bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems Analysis Using Simulation
Authors: Evers Philip T. , Wan Xiang
Published: June 2012

This article offers an expanded classification of methodologies used in systems analysis. Of these methods, one in particular—simulation—is explored in some detail. Issues associated with building and running a model, as well as analyzing its results, are examined within the context of supply chain management. It is claimed that the ability to conduct simulation studies, along with the ease of misinterpreting their results, has greatly increased over time.
Metaheuristics in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Griffis Stanley E. , Bell John E. , Closs David J.
Published: June 2012

The modeling of logistics systems is performed to seek the best possible system configuration to minimize costs or maximize operational performance, in order to meet or exceed customer expectations. Classically, analytic system analysis of this type has been performed using optimization, simulation, or heuristics. However, in the past two decades, a newer class of techniques, metaheuristics, has emerged as a capable method for quickly providing near‐optimal solutions for problems that exact optimization cannot solve. This article outlines recent advances in metaheuristics development, and considers the ability of these advanced techniques to resolve various logistics and supply chain problem types. Specifically, the article discusses the ant colony optimization, genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, and tabu search metaheuristics. The capabilities of these metaheuristic techniques to examine supply chain risk and disruptions, intermodal operations, customer service trade‐offs, backhaul strategies, and simultaneous facility location and vehicle route problems are proposed. The article concludes by describing how faculty can bring these techniques into the classroom to ensure their students enter the logistics and supply chain field with a current and relevant understanding of the state of the art in supply chain design techniques.
Modeling and Analysis of Reverse Logistics
Authors: Rogers Dale S. , Melamed Benjamin , Lembke Ronald S.
Published: June 2012

Many modeling techniques have been developed to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of forward logistics and supply chain management. As this article will illustrate, modeling techniques can be helpful in improving the management of reverse logistics as well. Companies and researchers are just beginning to appreciate the important differences between forward and reverse chains, and there is great opportunity to apply modeling methodologies to managing reverse logistics problems and issues. This article describes how modeling techniques can be utilized to improve reverse logistics processes and aid in solving real‐world reverse logistics problems. We focus on specific reverse logistics processes that firms, which sell products, are likely to address. In fact, the area of reverse logistics has broadened of late to include many activities that were not originally part of simply returning consumer products to a retailer. Herein, we present an overview of opportunities, where improved modeling efforts should be able to provide substantial benefits to supply chain professionals.
Optimization Modeling for Logistics: Options and Implementations
Authors: Bartolacci Michael R. , LeBlanc Larry J. , Kayikci Yasanur , Grossman Thomas A.
Published: June 2012

Logistics optimization has significantly grown in popularity over the last few decades. Improvements in computing power, modeling software, and the willingness of companies to invest time in the modeling effort have allowed models that were once too unwieldy to solve to optimality to be solved quickly. This has led to a more wide‐spread recognition by logistics managers of the potential advantages of using optimization. The scope of logistics optimization in companies and organizations has expanded to address strategic, tactical, operational, and collaborative decision making. Spreadsheets, an analytical tool familiar to managers, have played a crucial role in the expanded modeling efforts of companies. Although optimization’s role in logistics has grown tremendously, there still are areas that remain to be explored that will allow it to achieve an even larger and more successful role in the management of companies. Additionally, there are some models that are still too large or too complex to currently solve to optimality, despite the advances in computing power and modeling/solving software.
Embryonic development in ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta
Authors: D’Arcy J. , Dunaevskaya E. , Treasurer J. W. , Ottesen O. , Maguire J. , Zhuravleva N. , Karlsen A. , Rebours C. , FitzGerald R. D.
Published: June 2012

Eight primary embryonic developmental stages were assigned to eggs of ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta using key morphological features following standardized nomenclature: Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI and VI+, reared from single family clutches under comparable environmental conditions in Ireland and Norway. Development in L. bergylta is typical of demersal marine finfish species with a short egg stage. Hatching occurred c. 123 h post‐fertilization (hpf) equivalent to 62·5 degree days at 12·2 ± 1·10° C (mean ±s.d.), after which the larvae swam intermittently near the surface of the water column.
Annotated list of demersal fishes occurring at Sedlo Seamount, Azores north‐east central Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Menezes G. M. , Rosa A. , Melo O. , Porteiro F.
Published: June 2012

Several fish surveys were carried out in recent years at Sedlo Seamount, Azores, north‐eastern central Atlantic Ocean. An objective of the surveys was to determine the species composition of the demersal fish species living in the area. Four types of sampling gears (bottom trawl and three types of longline) were used at Sedlo Seamount resulting in very different species composition by gear and a very complete coverage of the fish fauna of the area. A list of fishes caught with these sampling methods is presented, along with other specific auxiliary information. Altogether 78 species from 43 families were listed for Sedlo Seamount, and as far as is known, 15 species were recorded for the first time for Azorean waters.
Regional variation in otolith Sr:Ca ratios of African longfinned eel Anguilla mossambica and mottled eel Anguilla marmorata: a challenge to the classic tool for reconstructing migratory histories of fishes
Authors: Lin Y.‐J. , Jessop B. M. , Weyl O. L. F. , Iizuka Y. , Lin S.‐H. , Tzeng W.‐N. , Sun C.‐L.
Published: June 2012

