bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRICE AND QUANTITY COMPETITION IN A UNIONISED MIXED DUOPOLY: THE CASES OF SUBSTITUTES AND COMPLEMENTS*
Authors: CHOI KANGSIK
Published: March 2012

We investigate a differentiated mixed duopoly in which private and public firms can choose to strategically set prices or quantities when unions are present. For the case of a unionised mixed duopoly, there exists a dominant strategy only for the public firm that chooses Bertrand competition irrespective of whether the goods are substitutes or complements; there is no dominant strategy for a private firm. Thus, we show that regardless of the nature of goods, social welfare under Bertrand competition is always determined in equilibrium, wherein Bertrand competition entails higher social welfare than Cournot competition. Moreover, our main results hold irrespective of the nature of goods, with the exception that when a sufficiently large parameter of complements is employed, the ranking of a private firm's profit is not reversed, which is in contrast to the standard findings.
Integration of Environmental Objectives in a System Optimal Dynamic Traffic Assignment Model
Authors: Aziz H. M. Abdul , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Maintaining air‐quality standards is a major concern for transportation planners and policy makers in the United States. This necessitates considering nontraditional emission objectives in transportation systems modeling. In this research, we integrate emission‐based objective into the traditional travel time based dynamic assignment framework. Carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from vehicles are computed as functions of space mean speed (determined from an embedded mesoscopic traffic flow model). Different performance metrics (CO emission, system wide travel time, and speed profiles) from the integrated model are compared with traditional dynamic assignment model (with travel time minimization objective). In addition, results indicate changes in route choice behavior of the road users when emission objective is integrated to dynamic assignment framework.
A Firm‐Level Analysis on the Relative Difference between Technology‐Driven and Market‐Driven Disruptive Business Model Innovations
Authors: Habtay Solomon Russom
Published: March 2012

Using the business model concept as a theoretical framework, this paper examines the relative disruptiveness potential between technology‐driven and market‐driven innovations. The study analyses retrospectively four case studies comprising two technologically sophisticated IT innovations and two technologically less sophisticated market‐driven innovations starting from their inception to the point of disruption over a period of 5–15 years. It finds that, while the disruption process of technology‐driven innovation conforms to the patterns predicted by disruptive innovation theory, the disruption process of market‐driven disruptive business model innovation depicts a bottleneck shape, where the positive effects of initial strategic choice, model specialization and investments on disruptiveness potential reach the maximum level and start to stagnate due to the same initial strategic choice and cost factors. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
From Pax Americana to Pax Mosaica? Bargaining over a New Economic Order
Authors: NARLIKAR AMRITA , KUMAR RAJIV
Published: March 2012

While the economic rise of new powers, frequently identified as the ‘BRICs’ (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), has been dramatic, the implications of this emerging multipolarity for global economic governance are not clear. In this paper, we address the question: can the diffusion of power among a greater diversity of countries result in the creation of a new global economic order—a Pax Mosaica—to succeed the Pax Americana of the previous century? Our argument proceeds in four steps. First, we provide a brief overview of the achievements and limitations of the system that was established at the end of World War II, and lasted for over half a century in the form of Pax Americana. In the second section, we investigate the emergence of multipolarity, and highlight the opportunities and costs that this generates. In the third section, we explore the routes whereby the changing balance of power might be harnessed towards the creation of a Pax Mosaica. We do so by posing four sets of questions, which must be answered if the mosaic distribution of power is to lead to greater economic stability, growth, and peace. The fourth section concludes the paper with ideas for reform with reference to the World Trade Organization, the Bretton Woods institutions, and the G20.
A Soiled Password: Democracy, the Word and Democracy, the Thing
Authors: PEARCE EDWARD
Published: March 2012

The word‘democracy’ to be distinguished from the thing‘democracy.’ Removal by the Italian parliament of a corrupt and scandalous Premier for a respected, honest technician and a form of civil service government does not infringe the second category. Referendums give strength to a handful of already overmighty rich men controlling media outlets. Witness Fox Radio and TV and the poison of Glen Beck, also the virulent nationalism of the Murdoch and Desmond papers. Note the fifty plus year lag in enfranchising women in Switzerland, a self‐evident democratic advance held back by ‘the voice of the people’ in successive referendums. Government should be free from populism and be run by educated, intelligent people both in parliament and the Civil Service. ‘Yes Minister,’ however amusing, has done us a disservice. I would trust a senior civil servant above a press lord any day of the week. Witness the good sense of the Upper House in its current informed and experienced composition. The Lords blocked Tony Blair's plans to by‐pass Habeas Gorpus, refusing authoritarian government to an elected Premier with no sense of the rule of law or constitutional principle.
Scotland's Sectarianism Problem: Irish Answers?
Authors: WALKER GRAHAM
Published: March 2012

