bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of protein and energy requirements in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) using a factorial approach
Authors: Amrkolaie A. Keramat , Yansari A. Teimouri , Khalesi M. K.
Published: April 2012

This study tried to determine the protein and energy requirements of growing beluga sturgeon Huso huso using a factorial approach. The experiment was composed of four small‐scale growth trails covering different weight ranges. The fish fed at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of satiation. DWG had a steady increase throughout the experiment following a non‐linear equation as Y = 1.433 (±0.056) × Ln(X) −2.740 (±0.261); r2 = 0.99, p < 0.001, where Y = weight gain (g/day) and X = fish weight (g). The daily requirement of digestible energy (DE) for maintenance amounted to 79.09 kJ × BW (kg)0.8. The daily requirement of DP for maintenance calculated as 0.93 g × BW (kg)0.7. The relationship between DE intake (X) and DE gain (Y) expressed as Y = −0.0004 (±0.000) X2 + 0.600 (±0.082) X −44.95 (± 6.72). Also, the relationship between DP intake (X) and protein gain (Y) was expressed as Y = −0.019 (±0.006) X2 + 0.548 (±0.062) X − 0.498 (±0.121). The daily requirements of energy and protein were estimated as 79.09 kJ × BW (kg)0.8 + 2.94 × DE gain and 0.93 g × BW (kg)0.7 + 2.63 × DP gain. Apparently, beluga sturgeon is inefficient in converting energy and protein into body tissue. Therefore, energy content of the diet should be sufficiently high to satisfy large energy demands in beluga sturgeon and also to reduce the catabolism of protein.
Voluntary feed intake and leptin sensitivity in ad libitum fed obese ponies following a period of restricted feeding: a pilot study
Authors: Van Weyenberg S. , Buyse J. , Kalmar I. D. , Swennen Q. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: April 2012

The relation between plasma leptin and daily ad libitum roughage intake was evaluated during a 14‐day period in eight obese Shetland ponies. When the feeding strategy was changed from maintenance feeding to ad libitum feeding, feed intake increased the first day, decreased the second day and increased again during the following days to reach a constant level after 8 days. Plasma leptin concentration increased during the first 2 days, but remained constant afterwards. Although the same pattern was found in all ponies, the magnitude of the increase in leptin on day 1 and the resulting decrease in feed intake on day 2 differed between ponies. A lower anorectic effect was seen in ponies with higher initial leptin concentration, suggesting the presence of different degrees in leptin sensitivity in obese ponies. High leptin production in a attempt to compensate for the decrease in leptin sensitivity might explain large variations in plasma leptin among obese ponies with similar body condition score. Further research is necessary to clarify whether the reduced leptin sensitivity precedes obesity in equines or vice versa.
Clinical analysis of deep cutaneous mycoses: a 12‐year experience at a single institution
Authors: Kim M. S. , Lee S. M. , Sung H. S. , Won C. H. , Chang S. , Lee M. W. , Choi J.‐H. , Moon K.‐C.
Published: April 2012

Deep cutaneous mycoses can cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. There have been few studies focusing on deep cutaneous mycoses and there are no data from Asian countries. This study aimed to investigate clinical characteristics, underlying predisposing factors, aetiological organisms and outcomes in patients with deep cutaneous mycoses. A retrospective medical record review of patients with deep cutaneous mycoses treated at a tertiary referral centre in Korea from 1999 to 2010. Forty‐one cases of deep cutaneous mycosis were identified (median age: 49). Most patients (32/41) had impaired immunological status, and seven of the remaining nine had a history of physical trauma. Neutropenia and long‐term use of antibiotics were detected in 13 and 12 patients respectively. Nodular skin lesions were the most common type (17/41) and the morphology of the lesions varied. Fungal organisms were identified by culture and histopathology of skin specimens. Candida (16/41) was the most common organism, followed by Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium (4/41 each). Systemic antifungal treatment was successful in 28 patients, while nine patients died from the fungal infection. Our study may lead to improved insights into deep cutaneous mycoses as their incidence is increasing and they vary in different clinical settings.
Functional and laminar dissociations between muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic neuromodulation in the tree shrew primary visual cortex
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anwesha , Bießmann Felix , Veit Julia , Kretz Robert , Rainer Gregor
Published: April 2012