Otolith Sr:Ca ratios of the African longfinned eel Anguilla mossambica and giant mottled eel Anguilla marmorata from nine freshwater sites in four rivers of South Africa were analysed to reconstruct their migratory life histories between freshwater and saltwater habitats. For A. mossambica, the Sr:Ca ratios in the otolith edge differed significantly among rivers and had large effect sizes, but did not differ among sites within a river. Otolith Sr:Ca ratios did not differ among rivers for A. marmorata. When rivers were pooled, the edge Sr:Ca ratios of A. mossambica were not significantly different from those of A. marmorata. According to the river‐specific critical Sr:Ca ratio distinguishing freshwater from saltwater residence, most A. mossambica and A. marmorata had saltwater habitat experience after settlement in fresh water. This was primarily during their elver stage or early in the yellow eel stage. During the middle and late yellow eel stage, freshwater residency was preferred and only sporadic visits were made to saltwater habitats. The data also suggest that regional variations in otolith Sr:Ca ratios affect the critical Sr:Ca value and are a challenge for the reconstruction of migratory life histories that should be explicitly considered to avoid bias and uncertainty.
BIX‐01294 treatment blocks cell proliferation, migration and contractility in ovine foetal pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yang Q. , Lu Z. , Singh D. , Raj J. U.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Recent studies have indicated a role of epigenetic phenomena in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, but in foetal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation this is still largely unknown. G9a is a key enzyme for histone H3 dimethylation at position lysine‐9. In this study, we have investigated the function of G9a in ovine foetal PASMC proliferation, migration and contractility.

Material and methods

Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting and BrdU incorporation assay and cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Expression of cell cycle‐related genes was determined by real‐time PCR and the wound‐healing scratch assay was used to measure cell migration. A gel contraction assay was used to determine contractility of foetal PASMCs. Global DNA methylation was measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy.

Results

Inhibition of G9a by its inhibitor BIX‐01294 reduced proliferation of foetal PASMCs and induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. This was accompanied by increased p21 expression, but not p53 and other cell cycle‐related genes. Treatment of foetal PASMCs with BIX‐01294 inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced cell proliferation and migration. Contractility of foetal PASMCs was also markedly inhibited by BIX‐01294. Expression of calponin and ROCK‐II proteins was reduced by BIX‐01294 in a dose‐dependent manner and BIX‐01294 significantly increased global methylation level in the foetal PASMCs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate for the first time that histone lysine methylation is involved in cell proliferation, migration, contractility and global DNA methylation in foetal PASMCs. Further understanding of this mechanism may provide insight into proliferative vascular disease in the lungs.
Increased expression of the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway and its cellular localization in Barrett’s adenocarcinoma
Authors: Boger Philip C , Shutt James D , Neale James R , Wilson Susan J , Bateman Adrian C , Holloway John W , Patel Praful , Sampson Anthony P
Published: June 2012

Boger P C, Shutt J D, Neale J R, Wilson S J, Bateman A C, Holloway J W, Patel P & Sampson A P  (2012) Histopathology 61, 509–517

Increased expression of the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway and its cellular localization in Barrett’s adenocarcinoma

Aims:  Up‐regulation of the 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) leukotriene pathway is evident in numerous tumour types, and has been linked to the promotion of cancer cell growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of 5‐LOX pathway proteins in oesophageal adenocarcinoma and its premalignant lesion, Barrett’s metaplasia.

Methods and results:  Tissue samples were collected at endoscopy from 16 patients with Barrett’s metaplasia and from seven with oesophageal adenocarcinoma; five proximal squamous oesophagus samples were used as controls. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on stromal and epithelial areas with optimized concentrations of primary antibodies for 5‐LOX, 5‐LOX‐activating protein (FLAP), and the distal enzymes leukotriene (LT) A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and LTC4 synthase (LTC4S). the diagnosis was histologically confirmed from adjacent sections by a gastrointestinal pathologist. Striking increases in the stromal immunoexpression of 5‐LOX (P = 0.041), FLAP (P = 0.038), LTA4H (P = 0.0008) and LTC4S (P = 0.036) were seen in adenocarcinoma tissue. Stromal FLAP and LTA4H immunostaining correlated with elevated neutrophil counts (P < 0.001). LTC4S was also notably overexpressed within epithelial cells in both Barrett’s metaplasia (P < 0.001) and adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01) tissue.