A series of developments during the 2010–11 football season has led to an intense public debate over the question of the nature and extent of religious sectarianism in Scotland. The Scottish National Party (SNP) government has responded with a new piece of legislation which has been widely criticised and has prompted some commentators to speculate about a political ‘own goal’. This article provides a guide to the debate around sectarianism and its historical and political dimensions. It also suggests that the Irish roots of the problem in Scotland should be properly acknowledged, and that a possible way forward could involve cooperation between Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland within the structures and procedures of the British–Irish Council (BIC).
‘No‐one likes us; we don't care’: ‘Dissident’ Irish Republicans and Mandates
Authors: TONGE JONATHAN
Published: March 2012

The episodic dissident republican activity evident in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement has been accompanied by regular assertions from the police, politicians and commentators that dissidents have no backing. This article examines the historic importance of mandates and support for previous and contemporary republican armed campaigns. It explores whether violent republicans have ever enjoyed widespread support in Ireland and assesses the extent to which a lack of backing has precluded violent campaigns. The piece analyses the evidence regarding the lack of sympathy for current dissident violence, assessing the degree to which armed republicanism has reached a new level of isolation.
‘New dissidents are but old Provisionals writ large’? The Dynamics of Dissident Republicanism in the New Northern Ireland
Authors: BEAN KEVIN
Published: March 2012

This article discusses recent developments in dissident Irish republicanism and some of the arguments advanced to explain its emergence as a factor in Northern Irish politics. In particular it considers those explanations which define these new armed groups as either the latest manifestation of a historically determined Irish republican tradition or simply as ‘residual terrorist groups’ left behind by Provisional republicanism's movement into the constitutional mainstream in the 1990s. It rejects these arguments as ahistorical and schematic, and instead suggests that the dynamics and trajectory of dissident republicanism are shaped instead by the inherent tensions and structures of ‘the new Northern Ireland’. It goes on to compare the contemporary political, social and economic forces that produce the dissidents with the conditions that created the Provisionals as in the early 1970s and concludes that whilst these new groups will continue to pose a threat to the ‘normalization’ of the new dispensation they will not be successful as their republican forebears in mobilizing a significant and sustained challenge to the Northern Irish state.
Dissident Irish Republican Violence: A Resurgent Threat?
Authors: FRAMPTON MARTYN
Published: March 2012

This article considers the resurgence in dissident Irish republican violent activity in the years since 2007. It examines the reasons why this has occurred, citing the significance of ‘intra’ republican political developments, alongside important ‘secondary’ factors, such as the death of influential republicans Brendan Hughes and Brian Keenan. It concludes by noting that the dissident threat seems likely to exist for the foreseeable future, but also emphasises the limits of what they can expect to achieve, with there being little prospect of their emulating the Provisional IRA.
Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament
Authors: WILLIAMS SHIRLEY
Published: March 2012

Although the political salience of nuclear disarmament has fallen dramatically since the end of the Cold War, the threat posed by nuclear weapons today remains at least as great as it was before 1989. The growing number of states either armed with or actively developing nuclear weapons programmes has placed existing control and monitoring frameworks under strain. In this article, Baroness Williams, a long time campaigner for multilateral nuclear disarmament, discusses the nature of today's nuclear threat and particularly the political challenge presented by states whose behaviour is not predictable. If further proliferation is to be prevented, the international community must renew its efforts at implementing a robust regime of control. The IAEA must be given the authority and the resources necessary to conduct inspections anywhere in the world without prior warning. At the same time, the world's nuclear states powers must begin genuine efforts at disarmament.
College Students' Revenge Goals Across Friend, Romantic Partner, and Roommate Contexts: The Role of Interpretations and Emotions
Authors: McDonald Kristina L. , Asher Steven R.
Published: March 2012

Residential college environments provide young people with distinctive relationship opportunities and challenges. A major purpose of the present study was to learn whether college students respond differently to conflict‐of‐interest vignettes in three different relationship contexts. Students were more likely to make negative interpretations about their romantic partner's behavior than they did about their friend's or roommate's behavior. They were also more likely to feel angry and hurt and to endorse hostile goals and strategies with romantic partners. A second major purpose was to learn about the types of interpretations and emotions associated with revenge goals in conflict‐of‐interest situations. Results indicated that interpreting the other person's actions as disrespectful and as rejecting was related to revenge goals and also predicted to revenge goals beyond the contributions of anger and hurt feelings.
Testing for parameter stability in nonlinear autoregressive models
Authors: Kirch Claudia , Kamgaing Joseph Tadjuidje
Published: March 2012

