bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION, SKILL DISTRIBUTION, AND SYSTEMS OF CITIES IN A NORTH‐SOUTH TRADE MODEL
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Hesham M.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of free trade on the structure of urban systems, skill distribution, income disparities, and welfare. The paper proposes a model that integrates international trade theory and the theory of urban systems. This is done in a two/three sector, spatial, general equilibrium model of a North‐South trade. Each country is populated with a continuum of unskilled workers with heterogeneous potential ability. Workers can acquire skill by investing in training. Thus, skill distribution in both countries is determined endogenously in the model through self‐selection. The economy produces a final good with the use of differentiated intermediate inputs and unskilled workers. The differentiated inputs are produced by skilled workers. Cities are formed in this model as a result of investment in public infrastructures and knowledge spillover among diverse skilled workers. I characterize two different types of spatial equilibria: a closed‐economy equilibrium, in which each country consists of a system of cities without trade, and a free‐trade equilibrium, in which we allow for trade between cities and countries. One of the main findings of the model is that free trade induces further productivity due to the agglomeration of diverse skilled workers. Thus, the model demonstrates a channel through which international trade interacts with the agglomeration economy through urban labor markets. Furthermore, free trade affects the structure of cities within the system.
Conditional Score Approach to Errors‐in‐Variable Current Status Data Under the Proportional Odds Model
Authors: WEN CHI‐CHUNG , CHEN YI‐HAU
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  The conditional score approach is proposed to the analysis of errors‐in‐variable current status data under the proportional odds model. Distinct from the conditional scores in other applications, the proposed conditional score involves a high‐dimensional nuisance parameter, causing challenges in both asymptotic theory and computation. We propose a composite algorithm combining the Newton–Raphson and self‐consistency algorithms for computation and develop an efficient conditional score, analogous to the efficient score from a typical semiparametric likelihood, for building an asymptotic linear expression and hence the asymptotic distribution of the conditional‐score estimator for the regression parameter. Our proposal is shown to perform well in simulation studies and is applied to a zebrafish basal cell carcinoma data involving measurement errors in gene expression levels.
Jobs and Exposure to International Trade within the Service Sector in Sweden
Authors: Eliasson Kent , Hansson Pa¨r , Lindvert Markus
Published: February 2012

To establish in which service industries there is international trade (or it may potentially exist), we calculate locational Ginis for different industries. The basic idea is that from this measure of regional concentration of different activities within a country we can identify industries where there appears to be regional trade, and hence also a potential for international trade. Based on our method, we find that: (i) the number of employed in tradable service appears to be at least as large as in the manufacturing sector, (ii) tradable service is much more skill intensive than manufacturing, and (iii) lately, the employment in tradable service has increased substantially. We argue that the last mentioned result is consistent with the substantial growth of skilled labour in Sweden since the mid‐1990s (Rybczynski effect) and factors leading to increased relative demand for skilled labour. Particularly, increased competition from and offshoring to low‐wage countries seem recently to have had a considerable impact on the creation of skilled jobs and the displacement of less skilled jobs in the tradable sector in Sweden. Furthermore, we apply a similar method as for industries to identify tradable occupations. Using our classification of tradable industries and tradable occupations in a Mincer type wage equation, we find that workers in such industries and occupations receive a wage premia of 12–13 per cent.
The Total Factor Productivity Gap between Internationalised and Domestic Firms: Net Premium or Heterogeneity Effect?
Authors: Ferrante Maria Rosaria , Freo Marzia
Published: February 2012

The empirical literature on international trade predicts that internationally involved firms experience a productivity premium when compared to domestic firms. This finding is supported by comparing the unconditional productivity averages or distributions, or regressing the productivity on the international status dummy, controlled for the relevant covariates. In the present paper, we disentangle the distribution of the gross productivity premium from the component that is created by the different structural compositions of the two groups of firms; we can thereby measure the distribution of the net premium that is attributable to internationalisation. To this purpose, we use the quantile decomposition methodology (Melly, 2005). The main results highlight that (i) the net premium is substantially lower than the gross premium and (ii) while the difference in the gross premium is uniform along the entire distribution, the net premium is significant only for the less productive firms. These results are confirmed even if different internationalisation modes are considered (i.e. exports, agreements and commercial penetration) using the domestic firms as baseline. One exception is the net premium for firms enrolled in foreign direct investment and/or offshoring; this premium does not decrease for firms at the top of the productivity distribution.
Treatment‐as‐usual in effectiveness studies: What is it and does it matter?
Authors: Löfholm Cecilia Andrée , Brännström Lars , Olsson Martin , Hansson Kjell
Published: February 2012

Andrée Löfholm C, Brännström L, Olsson M, Hansson K. Treatment‐as‐usual in effectiveness studies: What is it and does it matter?