Conclusions:  Key biosynthetic enzymes of the LTB4 and LTC4 biosynthetic pathways are incrementally expressed across the spectrum of squamous, Barrett’s metaplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinoma tissues, suggesting, for the first time, a role for both LT subfamilies in disease progression.
The role of e‐learning coaches in Australian secondary schools
Authors: Skues J.L. , Cunningham E.G.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore the personal experiences of e‐learning coaches working in secondary schools in order to provide information about the role of an e‐learning coach. Seven secondary schools in the outer‐eastern region of Melbourne, Australia, were involved in a 3‐year e‐learning project. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted by an independent researcher with an e‐learning coach from each of the seven schools involved in the research. A number of themes emerged from the interviews, including role confusion, changes in the role over time, the importance of establishing relationships, barriers to the uptake of information and communication technology (ICT) and ICT usage. To facilitate the integration of ICT with teaching practices in the secondary school setting, we recommend that a full‐time position for an on‐site e‐learning coach receiving the total support of school leaders is needed to provide relevant professional development and ongoing support to classroom teachers.
Complex patterns of host switching in New World arenaviruses
Authors: IRWIN NANCY R. , BAYERLOVÁ MICHAELA , MISSA OLIVIER , MARTÍNKOVÁ NATÁLIA
Published: June 2012

We empirically tested the long‐standing hypothesis of codivergence of New World arenaviruses (NWA) with their hosts. We constructed phylogenies for NWA and all known hosts and used them in reconciliation analyses. We also constructed a phylogenetic tree of all Sigmodontinae and Neotominae rodents and tested whether viral–host associations were phylogenetically clustered. We determined host geographical overlap to determine to what extent opportunity to switch hosts was limited by host relatedness or physical proximity. With the exception of viruses from North America, no phylogenetically codivergent pattern between NWA and their hosts was found. We found that different virus clades were clustered differently and that Clade B with members pathogenic to humans was randomly distributed across the rodent phylogeny. Furthermore, viral relatedness within Clade B was significantly explained by the geographic overlap of their hosts’ ranges rather than host relatedness, indicating that they are capable of host switching opportunistically. This has important bearings on their potential to become panzootic. Together, these analyses suggest that NWA have not codiverged with their hosts and instead have evolved predominantly via host switching.
Characterization of three new HLA‐B alleles: B*35:05:03, B*52:29 and B*57:01:13
Authors: Swelsen W. T. N. , Hartog K. S. , Poell B. , Varlack S. V. , Lardy N. M.
Published: June 2012

Three new HLA‐B alleles were identified during routine sequence‐based typing.
Detecting small‐scale genotype–environment interactions in apomictic dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) populations
Authors: McLEOD K. A. , SCASCITELLI M. , VELLEND M.
Published: June 2012

Studies of genotype × environment interactions (G × E) and local adaptation provide critical tests of natural selection’s ability to counter opposing forces such as gene flow. Such studies may be greatly facilitated in asexual species, given the possibility for experimental replication at the level of true genotypes (rather than populations) and the possibility of using molecular markers to assess genotype–environment associations in the field (neither of which is possible for most sexual species). Here, we tested for G × E in asexual dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) by subjecting six genotypes to experimental drought, mown and benign (control) conditions and subsequently using microsatellites to assess genotype–environment associations in the field. We found strong G × E, with genotypes that performed poorly under benign conditions showing the highest performance under stressful conditions (drought or mown). Our six focal genotypes comprise > 80% of plants in local populations. The most common genotype in the field showed its highest relative performance under mown conditions (the most common habitat in our study area), and almost all plants of this genotype in the field were found growing in mowed lawns. Genotypes performing best under benign experimental conditions were found most frequently in unmown conditions in the field. These results are strongly indicative of local adaptation at a very small scale, with unmown microsites of only a few square metres typically embedded within larger mown lawns. By studying an asexual species, we were able to map genotypes with known ecological characteristics to environments with high spatial precision.
The role of gene flow asymmetry along an environmental gradient in constraining local adaptation and range expansion
Authors: FEDORKA K. M. , WINTERHALTER W. E. , SHAW K. L. , BROGAN W. R. , MOUSSEAU T. A.
Published: June 2012

Theoretically, asymmetric gene flow along an environmental gradient can limit species range expansion by keeping peripheral populations from locally adapting. However, few empirical studies have examined this potentially fundamental evolutionary mechanism. We address this possibility in the cricketAllonemobius socius, which exist along a season‐length gradient where the probability of producing a single generation per year (univoltinism) increases with latitude. As the probability of univoltinism increases northwards, populations are expected to hedge their bets by producing a greater proportion of diapause eggs when exposed to a mild diapause cue. However, gene flow from southern populations may disrupt local adaptation in the north by reducing the proportion of diapause eggs (expected to be 100% in pure univoltine environments). This may limit range expansion along the northern periphery whereA. sociuscompete withA. fasciatus, a sister species that exhibits an invariant diapause‐only egg‐laying strategy. To assess the potential for range limitation, we examined diapause incidence (the proportion of diapause eggs produced under diapause conditions), gene flow symmetry and population structure across nineA. sociuspopulations. We found that gene flow was asymmetric and biased northwards towards the periphery. Furthermore, peripheral populations that inhabited pure univoltine environments produced numerous nondiapause eggs (a southern, bivoltine diapause phenotype), which we assume to be a suboptimal phenotype. These patterns suggest that asymmetric gene flow along the gradient constrains adaptation in peripheral populations, potentially constraining species range expansion.
Kin recognition: evidence that humans can perceive both positive and negative relatedness
Authors: KRUPP D. B. , DeBRUINE L. M. , JONES B. C. , LALUMIÈRE M. L.
Published: June 2012