Acetylcholine is an important neuromodulator involved in cognitive function. The impact of cholinergic neuromodulation on computations within the cortical microcircuit is not well understood. Here we investigate the effects of layer‐specific cholinergic drug application in the tree shrew primary visual cortex during visual stimulation with drifting grating stimuli of varying contrast and orientation. We describe differences between muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic effects in terms of both the layer of cortex and the attribute of visual representation. Nicotinic receptor activation enhanced the contrast response in the granular input layer of the cortex, while tending to reduce neural selectivity for orientation across all cortical layers. Muscarinic activation modestly enhanced the contrast response across cortical layers, and tended to improve orientation tuning. This resulted in highest orientation selectivity in the supra‐ and infragranular layers, where orientation selectivity was already greatest in the absence of pharmacological stimulation. Our results indicate that laminar position plays a crucial part in functional consequences of cholinergic stimulation, consistent with the differential distribution of cholinergic receptors. Nicotinic receptors function to enhance sensory representations arriving in the cortex, whereas muscarinic receptors act to boost the cortical computation of orientation tuning. Our findings suggest close homology between cholinergic mechanisms in tree shrew and primate visual cortices.
Living with breast cancer: Iranian women's lived experiences
Authors: Joulaee A. , Joolaee S. , Kadivar M. , Hajibabaee F.
Published: April 2012

JOULAEE A., JOOLAEE S., KADIVAR M. & HAJIBABAEE F. (2012) Living with breast cancer: Iranian women's lived experiences. International Nursing Review59, 362–368

Background:  Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. Women with breast cancer encounter many psychosocial stresses as well as physical problems.

Aim:  To capture the meaning of living with breast cancer from the unique perspective and through the lived experiences of Iranian women with breast cancer that were explained with their own words.

Methods:  A phenomenological approach was used to explore the meaning of living with breast cancer for Iranian women. The patients' feelings and lived experiences with breast cancer were investigated using semi‐structured interviews with probing questions with 13 women between 34 and 67 years old.

Findings:  The participants explained their experiences of living with breast cancer as losing something important, lack of confidence, living with fear, emotional dizziness and the need to be supported with the negative aspects of breast cancer and helped to explore new aspects of life as positive aspects of this event.

Conclusion and Implications:  Understanding the phenomenon of ‘living with breast cancer’ seems to be crucial for nurses to help women with breast cancer to find themselves in confronting the consequences of the changes associated with the illness.
Effects of a rival's perceived motives on constructive competition within organizations: A competitive dynamics perspective
Authors: Chang Kuo‐I , Chen Hong‐Ju
Published: April 2012

Previous work on constructive competition has focused on competitors' motives and strategies; however, competition is an interactive process that is affected by both the competitor and the rival. Based on the competitive dynamics perspective and attribution theory, this study examines the impact of a perceived rival's motives on the constructiveness of competition. The results of a survey of 521 employees from 25 companies in the banking and insurance industry in Taiwan revealed that the perceptions of rivals' motives significantly affected the constructiveness of competition. By introducing the perspective of rival analysis to individual‐level competition, the present study provides a more comprehensive understanding of constructive competition within organizations.
MULTI‐DIMENSIONAL CONSEQUENTIALISM
Authors: Peterson Martin
Published: April 2012

This article introduces and explores a distinction between multi‐dimensional and one‐dimensional consequentialist moral theories. One‐dimensional consequentialists believe that an act's deontic status depends on just one aspect of the act, such as the sum total of wellbeing it produces, or the sum total of priority‐ or equality‐adjusted wellbeing. Multi‐dimensional consequentialists believe that an act's deontic status depends on more than one aspect. They may, for instance, believe that the sum total of wellbeing produced by an act and the degree to which the wellbeing is equally distributed in the population affect the act's deontic status independently of each other. These two aspects cannot be reduced into any single (composite) aspect. Wellbeing and equality are two separate considerations that cannot be merged into some novel entity that accurately reflects both intuitions. On the multi‐dimensional view I defend, such clashes between separate aspects are irresolvable and are best accounted for by claiming that moral rightness and wrongness are non‐binary concepts. Some acts are, literally speaking, a little bit right (because they maximise wellbeing) and a little bit wrong (because they do not maximise equality).1
EPISTEMIC VALUE AND ACHIEVEMENT
Authors: Whiting Daniel
Published: April 2012

