bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal sizing of a grid integrated solar photovoltaic system
Authors: Khare Anula , Rangnekar Saroj
Published: August 2013

This study proposes an optimal sizing methodology for a solar photovoltaic (SPV) system considering lifetime cost requirements. The aim of the design is optimal sizing of SPV system, which is obtained by calculating SPV system output power at certain location, taking into account the calculated optimal number of SPV modules, optimal number of inverters, optimal tilt angle, for a given dimension of land. This design is aimed for minimising the annual cost of grid‐integrated SPV system over its life or years of operation. The cost function takes into account the capital cost of installation, operation and maintenance, for each component of the system and the cost of selling energy to the grid. The sizing optimisation has been formulated as a non‐linear, multi‐variable problem and the particle swarm optimisation algorithm has been tested using MATLAB platform for a particular location to swot up the feasibility of integrated system. The monthly averaged daily and hourly solar radiation data for a given location is calculated using empirical relations on MATLAB platform. Other inputs are specifications of commercially available devices and meteorological details of location.
Yield components of maize as affected by short shading periods and thinning
Authors: Cerrudo A. , Di Matteo J. , Fernandez E. , Robles M. , Pico L. Olmedo , Andrade F. H.
Published: August 2013

Maize (Zea mays) grain yield has been described to be particularly susceptible to environmental conditions around silking; however, a better temporal description of the effect of resource deprivation during this period is needed. Additionally, yield progress and the subsequent increase in the demand of assimilates may result in source limitation during the grain-filling period in current hybrids. This work assessed the effect of (i) short (~5 days) and intense shading stresses imposed at different times, and (ii) thinning during the effective grain-filling period, on yield components of an Argentinean, widespread hybrid. Grain yield was affected by resource availability during an extended period from ~300 growing degree-days (GDD) before silking to ~780 GDD after silking (base temperature = 8°C). Kernel number (KN) was reduced by shading treatments imposed within a relatively extended period of ~700 GDD centred on silking. Within this period, we establish a critical period of ~30 days around silking (i.e. –200 to 250 GDD after silking), in which KN susceptibility was maximal. The variation in KN during this period of 450 GDD was mainly accounted for by resource availability and not by timing of treatment imposition within this window. A direct relationship between KN and weight per kernel (KW) for shading treatments imposed from 0 to 200 GDD after silking indicated that compensation of KN reduction by KW increase might not be expected when stress occurred immediately after silking. Kernel number and KW presented an inverse relationship when shading took place after 200 GDD after silking. In addition, thinning after the onset of the effective grain-filling period increased KW. The results indicate that, even in the undisturbed crop, KW was limited by source capacity during grain filling. It is suggested that there is a need to reconsider current agronomic practices and breeding strategies, focusing on the source capacity during the grain-filling period.
Towards an Understanding of the Performance of Ambient Tax Mechanisms in the Field: Evidence from Upstate New York Dairy Farmers
Authors: Suter Jordan F. , Vossler Christian A.
Published: August 2013

Using a design characterized by heterogeneous firms and stochastic ambient pollution, this study explores how results from ambient tax experiments with student subjects translate to a richer field context with dairy farmers in Upstate New York. Results suggest that the ambient tax induces group‐level compliance among students and farmers. However, relative to students, farmers operating “small” firms pollute less and farmers operating “large” firms tend to pollute more. Deviations from theory among farmers are tied to beliefs about the impacts of farming on water pollution, as well as knowledge of neighbors' pollution. This study highlights the importance of framed field experiments in the policy test‐bedding process.
Mutant DnaAs of Escherichia coli that are refractory to negative control
Authors: Chodavarapu Sundari , Felczak Magdalena M. , Simmons Lyle A. , Murillo Alec , Kaguni Jon M.
Published: August 2013

DnaA is the initiator of DNA replication in bacteria. A mutant DnaA named DnaAcos is unusual because it is refractory to negative regulation. We developed a genetic method to isolate other mutant DnaAs that circumvent regulation to extend our understanding of mechanisms that control replication initiation. Like DnaAcos, one mutant bearing a tyrosine substitution for histidine 202 (H202Y) withstands the regulation exerted by datA, hda and dnaN (β clamp), and both DnaAcos and H202Y resist inhibition by the Hda-β clamp complex in vitro. Other mutant DnaAs carrying G79D, E244K, V303M or E445K substitutions are either only partially sensitive or refractory to inhibition by the Hda-β clamp complex in vitro but are responsive to hda expression in vivo. All mutant DnaAs remain able to interact directly with Hda. Of interest, both DnaAcos and DnaAE244K bind more avidly to Hda. These mutants, by sequestrating Hda, may limit its availability to regulate other DnaA molecules, which remain active to induce extra rounds of DNA replication. Other evidence suggests that a mutant bearing a V292M substitution hyperinitiates by escaping the effect of an unknown regulatory factor. Together, our results provide new insight into the mechanisms that regulate replication initiation in Escherichia coli.
A study of Australian and Chinese accountants’ attitudes towards independence issues and the impact on ethical judgements
Authors: Han Fan Ying , Woodbine Gordon , Cheng Wei
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to further extend research (Fan et al., 2012a) examining the attitudes of Chinese certified public accountants with respect to independence aspects of their professional codes of conduct and their influence on ethical judgement. These attitudes are compared with those of Australian public accountants Particular attention is given to refining a pre-existing instrument to determine measurement invariance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A field survey of 81 Australian and 516 Chinese public accountants was conducted including the distribution of a questionnaire. Statistical analysis included confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance.