The evolution of spite entails actors imposing costs on ‘negative’ relatives: those who are less likely than chance to share the actor’s alleles and therefore more likely to bear rival alleles. Yet, despite a considerable body of research confirming that organisms can recognize positive relatives, little research has shown that organisms can recognize negative relatives. Here, we extend previous work on human phenotype matching by introducing a cue to negative relatedness: negative self‐resembling faces, which differ from an average face in the opposite direction to the way an individual’s own face differs from the average. Participants made trustworthiness and attractiveness judgements of pairs of opposite‐sex positive and negative self‐resembling faces. Analyses revealed opposing effects of positive and negative self‐resembling faces on trustworthiness and attractiveness judgements. This is the first clear evidence that humans are sensitive to negative relatedness cues, and suggests the potential for the adaptive allocation of spiteful behaviour.
Prevention and management of drug resistant hepatitis B virus infections
Authors: Wang Cheng , Fan Rong , Sun Jian , Hou Jinlin
Published: June 2012

In the past decade, broadened therapeutic options of oral direct antiviral agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection include: Lamivudine, Adefovir Dipivoxil, Telbivudine, Entecavir and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. These direct oral antiviral agents effectively suppress the replication of the virus and reduce the risk of potential liver‐related complications. However, prolonged use of these nucleos(t)ide analogues has been associated with drug resistance that compromises the initial clinical benefits. Moreover, the oncogenic risk of mutations due to prolonged nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy needs to be further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies. In the current era of potent nucleotide analogues, new data are emerging, we are still facing the pool of patients who have developed resistance to the prior generation of nucleos(t)ide analogues. This paper aims to focus on incidence of antiviral drug resistance and virological breakthrough, prudent selection of initial therapy, on‐treatment monitoring for drug resistance and revise treatment strategies for patients with resistant virus.
Molecular pathways in colorectal cancer
Authors: Al‐Sohaily Sam , Biankin Andrew , Leong Rupert , Kohonen‐Corish Maija , Warusavitarne Janindra
Published: June 2012

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer and accounts for the second highest number of cancer related deaths in Australia, the third worldwide and of increasing importance in Asia. It arises through cumulative effects of inherited genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Genomic instability is an integral part in the transformation of normal colonic or rectal mucosa into carcinoma. Three molecular pathways have been identified: these are the chromosomal instability (CIN), the microsatellite instability (MSI), and the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) pathways. These pathways are not mutually exclusive, with some tumors exhibiting features of multiple pathways. Germline mutations are responsible for hereditary CRC syndromes (accounting for less than 5% of all CRC) while a stepwise accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations results in sporadic CRC. This review aims to discuss the genetic basis of hereditary CRC and the different pathways involved in the process of colorectal carcinogenesis.
Needle‐knife fistulotomy in patients with periampullary diverticula and difficult bile duct cannulation
Authors: Park Chung Su , Park Chang Hwan , Koh Han Ra , Jun Chung Hwan , Ki Ho Seok , Park Seon Young , Kim Hyun Soo , Choi Sung Kyu , Rew Jong Sun
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  Needle‐knife fistulotomy has commonly been used for overcoming difficult bile duct cannulation. Periampullary diverticula (PAD) can be an impediment to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. There are little data on needle‐knife fistulotomy in patients with PAD. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of needle‐knife fistulotomy between patients with and without PAD.

Methods:  Data from December 2005 to October 2010 were reviewed. Patients who underwent needle‐knife fistulotomy were divided into the group with PAD and the group without PAD (control group). The technical success and complications were compared.

Results:  A total of 3012 ERCP cases were analyzed. Needle‐knife fistulotomy was performed in 154 out of 3012 cases (5.1%) with 138 of these patients (89.6%) experiencing successful bile duct cannulation. The overall cannulation success rate was not significantly different between PAD group (n = 33) and control group (n = 121) (93.9% vs 88.4%; P = 0.523). There was no significant difference in pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation between the two groups.