Knowledge seems to be a good thing, or at least better than epistemic states that fall short of it, such as true belief. Understanding too seems to be a good thing, perhaps better even than knowledge. In a number of recent publications, Duncan Pritchard tries to account for the value of understanding by claiming that understanding is a cognitive achievement and that achievements in general are valuable. In this paper, I argue that coming to understand something need not be an achievement, and so Pritchard's explanation of understanding's value fails. Next, I point out that Pritchard's is just one of many attempts to account for the value of an epistemic state – whether it be understanding, knowledge, or whatever – by appeal to the notion of achievement or, more generally, the notion of success because of ability. Tentatively, I offer reasons to be sceptical about the prospects of any such account.
UK Macroeconomic Volatility and the Term Structure of Interest Rates*
Authors: Spencer Peter
Published: April 2012

This study uses a macro‐finance model to examine the ability of the gilt market to predict fluctuations in macroeconomic volatility. The econometric model is a development of the standard ‘square root’ volatility model, but unlike the conventional term structure specification it allows for separate volatility and inflation trends. It finds that although volatility and inflation trends move independently in the short run, they are cointegrated. Bond yields provide useful information about macroeconomic volatility, but a better indicator can be developed by combining this with macroeconomic information.
Do Service Users with Intellectual Disabilities Want to be Involved in the Risk Management Process? A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Kilcommons Aoiffe M. , Withers Paul , Moreno‐Lopez Águeda
Published: April 2012

Background  Involving ID service users in risk decision making necessitates consideration of an individual’s ability to assess the implications and associated risks and thus make an informed choice. This calls for research on service users’ awareness and understanding of risk management (RM).

Method  Thirteen people in a residential ID service who were reviewed under the risk management process (RMP) participated in the research. Thematic analysis explored participants’ knowledge and understanding of risk management to establish ability to make informed choice.

Results  Two main meta‐themes (lack of awareness about RM and awareness about RM) and four meta‐themes (extent of RM awareness, locus of control, compliance and empowerment) emerged. Nine of 13 participants demonstrated some knowledge and awareness of RM and wanted to contribute to the RMP, despite not being consulted about or given the opportunity to be involved in RM.

Conclusions  The majority of service users in this sample had some awareness of the purpose of RM and could make partially informed decisions about whether they would like to be involved in the RMP. The findings highlight the need for professionals to actively attempt to involve ID service users in the management of their own risk.
Potential aerobic C mineralization of a red earth paddy soil and its temperature dependence under long‐term fertilizer treatments
Authors: Zheng J. , Li L. , Pan G. , Zhang X. , Smith P. , Hussain Q.
Published: April 2012

Topsoil samples from a long‐term fertilizer trial on a red earth rice paddy from Jiangxi Province, China, were used to investigate soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization using aerobic incubation for 58 days at 20 °C and 25 °C. SOC mineralization rates varied between 0.62 and 0.76 mg C/g SOC/h at 20 °C, and between 0.65 and 0.97 mg C/g SOC/h at 25 °C. There was no significant correlation between the mineralization potential and SOC content in treated soil samples. However, a close correlation was found between total C mineralization and the carbon stability index. This suggests that the potential C release from the soil is controlled by C lability rather than by total SOC. The calculated Q10 quotient was negatively correlated with dithionate‐citrate‐bicarbonate‐extracted Fe. It is suggested that the free Fe‐oxyhydrates that are prevalent in red earth paddy soils provide physico‐chemical protection and control biological decomposition rates under warming and these are modified in the long‐term fertilizer treatments. The enhancement of physico‐chemical protection of labile SOC by free Fe‐oxyhydrates is a potential mechanism for soil C stabilization under warming conditions. The interaction with fertilizers in the red earth‐derived paddies of South China deserves further study.
Incidence of seizures associated with the use of acepromazine in dogs undergoing myelography
Authors: Drynan Eleanor A. , Gray Peter , Raisis Anthea L.
Published: April 2012

Objective

To investigate the frequency of seizures associated with acepromazine administration when used as a premedicant with methadone for dogs undergoing myelography.