Findings

– An analysis of data established the existence of a stable model for identifying the dimensions of independence of mind and independence in appearance within the context of the codes of conduct relevant to both cultures. Chinese accountants demonstrated significantly less concern about audit-client relationships affecting independence in appearance compared to their Australian counterparts. Interestingly, independence of mind was found to positively influence ethical judgement for both groups taken together, although Chinese accountants were the significant contributors to this model outcome.

Research limitations/implications

– The relatively small sample of Australian accountants drawn from a limited population base could influence the quality of data analysis. This paper provides a further research direction for re-examining the relationship between Australian public accountants’ attitudes towards their code of professional ethics and their ethical judgements in a significantly larger sample.

Practical implications

– This paper is particularly useful to the profession in that it will provide members with better insights into how accountants in different cultural settings view audit independence issues and their relationships with audit clients. Second, this study offers a scale for measuring attitudes towards codes of professional ethics for further cross-cultural studies.

Originality/value

– An exploratory research exercise that indicates that accounting practitioners in divergent cultures demonstrate similar concerns about independence issues, although it is believed that guanxi is likely to explain why Chinese accountants are less concerned with independence of appearance issues. The research also presents a validated instrument for examining attitudes towards codes of ethics.
Role virtue ethics and academic ethics: a consideration of academic freedom
Authors: Gibbs Paul
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper is an interweaving of virtues ethics perspectives of the relational and role grounded with the situational and agent and is explored through the patterns of academic freedom. It uses a notion of Confucian‐inspired “role virtue ethics” where obligation, procedure and virtue mix in a relational way with a community of scholarly practice. This counter‐intuitive linking of ritual with freedom reveals the importance of the former in defending and maintaining academic freedom: a freedom with rule‐based obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

Applied philosophical approach to a pressing problem in higher education and indeed to all education.

Findings

The paper seeks a preliminary blending of eastern and western understanding to proceed to a “virtue role ethic” for higher education scholars and is presented as a more relational way of being than the contemporary notion of being a fitting scholar in higher education.

Practical implications

A synthesis of western and Confucian approach may offer insights to other ethical issues for educational management.

Social implications

A synthesis of western and Confucian approach may offer insights to other ethical issues for educational management.

Originality/value

The development of role virtue ethics more the discussion away from dispositions and from situational to a blending of both.
Factors influencing Malaysian bank customers to choose Islamic credit cards
Authors: Amin Hanudin
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore factors influencing Malaysian bank customers to choose Islamic credit cards. The bank customers generally aware of Islamic credit card facilities in Islamic banks but factors leading them to choose it are particularly unexplored. Given the importance of Islamic credit cards to Islamic banks, the study is aimed at explaining the effects of attitude, subjective norm and perceived financial cost on the Malaysian bank customers' behavioral intention to choose Islamic credit cards.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing upon the theory of reasoned action (TRA), this study suggests a modified model to examine the acceptance factors of attitude, subjective norm and perceived financial cost within a context of Islamic credit cards. This paper extends partial least squares (PLS) to examine the impacts of these factors on the intention to choose Islamic credit cards. The model is tested using a survey data from 257 respondents.

Findings

– The results reveal that attitude, subjective norm and perceived financial cost significantly influence the intention to choose Islamic credit card. Of these, attitude is first ranked as an influential factor in explaining one's intention to choose Islamic credit cards. All hypotheses are supported. The findings have proven the soundness of the TRA for study in the area of Islamic credit cards. Earlier works in Islamic credit cards have not ready to apply TRA in their works. The current research is thus closed the gap.

Research limitations/implications

– Pertaining to research limitations, this paper reveals two limitations owing to their future directions for future research on Islamic credit cards. This study indicates that its contributions are particularly confined to potential users in Eastern-Malaysia whilst those from Western-Malaysia are largely untapped. Further research is required to include users from both geographies. Owing to time and financial constraints, this study is only analyzed three factors in explaining the behavioral intention to choose Islamic credit cards. Therefore, future studies in this area should examine new potential factors contributing the receptivity.

Practical implications

– Findings generated from this study serve as a basis for more future works in the area of Islamic credit cards. The theory developed in the current study's model could also be generalized into other contexts of Islamic banking products and services. Practically, branch managers of Islamic banking institutions are of considerable importance to extend the findings of this study to better future planning of their Islamic credit card services.