In this article we develop testing procedures for the detection of structural changes in nonlinear autoregressive processes. For the detection procedure, we model the regression function by a single layer feedforward neural network. We show that CUSUM‐type tests based on cumulative sums of estimated residuals, that have been intensively studied for linear regression, can be extended to this case. The limit distribution under the null hypothesis is obtained, which is needed to construct asymptotic tests. For a large class of alternatives, it is shown that the tests have asymptotic power one. In this case, we obtain a consistent change‐point estimator which is related to the test statistics. Power and size are further investigated in a small simulation study with a particular emphasis on situations where the model is misspecified, i.e. the data is not generated by a neural network but some other regression function. As illustration, an application on the Nile data set as well as S&P log‐returns is given.
On robust tail index estimation for linear long‐memory processes
Authors: Beran Jan , Das Bikramjit , Schell Dieter
Published: March 2012

We consider robust estimation of the tail indexαfor linear long‐memory processeswith i.i.d. innovationsεjfollowing a symmetricα‐stable law (1 < α < 2) and coefficientsaj ∼ c·j−β. Estimates based on the left and right tail respectively are obtained together with a combined statistic with improved efficiency, and a test statistic comparing both tails. Asymptotic results are derived. Simulations illustrate the finite sample performance.
Weak convergence to a modified fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Hualde Javier
Published: March 2012

This article discusses the weak convergence of a particular version of a fractional process (appropriately normalized) to a modified fractional Brownian motion which has not been previously reported in the literature. Additionally, we illustrate a specific case in which this type of fractional Brownian motion characterizes the limiting behaviour of processes which might arise in practice. This is related to the situation termed by Hualde (2006) as ‘unbalanced cointegration’, where the integration orders of the observables are different, but their corresponding balanced versions (where one of the series is filtered adequately so it has identical integration order to the other one) are cointegrated in the usual sense.
Strictly stationary solutions of ARMA equations with fractional noise
Authors: Vollenbröker Bernd
Published: March 2012

We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of strictly stationary solutions of ARMA equations with fractional noise. Here, the underlying noise sequence of the fractional noise is assumed to be i.i.d. but no a priori moment assumptions are made. We also characterize for which i.i.d. driving noise sequences the series defining fractional noise converges almost surely. In the proofs, we use growth estimates for the moments of random walks developed by Manstavičius (1982) and techniques related to those of Brockwell and Lindner (2010) for the existence of strictly stationary ARMA processes with i.i.d. noise.
Immunolocalisation of 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2, glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor and Na+K+‐ATPase during the postnatal development of the rat epididymis
Authors: Gladstones Gwyneth H. , Burton Peter J. , Mark Peter J. , Waddell Brendan J. , Roberts Peter
Published: March 2012

Glucocorticoids have been implicated in male reproductive function and 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), all of which are known to modulate glucocorticoid action, have been localised in the adult rat epididymis, but their developmental expression has not been investigated. Na+K+‐ATPase activity, responsible for sodium transport, is induced by both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids in the kidney and colon, and has been localised in epididymal epithelium. This study examined the immunolocalisation of 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2, GR, MR and Na+K+‐ATPase in rat epididymal epithelium (n = 5) at postnatal days (pnd) 1, 7, 15, 28, 40, 60, 75 and 104, and relative mRNA expression of 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2, and GR at pre‐puberty (pnd 28) and post‐puberty (pnd 75). 11β‐HSD‐1, GR and MR were localised in the epididymal epithelium from pnd 1, and 11β‐HSD‐2 and Na+K+‐ATPase reactivity from pnd 15. At pnd 28 there was maximal immunoreactivity for both the GR and MR and 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2. 11β‐HSD‐1 mRNA expression in the caput increased from pre‐ to post‐puberty, whereas 11β‐HSD‐2 mRNA expression fell over the same period (P < 0.01). GR mRNA expression was similar at pre‐ and post‐puberty in both caput and cauda. Developmental changes in expression of 11β‐HSD‐1 and ‐2 suggest that overall exposure of the epididymis to glucocorticoids increases post‐puberty, but cell‐specific expression of the 11β‐HSD enzymes still provides a capacity for intricate local control of glucocorticoid exposure.
The evolution of reproductive structures in seed plants: a re‐examination based on insights from developmental genetics
Authors: Mathews Sarah , Kramer Elena M.
Published: March 2012

The study of developmental genetics is providing insights into how plant morphology can and does evolve, and into the fundamental nature of specific organs. This new understanding has the potential to revise significantly the way we think about seed plant evolution, especially with regard to reproductive structures. Here, we have sought to take a step in bridging the divide between genetic data and critical fields such as paleobotany and systematics. We discuss the evidence for several evolutionarily important interpretations, including the possibility that ovules represent meristematic axes with their own type of lateral determinate organs (integuments) and a model that considers carpels as analogs of complex leaves. In addition, we highlight the aspects of reproductive development that are likely to be highly labile and homoplastic, factors that have major implications for the understanding of seed plant relationships. Although these hypotheses may suggest that some long‐standing interpretations are misleading, they also open up whole new avenues for comparative study and suggest concrete best practices for evolutionary analyses of development.