Design

Retrospective clinical case study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Sixty‐six dogs (mixed and pure breeds), aged between 4 months and 15 years, weighing between 3.5–61 kg. All animals were classified as ASA score I or II.

Interventions

Forty‐three animals were premedicated with methadone (0.1–0.5 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.01–0.05 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Twenty‐three animals were premedicated with methadone alone (0.1–0.5 mg/kg) intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced with propofol intravenously and maintained with isoflurane delivered in 100% oxygen. All animals received a balanced isotonic crystalloid solution intravenously at a rate of 10 mL/kg/h. Blood pressure, end‐tidal CO2, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate were monitored throughout anesthesia. Animals requiring surgery immediately following myelography were excluded from the study.

Measurements and Main Results

The frequency of seizures was 14% (CI: 3.6–24.3%) and 13.0% (CI: 0.7–27%) in dogs that received methadone/acepromazine and methadone alone, respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequency of seizures between dogs receiving methadone/acepromazine or methadone alone (P= 1). Analysis of the association of site of injection of the contrast and the frequency of seizures in dogs receiving methadone/acepromazine showed no significant difference in the frequency of seizures following cervical injection (25%; CI: 0.5–24.5%) or lumbar injection (9.7%; CI: –0.7–20.1%).

Conclusions

The administration of acepromazine combined with methadone as a premedicant used with propofol and isoflurane anesthesia did not significantly increase the frequency of seizures following myelography compared to dogs who received methadone alone.
Partners' ambivalence towards cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Holm Marianne S , Norekvål Tone M , Fålun Nina , Gjengedal Eva
Published: April 2012

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of partners of patients who had cardiac arrest and subsequent hypothermia treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Method: Nine in‐depth interviews were conducted 5 months to 1 year after hospitalization. The participants were partners of patients who had survived cardiac arrest and had undergone hypothermia treatment without serious brain damage. All the interviews were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method.

Findings: Six main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) terrified by witnessing the cardiac arrest; (2) ambivalence towards the ICU room and the cold body; (3) need for honest and realistic information; (4) anticipating the awakening; (5) social network as support and burden; and (6) the frightening homecoming.

Conclusion: The essential structure of the partners' experiences of loved ones' cardiac arrest and hypothermia treatment was characterized by ambivalence; they experienced both fear and relief. There may be a relationship between experiences before entering the ICU and reactions during hypothermia treatment and afterwards. Some partners experienced a feeling of guilt after the resuscitation event, and especially during the awakening phase. After discharge, the partners described feeling anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses play a pivotal role in providing partners with information and in nurturing hope and feelings of security. Partners need to fully understand the reason for hypothermia treatment to enable them to accept the cold body as part of a life‐saving process. We recommend follow‐up after discharge. This may increase the partners' sense of security and control.
15th International Headache Congress: Basic Science Highlights
Authors: Cutrer F. Michael , Smith Jonathan H.
Published: April 2012

The 15th Congress of the International Headache Society was held in Berlin from June 23rd to 26th of 2011. Interesting new data from several areas of the basic sciences of headache were presented. This is a review of some of the most exciting platform and poster presentations of the meeting. Research addressing 3 general areas of interest is presented in this review: pathophysiology, pharmacology, and genetics.
Relationship Characteristics and the Relationship Context of Nonmarital First Births Among Young Adult Women
Authors: Manlove Jennifer , Wildsmith Elizabeth , Welti Kate , Scott Mindy E. , Ikramullah Erum
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to examine whether and how characteristics of the relationship dyad are linked to nonmarital childbearing among young adult women, additionally distinguishing between cohabiting and nonunion births.

Methods

We used the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort and discrete time‐event history methods to examine these objectives.

Results

Our analyses found that similarities and differences between women and their most recent sexual partner in educational attainment, disengagement from work or school, race/ethnicity, and age were linked to the risk and context of nonmarital childbearing. For example, partner disengagement (from school and work) was associated with increased odds of a nonmarital birth regardless of whether the woman herself was disengaged. Additionally, having a partner of a different race/ethnicity was associated with nonmarital childbearing for whites, but not for blacks and Hispanics.