A hallmark of an evidence‐based practice (EBP) is the systematic appraisal of research related to the effectiveness of interventions. This study addressed the issue of interpreting results from effectiveness studies that use treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) as a comparator. Using randomised controlled studies that evaluate the effectiveness of multisystemic therapy as an illustrative example, we show that TAU includes a wide variety of treatment alternatives. Estimated treatment effects on recidivism suggest that TAU seems to contain a greater variation in underlying risk than experimental conditions, supporting the hypothesis that the content of TAU could affect outcomes. Implications for the realisation of an EBP are discussed.
Embryonic heart rate and hatching behavior of a solitary nesting turtle
Authors: Spencer R.‐J.
Published: February 2012

Assessing environmental cues to coordinate birth or hatching has implications for both immediate and future survival. Predators may ultimately drive early or synchronous birth or hatching, because group formation allows neonate swamping of predators and reduces the impact of prey switching when large groups of neonates emerge from a nest. Turtles often emerge from the nest as a group, but temperature differences between the top and bottom of a nest are significant, making synchronous hatching difficult. The mechanisms of synchronous hatching in turtles are not consistent; with eggs hatching prematurely in one species, and another species displaying accelerated embryonic development, whereby embryos respond to the developmental rates of their siblings to hatch at similar developmental stages. If predation ultimately drives two disparate mechanisms of synchronous hatching, the physiological mechanisms behind synchronous, or early hatching, may be less developed in solitary nesting species, or species with smaller clutch sizes. I tested the hatching behavior of the Australian turtle, Chelodina longicollis, which has small clutch sizes and nests in isolation up to 1 km from water. I established developmental asynchrony within a clutch and used time to pipping to determine whether early or delayed hatching occurred. I also assessed heart rates throughout incubation to monitor changes in development. Synchronous or early hatching did not occur in C. longicollis and embryos did not adjust their rates of development in response to more or less advanced sibs within a clutch. Thus, environmental cues that are related to sibling developmental rates and hatching and which influence hatching times in other species do not affect embryonic development in C. longicollis. These results support the group formation theory for synchronous or early hatching in species that nest at communal areas, or species with large clutch sizes.
Are my twins identical: parents may be misinformed by prenatal scan observations
Authors: van Jaarsveld CHM , Llewellyn CH , Fildes A , Fisher A , Wardle J
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: van Jaarsveld C, Llewellyn C, Fildes A, Fisher A, Wardle J. Are my twins identical: parents may be misinformed by prenatal scan observations. BJOG 2012;119:517–518.
Aged regulatory T cells protect from autoimmune inflammation despite reduced STAT3 activation and decreased constraint of IL‐17 producing T cells
Authors: Sun Lishi , Hurez Vincent J. , Thibodeaux Suzanne R. , Kious Mark J. , Liu Aijie , Lin Peiyi , Murthy Kruthi , Pandeswara Srilakshmi , Shin Tahiro , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: February 2012

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are specialized CD4+ T lymphocytes helping defend against autoimmunity and inflammation. Although age is associated with increased inflammation and autoimmunity, few reports address age effects of immune regulation or auto‐aggressive T cells. We show here that young and aged naïve CD4+ T cells are equivalently auto‐aggressive in vivo in T cell‐driven autoimmune colitis. Young and aged CD4+ Tregs equally suppressed age‐matched T cell proliferation in vitro and controlled clinical and pathologic T cell‐driven autoimmune colitis, suggesting equivalent regulatory function. However, whereas young and aged CD4+ Tregs suppressed interferon (IFN)‐γ+ T cells equivalently in this model, aged CD4+ Tregs unexpectedly failed to restrain interleukin (IL)‐17+ T cells. Nonetheless, young and aged CD4+ Tregs equally restrained IL‐17+ T cells in vivo during acute inflammation, suggesting a chronic inflammation‐related defect in aged CD4+ Tregs. In support, aged Tregs expressed reduced STAT3 activation, a defect associated with poor IL‐17‐producing T cell restraint. Aged naïve mice had markedly increased programmed death (PD)‐1+ T cells, but these exhibited no significant auto‐aggressive or regulatory functions in T cell‐driven colitis. Young CD8+ CD122− T cells induce autoimmune bone marrow failure, but we show that aged CD8+ CD122− T cells do not. These data demonstrate no apparent age‐related increase in auto‐aggressive T cell behavior, but disclose previously unrecognized functional defects in aged CD4+ Tregs during chronic inflammation. IL‐17 can be inflammatory and contributes to certain autoimmune disorders. Reduced aged Treg function during chronic inflammation and reduced IL‐17 restraint could contribute to age‐related inflammation or autoimmunity.
EXAMINING CHILDHOOD DIETS AT KAMINALJUYU, GUATEMALA, THROUGH STABLE ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS OF SEQUENTIAL ENAMEL MICROSAMPLES*
Authors: WRIGHT L. E.
Published: February 2012

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of tooth enamel provide a means to examine nutritional changes during childhood. To date, such studies have used large enamel samples, often spanning the developmental period of the tooth. This paper reports the results of small samples drilled from first molars and premolars of human teeth from Kaminaljuyu, a Classic period city in highland Guatemala. Carbon isotopes show considerable increase between cuspal and cervical enamel for both teeth, indicating an increase in maize consumption during childhood. Oxygen isotope trends are more variable, and suggest some seasonal fluctuation. While the oxygen isotope data confirm the identification of foreign skeletons among the samples, they illustrate a need for caution when sampling teeth due to variable δ18O composition of enamel within a tooth.
Epirubicin as part of a multi‐agent chemotherapy protocol for canine lymphoma
Authors: Elliott J. W. , Cripps P. , Marrington A. M. , Grant I. A. , Blackwood L.
Published: February 2012