Originality/value

– This study extends the applicability of the TRA model into a newly context of Islamic credit cards. Empirically, this study also integrates the effect of perceived financial cost on the intention to choose Islamic credit cards. This study offers insights with respect to factors affecting one's decision to choose Islamic credit cards.
Trust formation at the growth stage of a business‐to‐business relationship
Authors: Dowell David , Heffernan Troy , Morrison Mark
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Trust is known to have three dimensions: ability/competence, integrity/contractual and benevolence/goodwill. Yet what develops these three dimensions of trust is relatively unknown, particularly at the different stages of the relationship lifecycle. The primary goal of this paper is improving understanding about the development of these three elements of trust. Hence, this research is undertaken within the critical growth phase of the relationship lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was deemed most appropriate to achieve the deep understanding needed for this type of exploratory study. Using a relationship dyad, which contained a retail manager and wholesale salesperson as the unit of investigation, 18 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted. This constituted nine case studies, which were analysed using content and thematic analysis. A purposive case selection method was used to ensure variance of cases and provide rich data.

Findings

The most interesting findings relate to how trust is developed and how this varies for the different forms of trust. For ability trust, the crucial factors in its development were performance, expertise and communication. With respect to integrity trust, honesty, integral actions and candid response were found to influence the development of trust. For benevolence, trust actions and attitudes emerged as key factors for the development of trust.

Research limitations/implications

Trust has been found to be a key component of relationship marketing success. This research extends this through providing understanding of the elements of trust and what drives the development of these elements, thus providing insights at a level more usable for the practitioner.

Originality/value

It is generally agreed that trust is a multidimensional construct; however there has been limited research on how to develop each of the three elements of trust. This research provides insight into how to develop trust, at a crucial time in the relationship growth stage. It is at this stage that partnerships can flourish or fade, hence trust is vital. Therefore, the development of ability, integrity and benevolence trust is important. This is not an issue that has been researched frequently in the literature; this paper helps to provide understanding of the key factors which develop these three elements of trust.
‘Communicative competence’ in the field of augmentative and alternative communication: a review and critique
Authors: Teachman Gail , Gibson Barbara E.
Published: August 2013

Background

Understandings of ‘communicative competency’ (CC) have an important influence on the ways that researchers and practitioners in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) work toward achieving positive outcomes with AAC users. Yet, very little literature has critically examined conceptualizations of CC in AAC. Following an overview of the emergence of the concept of CC and of the field of AAC, we review seven conceptualizations of CC identified in the literature.

Aims

To consider the contributions and potential shortcomings of conceptualizations of CC in AAC.

Methods & Procedures

We use a critical theoretical approach to review, critique and synthesize conceptualizations of CC in AAC, with a particular focus on uncovering ‘taken for granted’ assumptions. By historically situating the reviewed literature, we examine the shifting boundaries and tensions among theoretical conceptualizations of CC in AAC and their potential impacts on practice.

Main contributions

We suggest ways that revisiting past scholarly work, alongside emergent, innovative conceptualizations of CC might shift ways of thinking about CC in AAC which tend to focus on the individual who communicates differently, toward (re)location of CC as a shared, socially incorporated and performed communication construct.

Conclusion & Implications

We propose that emerging critical perspectives drawn from AAC and other interdisciplinary literatures offer innovative ways of theorizing communication difference, which might inform evolving conceptualizations of CC in AAC.
Oligomerization is a key step in Cyt1Aa membrane insertion and toxicity but not necessary to synergize Cry11Aa toxicity in Aedes aegypti larvae
Authors: López‐Diaz Jazmin A. , Cantón Pablo Emiliano , Gill Sarjeet S. , Soberón Mario , Bravo Alejandra
Published: August 2013

Bacillus thuringiensis produces insecticidal Cry and Cyt proteins that are toxic to different insect orders. In addition, Cyt toxins also display haemolytic activity. Both toxins are pore‐forming proteins that form oligomeric structures that insert into the target membrane to lyse cells. Cyt toxins play an important role in mosquitocidal activity since they synergize Cry toxins and are able to overcome resistance to Cry toxins. Cry and Cyt toxins interact by specific epitopes, and this interaction is important to induce the synergistic activity observed. It was proposed that Cyt toxins do not interact with protein receptors but directly interacting with the specific midgut cell lipids. Here, we analysed if oligomerization and membrane insertion of Cyt1Aa are necessary steps to synergize Cry11Aa toxicity. We characterized Cyt1Aa helix α‐C mutants that were affected in oligomerization, in membrane insertion and also in haemolytic and insecticidal activities. However, these mutants were still able to synergize Cry11Aa toxicity indicating these steps are independent events of Cyt1Aa synergistic activity. Furthermore, the data indicate that formation of stable Cyt1Aa‐oligomeric structure is a key step for membrane insertion, haemolysis and insecticidal activity.
A randomized controlled trial of third‐trimester routine ultrasound in a non‐selected population
Authors: Skråstad Ragnhild B. , Eik‐Nes Sturla H. , Sviggum Oddvar , Johansen Ole J. , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Romundstad Pål R. , Blaas Harm‐Gerd K.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To compare detection rates of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, congenital anomalies and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies randomized to third‐trimester routine ultrasound or ultrasound on clinical indication.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

National Center for Fetal Medicine in Norway between 1989 and 1992.