Conclusions

We conclude that relationship characteristics are an important dimension of the lives of young adults that influence their odds of having a birth outside of marriage.
What Predicts the Actions Taken Toward Observed Child Neglect? The Influence of Community Context and Bystander Characteristics
Authors: Fledderjohann Jasmine , Johnson David R.
Published: April 2012

Objective

Using data from a sample of 3,679 respondents in 50 rural and urban communities in a midwestern state, the authors explore the relationship between individual and community characteristics and the provision of helping behavior when child neglect is observed.

Method

Telephone surveys of community residents were analyzed in a series of logistic regression models.

Results

At the individual level, age, gender, place of residence, and sentinel status were all found to have a significant effect. The level of role overlap, cohesion, comfort, and belongingness perceived to exist in the community were found to be important community‐level predictors.

Conclusion

Individual and contextual characteristics affected observation of a case of child neglect and the action taken.
Ganglionated Plexi Ablation Directed by High‐Frequency Stimulation and Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: POKUSHALOV EVGENY , ROMANOV ALEXANDER , ARTYOMENKO SERGEY , SHIROKOVA NATALYA , TUROV ALEX , KARASKOV ALEXANDER , KATRITSIS DEMOSTHENES G. , PO SUNNY S.
Published: April 2012

Background:

The effectiveness of ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is ambiguous. Some researchers had already suggested that additional identification of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) around the areas with a positive reaction to high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) might improve the accuracy of GP's boundaries location, then enhancing the success rate of ablation. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of GP ablation directed by HFS and CFAE in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF).

Methods and Results:

Sixty‐two patients with PAF (age 57±8 years) underwent GP ablation. Ablation targets were the sites where vagal reflexes were evoked by HFS and additional extended ablation CFAE area around the areas where vagal reflexes were evoked.

At 12 months, 71% of patients were free of symptomatic AF. At 3 months after ablation the root mean square successive differences and HF were significantly lower in patients without AF recurrence (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.004). The LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in patients without AF recurrence (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Enhanced GP ablation directed by HFS and CFAE can be safely performed and enables maintenance of sinus rhythm in the majority of patients with PAF for a 12‐month period. Denervation of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system may be the preferable target of catheter ablation of AF. (PACE 2012;XX:1–9)
EFFECT OF SODIUM METABISULFITE ADDITION AND BAKING TEMPERATURE ON MAILLARD REACTION IN BREAD
Authors: ERBAS MUSTAFA , SEKERCI HANIFE , ARSLAN SULTAN , DURAK A. NUR
Published: April 2012

In this study, the effect of sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) doses (0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg dough) and baking temperatures (200, 230 and 250C) on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of bread were researched to reduce 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) and acrylamide contents. HMF and acrylamide contents of bread crust were decreased significantly by increasing SMBS dose and decreasing baking temperature. The HMF (137.29 mg/kg) and acrylamide (671.44 µg/kg) contents of bread crust were decreased by 33 and 67%, respectively by addition of 100 mg/kg SMBS. The maltol content of bread crusts were significantly affected by baking temperature, and were 7.19, 10.23 and 22.69 mg/kg in breads baked at 200, 230 and 250C, respectively. No HMF, acrylamide and maltol were detected in the bread crumb. The sulfur dioxide content of the crust and crumb of control bread was 6.99 and 10.69 mg/kg, and increased by 49 and 59%, respectively at 100 mg/kg SMBS dose. All breads were evaluated as acceptable by a sensory panel.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Since Maillard reaction products such as acrylamide and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) are known as toxic compounds, mitigation of these compounds is important subject for health and nutrition. There is not an efficient method to prevent the formation of acrylamide and HMF in bread crusts comparison with potato crisps. The purpose of this research is to slow down Maillard reaction by addition of sodium metabisulfite in bread‐making process. As a result of this research, acrylamide and HMF content of bread crusts decreased by 33 and 67%, respectively with acceptable sensory evaluation.
Modulation of Photochemical Damage in Normal and Malignant Cells by Naturally Occurring Compounds†
Authors: Lee Yuan‐Hao , Kumar Neeru C. , Glickman Randolph D.
Published: April 2012