Conclusions:  Needle‐knife fistulotomy can be performed effectively and safely in patients with periampullary diverticula and difficult bile duct cannulation.
The new clinical leader
Authors: Oates Kim
Published: June 2012

The complexity and cost of health care, along with a greater need for accountability calls for a new style of clinical leadership. The new clinical leader will lead reform by putting the needs of the patient first and foremost, looking at current and planned services from the patient's point of view as well as the clinician's. Excellent clinical skills will remain essential but will be supplemented by a focus on team work and mentoring, patient safety, clear communication and reduction in waste and inefficiency, leading to better financial outcomes. The new clinical leaders will understand the importance of consulting widely and engaging colleagues in creating change to improve patient care. They will develop trusting and mutually respectful relationships with health service management and be able to negotiate the delicate balance between clinical judgement, resource constraints and personal loyalties by keeping the best outcome for the patient at the forefront of their thinking.
Modelling approach for characterizing thermal stratification and assessing water quality for a large tropical reservoir
Authors: Rangel‐Peraza J. G. , Obregon O. , Nelson J. , Williams G. P. , de Anda J. , González‐Farías F. , Miller J.
Published: June 2012

The dynamics of water temperature, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids concentrations in Aguamilpa Reservoir was analysed by considering horizontal and water column variations. The reservoir model, CE‐QUAL‐W2, was used to simulate the temporal variations calibrated with data gathered every 2 months from June 2008 to June 2009. Temperature depth profiles indicated a typical asymmetry of reservoirs exhibiting a large stratification in the lower part near the dam. Dissolved oxygen concentration profiles exhibited some degree of anoxia in the bottom water during the rainy season (May through October). This is most likely due to decomposition vegetation and organic matter via soil erosion and run‐off from the basin accumulating at the bottom of the reservoir. The reservoir stratification is clearly seasonal, occurring during the rainy season, especially in the lowest reservoir zones. The CE‐QUAL‐W2 model results provided a comprehensive understanding of the temporal behaviour of the study variables during the modelling study period. Application of this water quality model is directed to water resource managers to help them better understand the dynamics of physico‐chemical processes, and how they vary temporally and spatially in the reservoir, and to propose the best management practices for preserving or improving the water quality of the system.
Cardiac high‐sensitivity troponin T measurement: A layer of complexity in managing haemodialysis patients
Authors: PIANTA TIMOTHY J , HORVATH ANDREA R , ELLIS VIVIENNE M , LEONETTI RINA , MOFFAT CHRISTINE , JOSLAND ELIZABETH A , BROWN MARK A
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To determine: (i) the proportion of stable asymptomatic haemodialysis patients with elevated troponin; (ii) stability of troponin values after dialysis and over a 2‐week interval; and (iii) whether high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) was associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Methods:  We measured hsTnT and the fourth generation troponin I before and after dialysis in 103 stable in‐centre haemodialysis patients without ischaemic symptoms. Patients were divided into quartiles to test for associations with established cardiovascular risk factors or disease.

Results:  hsTnT was above the 99th percentile for the general population in 99% of haemodialysis patients compared with only 13% elevation for the troponin I assay (P < 0.001). Median pre‐dialysis hsTnT concentrations were unchanged after a 2‐week interval (69 vs 69 ng/L, P = 0.55) but fell slightly immediately following dialysis (69 vs 61 ng/L, P < 0.001). Established coronary artery disease (59% vs 22%), peripheral vascular disease (38% vs 4%) and diabetes (18% vs 7%) were more prevalent (P < 0.05) in those in the highest quartile for hsTnT compared with those in the lowest quartile.

Conclusion:  Almost all in‐centre haemodialysis patients have elevated troponin T in their baseline stable state and this appears unchanged over a 2‐week interval. Such a high rate of baseline elevation of hsTnT may lead to confusion in managing acute coronary syndrome in this group of patients, particularly when symptoms are atypical. We recommend that if Troponin I assay is unavailable then baseline hsTnT concentrations are measured periodically in all haemodialysis patients.
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) dry matter allocation and partitioning under different nitrogen and density levels
Authors: LESKOVŠEK ROBERT , DATTA AVISHEK , KNEZEVIC STEVAN Z. , SIMONČIČ ANDREJ
Published: June 2012

Dry matter partitioning and allocation is a major determinant of plant growth and its competitiveness. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a troublesome agronomic weed species and it is also a major health concern in Europe and many other countries because of its rapid spreading and production of allergenic pollen. A field experiment was conducted in 2009 to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 100, and 200 kg ha−1) and plant density levels (1.3, 6.6, and 13.2 plants per m2) on the leaf, stem dry matter partitioning, and dry matter allocation of ragweed. With an increasing density, the stem partitioning coefficient increased, whereas the leaf partitioning coefficient decreased. The addition of nitrogen had a limited effect on the leaf and stem dry matter partitioning. The root dry matter production decreased with an increasing density and was not influenced by the addition of nitrogen. Under intraspecific competition, ragweed exhibited a stronger above‐ground competition intensity than below the ground, which resulted in a greater root : shoot ratio, compared to the low‐density stands. The level of nitrogen influenced the vertical leaf, stem, and total dry matter distribution, with a greater allocation to the top stratum of the plants, thus increasing their competition for light. The biomass allocation of ragweed to the roots in response to the nitrogen supply exhibited a low plasticity, compared to the shoots, which displayed a high plasticity. The results of this study suggested that, under intraspecific conditions and with an increasing nitrogen supply, ragweed would be more competitive in above‐ground resource acquisition.
Acute abdomen due to ovarian congestion: A fallopian tube accompanied by a paratubal cyst, coiling tightly round the ovary
Authors: Kaido Yoshitaka , Kikuchi Akihiko , Kanasugi Tomonobu , Fukushima Akimune , Sugiyama Toru
Published: June 2012