The aim of the study was to report the outcome of treatment of 97 dogs with lymphoma that received a multi‐agent chemotherapy protocol containing epirubicin as the primary anthracycline. Seventy‐five dogs received a 25‐week protocol with no maintenance phase whilst 22 dogs received a maintenance phase. Complete response rate was 96% and time to first relapse (TTR) and overall survival (OS) time for all dogs were 216 and 342 days, respectively. Dogs with T‐cell lymphoma and those classified asWHOsubstage b had significantly poorer OS times and TTR. The protocol was well tolerated with toxicity similar to doxorubicin‐containing protocols. Epirubicin as part of a multi‐agent protocol is safe and effective in the treatment of canine multicentric lymphoma. There is a high initial response rate and an overall median survival time that is similar to other published doxorubicin‐containing protocols.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the cat: 18 cases (2000–2010)
Authors: Campbell M. W. , Hess P. R. , Williams L. E.
Published: February 2012

There is little information regarding the presentation, biologic behaviour, treatment and prognosis in cats with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and further investigation is needed to characterize this disease in cats. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, response to treatment and prognosis of feline CLL. A multi‐institutional retrospective study of 18 cats diagnosed with CLL between 2000 and 2010 was performed. CLL was defined as the presence of a mature lymphocytosis (>9000 lymphocytes µL−1) and confirmation of an immunophenotypically monomorphic or clonal lymphoid population. Each patient was required to also have at least one of the two following criteria: (1) concurrent cytopenia of at least one cell line and/or (2) >15% mature lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Data on signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathologic features and response to treatment were reviewed. Median age of the cats at initial presentation was 12.5 years (range: 5–20 years). The most common presenting complaint was chronic weight loss, which was present in 8/18 (44%) cats. Sixteen of 18 (89%) cats were treated with chlorambucil and prednisolone; four of these cats also received vincristine. Two (11%) cats were treated with multi‐agent injectable chemotherapy (L‐CHOP, l‐asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone). Eighty‐eight percent of cats evaluable for response achieved a complete (nine cats) or partial (six cats) remission. Median overall remission was 15.7 months (range: 1.3–22.8 months). The median overall survival in the 17 cats with follow‐up data was 14.4 months (range: 0.9–25.3 months). Results of this study suggest that CLL affects older‐aged cats and responds favourably to treatment with oral chlorambucil and prednisolone.
The Effect of the Delivery Carrier on the Quality of Bone Formed via Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2
Authors: La Wan‐Geun , Kwon Sun‐Hyun , Lee Tae‐Jin , Yang Hee Seok , Park Jooyeon , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: February 2012

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) can induce bone generation in vivo. Although many studies have demonstrated an increased quantity of regenerated bone after the delivery of BMP‐2 using various carriers, little is known about the effect of the carrier type on the quality of the regenerated bone. In this study, we compared the quality of regenerated bone when BMP‐2 was delivered with either β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) or heparin‐conjugated fibrin (HCF), both of which are shown to be excellent carriers for BMP‐2. The profile of the release of BMP‐2 was not significantly different between the delivery carriers. However, the alkaline phosphate activity of cultured osteoblasts was significantly higher when BMP‐2 was delivered using HCF than when BMP‐2 was delivered using β‐TCP. To evaluate the quality of the regenerated bone, both types of BMP‐2 carriers were implanted into critical‐sized calvarial defects in mice. Eight weeks after implantation, the regenerated bone was examined by histomorphometry. Importantly, the treatment using HCF + BMP‐2 and β‐TCP + BMP‐2 resulted in similar bone formation areas. However, the treatment using HCF + BMP‐2 resulted in significantly higher bone density than the treatment using β‐TCP + BMP‐2. This study shows that a BMP‐2 delivery carrier can modulate the quality of bone regenerated via BMP‐2 delivery.
Mimicking of Cerebral Autoregulation by Flow‐Dependent Cerebrovascular Resistance: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kaufmann Tim A.S. , Wong Kai C. , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: February 2012

Understanding circulatory autoregulation is essential for improving physiological control of rotary blood pumps and support conditions during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Cerebral autoregulation (CAR), arguably the most critical, is the body's intrinsic ability to maintain sufficient cerebral blood flow (CBF) despite changes in aortic perfusion pressure. It is therefore imperative to include this mechanism into computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particle image velocimetry (PIV), or mock circulation loop (MCL) studies. Without such inclusions, potential losses of CBF are overestimated. In this study, a mathematical model to mimic CAR is implemented in a MCL‐ and PIV‐validated CFD model. A three‐dimensional model of the human vascular system was created from magnetic resonance imaging records. Numerical flow simulations were performed for physiological conditions and CPB. The inlet flow was varied between 4.5 and 6 L/min. Arterial outlets were modeled using vessel‐specific, flow‐dependent cerebrovascular resistances (CVRs), resulting in a variation of the pressure drop between 0 and 80 mm Hg. CBF is highly dependent on the level of CAR during CPB. By varying the CVR parameters up to the beginning of plateau phase, it can be regulated between 0 and 80% of physiological CBF. So while implementing autoregulation, CBF remains unchanged during a simulated native cardiac output of 5 L/min or CPB support of 6 L/min. Neglecting CAR, constant backflow from the brain occurs for some cannula positions. Using flow‐dependent CVR, CBF returns to its baseline at a rate of recovery of 0.25 s. Results demonstrate that modeling of CAR by flow‐dependent CVR delivers feasible results. The presented method can be used to optimize physiological control of assist devices dependent upon different levels of CAR representing different patients.
Regular and Platform Switching: Bone Stress Analysis Varying Implant Type
Authors: Gurgel‐Juarez Nália Cecília , de Almeida Erika Oliveira , Rocha Eduardo Passos , Júnior Amílcar Chagas Freitas , Anchieta Rodolfo Bruniera , de Vargas Luis Carlos Merçon , Kina Sidney , França Fabiana Mantovani Gomes
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate stress distribution on peri‐implant bone simulating the influence of platform switching in external and internal hexagon implants using three‐dimensional finite element analysis.