Contents

Summary
910

I.
Introduction
910

II.
Transformation and transference in angiosperm developmental genetics
911

III.
Implications for understanding patterns of seed plant evolution
916

IV.
Understanding the origin of the flower
919

V.
Conclusions
920

Acknowledgements
921

References
921
A 21‐week bone deposition promoting exercise programme increases bone mass in young people with Down syndrome
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐AGÜERO ALEJANDRO , VICENTE‐RODRÍGUEZ GERMÁN , GÓMEZ‐CABELLO ALBA , ARA IGNACIO , MORENO LUIS A , CASAJÚS JOSÉ A
Published: March 2012

Aim  To determine whether the bone mass of young people with Down syndrome may increase, following a 21‐week conditioning training programme including plyometric jumps.

Method  Twenty‐eight participants with Down syndrome (13 females, 15 males) aged 10 to 19 years were divided into exercise (DS‐E; n=14; eight females, six males mean age 13y 8mo, SD 2y 6mo) and non‐exercise (DS‐NE; n=14; five females, nine males mean age 15y 5mo, SD 2y 6mo) groups. Total and regional (hip and lumbar spine [L1–L4]) bone mineral content (BMC) and total lean mass were assessed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry at baseline and after a 25‐minute training session performed twice a week. Repeated‐measures analyses of variation were applied to test differences between pre‐ and posttraining values for BMC and total lean mass. Differences between increments were studied with the Student’s t‐test. Linear regression models were fitted to test independent relationships.

Results  After the intervention, higher increments in total and hip BMC, and total lean mass, were observed in the DS‐E group (all p<0.05). A time×exercise interaction was found for total lean mass (p<0.05). The increment in total lean mass, height, and Tanner stage accounted for almost for 60% in the increment in total BMC in the DS‐NE group (p<0.05).

Interpretation  Twenty‐one weeks of training have a positive effect on the acquisition of bone mass in young people with Down syndrome.
A chiton without a foot
Authors: SUTTON MARK D. , SIGWART JULIA D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  The palaeoloricate ‘polyplacophorans’ are an extinct paraphyletic group of basal chiton‐like organisms known primarily from their fossilized valves. Their phylogenetic placement remains contentious, but they are likely to include both stem‐group Polyplacophora and stem‐group Aplacophora. Candidates for the latter position include ‘Helminthochiton’thraivensis from the Ordovician of Scotland, which we redescribe here through a combined optical and micro‐CT (XMT) restudy of the type material. The 11 specimens in the type series are all articulated, presenting partial or complete valve series as well as mouldic preservation of the girdle armature; they demonstrate a vermiform body plan. The valves are typically palaeoloricate in aspect, but differ in detail from all existing palaeoloricate genera; we hence erect Phthipodochiton gen. nov. to contain the species. The most notable feature of the fossils is the spicular girdle; this is impersistently preserved, but demonstrably wraps entirely around the ventral surface of the animal, implying that a ‘true’ (i.e. polyplacophoran like) foot was absent, although we do not exclude the possibility of a narrow solenogastre‐like median pedal groove having been present. Phthipodochiton thraivensis presents an apparent mosaic of aplacophoran and polyplacophoran features and as such will inform our understanding of the relationship between these groups of extant molluscs. An inference may also be drawn that at least some other palaeoloricates possessed an ‘armoured aplacophoran’ body plan, in contrast to the ‘limpet‐like’ body plan of extant Polyplacophora.
Mesozoic Trachypachidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from China
Authors: WANG BO , ZHANG HAICHUN , PONOMARENKO ALEXANDR G.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Four well‐preserved beetles, attributed to Eodromeinae within Trachypachidae, are described from the Mesozoic of Inner Mongolia, China. Eodromeus robustus sp. nov., E. daohugouensis sp. nov. and Unda chifengensis sp. nov. are from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou. The diagnostic characters for the two genera are revised, and all species of these genera are keyed. A new genus and species, Sinodromeus liutiaogouensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liutiaogou. The current fossil records of Trachypachidae from China are reviewed, and only five species (four described here) can be convincingly attributed to this family. The morphological disparity of Mesozoic Eodromeinae suggests that they evolved a broad spectrum of locomotory lifestyles.
Echinoderm faunas from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) of Alexander Island, Antarctica
Authors: SMITH ANDREW B. , CRAME J. ALISTAIR
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Strata assigned to the Fossil Bluff Group on Alexander Island, Antarctica, contain Aptian to Albian high‐latitude echinoderm faunas that lived at palaeolatitudes greater than 60 degrees south. The Pluto Glacier Formation, of essentially Aptian age, yields a deep‐water assemblage that includes two ophiuroids, an ophiacanthid and a representative of the ophiolepidid genus Mesophiomusium, both represented by partially articulated specimens. The echinoid fauna includes a new genus of diadematoid, Australidiadema, and a new genus of disasteroid, Notidisaster, which extend the record of both groups into the southern hemisphere. The overlying Neptune Glacier Formation, of late Albian age, yields only spatangoids which are common but rarely well enough preserved to be identified even to genus level, although at least some belong to the genus Hemiaster.
Unusual growth pattern in the Frasnian alveolitids (Tabulata) from the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland)
Authors: ZAPALSKI MIKOŁAJ K. , TRAMMER JERZY , MISTIAEN BRUNO
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Growth periodicity is a phenomenon occurring in fossil and modern corals. The most apparent feature is growth banding, and environmental changes are broadly accepted as controls on this phenomenon. If environment controls the growth, then all corallites within a colony should repeat the same growth pattern, as individuals are clones and must have shared the same environment. A study on several species of Alveolitidae (Anthozoa, Tabulata) from the Late Devonian (Early Frasnian) of the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) shows that the growth pattern varies between neighbouring individuals within the same corallum. This contradicts observations of closely related Favositida as demonstrated on Pachyfavosites sp. from the Givetian of Avesnois, France, where neighbouring individuals repeat the same pattern. Therefore, environmental control on growth rhythm in Alveolitidae can be excluded; the causes of differences between individuals remain unknown.
Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in a Child: Observation of Long‐Term Combination Therapy with Etretinate and Calcipotriol for 16 Years
Authors: Umezawa Yoshinori , Mabuch Tomotaka , Ozawa Akira
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare condition in young children. It is difficult to treat and may require long‐term systemic therapy. We report the long‐term course of a 3‐year‐old boy whose onset of psoriasis dated to age 7 months. He was treated with etretinate and psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy initially and then with etretinate alone, and at age 12, topical calcipotriol was added. At the age of 19, he had been taking oral retinoids for 16 years, with a mean dose of etretinate of 0.22 mg/kg per day, a total amount of approximately 37 g, without evidence of stunted growth, ligamentous calcification, hyperostosis, or hepatic toxicity.
Headache Currents Commentary
Authors: Peatfield Richard
Published: March 2012