Population

A total of 6780 pregnancies from a non‐selected population.

Methods

Two routine ultrasound examinations at 18 and 33 weeks were compared with routine ultrasound at 18 weeks and ultrasound on clinical indication. Suspected small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses were followed with serial scans and cardiotocography. Doppler ultrasound was not used.

Main outcome measures

Detection rates of small‐for‐gestational‐age and large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, congenital anomalies and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Results

Third trimester routine ultrasound improved detection rates of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses from 46 to 80%, but overall perinatal morbidity and mortality remained unchanged. Detection of large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses increased from 36 to 91%. There was a significant increase of induction of labor and elective cesarean sections due to suspected small‐for‐gestational‐age and a significant decrease of induction of labor and elective cesarean sections due to suspected large‐for‐gestational‐age in the study group; there were no other differences regarding intervention. The detection rate of congenital anomalies was 56%, with no significant difference between the groups.

Conclusions

Routine use of third‐trimester routine ultrasound increased detection rates of small‐for‐gestational‐age and large‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses. This did not alter perinatal outcomes. Third‐trimester ultrasound screening should not be rejected before a policy of adding Doppler surveillance to the high‐risk group identified has been investigated further.
Long‐term anti‐FVIII antibody response in Bethesda‐negative haemophilia A patients receiving continuous replacement therapy
Authors: Klintman Jenny , Hillarp Andreas , Berntorp Erik , Astermark Jan
Published: August 2013

It has previously been shown that patients with haemophilia A may develop non‐neutralizing anti‐factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies (NNA) that escape detection by the Bethesda assay, but are detected using immune‐based assays. We and others found NNAs to be directed not only towards non‐functional parts of the protein, but towards all regions of the FVIII protein. We also showed a heterogeneous antibody response towards different FVIII products. However, the clinical relevance and the natural history of NNA remain unclear. Therefore, we followed a cohort of unrelated subjects with haemophilia A for 4 years with the goal of exploring the long‐term development of NNA using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ten of 78 subjects (12·8%) exhibited an immune response that was transient and heterogeneous, and none of the subjects developed an FVIII inhibitor. The result of the ELISA was examined in relation to clinical variables and no significant associations between a positive ELISA and age, F8 mutation, port‐à‐cath implantation and HCV infection were shown. Interestingly, patients with NNA had significantly fewer bleeding episodes (P = 0·048) compared with NNA‐negative subjects. The results indicate that the immune response to FVIII products within an individual may vary over time. However, the clinical impact of NNA remains unclear.
The role of dopamine D2, but not D3 or D4, receptor subtypes, in quinpirole‐induced inhibition of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow in pithed rats
Authors: Altamirano‐Espinoza A H , González‐Hernández A , Manrique‐Maldonado G , Marichal‐Cancino B A , Ruiz‐Salinas I , Villalón C M
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose

Quinpirole (a dopamine D2‐like receptor agonist) inhibits the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow in pithed rats by sympathoinhibitory D2‐like receptors. The present study was designed to identify pharmacologically the specific D2‐like receptor subtypes (i.e. D2, D3 and D4) involved in this sympathoinhibition by quinpirole.

Experimental Approach

One hundred fourteen male Wistar rats were pithed, artificially ventilated with room air and prepared for either preganglionic spinal (C7‐T1) stimulation of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow (n = 102) or i.v. bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline (n = 12). This approach resulted in frequency‐dependent and dose‐dependent tachycardic responses, respectively, as previously reported by our group.

Key Results

I.v. continuous infusions of quinpirole (0.1–10 μg kg−1 min−1), but not of saline (0.02 mL min−1), dose‐dependently inhibited the sympathetically induced tachycardic responses. Moreover, the cardiac sympathoinhibition induced by 3 μg kg−1 min−1 quinpirole (which failed to affect the tachycardic responses to i.v. noradrenaline) was: (i) unchanged after i.v. injections of the antagonists SB‐277011‐A (D3; 100–300 μg kg−1) or L‐745,870 (D4; 30–100 μg kg−1); and (ii) markedly blocked and abolished by, respectively, 100 and 300 μg kg−1 of the D2 preferring receptor subtype antagonist L‐741,626. These doses of antagonists, which did not affect per se the sympathetically induced tachycardic responses, were high enough to completely block their respective receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

