selective placement parameters were dropped, the absence of selective placement was confirmed. Although some evidence for possible genotype‐environment correlation was found, it accounted for a relatively small proportion of the total variance.
Moment approximations as an alternative to the F test in analysis of variance
Authors: Berry K. J. , Mielke P. W.
Published: September 2011

In analysis of variance experimental designs, it is not uncommon to encounter populations where the requirements of normality and/or homogeneity of variance for the use of F or t tests cannot be satisfied. Fisher‐Pitman randomization tests and Monte Carlo randomization tests are two techniques often espoused as alternatives to the F or t tests. The first is impractical in all but the most trivial cases and the second engenders an additional Type I error. Moment approximations provide an attractive and cost‐effective alternative which is free from the normality and homogeneity requirements of the F or t tests and does not add further Type I error.
Serially correlated errors in some single‐subject designs
Authors: Phillips J. P. N.
Published: September 2011

This note considers the problem of autocorrelated errors in systematic and magic figure designs. Their effects on the distribution of F ratios were investigated by Monte Carlo methods for a number of such designs and found to be severe, but specific to the particular design and F ratio within it. To allow experimenters to test for the presence of autocorrelated errors, critical points of Durbin & Watson's statistic r are tabulated for each of the designs investigated. What to do if the test indicates the presence of autocorrelation such that a significant F ratio may be spurious is still an unsolved (and apparently difficult) problem, but this ought not to discourage the use of such designs, since in a large number of cases it will not occur, and when it does the experimenter can always choose to err on the side of caution.
A note on the use of the Tobit approach for tests scores with floor or ceiling effects
Authors: van den Oord Edwin J. C. G. , van der Ark L. Andries
Published: September 2011

Muthén (1989) developed the Tobit approach to deal with censored variables in structural equation modelling. We performed a simulation study to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach for the type of censoring that occurs for sums of Likert items. Results indicated that estimated correlations and factor loadings were substantially biased downwards, and that goodness‐of‐fit tests were inaccurate. Furthermore, the magnitude of distortion depended on characteristics of the scales such as the amount of censoring, scale length, the number of response categories of the items, and the size of the correlation. When we adjusted the Tobit approach by assuming that all scores at the lower end of the scale were affected by censoring and not just the lowest score, results improved considerably. In addition, this adjusted Tobit approach was superior to alternative procedures that deal with censoring and was easy to implement using the existing software.
Analysis of UTBOX 1T-DRAM Memory Cell at High Temperatures
Authors: Almeida Luciano M. , Sasaki Katia R. , Aoulaiche Marc , Simoen Eddy , Claeys Cor , Martino João A.
Published: September 2011

This work investigates the behavior of Ultra Thin BOX (UTBOX) FDSOI devices used as a memory cell 1T-DRAM (single transistor dynamic random access memory) at high temperatures through 2D numerical simulations. The minimum drain voltage for the onset of the bipolar junction transistor (BJT) effect (VLatch) was obtained for various buried oxide thickness (tbox) and silicon film thickness (tSi). The simulation results clearly show that, when temperature increases, the VLatch, the sense margin current (ΔISENSE), the latch time (tLatch) and the retention time decreases.
Structural and Electrical Characterization of Nanostructured a-SiNx:H PECVD Films
Authors: Ribeiro Márcia , Abe Igor Y. , Pereyra Inés
Published: September 2011

In order to correlate the material nano structure with the electrical properties of a-SiNx:H films a set of Si-rich SiNx films and M/I/S capacitors utilizing these films as dielectric layer were produced and characterized. The phase separation in the Si-rich SiNx films was studied by Raman spectroscopy and correlated with the variations in the dielectric permittivity (eox) and the effective charge in the dielectric layer, obtained by the C-V curves. As expected a dielectric permittivity enhancement in consequence of the silicon excess in the films was observed. The variation in the effective charge was correlated to the presence of silicon clusters in the films. The studied materials present high photoluminescence in the visible range and the next step is to investigate the electroluminescence in transparent electrode / SiNx/ Al-Si capacitors.
Artificial 64-Residue HIV-1 Enhancer-Binding Peptide Is a Potent Inhibitor of Viral Replication in HIV-1-Infected Cells
Authors: Oufir Mouhssin , Bisset Leslie R. , Hoffmann Stefan R. K. , Xue Gongda , Klauser Stephan , Bergamaschi Bianca , Gervaix Alain , Böni Jürg , Schüpbach Jörg , Gutte Bernd
Published: September 2011

An artificial HIV-1 enhancer-binding peptide was extended by nine consecutive arginine residues at the C-terminus and by the nuclear localization signal of SV40 large T antigen at the N-terminus. The resulting synthetic 64-residue peptide was found to bind to the two enhancers of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat, cross the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope of human cells, and suppress the HIV-1 enhancer-controlled expression of a green fluorescent protein reporter gene. Moreover, HIV-1 replication is inhibited by this peptide in HIV-1-infected CEM-GFP cells as revealed by HIV-1 p24 ELISA and real-time RT-PCR of HIV-1 RNA. Rapid uptake of this intracellular stable and inhibitory peptide into the cells implies that this peptide may have the potential to attenuate HIV-1 replicationin vivo.
Modifications Caused by Enzyme-Retting and Their Effect on Composite Performance
Authors: Foulk Jonn A. , Rho Denis , Alcock Mercedes M. , Ulven Chad A. , Huo Shanshan
Published: September 2011