Certain phytochemicals, such as the stilbene, resveratrol (RES, found in red grapes and berries), and the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA, found in waxy berries and herbs such as rosemary and oregano), have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Two human‐derived cell lines, hTERT‐RPE with a nonmalignant phenotype derived from retinal pigment epithelium, and ATCC CRL‐11147 derived from a malignant skin melanoma, were used as in vitro models of photooxidative stress produced by exposure to the broadband output of a 150 W Hg vapor arc lamp at an irradiance of 19–26 mW cm−2. In untreated cells, UV–VIS broadband light exposure produced a loss of proliferative ability, an activation of NF‐κB and an increase in protein carbonyl adducts at 24 h postexposure. Pretreatment of the cells with RES or UA at 1–2 μmsignificantly reduced the amount of phosphorylated NF‐κB at 24 h postexposure. RES pretreatment reduced the burden of light‐induced protein carbonyl adducts by up to 25% in exposed cells. UA treatment markedly increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to UV radiation, while conferring some photoprotection to RPE cells. These observations indicate that phytochemicals modulate the cellular response to photochemical stress by interacting with specific cell‐signaling pathways.
Chromosome studies in the tribe Clauseneae and the cytological homogeneity in the orange subfamily (Aurantioideae, Rutaceae)
Authors: MOU Feng‐Juan , ZHANG Dian‐Xiang
Published: April 2012

Abstract  Chromosome numbers for 21 Rutaceous species, representing five genera (Bergera, Clausena, Glycosmis, Micromelum, and Murraya) in the tribe Clauseneae (Aurantioideae, Rutaceae) were investigated to shed light on the relationships between these genera in the tribe in particular, and with other groups in the orange subfamily in general. Most species have the chromosome number 2n= 2x= 18, but Glycosmis shows variable chromosome numbers with ploidy levels ranging from 2x to 8x. Glycosmis parviflora is hexaploid with a chromosome number of 2n= 6x= 54 and G. longipetala octoploid with 2n= 8x= 72, and diploid with 2n= 2x= 18 was observed in other species. One species (Clausena excavata) shows intraspecies ploidy variation. The chromosome numbers of 11 species, Bergera kwangsiensis, B. microphylla, Clausena dunniana, C. emarginata, C. lenis, C. yunnanensis, Glycosmis esquirolii, G. lucida, G. oligantha, Micromelum falctum, and Murraya alata, are reported for the first time. The basic chromosome number x= 9 was inferred for all species studied. These results, together with previous chromosome counts in the tribe Citreae, reveal a cytological homogeneity, and strongly support the monophyly of the orange subfamily.
Production, Process Investment, and the Survival of Debt‐Financed Startup Firms
Authors: Tanrısever Fehmi , Erzurumlu S. Sinan , Joglekar Nitin
Published: April 2012

Whether to invest in process development that can reduce the unit cost and thereby raise future profits or to conserve cash and reduce the likelihood of bankruptcy is a key trade‐off faced by many startup firms that have taken on debt. We explore this trade‐off by examining the production quantity and cost reducing R&D investment decisions in a two period model wherein a startup firm must make a minimum level of profit at the end of the first period to survive and operate in the second period. We specify a probabilistic survival measure as a function of production and investment decisions to track and manage the risk exposure of the startup depending on three key market factors: technology, demand, and competitor's cost. We develop managerial insights by characterizing how to create operational hedges against the bankruptcy risk: if a startup makes a “conservative” investment decision, then it also selects an optimal quantity that is less than the monopoly level and hence sacrifices some of first period expected profits to increase its survival chances. If it decides to invest “aggressively,” then it produces more than the monopoly level to cover the higher bankruptcy risk. We also illustrate that debt constraint shrinks the decision space, wherein such process investments are viable.
Pricing and Logistics Decisions for a Private‐Sector Provider in the Cash Supply Chain
Authors: Mehrotra Mili , Dawande Milind , Mookerjee Vijay , Sriskandarajah Chelliah
Published: April 2012