The cardiac sympathoinhibition induced by 3 μg kg−1 min−1 quinpirole involves the dopamine D2 receptor subtype, with no evidence for the involvement of the D3 or D4 subtypes. This provides new evidence for understanding the modulation of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow.
Public Debt and Price Stability
Authors: Christian von Weizsäcker Carl
Published: August 2013

Modernized Austrian capital theory implies: in capital market equilibrium without public debt the average period of production equals the average waiting period of households. In the twenty-first century and for the OECD plus China area, demographic and production parameters are such that capital market equilibrium implies a negative real rate of interest. Price stability implies a non-negative real rate of interest. Prosperity requires capital market equilibrium. Thus, positive public debt is required for price stability under conditions of prosperity. Some conclusions are drawn for actual international macropolicy.
Detecting signs of dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer's disease with oral feeding in daily life
Authors: Sato Emiko , Hirano Hirohiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Edahiro Ayako , Sato Kazumichi , Yamane Genyuki , Katakura Akira
Published: August 2013

Aim

It is important to understand dysphagia in patients with dementia, as it is associated with malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. Particularly in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mortality from pneumonia is high and accounts for 70% of the causes of death. However, the standard swallowing tests are often difficult to use for patients with dementia, and methods to assess daily swallowing function are required. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify signs of dysphagia in AD patients in daily life.

Methods

A total of 155 AD patients underwent evaluation of their swallowing function (modified water swallowing test), oral status (residual teeth, occlusal contacts), oral functions (lips function, tongue function, rinsing and gargling ability), vital functions (Barthel Index, Vitality Index), nutritional status (serum albumin, body mass index), cognitive function and neurological signs (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, limb contractures), and diet‐related assessments (storing food in the mouth, stuffing food into the mouth, appetite, caloric intake).

Results

The severity of AD was significantly associated with swallowing function (P < 0.001). According to logistic regression analysis, the factor most significantly associated with dysphagia was “rinsing ability” (P = 0.001, odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.9–12.1).

Conclusion

The factors that affect swallowing function in AD patients were examined. The swallowing function of severe AD patients was poor, and an association between AD and dysphagia was shown. Defective rinsing ability was identified as a risk factor for dysphagia. Therefore, observation of daily rinsing ability appears to be useful to identify signs of dysphagia in AD patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 549–555.
Effects of Rho‐kinase inhibition on myosin light chain phosphorylation and obstruction‐induced detrusor overactivity
Authors: Marx James O , Basha Maureen E , Mohanan Sunish , Hypolite Joseph A , Chang Shaohua , Wein Alan J , Zderic Stephen A , Laping Nicholas J , Chacko Samuel
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To study the relationship between myosin light chain phosphorylation of the detrusor muscle and spontaneous smooth muscle contractions in a rabbit model of partial outlet obstruction.

Methods

New Zealand white rabbit urinary bladders were partially obstructed for 2 weeks. Rabbits were euthanized, detrusor muscle strips were hung on a force transducer and spontaneous activity was measured at varying concentrations (0–0.03 μM/L) of the Rho‐kinase inhibitors GSK 576371 or 0.01 μM/L Y27632. Basal myosin light chain phosphorylation was measured by 2‐D gel electrophoresis in control and GSK 576371‐treated strips.

Results

Both drugs suppressed the force of spontaneous contractions, whereas GSK 576371 had a more profound effect on the frequency of the contractions. The IC50 values for the inhibition of frequency and force of spontaneous contractions were 0.17 μM/L and 0.023 μM/L for GSK 576371, respectively. The compound significantly decreased the basal myosin light chain phosphorylation from 28.0 ± 3.9% to 13.5 ± 1.9% (P < 0.05). At 0.01 μM/L, GSK 576371 inhibited spontaneous bladder overactivity by 50%, but inhibited carbachol‐elicited contractions force by just 25%.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Rho‐kinase regulation of myosin light chain phosphorylation contributes to the spontaneous detrusor activity induced by obstruction. This finding could have therapeutic implications by providing another therapeutic option for myogenic, overactive bladder.
Survival after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A population‐based competing‐risks analysis
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Bianchi Marco , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Becker Andreas , Larouche Alexandre , Abdollah Firas , Roghmann Florian , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Sun Maxine
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To examine the rates of cancer‐specific mortality, other‐cause and bladder cancer mortality in patients with upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy.

Methods

Relying on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 9899 patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy were identified. A 20‐strata graphical aid was constructed using age (<60, 60–69, 70–79, >79 years) and American Joint Committee on Cancer/TNM stage (pT1N0/x, pT2N0/x, pT3N0/x, pT4N0/x, pTanypN1–3) as stratifying variables. The 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality, other‐cause and bladder cancer mortality rates were generated through competing‐risks Poisson regression methodologies. Multivariable competing‐risks regression models were used to test the effect of age and stage on three different end‐points: cancer‐specific mortality, other‐cause and bladder cancer mortality.