What Happens to the Old Headache Medicines?

Rapoport AM, MD

Old headache medicines never die; they either fade away or come back in disguise. The disguise is often a new route of administration, which may work better, faster, more completely, with fewer adverse events, and/or have certain other advantages. The clinical aspects of 3 of the oldest headache medicines (ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotamine, and methysergide) will be discussed here. Sumatriptan will then be discussed as the prototype of the newest category of acute care therapy (triptans) for migraine. It will be compared with the older medications, and the new forms being developed will be briefly discussed. Diclofenac potassium for oral solution will be mentioned as the newest drug approved for migraine by the Food and Drug Administration and a possible alternative to triptans in patients with frequent headaches or those with contraindications to vasoconstrictors.

Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine, Methysergide and Sumatriptan – Basic Science in Relation to Migraine Treatment

Dahlöf C, Maassen Van Den Brink A.

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor family mediates the effects of several drugs highly effective in migraine primarily by activating 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT1D, and 5‐HT1F receptors. Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine and methysergide, as well as the “triptan” sumatriptan, are all agonists for these receptors. The receptor profile and degree of selectivity of these 4 drugs differ, which is reflected by their side effects that limit their use in the acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine. The acute antimigraine efficacy of these remedies is very much dependent on the formulation used where, in general, parenteral formulations are more effective in relieving the symptoms of a migraine attack.
Commentary on Caetano, Mills, and Vaeth (2012): The Role of Context on Alcohol Consumption Among Mexican Americans
Authors: Maldonado‐Molina Mildred M. , Delcher Chris
Published: March 2012

Background

In this commentary, we discuss a study by Caetano and colleagues (2012) that examines alcohol consumption and binge drinking behavior among U.S.–Mexico border and non‐border Mexican Americans using data from the Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey.

Methods

We discuss how Caetano and colleagues (2012) addressed 3 gaps in our understanding of drinking behaviors among Hispanics: (1) effects of living near the U.S.–Mexico border, (2) gender differences in drinking behaviors, and (3) alcohol‐related outcomes among young women.

Results

Findings suggest that Mexican American men and women living along the U.S.–Mexico border reported higher levels of drinking than their U.S. metropolitan counterparts (Caetano et al., 2012).