We experienced an unreported rare case with an adnexal mass causing severe acute abdomen during pregnancy. A 30‐year‐old Japanese pregnant woman was transported to our hospital for her right lower abdominal pain at 30 weeks of gestation. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound demonstrated a cyst measuring 3–4 cm in diameter adjacent to the right ovary, and a parovarian cyst was considered to be the most probable diagnosis. We strongly suspected torsion of the ovarian pedicle or fallopian tube in conjunction with her clinical symptoms. Laparotomy revealed that the elongated right fallopian tube accompanied by a paratubal cyst was coiling tightly 2.5 times round the right ovary, causing apparent congestion and enlargement of the right ovary. Soon after we released the congested right ovary from the coiling of the fallopian tube, the congestion subsided. The postoperative course was favorable, and pregnancy and delivery were uneventful.
Predicting neonatal weight of more than 4000 g using fetal abdominal circumference measurement by ultrasound at 38–40 weeks of pregnancy: A study in Iran
Authors: Dadkhah Farideh , Kashanian Maryam , Bonyad Zahra , Larijani Tahereh
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the value of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) measurement in pregnancies at 38–40 weeks of gestation and within 7 days of delivery to predict macrosomia.

Material and Methods:  A prospective cohort study was performed on 276 pregnant women who were admitted to the labor ward with gestational age between 38–40 weeks. In all eligible women an ultrasonographic measurement of AC was performed. The women were then monitored up to delivery. All neonatal weights were recorded. The ACs were then evaluated for babies with a neonatal weight of more than 4000 g and babies with a neonatal weight of more than the 90th percentile for gestational age.

Results:  Sixty‐six neonates had a neonatal weight of more than 4000 g and 11 neonates had a birth weight of more than 4500 g. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for AC of more than 35 cm to predict a birth weight of more than 4000 g, were 97%, 54.5%, 40.3% and 98.3%, respectively, and of these 87.9%, 77.6%, 55.2% and 95.3% for AC of more than 36 cm.

Percentages were 97.3%, 56.9%, 45.3% and 98.3%, for a birth weight of more than the 90th percentile for gestational age for AC of more than 35 cm, and 87.8%, 80.2%, 61.9% and 94.7% for AC of more than 36 cm for prediction of birth weight of more than the 90th percentile for gestational age.

Conclusion:  AC measurement at 38–40 weeks of gestation is a suitable index for estimating macrosomia.
Brain metastasis in patients with uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Hwang Jong Ha , Yoo Heon Jong , Lim Myong Cheol , Seo Sang‐Soo , Kang Sokbom , Kim Joo‐Young , Park Sang‐Yoon
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to describe the features of patients with brain metastasis from cervical cancer.

Material and Methods:  The medical records of patients with cervical cancer between February 2001 and June 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics, symptoms, treatment and survival in patients with brain metastasis were analyzed.

Results:  Eleven patients with brain metastasis from cervical cancer were identified, representing an incidence of brain metastasis in the study population of 0.45%. Median patient age at initial diagnosis of cervical cancer was 50 years (range 33–75 years). Non‐squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in six (54.5%) of the 11 patients, with small cell carcinoma diagnosed in two patients. Ten of the 11 patients had lung‐related metastasis at presentation; eight patients had lung metastasis, one had mediastinal lymph node metastasis, and one had pleural metastasis. The median interval from diagnosis of cervical cancer to identification of brain metastasis was 15.4 months (range 3.4–83.3 months). Nine patients presented with neurologic symptoms, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, seizure and extremity weakness. Initially, six patients received whole brain radiotherapy: three patients received chemotherapy; one underwent surgery; and one patient refused treatment. The median survival time after diagnosis of the brain metastases was 5.9 months (range 0.7–19 months).