Results

Overall, 1797 (18.1%), 891 (9.1%) and 3090 (31.2%) patients died of cancer‐specific mortality, other‐cause and bladder cancer mortality, respectively. Following stratification according to age and stage, the proportion of patients who succumbed to cancer‐specific mortality (11.7–21.9%) and other‐cause mortality (8.9–30.4%) increased with age. In contrast, with increasing stage, the proportion of patients who died of cancer‐specific mortality increased (7.2–37.5%), whereas the proportion of other‐cause mortality remained stable (18.9–22.0%). The rate of bladder cancer mortality increased with advancing stage. At multivariable competing‐risk regression model, besides age and stage, women, type of surgery, grade and location were associated with higher cancer‐specific mortality. Furthermore, ureteral location, stage and grade were associated with bladder cancer mortality.

Conclusions

The developed graphical aid for prediction of cancer‐specific mortality, other‐cause, and bladder cancer mortality according to age and stage in patients with upper‐tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy can be useful for physicians and patients during clinical counseling.
Catch composition, reproductive biology and diet of the bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus (Squaliformes: Echinorhinidae) from the south‐eastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Akhilesh K. V. , Bineesh K. K. , White W. T. , Shanis C. P. R. , Hashim M. , Ganga U. , Pillai N. G. K.
Published: August 2013

Fishery and biological data are presented for the poorly known bramble shark Echinorhinus brucus (Squaliformes: Echinorhinidae), from the deep waters of the south‐eastern Arabian Sea. A total of 5318 individuals from by‐catch landings of deep‐water bottom set longlines, gillnets and shrimp trawl fisheries operating at depths of 200–1200 m were recorded between January 2008 and December 2011 at the Kochi Fisheries Harbour (Kerala). A total of 431 individuals, from 46 to 318 cm total length (LT) and 0·8 to 132 kg total mass (MT), were examined to determine biological data for this species. The LT at which 50% were mature (LT50) for females and males was estimated at 189 and 187 cm LT. Litter size ranged from 10 to 36 and size at birth was between 42 and 46 cm LT. Dietary analysis of stomach contents revealed E. brucus feeds on a variety of prey including crustaceans (69% index of relative importance, IRI), teleosts (25·8% IRI), cephalopods (1·7% IRI) and elasmobranchs (0·7% IRI). This study provides the first detailed biological data for this species and also highlights the extent of the by‐catch fishery for this species in Indian waters.
Turkish Capitalist Modernity and the Gezi Revolt
Authors: Öncü Ahmet
Published: August 2013

In this paper an attempt is made to reassess how and why the laic/Islamic dual opposition has come to be a decisive factor in the politics of Turkish capitalist modernity. The question as to whether this opposition may survive into the twenty‐first century is briefly discussed. It is noted that in the aftermath of the prolonged confrontation between the emergent imagined community of the Gezi Revolt and the Islamist AKP government, a religiously neutral political identity came into sight in public life, which can be considered as the harbinger of a new kind of social individuality, one which is incommensurate with the laic/Islamic dual opposition.
Tainting illegality
Authors: Loke Alexander F H
Published: August 2013

The assertion of contractual rights may be defeated by the illegality defence, not because their creation is offensive to public policy but by reason of an illegality that ‘taints’ these rights. To date, no analytical framework has been developed for understanding how these tainting rules are connected to one another. The Tainting Illegality Framework (TIF) presented in this paper seeks to fill this gap in current legal scholarship by exploring, first, the linkages between the rules by which contract rights are tainted and, secondly, the theoretical underpinnings that explain the existing tensions and that will continue to shape the law in this area. The suggested analytical approach enriches and increases the sophistication of the current approaches by considering how their application is shaped by considerations of proximity and the nature of the contaminating illegality. The framework recognises the value of the existing rules, and seeks to enrich the analytical approach by suggesting how their application can more transparently reflect the policy rationale for applying the illegality defence.
A taxonomic revision of westernEupholidopterabush crickets (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae): testing the discrimination power ofDNAbarcode
Authors: ALLEGRUCCI GIULIANA , MASSA BRUNO , TRASATTI ALESSANDRA , SBORDONI VALERIO
Published: August 2013

The genusEupholidopteraincludes 46Mediterranean species distributed fromTurkey toGreece,Italy and southernFrance. In the eastern part of its range,Eupholidopterahas been considered to consist of several distinct species, while in theBalkans andItalian peninsula onlyE. chabrierihas been recognized. However, the status of someItalian populations, confined to particular geographic areas, remains uncertain. To investigate the delimitation of theItalian taxa ofEupholidoptera, we performed both morphological and molecular analyses. Morphological analysis was carried out by considering diagnostic characters usually used to distinguish different taxa, such as the shape of titillators in males and the subgenital plate in females. Molecular analysis was performed by sequencing three mitochondrial genes:12SrRNA,16SrRNA, partially sequenced and the entire gene ofcox1. Molecular markers were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among theItalianEupholidopteraspecies and to reconstruct the historical processes that shaped their current geographic distribution. Results from both morphological and molecular analyses were used to revise the taxonomic arrangement of species. On the whole we were able to distinguish nine lineages ofItalianEupholidoptera, of whichE. tyrrhenicasp.n.fromCorsica is described as a new species.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank,http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EBD181A0-5263-4880-AC80-66F624506E3A.
Good and Bad Idealizations in Political Theory
Authors: Uberti Luca Jacopo
Published: August 2013