Conclusions

This study represents an important contribution to the dearth of studies investigating disparities in alcohol‐related consequences among Hispanic young adults living along the U.S.–Mexico border. Future research needs to examine why contextual factors of the U.S.–Mexico border generate differential effects in the Mexican American population.
Commentary with Regard to the Role of Alcohol and Cofactors in the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jerrells Thomas R.
Published: March 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary cancer of the liver. It is clear that chronic alcohol abuse is associated with the development of HCC, but the mechanistic role of alcohol in HCC is not well studied. The research that is presented in the Brandon‐Warner and colleagues’ (2012) article approaches an important outcome of chronic alcohol abuse. The most important study results that are presented in their article show convincing data that chronic alcohol consumption by male mice resulted in a robust response in the liver to a carcinogen. It was shown that female mice responded significantly less to alcohol and the carcinogen than the male animals. The overall research data covered a number of aspects of the liver disease associated with chronic alcohol consumption and the presence of a carcinogen that will support a great deal of further research to develop mechanistic data.
The Role of RBC, Hurricane Exposure, Bond Portfolio Duration, and Macroeconomic and Industry‐wide Factors in Property–Liability Insolvency Prediction
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Weiss Mary A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This research analyzes the performance of the risk‐based capital (RBC) ratio and other variables in predicting insolvencies in the property–liability insurance industry during the period 1994–2008. The results indicate that the accuracy of the RBC ratio in predicting insolvencies is inconsistent over time and that some previously tested financial ratios that are part of the FAST system do not always reliably predict insurer insolvency. In addition, the insolvency propensity is found to be significantly related to an insurer's hurricane prone area exposure, changes in interest rates, the industry‐wide combined ratio, and the industry‐wide Herfindahl index of premiums written.
Can the Life Insurance Market Provide Evidence for a Bequest Motive?
Authors: Inkmann Joachim , Michaelides Alexander
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Using U.K. microeconomic data, we analyze the empirical determinants of participation in the life insurance market. We find that term insurance demand is positively correlated with measures of bequest motives like being married, having children, and/or subjective measures of strong bequest motives. We then show that a life‐cycle model of life insurance demand, saving, and portfolio choice can rationalize quantitatively the data in the presence of a bequest motive. These findings provide evidence supporting the presence of a bequest motive.
The Value and Risk of Defined Contribution Pension Schemes: International Evidence
Authors: Cannon Edmund , Tonks Ian
Published: March 2012

Abstract

We use historical data on investment returns and labor income from 16 countries to quantify the value and risk of defined contribution pension plans, building frequency distributions of pension fund and pension replacement ratios for each country. We show that pension risk is substantial and find that pension fund ratios are lower and less variable than when the correlation between wage growth and investment returns is ignored, typically halving the median pension fund ratio. We also show that an all‐equity fund is the dominant investment strategy across all countries, although sometimes a life‐cycle strategy insures against downside risk.
Rainfall or Rainmaking? Lawyers, Courts, and the Price of Mold Insurance in Texas
Authors: North Charles M. , Garven James R. , Gwin Carl R.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

In well‐functioning property‐‐liability insurance markets, the price of coverage reflects the impact of the legal environment on the frequency and severity of claims. This article presents a case study of the Texas mold insurance crisis of 2001–2002. We provide a narrative of the controversy in Texas over insurance coverage for household mold and use county‐level data from a single Texas insurer to assess the determinants of postcrisis prices for supplemental mold, slab, and extended water loss coverages. We find that more attorneys per capita and more heavily Democratic courts were both associated with higher prices for mold and slab coverage.
What's Marriage (and Family) Got to Do with It? Support for Same‐Sex Marriage, Legal Unions, and Gay and Lesbian Couples Raising Children
Authors: Becker Amy B.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The current study extends research on public opinion toward gay civil rights by considering the impact of marital and family status and views on the purpose of marriage on support for same‐sex marriage, legal unions, and gay and lesbian couples raising children.

Methods

Data from the 2007 Pew Research Center's Social Trends Report were analyzed using hierarchical ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Models exploring both direct and interactive effects were constructed.

Results

The results suggest that marital and family status play a role in influencing issue attitudes and that views on the purpose of marriage moderate the influence of conservative ideological and religious value predispositions on support for same‐sex marriage, legal unions, and gay and lesbian couples raising children.

Conclusions

Implications of the findings and the changing demographics of marriage and family are discussed.
Beneficial Effects of Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects Not Only in Young Adults
Authors: VIJARNSORN CHODCHANOK , DURONGPISITKUL KRITVIKROM , CHANTHONG PRAKUL , CHUNGSOMPRASONG PAWEENA , SOONGSWANG JARUPIM , LOAHAPRASITIPORN DUANGMANEE , NANA APICHART , KURASIRIKUL SURUTHAI , NIMDET KACHAPORN
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

To compare cardiac events and remodeling effects after transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) in pediatric, adult, and older adult patients.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of 353 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD closure between February 1999 and December 2007 at Siriraj Hospital. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to age: children (<18 years; n = 99); adults (18–50 years; n = 169); and older adults (>50 years; n = 85). Cardiac events at 1 year, and changes in left and right ventricular dimensions between preprocedure and 6 months and 1 year postprocedure were compared between groups.