Materials and Methods: Four mathematical models of a central incisor supported by an implant were created: External Regular model (ER) with 5.0 mm × 11.5 mm external hexagon implant and 5.0 mm abutment (0% abutment shifting), Internal Regular model (IR) with 4.5 mm × 11.5 mm internal hexagon implant and 4.5 mm abutment (0% abutment shifting), External Switching model (ES) with 5.0 mm × 11.5 mm external hexagon implant and 4.1 mm abutment (18% abutment shifting), and Internal Switching model (IS) with 4.5 mm × 11.5 mm internal hexagon implant and 3.8 mm abutment (15% abutment shifting). The models were created by SolidWorks software. The numerical analysis was performed using ANSYS Workbench. Oblique forces (100 N) were applied to the palatal surface of the central incisor. The maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stress, equivalent von Mises stress (σvM), and maximum principal elastic strain (εmax) values were evaluated for the cortical and trabecular bone.

Results: For cortical bone, the highest stress values (σmax and σvm) (MPa) were observed in IR (87.4 and 82.3), followed by IS (83.3 and 72.4), ER (82 and 65.1), and ES (56.7 and 51.6). For εmax, IR showed the highest stress (5.46e‐003), followed by IS (5.23e‐003), ER (5.22e‐003), and ES (3.67e‐003). For the trabecular bone, the highest stress values (σmax) (MPa) were observed in ER (12.5), followed by IS (12), ES (11.9), and IR (4.95). For σvM, the highest stress values (MPa) were observed in IS (9.65), followed by ER (9.3), ES (8.61), and IR (5.62). For εmax, ER showed the highest stress (5.5e‐003), followed by ES (5.43e‐003), IS (3.75e‐003), and IR (3.15e‐003).

Conclusion: The influence of platform switching was more evident for cortical bone than for trabecular bone, mainly for the external hexagon implants. In addition, the external hexagon implants showed less stress concentration in the regular and switching platforms in comparison to the internal hexagon implants.
Influence of Crown Ferrule Heights and Dowel Material Selection on the Mechanical Behavior of Root‐Filled Teeth: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Watanabe Mauricio U. , Anchieta Rodolfo Bruniera , Rocha Eduardo Passos , Kina Sidney , Almeida Erika Oliveira de , Junior Amilcar Chagas Freitas , Basting Roberta Tarkany
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study used the 3D finite element (FE) method to evaluate the mechanical behavior of a maxillary central incisor with three types of dowels with variable heights of the remaining crown structure, namely 0, 1, and 2 mm.

Materials and Methods: Based on computed microtomography, nine models of a maxillary central incisor restored with complete ceramic crowns were obtained, with three ferrule heights (0, 1, and 2 mm) and three types of dowels (glass fiber = GFD; nickel‐chromium = NiCr; gold alloy = Au), as follows: GFD0 – restored with GFD with absence (0 mm) of ferrule; GFD1 – similar, with 1 mm ferrule; GFD2 – glass fiber with 2 mm ferrule; NiCr0 – restored with NiCr alloy dowel with absence (0 mm) of ferrule; NiCr1 – similar, with 1 mm ferrule; NiCr2 – similar, with 2 mm ferrule; Au0 – restored with Au alloy dowel with absence (0 mm) of ferrule; Au1 – similar, with 1 mm ferrule; Au2 – similar, with 2 mm ferrule. A 180 N distributed load was applied to the lingual aspect of the tooth, at 45° to the tooth long axis. The surface of the periodontal ligament was fixed in the three axes (x = y = z = 0). The maximum principal stress (σmax), minimum principal stress (σmin), equivalent von Mises (σvM) stress, and shear stress (σshear) were calculated for the remaining crown dentin, root dentin, and dowels using the FE software.

Results: The σmax (MPa) in the crown dentin were: GFD0 = 117; NiCr0 = 30; Au0 = 64; GFD1 = 113; NiCr1 = 102; Au1 = 84; GFD2 = 102; NiCr2 = 260; Au2 = 266. The σmax (MPa) in the root dentin were: GFD0 = 159; NiCr0 = 151; Au0 = 158; GFD1 = 92; NiCr1 = 60; Au1 = 67; GFD2 = 97; NiCr2 = 87; Au2 = 109.