This article criticizes Laura Valentini's criterion for distinguishing good and bad idealizations in normative political theory. I argue that, on an attentive reading of her criterion, all ideal theories she discusses must be written off as incorporating bad idealizations. This fact makes Valentini's criterion trivially implausible, for it is argued that there are good idealizations that succeed in promoting the action‐guiding goal of ideal theory. Upon rejecting an attempt to salvage the idealizations that Valentini marks off as bad, I develop an alternative criterion for demarcating good and bad idealizations. The criterion holds that the standing of a theory's idealized assumptions depends on whether the stipulated idealizations can be feasibly realized in the non‐ideal world, and thus on whether the principles that the theory generates can be made relevant for real‐world practice. I also claim that the feasibility criterion better reflects the function of idealization in promoting action‐guidance. Unlike Valentini's criterion, the feasibility criterion yields the result that Rawls' theories of domestic and international justice both incorporate bad idealizations.
Cardiac transplant in a family pedigree of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy secondary to a mutation in the AMP gene
Authors: Schofield Rebecca Sally , McGarry Katherine , Murphy Claire Louise , O'Hare Kevin
Published: August 2013

The phenotype of this unique condition comprises left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), accessory pathways, atrial arrhythmia and premature failure of the atrioventricular node. At age 11, his ECG showed marked voltage criteria for LVH but his echocardiography was negative. He declined further screening but was reassessed at 21 years of age. By this time he had developed significant LVH. He had an implantable cardioventer defibrillator (ICD) in 2001. He developed atrial flutter and fibrillation which was initially treated with medical therapy and then radiofrequency ablation.Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated. He was New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3–4 for most of 2011 and spent the latter part of the year and most of 2012 as an in-patient. An attempt to upgrade his ICD to a cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator was unsuccessful.In March 2012 he was placed on the transplant waiting list. He received an organ in June. He is now NHYA class 1 and has returned to work part-time.
Gaucher disease with pathological femoral neck fracture
Authors: Binnetoglu Emine , Komurcu Erkam , Sen Hacer , Kizildag Betul
Published: August 2013

Fractures of the femoral neck are rare and usually result from serious and high-energy trauma in the skeleton in young adults. Gaucher's disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder that has progressive course and is rarely seen. Research has shown that a pathological femoral neck fracture with GD mostly emerges in childhood. But in adults, there are no reports of pathological femoral neck fractures with GD. We present a unique case of GD with a pathological femoral neck fracture in a 54-year-old woman who did not undergo surgery because of haematological problems including thrombocytopaenia.
Extramedullary relapse of multiple myeloma in the thyroid cartilage
Authors: Mitchell Hannah Katherine , Garas George , Mazarakis Nektarios , McGlashan Julian
Published: August 2013

Multiple myeloma involving the thyroid cartilage is a very uncommon disease entity. Only 10 cases have been reported in the international literature to date and as such it constitutes a rare and challenging diagnosis to make. We report the case of a 63-year-old man with a background of malignant melanoma and multiple myeloma both of which were in remission at the time of presentation. The patient presented with hoarseness and a large neck mass that turned out to be an extramedullary deposit of his previously treated multiple myeloma indicating disease relapse. The differential diagnosis of a mass in the thyroid cartilage is discussed. Despite its rarity, this diagnosis should be considered even in patients with no history of multiple myeloma, as it can arise de-novo in the thyroid cartilage (extramedullary plasmacytoma). The importance of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach as well as recent advances in treatment are also discussed.
Simplified procedure for estimation of liquefaction-induced settlement and site-specific probabilistic settlement exceedance curve using cone penetration test (CPT)
Authors: Juang C. Hsein , Ching Jianye , Wang Lei , Khoshnevisan Sara , Ku Chih-Sheng
Published: August 2013

Liquefaction often causes damage to infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, and lifelines. Liquefaction-induced ground movements such as settlement and lateral spread are of major concern to engineers who have to evaluate seismic risk. This paper deals with evaluation of liquefaction-induced settlement using a cone penetration test (CPT). Existing CPT-based models often overestimate liquefaction-induced settlement. In this paper, a database of case histories of settlement in recent earthquakes is compiled and used to calibrate the model bias of a CPT-based model, from which a simplified procedure is developed that allows for estimation of the probability of exceeding a specified settlement at a given site. Reasonable results are obtained using the developed simplified CPT-based model, as demonstrated in the examples presented.
COHERENT STATE OF THE EXTENDED SCARF I POTENTIAL AND SOME OF ITS PROPERTIES
Authors: AIZAWA N. , ROY P.
Published: August 2013