Results:

Of the 353 patients, the average size of ASD was 22.1 ± 6.6 mm. Device: ASD diameter was 1.25 ± 0.28 mm. At 1 year postprocedure, the prevalence of chest discomfort and atrial fibrillation (AF) was higher in older adult patients, compared to the other age groups. Device embolization, cardiac erosion, pericardial effusion, syncope, migraine, thrombus formation, and residual shunt did not differ between groups. Within the first 6 months, the right ventricular (RV) dimension tended to dramatically decrease, while the left ventricular (LV) dimension increased in all age groups. These changes leveled off in children and in older adults, but in the adult group (18–50 years), RV shrinkage and LV expansion continued for 1 year. A low rate of early and late complications was noted.

Conclusion:

Transcather closure of ASD can cause cardiac remodeling, regardless of the patient's age at the time of the procedure. For older adult patients, the long‐term risk of AF continuation and chest discomfort is likely. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:382–390)
The Thermal Expansion, Elastic and Fracture Properties of Porous Cordierite at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Shyam Amit , Lara‐Curzio Edgar , Pandey Amit , Watkins Thomas R. , More Karren L.
Published: March 2012

The properties that determine the thermal shock resistance in materials are reported for porous cordierite, a leading candidate material for the fabrication of diesel particulate filters. Fracture toughness and slow crack growth tests were performed on test specimens obtained from the walls of diesel particulate filter monolithic substrates using the double‐torsion test method at temperatures between 20°C and 900°C. The thermal expansion and elastic properties were characterized between 20°C and 1000°C. The role of the microstructure of porous cordierite in determining its unusual thermal expansion and elevated temperature Young's modulus and fracture toughness are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan/Boron Nitride Composites
Authors: Kisku Sudhir K. , Swain Sarat K.
Published: March 2012

Chitosan/Boron nitride (BN) composites were prepared by solution method using CuSO4/glycine chelate complex as the catalysis with variable percentage of boron nitride loading. The dispersion of BN with the chitosan polymer was achieved with sonication at power of 120 W and frequency of 80 kHz. The chemical interactions of chitosan and BN were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structure of chitosan and BN composites were investigated by XRD and TEM. It was observed that the BN were dispersed with chitosan matrix through intercalation. The quantitative identification of composites was investigated by Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy and Selected Area Electron Diffraction. Thermal stabilities of chitosan/BN composites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that, the thermal stability of the chitosan/BN composites was increased compare with virgin chitosan. The oxygen barrier properties of chitosan/BN composites were measured using gas permeameter. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed increasing boron nitride concentrations by which the synthesized composite materials may applicable in packaging industry.
The ovipositing female of Ooencyrtus telenomicida relies on physiological mechanisms to mediate intrinsic competition with Trissolcus basalis
Authors: Cusumano Antonino , Peri Ezio , Vinson S. Bradleigh , Colazza Stefano
Published: March 2012

Ongoing studies by our group showed that the outcome of the intrinsic competition between two solitary egg parasitoids, Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (Vassiliev) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), is dominated by O. telenomicida. In this article we investigated the role played by the ovipositing O. telenomicida female in the suppression of a T. basalis competitor. Laboratory experiments were conducted by allowing an O. telenomicida female to puncture the eggs of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) with her ovipositor (= no oviposition) or to parasitize them. The results show that O. telenomicida relies on some physiological mechanisms to mediate its interspecific intrinsic competition with T. basalis. In fact, the emergence of T. basalis was strongly reduced in host eggs that were parasitized either before or after being punctured by O. telenomicida at fixed time intervals (5, 15, 30, or 45 h). The low percentage of emergence of T. basalis (ranging from approximately 4–20%) was a consequence of the delay and growth rate reduction of larval development. Furthermore, the percentage of eclosion of N. viridula nymphs was negatively affected by the O. telenomicida female’s punctures (96% from healthy host eggs, 4% from punctured host eggs). Host eggs punctured or oviposited in by O. telenomicida showed alterations in the ooplasm including some melanized‐like areas near the hole made with the ovipositor; such alterations indicate that the adult parasitoid releases substances that affect the host eggs survival. These results suggest that the O. telenomicida female influences both the physiological interspecific parasitoid‐parasitoid interaction, as well as the host‐parasitoid interaction, providing, for the first time in egg parasitoids, evidence that physiological suppression of some competitive egg parasitoids is mediated by the ovipositing female.
Immediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth implants involving a definitive individual abutment: a clinical and radiographic retrospective study
Authors: Hartlev Jens , Kohberg Peter , Ahlmann Søren , Gotfredsen Erik , Andersen Niels Trolle , Isidor Flemming , Schou Søren
Published: March 2012

Aim

To assess with a mean follow‐up period of 33 months (median: 31 month, range: 11–89 month) the treatment outcome after immediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth oral implants involving a definitive individual abutment and a provisional crown followed by later placement of a definitive crown.