Conclusion: The maximum stress was found for the NiCr dowel, followed by the Au dowel and GFD; teeth without ferrule are more susceptible to the occurrence of fractures in the apical root third.
Bilateral Implant‐Retained Auricular Prosthesis for a Patient with Congenitally Missing Ears. A Clinical Report
Authors: Kumar Preeti Satheesh , Satheesh Kumar K.S. , Savadi Ravindra C.
Published: February 2012

Microtia is a major congenital anomaly of the external ear. It includes a spectrum of deformities from a grossly normal but small ear to the absence of the entire external ear. These deformities account for three in every 10,000 births, with bilaterally missing ears seen in fewer than 10% of all cases. Congenital abnormalities of the ear are unlikely to result in the complete absence of the ears, but the patient presented in this article had bilateral congenitally missing ears. There was loss of anatomic landmarks and alteration of normal bony architecture. Minimal tissue was available for retention; therefore, conventional techniques could not be used for achieving retention. A two‐implant‐supported auricular prosthesis was planned, but the patient was found to have deficient bone in the implant site. Hence the implants were placed posterior to these sites, and the superstructure was modified to accommodate for this change in position of the implant to ensure the esthetic positioning of the prosthesis.
Influence of Low‐Temperature Environmental Exposure on the Mechanical Properties and Structural Stability of Dental Zirconia
Authors: Alghazzawi Tariq F. , Lemons Jack , Liu Perng‐Ru , Essig Milton E. , Bartolucci Alfred A. , Janowski Gregg M.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The effect of dental fabrication procedures of zirconia monolithic restorations and changes in properties during low‐temperature exposure in the oral environment is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of procedures for fabrication of dental restorations by low‐temperature simulation and relative changes of flexural strength, nanoindentation hardness, Young's modulus, surface roughness, and structural stability of yttria‐stabilized zirconia.

Materials and Methods: A total of 64 zirconia specimens were prepared to simulate dental practice. The specimens were divided into the control group and the accelerated aging group. The simulated group followed the same procedure as the control group except for the aging treatment. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure surface roughness. The degree of tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic transformation was determined using X‐ray diffraction. Nanoindentation hardness and modulus measurements were carried out on the surface of the zirconia specimens using a nanoindenter XP/G200 system. The yttria levels for nonaged and aged specimens were measured using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Flexural strength was determined using the piston‐on‐three‐ball test. The t‐test was used to determine statistical significance.

Results: Means and standard deviations were calculated using all observations for each condition and evaluated using a group t‐test (p < 0.05). The LTD treatment resulted in increased surface roughness (from 12.23 nm to 21.56 nm for Ra and 15.06 nm to 27.45 nm for RMS) and monoclinic phase fractions (from 2% to 21%), with a concomitant decrease in hardness (from 16.56 GPa to 15.14 GPa) and modulus (from 275.68 GPa to 256.56 GPa). Yttria content (from 4.43% to 4.46%) and flexural strength (from 586 MPa to 578 MPa) were not significantly altered, supporting longer term in vivo function without biomechanical fracture.

Conclusion: The LTD treatment induced the tetragonal‐to‐monoclinic transformation with surface roughening in zirconia prepared using dental procedures.
Managing Differentiation‐Integration Duality in Supply Chain Integration*
Authors: Terjesen Siri , Patel Pankaj C. , Sanders Nada R.
Published: February 2012

Existing research focuses on the positive returns to operational performance of firms’ supply chain integration (SCI) with suppliers, buyers, and customers. We draw on differentiation‐integration duality and contingency theory to suggest that manufacturing firms should seek to achieve both integration through supply chain coordination activities and differentiation through modularity‐based manufacturing practices (MBMP). Using a sample of 261 manufacturing firms, we identify an inverse U‐shaped relationship between SCI and operational performance. Furthermore, we find support for the importance of differentiation‐integration duality as a fit between high levels of SCI and high levels of MBMP results in enhanced operational performance. We find support for a contingency perspective as fit is especially critical at higher levels of environmental uncertainty. Implications for theory, practice, and further research are suggested.
Meanings and feelings: Local interpretations of the use of violence in the Egyptian revolution
Authors: GHANNAM FARHA
Published: February 2012

I trace the shifting feelings of some of my close interlocutors in a low‐income neighborhood in Cairo and explore some of the cultural meanings that informed their attempts to make sense of the changing situation during the first days of the Egyptian revolution. Specifically, I reflect on how existing concepts that structure uses of violence have been central to the way men and women interpreted the attacks of baltagiyya (thugs) on the protesters in Tahrir Square and how these interpretations ultimately framed my interlocutors’ feelings and views of the revolution, Mubarak's regime, and its supporters. [revolution, baltagiyya, violence, Egypt, structures of feeling]
No longer a bargain: Women, masculinity, and the Egyptian uprising
Authors: HAFEZ SHERINE
Published: February 2012