Using shape invariance property we construct coherent state for a class of potentials containing Scarf I and its extensions, the solutions of the latter being given in terms of the recently discovered Jacobi-Xl type exceptional polynomials. It is shown that the coherent state possesses the property of resolution of unity and exhibits sub-Poissonian behavior. We then investigate the coherent state of Scarf I potential and its l = 1 extension in some detail to understand the similarities (and differences) between the exceptional orthogonal polynomials and their classical counterparts.
CYCLIC COSMOLOGY FROM THE LITTLE RIP
Authors: FRAMPTON PAUL H. , LUDWICK KEVIN J.
Published: August 2013

We revisit a cyclic cosmology scenario proposed in 2007 to examine whether its hypotheses can be sustained if the underlying big-rip evolution, which was assumed there, is replaced by the recently proposed little rip. We show that the separation into causal patches at turnaround is generally valid for a little rip, and therefore conclude that the little rip is equally as suitable a basis for cyclicity as is the big rip.
BORN–INFELD–DE SITTER GRAVITY: COLD, ULTRA-COLD AND NARIAI BLACK HOLES
Authors: FERNANDO SHARMANTHIE
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we have presented interesting properties of the static charged Born–Infeld–de Sitter black hole. They can have timelike as well as spacelike singularities depending on the parameters of the theory. The degenerate black holes lead to cold, ultra-cold and Nariai black holes. The geometry of such black holes is discussed. A comparison is done with the Reissner–Nordstrom–de Sitter black holes.
Tetra-2,3-pyrazinoporphyrazines with externally appended pyridine rings 14: UV-visible spectral and electrochemical behavior of homo/heterobinuclear neutral and hexacationic macrocycles
Authors: Donzello Maria Pia , Vittori Daniela , Futur David , Fu Zhen , Ercolani Claudio , Kadish Karl M.
Published: August 2013

Detailed UV-visible, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies were carried out in DMSO on two known series of homo/heterobimetallic pyrazinoporphyrazine compounds, i.e.[( M′Cl 2) LM ] and [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6, where L = tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di(2-pyridyl)pyrazino]porphyrazinato anion, M = Zn II , Mg II ( H 2 O ) or Pd II and M′ = Pd II or Pt II . The [( M′Cl 2) LM ] compounds, as obtained from the mononuclear species [LM], undergo only subtle UV-visible spectral changes and exhibit practically unchanged half wave potentials for reduction; thus, peripheral coordination to the [LM] macrocycles of a single PdCl 2 or PtCl 2 unit at one of the external dipyridinopyrazine fragments only minimally disturbs the σ/π electronic distribution within the entire porphyrazine unit. In contrast, quaternization by CH 3 I of the six unligated pyridine N atoms of the species [( PtCl 2) LM ] leading to formation of the hexacations [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ results in a significant bathochromic shift (5–15 nm) of the Q-band positions, thus suggesting an enhanced electron-withdrawing effect determined by an incremented displacement of the σ/π electronic system towards the periphery of the macrocycle. Accordingly, there is a facilitated thermodynamic uptake of electrons upon going from [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]6+ to [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ] n (n = 5+ → 2+). Noteworthy, the UV-visible spectra of the salt-like species [( PtCl 2)( CH 3)6 LM ]( I )6 in water at c = 5 × 10-5 M ) indicate the presence of a monomer-dimer equilibrium, persistent even at very low concentrations (ca. 5 × 10-7 M).
Recent advances in transport of water-soluble vitamins in organs of the digestive system: a focus on the colon and the pancreas
Authors: Said Hamid M.
Published: August 2013

This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of water-soluble vitamin (WSV) transport in the large intestine and pancreas, two important organs of the digestive system that have only recently received their fair share of attention. WSV, a group of structurally unrelated compounds, are essential for normal cell function and development and, thus, for overall health and survival of the organism. Humans cannot synthesize WSV endogenously; rather, WSV are obtained from exogenous sources via intestinal absorption. The intestine is exposed to two sources of WSV: a dietary source and a bacterial source (i.e., WSV generated by the large intestinal microbiota). Contribution of the latter source to human nutrition/health has been a subject of debate and doubt, mostly based on the absence of specialized systems for efficient uptake of WSV in the large intestine. However, recent studies utilizing a variety of human and animal colon preparations clearly demonstrate that such systems do exist in the large intestine. This has provided strong support for the idea that the microbiota-generated WSV are of nutritional value to the host, and especially to the nutritional needs of the local colonocytes and their health. In the pancreas, WSV are essential for normal metabolic activities of all its cell types and for its exocrine and endocrine functions. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the mechanisms involved in the uptake of WSV and the effect of chronic alcohol exposure on the uptake processes.