Bethune seed flax was collected from Canada with seed removed using a stripper header and straw pulled and left in field for several weeks. Unretted straw was decorticated providing a coarse fiber bundle feedstock for enzyme treatments. Enzyme treatments using a bacterial pectinolytic enzyme with lyase activity were conducted in lab-scale reactors. Four fiber specimens were created: no retting, minimal retting, moderate retting, and full retting. Fiber characterization tests: strength, elongation, diameter, metal content, wax content, and pH were conducted with significant differences between fibers. Thermosetting vinyl ester resin was used to produce composite panels via vacuum-assisted infusion. Composite performance was evaluated using fiber bundle pull-out, tensile, impact, and interlaminar shear tests. Composite tests indicate that composite panels are largely unchanged among fiber samples. Variation in composite performance might not be realized due to poor interfacial bonding being of larger impact than the more subtle changes incurred by the enzyme treatment.
Analytical Solution of Thermal Radiation and Chemical Reaction Effects on Unsteady MHD Convection through Porous Media with Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Osman Abdel-Nasser A. , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Mohamed R. A.
Published: September 2011

This paper analytically studies the thermal radiation and chemical reaction effect on unsteady MHD convection through a porous medium bounded by an infinite vertical plate. The fluid considered here is a gray, absorbing‐emitting but nonscattering medium, and the Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. The dimensionless governing equations are solved using Laplace transform
technique. The resulting velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as the skin‐friction, rate of heat, and mass transfer are shown graphically for different values of physical parameters involved.
Extinction and Positivity of the Solutions for a p‐Laplacian Equation with Absorption on Graphs
Authors: Xin Qiao , Mu Chunlai , Liu Dengming
Published: September 2011

We deal with the extinction of the solutions of the initial‐boundary value problem of the discrete p‐Laplacian equation with absorption ut = Δp,ωu − uq with p > 1, q > 0, which is said to be the discrete p‐Laplacian equation on weighted graphs. For 0 < q < 1, we show that the nontrivial solution becomes extinction in finite time while it remains strictly positive for p ≥ 2, q ≥ 1 and q ≥ p − 1. Finally, a numerical experiment on a simple graph with standard weight is given.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of Energy Efficiency Binary Power Control in MIMO-OFDM Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Wang Yuming , Ge Xiaohu , Cao Chengqian , Huang Xi , Li Frank Y.
Published: September 2011

The energy efficiency optimization of the binary power control scheme for MIMO-OFDM wireless communication systems is formulated, and then a global optimization solution of power allocation is derived. Furthermore, a new energy efficiency binary power control (EEBPC) algorithm is designed to improve the energy efficiency of MIMO-OFDM wireless communication systems. Simulation results show that the EEBPC algorithm has better energy efficiency and spectrum efficiency than the average power control algorithm in MIMO-OFDM wireless communication systems.
Laparoscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Prostate Cancer: The Relevance of Locations Outside the Extended Dissection Area
Authors: Meinhardt W. , van der Poel H. G. , Valdés Olmos R. A. , Bex A. , Brouwer O. R. , Horenblas S.
Published: September 2011

Objective. To assess the relevance of sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) outside the extended pelvic lymph node dissection area (e-PLND).Patients and Methods. Evaluation of our laparoscopic SN procedures for prostate cancer patients of intermediate prognosis. Retrospective data collection on the exact location of the excised SNs and the pathology results were analyzed.Results and Limitations. Of the 121 patients, 49 had positive lymph nodes. 37 patients (31%) had SNs outside the e-PLND template. Five of these nodes were tumor bearing but only twice exclusively so. Of the 14 patients considered for salvage treatment, 6 were node positive. 7 of these 14 patients (50%) had SNs outside the extended dissection area, yet none of these nodes were tumor positive. Limitations are those of a retrospective study.Conclusions. Laparoscopic SN biopsy may show SNs outside the e-PLND template in 31% of the patients. However, nodes that are exclusively positive in one of these areas are rare. For the dichotomy positive or negative nodes, the locations outside the e-PLND area are not often relevant. Nevertheless, when all positive nodes are to be treated by resection or radiotherapy, these locations are relevant. When considering salvage treatment for prostate cancer, the method is feasible.
Gelam (Melaleucaspp.) Honey-Based Hydrogel as Burn Wound Dressing
Authors: Mohd Zohdi Rozaini , Abu Bakar Zakaria Zuki , Yusof Norimah , Mohamed Mustapha Noordin , Abdullah Muhammad Nazrul Hakim
Published: September 2011

A novel cross-linked honey hydrogel dressing was developed by incorporating Malaysian honey into hydrogel dressing formulation, cross-linked and sterilized using electron beam irradiation (25 kGy). In this study, the physical properties of the prepared honey hydrogel and its wound healing efficacy on deep partial thickness burn wounds in rats were assessed. Skin samples were taken at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after burn for histopathological and molecular evaluations. Application of honey hydrogel dressings significantly enhanced (P<0.05) wound closure and accelerated the rate of re-epithelialization as compared to control hydrogel and OpSite film dressing. A significant decrease in inflammatory response was observed in honey hydrogel treated wounds as early as 7 days after burn (P<0.05). Semiquantitative analysis using RT-PCR revealed that treatment with honey hydrogel significantly (P<0.05) suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6). The present study substantiates the potential efficacy of honey hydrogel dressings in accelerating burn wound healing.