Although, according to eyewitness accounts, women made up 20 to 50 percent of the protesters in Tahrir Square, the events immediately following the Egyptian uprising revealed that women would not be part of the political deliberations between various contending parties and the Supreme Military Council in charge of the country. In this essay, I take a close look at the sociocultural dynamics behind the inclusion–dis‐inclusion of women in the political sphere to question how this contradiction has, in recent years, characterized the nature of gender relations in Arab countries like Egypt. Multilayered, rapidly changing, and challenged patriarchal power lies at the very core of the uprising in Egypt. What the events of this uprising have revealed is that notions of masculinity undermined by a repressive regime have observably shifted the terms of the patriarchal bargain. [Egypt's uprising, gender relations in the Middle East, masculinity, patriarchy, patriarchal bargain, state patriarchy, women and revolution]
Strength and vulnerability after Egypt's Arab Spring uprisings
Authors: HAMDY SHERINE F.
Published: February 2012

Following the revolts that unseated Hosni Mubarak in February 2011, a contradictory discourse has emerged in which Egyptians imagine themselves to be resilient in body and spirit but also enfeebled by years of political corruption and state negligence. During the mass protests in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the regime's orchestrated violence neither crushed the movement nor provoked activists to abandon their vow of peaceful protest. However, Egyptians’ pride in the physical and moral resilience that enabled this feat is infused with an understanding of its fragility; many face vulnerabilities to disease within the context of environmental toxins, malnutrition, and a broken, overtaxed health care system. And they mourn the deterioration of moral principles and values after years of brutal oppression and social injustice. These conflicting views—of vitality and vulnerability—have led to a dizzying oscillation between optimism and despair; even as people celebrate the accomplishments of the uprisings, they are also keenly aware of the formidable challenges that lie ahead. [Egypt, revolution, Arab Spring, political awakening, Mubarak, doctors]
Soviet science and post‐Soviet faith: Etigelov's imperishable body
Authors: QUIJADA JUSTINE BUCK
Published: February 2012

In Buryatia, the imperishable body of Dashi‐Dorzho Etigelov, a prerevolutionary Buddhist monk, is said to be a “scientifically proven miracle” endowed with healing powers. I argue that this claim provides a focal point for the renegotiation of Soviet discourses on science and religion. I demonstrate that Soviet modernist discourse produced religion and science as mutually constitutive categories. Although subsequent political transformations have shifted the valences of religion and science, this mutually constitutive relationship remains central to understanding health, healing, and religious practices in post‐Soviet Russia. [religion, science, postsocialism, healing, Buddhism, Buryatia, Russian Federation]
Hair as a Specimen to Document Tetramethylene Disulfotetramine Exposure*
Authors: Shen Min , Xiang Ping , Zhou Fuxiang , Shen Baohua , Shi Yan
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Tetramethylene disulfotetramine (tetramine) is a rodenticide that has been banned for many years in China. Since 2005, inhabitants of a village in the Henan Province have been suffering from grand mal seizures. To investigate the possibility of tetramine as the cause, we developed a method to determine tetramine in human hair. Sample preparation involved external decontamination, frozen pulverization, and ultrasonication in 2 mL ethyl acetate in the presence of cocaine‐d3 as an internal standard. The method exhibited good linearity; calibration curve was linear over a range of 0.1–20 ng/mg hair. The limit of detection for the assay was 0.05 ng/mg hair. Except for one subject (No. 4), all head and pubic hair samples were positive for tetramine. The concentrations of tetramine in pubic hair were significantly higher than those in the same subjects’ head hair samples. Because of a long retention in body, segmental head hair analysis cannot provide an accurate exposure history of tetramine in the body.
The Forensic Deaths Caused by Pesticide Poisoning Between the Years 2006 and 2009 in Izmir, Turkey*
Authors: İdiz Nuri , Karakus Akan , Dalgıç Mustafa
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Pesticide poisoning is still a significant health problem in Turkey. We conducted a retrospective study of autopsy cases at Izmir Branch of the Council of Forensic Medicine to describe the characteristics of deaths caused by pesticide poisoning between 2006 and 2009. The distributions of the cases according to gender and age were as follows: men 74.1% (n = 40, mean [±SD] age, 44.7 ± 14.1), women 25.9% (n = 14, mean [±SD] age, 39.2 ± 18.9). The majority of pesticide‐poisoning deaths were suicides (n = 43, 80%) followed by accidents (n = 4, 8%) and homicide (n = 1, 2%). The manner of death could not be determined in six cases (11%). Suicides mostly occurred at home (n = 26, 63%) (p < 0.05). Methomyl was the most frequent pesticide (n = 9, 17%) among the all cases. This study reported that most of the pesticides found in poisoning cases were highly hazardous types. Combined efforts of medical professionals and law makers are needed for enacting strict laws against highly hazardous pesticides.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Analysis of Knife Stab Wounds on Fleshed and Clothed Ribs
Authors: Ferllini Roxana
Published: February 2012