Conclusion:  The prognosis after diagnosis of the brain metastasis in patients with uterine cervical cancer is poor. The small cell type and lung metastasis seem to be related with brain metastasis and may be regarded as risk factors.
Limit load analyses of helical coiled steam generator tubes with a volumetric flaw
Authors: SEO H.‐B. , RYU T.‐Y. , KIM Y.‐J. , CHANG Y.‐S. , KIM J.‐W. , KIM T.‐W.
Published: June 2012

Maintaining structural integrity of piping has always been an important effort in the nuclear power industry. To resolve piping issues such as unanticipated failures caused by diverse planar and volumetric flaws, several guidelines were developed and used especially for assessment of steam generator tubes. However, because the major components of new reactors have dissimilar geometric features and loading conditions compared with those of conventional operating reactors, most of existing assessment methods are not expected to be applicable; therefore, new alternative assessment guidelines are required. In this paper, a systematic structural integrity assessment of helical coiled steam generator tubes for a small and medium modular reactor, which is currently being designed, is introduced. Three‐dimensional detailed finite element (FE) limit analyses have been carried out to simulate the behaviours of the tube containing a volumetric flaw such as elliptical wear‐type, rectangular wear‐type and tapered wear‐type defects subjected to external pressure. Failure pressures were calculated from the FE analyses by changing defect depth, defect length and defect angle affecting the load‐carrying capacity of the tube. Thereby, engineering equations were developed as a function of these key parameters to predict structural failures and system reliability to enable more reasonable design and manufacturing decisions.
Contrasting leaf chemical traits in tropical lianas and trees: implications for future forest composition
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Martin Roberta E.
Published: June 2012

Lianas are an important growthform in tropical forests, and liana abundance and biomass may be increasing in some regions. Explanations for liana proliferation hinge upon physiological responses to changing resource conditions that would favour them over trees. Testing a chemical basis for such responses, we assessed 22 foliar traits in 778 lianas and 6496 trees at 48 tropical forest sites. Growthform differences in chemical allocation occurred on a leaf mass and area basis. Light capture‐growth and maintenance‐metabolism chemicals averaged 14.5 and 16.7% higher mass‐based concentration in lianas than in trees globally, whereas structure and defence chemicals averaged 9.0% lower in lianas. Relative differences in chemical allocation by lianas and trees were mediated by climate with peak differences at about 2500 mm year−1 and 25 °C. Differences in chemical traits suggest that liana expansion could be greatest in forests undergoing increased canopy‐level irradiance via disturbance and climate change.
The Finnish drinking culture: Change and continuity in the past 40 years
Authors: Mäkelä Pia , Tigerstedt Christoffer , Mustonen Heli
Published: June 2012

Introduction and Aims.

In the past 40 years, per capita consumption has increased dramatically in Finland. We study the core changes in drinking culture over this period by age and sex.

Design and Methods.

We used data from the Finnish Drinking Habit Surveys carried out every 8 years in 1968–2008 (n = 16385, response rates 74–97%). Central measures included share of abstainers, frequency of drinking, amounts drunk per occasion and contexts of drinking (location, company, timing).

Results.

Weekly drinking and the frequency of moderate drinking increased among both women and men but proportionately more among women and among respondents aged over 30 years. Amounts drunk per occasion and intoxication increased proportionately more among women and younger respondents. Drinking in home surroundings increased more than drinking in licensed premises, and home drinking increasingly occurred in the company of partners only. Drinking was in all periods heavily concentrated on the weekends and evenings.

Discussion and Conclusions.

Finland has become a wet and permissive drinking culture, and there has been a fundamental cultural shift in women's drinking in particular. Increases in women's drinking have meant that men's drinking has also increasingly been brought to homes, as a part of spouses’ shared activities, and pubs have lost their property as masculine strongholds. Intoxication has maintained its important position in the drinking culture, and drinking still takes place primarily in the evenings and weekends. If drinking cultures in present‐day low and middle income countries develop similarly, strong increases in alcohol‐related harm will follow.
Trade credit policy and firm value
Authors: Martínez‐Sola Cristina , García‐Teruel Pedro J. , Martínez‐Solano Pedro
Published: June 2012

This manuscript studies the shape of the relation between firm value and trade credit for a sample of Spanish listed firms in the period 2001 to 2007. Considering the trade‐off between benefits and costs of investing in trade credit, we estimate a non‐linear relationship between accounts receivable and firm value. As expected, the results obtained show a positive relation between firm value and trade credit at low levels of receivables and a negative one at high levels. To give robustness to the results, we analyse whether deviation from target accounts receivable level reduces firm value. Consistent with the previous analysis, we find that deviations from this level of receivables decrease firm value.
Shared and Distinctive Origins and Correlates of Adult Attachment Representations: The Developmental Organization of Romantic Functioning
Authors: Haydon Katherine C. , Collins W. A. , Salvatore Jessica E. , Simpson Jeffry A. , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: June 2012