Materials and methods

68 patients with 68 single‐tooth implants in the esthetic zone were consecutively treated; 55 of these patients were included in the study. The treatment involved tooth extraction, implant placement, placement of a definitive individual abutment, and a provisional crown in the same visit in private practice. The definitive crown was placed after a mean period of 7 months. The primary outcome measures included implant survival, definitive implant crown survival, and overall treatment survival. The secondary outcome measures included probing depth, bleeding on probing, peri‐implant marginal bone level, marginal bone level of the neighboring tooth surfaces, biological complications, and technical complications.

Results

Of the inserted implants 98% survived and of the definitive crowns mounted a survival of 100% was observed. Consequently, the overall treatment survival was 98%. The mean probing depth was 2.9 mm at implant level and 63% of the implants were characterized by no bleeding on probing. The mean peri‐implant marginal bone level was 2 mm. A significant mean peri‐implant marginal bone level gain of 0.5 mm was observed from implant placement to the follow‐up (95% CI: 0.07–0.89 mm, P = 0.022). No significant changes of the marginal bone level at the neighboring tooth surfaces were seen. Four episodes of peri‐implant inflammation were identified in three patients, while 46 incidents of loosening of the provisional crown occurred in 33 patients. One abutment screw loosened before placement of the definitive crown. Finally, loosening of four definitive crowns occurred in four patients.

Conclusions

Immediate placement and provisionalization of single‐tooth oral implants involving a definitive individual abutment and a provisional crown followed by later placement of a definitive crown were characterized by high survival of the implant crowns and implants as well as healthy peri‐implant tissues, after a mean follow‐up period of 33 months. Loss of retention of the provisional crown occurred frequently.
What influences the use of dental services by adults in the UK?
Authors: Marshman Zoe , Porritt Jenny , Dyer Tom , Wyborn Ceri , Godson Jenny , Baker Sarah
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Optimizing access to and utilization of dental services remains a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to use Andersen's behavioural model to investigate the factors that influence utilization of dental services and predict oral health outcomes, and to identify how access could be improved.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted of data from a regional postal survey (n = 10 864) of adults in the UK. Items were chosen to reflect variables of Andersen's behavioural model including predisposing characteristics (deprivation), enabling resources (perceived difficulty accessing a dentist), need (perceived treatment need), health behaviours (reason for attendance and time since the last visit to the dentist) and oral health outcomes (oral health impacts (symptoms, functional limitation and social) and global oral health). Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the direct and indirect pathways between the variables within the model.

Results

When a combination of indirect and direct effects were taken into account, perceived difficulty accessing the dentist was associated with higher perceived treatment need (β = 0.25, P < 0.01), increased oral health impacts (β = −0.23, P < 0.01) and worse global oral health (β = −0.21, P < 0.01). Overall, the variables included within this model explained 17.4% of the variance for dental attendance, 55.4% of the variance for the length of time since people had last visited the dentist, 21.7% of the variance for oral health impacts and 42.9% of the variance for people's global oral health.

Conclusions

Perceived treatment need and difficulty accessing dental services were found to be key predictors of oral health outcomes. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate effective interventions to improve access to dental services.
Mechanisms of ecological succession: insights from plant functional strategies
Authors: Raevel Valérie , Violle Cyrille , Munoz François
Published: March 2012

Successions are a central issue of ecological theory. They are governed by changes in community assembly processes that can be tracked by species’ traits. While single‐trait‐based approaches have been mostly promoted to address community assembly, ecological strategies actually encompass tradeoffs between multiple traits that are relevant to succession theory. We analyzed plant ecological strategies along a 140‐year‐long succession primary succession of 52 vertical outcrop communities after roadwork. We performed a RLQ analysis to relate six functional traits, associated with resource acquisition, competition, colonization ability and phenology, to the age of the outcrops. We found the prominence of two main axes of specialization, one related to resource acquisition and the other to reproduction and regeneration. We further examined the community‐level variation in ecological strategies to assess the abiotic and biotic drivers of community assembly. Using trait‐based statistics of functional richness, regularity and divergence, we found that different processes drove the variation in ecological strategies along the axes of specialization. In late succession, functional convergence was detected for the traits related to resource acquisition as a signature of habitat filtering, while the coexistence of contrasted strategies was found for the traits related to reproduction and regeneration as a result of spatial micro‐heterogeneity. We observed a lack of niche differentiation along the succession, revealing a weak importance of biotic interactions for the regulation of community assembly in the outcrops. Overall, we highlight a prominent role of habitat filtering and spatial micro‐heterogeneity in driving the primary succession governed by water and nutrient limitation.
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a review
Authors: Chavan Mahesh , Jain Hansa , Diwan Nikhil , Khedkar Shivaji , Shete Anagha , Durkar Sachin
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 577–583

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common clinical condition producing painful ulcerations in oral cavity. The diagnosis of RAS is based on well‐defined clinical characteristics but the precise etiology and pathogenesis of RAS remain unclear. The present article provides a detailed review of the current concepts and knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, and management of RAS.