Abstract: Stab wounds upon bone are analyzed to interpret the weapon used and the physical context in which the attack occurred. The literature demonstrates that most research conducted pertaining to wound patterns has been carried out on defleshed and unclothed bone samples, not adequately replicating actual circumstances. For this research, six half pig torsos (Sus scrofa), fleshed (including muscle, fat, epidermis, and dermis layers) and clothed, were stabbed using three knife types, applying both straight and downward thrusts. Analysis conducted macroscopically and through a scanning electron microscope with an environmental secondary electron detector revealed a general lack of consistency in wound pattern and associated secondary effects. Consequently, it was not possible to establish wound pattern per knife type as suggested in previous research or relate it to stab motion. Advantage of microscopic analysis was evident in recognizing wound traits and observation of trace evidence not visible macroscopically.
Fatal Paradoxical Air Embolism Diagnosed by Postmortem Imaging and Autopsy
Authors: Fujioka Masaki , Niino Daisuke , Ito Masahiro , Matsuoka Yohjiro
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The recognition and visualization of an arterial gas embolism are difficult. We report a case of sudden death caused by paradoxical air embolism of coronary and cerebral arteries, diagnosed by the pre autopsy computed tomography (CT) scanning. A 54‐year‐old woman suddenly died after the self‐removal of the jugular vein catheter. Postmortem imaging examination using CT scanning showed multiple gas embolisms in the cerebral arteries, pulmonary artery, right atrium and ventricle, left ventricle, aorta, and coronary arteries. These findings suggested that the occurrence of acute ischemia of the brain and heart caused by massive air inflow to the artery. Conventional autopsy revealed a patent foramen ovale of the heart. These results indicated that the patient died of paradoxical air embolization of the coronary and cerebral arteries through a patent foramen ovale because of right‐to‐left shunting. The use of postmortem imaging as an aid for conventional autopsy has proved to be of advantage in the case of gas embolism.
Medical Responsibility in the Operating Room: The Example of an Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Authors: Franchitto Nicolas , Minville Vincent , Dédouit Fabrice , Telmon Norbert , Rougé Daniel
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) continues to be one of the most feared complications of pregnancy. A healthy 32‐year‐old woman died during delivery after a normal 39‐week third pregnancy. The family filed a complaint with a criminal court as the causes of death appeared unclear. No risk factor associated with AFE was identified. Clinical presentation was typical, including sudden onset of cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms. Autopsy confirmed the histological diagnosis of amniotic embolism and excluded an iatrogenic cause of death or anesthetic malpractice. This article highlights the value of both antemortem records and histological features in establishing the diagnosis of AFE and demonstrates the fundamental importance of autopsy in an unexpected death related directly or indirectly to a medical procedure.
Alcohol Intoxication May Exacerbate the Effects of Blunt Cranial Trauma Through Changes in Brain Free Magnesium Levels
Authors: Vink Robert , Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Moderate to high levels of alcohol decrease brain intracellular free magnesium concentration, a factor known to be critical in brain injury. Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to examine changes to brain free magnesium concentration after blunt cranial trauma in alcohol‐intoxicated rats. Rats exposed acutely or chronically to alcohol sufficient to increase blood alcohol levels to between 150 and 350 mg/dL demonstrated a brain free magnesium level that was 20–50% less than in nonintoxicated animals (p < 0.01). After injury, brain free magnesium levels declined more rapidly and to a greater extent in alcohol‐affected animals than in nonintoxicated control animals (p < 0.001). As both preinjury depletion of magnesium and degree of magnesium decline after brain injury have been associated with poor recovery, these findings suggest that moderate to severe alcohol intoxication may predispose the brain to a worse outcome by reducing brain free magnesium levels, both before and after injury.
Control of periodontal infections: A randomized controlled trial I. The primary outcome attachment gain and pocket depth reduction at treated sites
Authors: Goodson J. Max , Haffajee Anne D. , Socransky Sigmund S. , Kent Ralph , Teles Ricardo , Hasturk Hatice , Bogren Anna , Van Dyke Thomas , Wennstrom Jan , Lindhe Jan
Published: February 2012

Objective

To compare the treatment outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in combination with systemic antibiotics, local antibiotic therapy and/or periodontal surgery.

Material and Methods

One hundred and eighty‐seven patients were assigned to eight groups treated by SRP plus none, one, two or three adjunctive treatments and monitored for 24 months in a randomized controlled clinical trial using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Systemic amoxicillin + metronidazole (SMA), local tetracycline delivery (LTC) and periodontal surgery (SURG) were evaluated as adjuncts. Changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were statistically evaluated by ancova of main effects.

Results

Effects of adjunctive therapy to SRP were minimal at 3 months. Between 3 and 6 months PPD reduction occurred particularly in patients receiving periodontal surgery. After 6 months, both CAL gain and PPD reduction reached a plateau that was maintained at 24 months in all groups. The 24‐month CAL gain was improved by SMA (0.50 mm) while PPD was reduced by SMA (0.51 mm) and SURG (0.36 mm). Smoking reduced CAL gain and PPD reduction.