To test proposals regarding the hierarchical organization of adult attachment, this study examined developmental origins of generalized and romantic attachment representations and their concurrent associations with romantic functioning. Participants (N = 112) in a 35‐year prospective study completed the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and Current Relationship Interview (CRI). Two‐way analysis of variance tested interactive associations of AAI and CRI security with infant attachment, early parenting quality, preschool ego resiliency, adolescent friendship quality, and adult romantic functioning. Both representations were associated with earlier parenting and core attachment‐related romantic behavior, but romantic representations had distinctive links to ego resiliency and relationship‐specific romantic behaviors. Attachment representations were independent and did not interactively predict romantic functioning, suggesting that they confer somewhat distinctive benefits for romantic functioning.
An Abortive Attempt to Defend an Episcopal Reputation: The Case of Archbishop Edwin Sandys and the Innkeeper's Wife
Authors: BASTOW SARAH
Published: June 2012

In 1581 the archbishop of York, Edwin Sandys, resided overnight at a Doncaster inn whilst making a visitation of his archdiocese. This seemingly innocuous visit triggered a series of events that cast light on early modern ideas regarding respectability, reputation and wider views of Protestantism. The trigger for all of this occurred when Sandys was found in bed with the innkeeper's wife. He claimed this was all part of an elaborate plan to blacken his name by associating it with sexual scandal and that moreover this was an attack on the reformed Church. The observer to the events at the inn and the accused in the subsequent legal proceedings was a local gentleman, Sir Robert Stapleton, who was accused of blackmailing and slandering the archbishop. This article will not seek to condemn or exonerate either Sandys or Stapleton, but rather to examine the motives and actions of all involved. The nature and fragility of reputation in early modern England in relation to both sexual behaviour and religion will be discussed and the importance of preserving one's good name will be seen to be paramount to both men. In addition the interaction of regional and national tensions will become evident as a minor incident turned into a cause célèbre.
The Colour of Feminism: White Feminists and Race in the Women's Liberation Movement
Authors: THOMLINSON NATALIE
Published: June 2012

White feminists active in the Women's Liberation Movement (WLM) in Britain during the 1970s and 1980s have often been accused of being blind to the needs of ethnic minority women and thus ‘racist’. While there is significant truth to these accusations, this article argues that such critiques have often been rather simplistic. In this article I explore the many ways in which white feminists of this era did engage with issues of ‘race’, however clumsily. Many white feminists in the early days of the WLM drew inspiration from the Black movement, and later on in the late 1970s and 1980s significant numbers of white feminists were involved in anti‐racist activity in groups such as Women against Racism and Fascism and Women against Imperialism, and smaller anti‐racist consciousness‐raising groups. I explore the nature of these groups, whilst nevertheless maintaining a critical stance on the ways in which these groups could often – albeit inadvertently – reinscribe white power. I argue that rather than being simply racist, one of the interesting contradictions within the WLM lay in the gap between the awareness of many white feminists of the issue surrounding race, and their inability to translate this awareness into action. I end by suggesting the larger issues that a focus on race in the WLM raises for historians of feminism, both in terms of chronology – such a focus highlights the extent of feminist activity in the 1980s – and regarding the conceptual sensitivity needed when using the term ‘racism’, given the differing ways this term was used within the WLM.
Industry Merger Intensity and Cost of Capital
Authors: Mamun Abdullah , Mishra Dev
Published: June 2012

Using a panel of industry‐average implied cost of equity capital and the value of prior year aggregate industry mergers, we find strong evidence that the industry cost of equity capital is negatively associated with industry merger activity. Our evidence is consistent with greater media coverage, analyst following, or increase in investor attention associated with industry merger activity lowering the required return on equity for firms in an industry that is not involved in merger activity via the ‘information risk’ or ‘incomplete information’ channels.
Lactobionic acid as antioxidant and moisturizing active in alkyl polyglucoside‐based topical emulsions: the colloidal structure, stability and efficacy evaluation
Authors: Tasic‐Kostov M. , Pavlovic D. , Lukic M. , Jaksic I. , Arsic I. , Savic S.
Published: June 2012

Synopsis

Cosmeceutical antioxidants may protect the skin against oxidative injury, involved in the pathogenesis of many skin disorders. However, an unsuitable topical delivery system with compromising safety profile can affect the efficacy of an antioxidant active. This study investigated the antioxidant potential of lactobionic acid (LA), a newer cosmeceutical active, per se (in solution) and incorporated into natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifier‐based system using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The α‐tocopherol was used as a reference compound. The physical stability (using rheology, polarization microscopy, pH and conductivity measurements) of an Alkyl glucoside‐based emulsion was evaluated with and without the active (LA); colloidal structure was assessed using polarization and transmission electron microscopy, rheology, thermal and texture analysis. Additionally, the safety profile and moisturizing potential were investigated using the methods of skin bioengineering. Good physical stability and applicative characteristics were obtained although LA strongly influenced the colloidal structure of the vehicle. LA per se and in APG‐based emulsion showed satisfying antioxidant activity that promotes it as mild multifunctional cosmeceutical efficient in the treatment and prevention of the photoaged skin. Employed assays were shown as suitable for the antioxidant activity evaluation of LA in APG‐based emulsions, but not for α‐tocopherol in the same vehicle.