Conclusion

Patients receiving adjunctive therapies generally exhibited improved CAL gain and/or PPD reduction when compared with the outcome of SRP alone. Only additive, not synergistic effects of the various adjunctive therapies were observed.
HDAC6 at the Intersection of Neuroprotection and Neurodegeneration
Authors: d'Ydewalle Constantin , Bogaert Elke , Van Den Bosch Ludo
Published: February 2012

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) catalyzes multiple reactions. We summarize the current knowledge on HDAC6, its targets and functions. Among others, HDAC6 recognizes damaged proteins and assures that these proteins are destroyed by autophagy. On the other hand, HDAC6 also modifies the tracks used by the clearance mechanism so that axonal transport becomes less efficient. We hypothesize that a disturbance in the equilibrium between the different functions of HDAC6 could play an important role in neurodegeneration.
Close association between oral Candida species and oral mucosal disorders in patients with xerostomia
Authors: Shinozaki S , Moriyama M , Hayashida J‐N , Tanaka A , Maehara T , Ieda S , Nakamura S
Published: February 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 667–672

Objective:  Heightened interest in oral health has lead to an increase in patients complaining of xerostomia, which is associated with various oral mucosal disorders. In this study, we investigated the relationship between Candida species and oral mucosal disorders in patients with xerostomia.

Subjects and Methods:  We evaluated whole salivary flow rate and presence of oral mucosal disorders in 48 patients with xerostomia and 15 healthy controls. The number of Candida species was measured as colony‐forming units after propagation on selective medium. Identification of Candida at the species level was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. We then examined the relationship between Candida species and oral mucosal symptoms.

Results:  Compared with controls, patients with xerostomia exhibited significantly decreased whole salivary flow rate, increased rate of oral mucosal symptoms, and higher numbers of Candida. Salivary flow rate negatively correlated with the number Candida. Among patients with oral candidiasis, Candida albicanswas isolated from the tongue mucosa and Candida glabratawas isolated from the angle of the mouth.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that particular Candida species are involved in the pathogenesis of oral mucosal disorders in patients with xerostomia.
Developmental neurotoxicity testing: Scientific approaches towards the next generation to protect the developing nervous system of children. An overview of the Developmental Neurotoxicity Symposium in 2011
Authors: Aoyama Hiroaki
Published: February 2012

The Developmental Neurotoxicology (DNT) Committee has been working to promote developmental neurotoxicology and related scientific areas of interest to integrate academic and regulatory sciences in this field since the Behavioral Teratology Meeting was established by the Japanese Teratology Society in 1982. The committee has led several large‐scale collaborative studies to standardize existing methodologies and held symposiums and workshops periodically at the society's annual meetings. This overview provides a history of the DNT Committee, as well as a brief summary of the DNT Symposium in 2011.
Insight into the redox regulation of the phosphoglucan phosphatase SEX4 involved in starch degradation
Authors: Silver Dylan M. , Silva Leslie P. , Issakidis‐Bourguet Emmanuelle , Glaring Mikkel A. , Schriemer David C. , Moorhead Greg B. G.
Published: February 2012

Starch is the major carbohydrate reserve in plants, and is degraded for growth at night. Starch breakdown requires reversible glucan phosphorylation at the granule surface by novel dikinases and phosphatases. The dual‐specificity phosphatase starch excess 4 (SEX4) is required for glucan desphosphorylation; however, regulation of the enzymatic activity of SEX4 is not well understood. We show that SEX4 switches between reduced (active) and oxidized (inactive) states, suggesting that SEX4 is redox‐regulated. Although only partial reactivation of SEX4 was achieved using artificial reductants (e.g. dithiothreitol), use of numerous chloroplastic thioredoxins recovered activity completely, suggesting that thioredoxins could reduce SEX4 in vivo. Analysis of peptides from oxidized and reduced SEX4 identified a disulfide linkage between the catalytic cysteine at position 198 (Cys198) and the cysteine at position 130 (Cys130) within the phosphatase domain. The position of these cysteines was structurally analogous to that for known redox‐regulated dual‐specificity phosphatases, suggesting a common mechanism of reversible oxidation amongst these phosphatases. Mutation of Cys130 renders SEX4 more sensitive to oxidative inactivation and less responsive to reductive reactivation. Together, these results provide the first biochemical evidence for a redox‐dependent structural switch that regulates SEX4 activity, which represents the first plant phosphatase known to undergo reversible oxidation via disulfide bond formation like its mammalian counterparts.
Managing frostbite in a South African patient
Authors: Ahmad Zeeshan
Published: February 2012

This report focuses on a 23‐year‐old man of African‐Caribbean origin who presented to a Burns unit with soft‐tissue loss following a road traffic collision (RTC) in an extremely cold weather. Having been involved in the RTC, he walked from the scene to the hospital subsequently sustaining frostbite to both his feet. This case illustrates the management of frostbite and highlights some key principles in the management of this problem.
Fabrication of Functionally Graded SiO2‐Mo Material by Centrifugation and Floc‐Casting of Highly Concentrated Slurry
Authors: Honma Takuya , Sasaki Ikue , Tamura Nobuhiro , Tatami Junichi , Fujichika Shinichiro , Komeya Katsutoshi , Meguro Takeshi
Published: February 2012

To fabricate functionally graded materials, a highly concentrated slurry of SiO2‐Mo system was prepared and centrifugal force was applied in an attempt to achieve a graded composition. Subsequently, we formed a homogeneous green body with compositional gradation by floc‐casting at 80°C, which was then fired at 1750°C for 10 min in Ar. The sintered body had compositional ratios of SiO2 and Mo as well as electrical conductivities that changed gradually along the direction of centrifugal force. The results demonstrate that centrifugation and control of slurry characteristics such as flocculation are effective in fabricating functionally graded SiO2‐Mo materials.