We study a problem faced by a secure‐logistics provider (SLP) of maximizing profit by jointly pricing the services of fit‐sorting and transporting cash along with the design of the supporting logistics network, in a market consisting of a population of Depository Institutions (DIs). The need to jointly price the services assumes significance because they are partial substitutes of one another. Our study finds that the influence of the logistics network on prices is especially strong when there are non‐linearities in the cost of provisioning the logistics services. Furthermore, the impact of logistics decisions on different types of pricing schemes (e.g., volume discount, bundled pricing) is different, both in its structure and extent. In present times, when the market for the fit‐sorting service is relatively immature, our findings have major implications to the way an SLP's business is managed.
Identifying Outpatients with Entrenched Suicidal Ideation Following Hospitalization
Authors: O’Connor Stephen S. , Jobes David A. , Comtois Katherine Anne , Atkins David C. , Janis Karin , E.Chessen Chloe , J.Landes Sara
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify outpatients who experience entrenched suicidal ideation following inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Our findings suggest that the use of a suicidal ambivalence index score was helpful at discriminating those who reported significantly greater ratings of suicidal ideation across a 1‐year period of time, whereas splitting patients based upon suicide attempt history yielded nonsignificant results. Similar findings resulted from a dimensional analytic approach, as well. Application of the suicidal ambivalence index may help administrators identify patients who require more intensive clinical services to resolve their suicidal ideation.
Rates and Correlates of Undetermined Deaths among African Americans: Results from the National Violent Death Reporting System
Authors: Huguet Nathalie , Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H.
Published: April 2012

Little is known about the factors associated with undetermined death classifications among African Americans. In this study, the rates of undetermined deaths were assessed, the prevalence of missing information was estimated, and whether the circumstances preceding death differ by race were examined. Data were derived from the 2005–2008 National Violent Death Reporting System. African Americans had higher prevalence of missing information than Whites. African Americans classified as undetermined deaths were more likely to be older, women, never married/single, to have had a blood alcohol content at or above the legal limit, and to have had a substance abuse problem. The results suggest that racial differences in the preponderance and the type of evidence surrounding the death may affect death classification.
Novel iron‐regulated and Fur‐regulated small regulatory RNAs in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Amarasinghe J.J. , Connell T.D. , Scannapieco F.A. , Haase E.M.
Published: April 2012

Iron can regulate biofilm formation via non‐coding small RNA (sRNA). To determine if iron‐regulated sRNAs are involved in biofilm formation by the periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, total RNA was isolated from bacteria cultured with iron supplementation or chelation. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that the expression of four sRNA molecules (JA01–JA04) identified by bioinformatics was significantly upregulated in iron‐limited medium compared with iron‐rich medium. A DNA fragment encoding each sRNA promoter was able to titrate Escherichia coli ferric uptake regulator (Fur) from a Fur‐repressible reporter fusion in an iron uptake regulator titration assay. Cell lysates containing recombinant AaFur shifted the mobility of sRNA‐specific DNAs in a gel shift assay. Potential targets of these sRNAs, determined in silico, included genes involved in biofilm formation. The A. actinomycetemcomitans overexpressing JA03 sRNA maintained a rough phenotype on agar, but no longer adhered to uncoated polystyrene or glass, although biofilm determinant gene expression was only modestly decreased. In summary, these sRNAs have the ability to modulate biofilm formation, but their functional target genes remain to be confirmed.
On modular inverses of cyclotomic polynomials and the magnitude of
their coefficients
Authors: Dunand Clément
Published: April 2012

Let p and r be two primes, and let
n and m be two distinct divisors of
pr. Consider Φn and Φm, the nth and mth cyclotomic
polynomials. In this paper, we present lower and upper bounds for the
coefficients of the inverse of Φn modulo Φm and discuss an application to torus-based cryptography.
Calculation of the Additional Constants for fcc Materials in Second Strain Gradient Elasticity: Behavior of a Nano-Size Bernoulli-Euler Beam With Surface Effects
Authors: M. Shodja H. , Ahmadpoor F. , Tehranchi A.
Published: April 2012

In addition to enhancement of the results near the point of application of a concentrated load in the vicinity of nano-size defects, capturing surface effects in small structures, in the framework of second strain gradient elasticity is of particular interest. In this framework, sixteen additional material constants are revealed, incorporating the role of atomic structures of the elastic solid. In this work, the analytical formulations of these constants corresponding to fee metals are given in terms of the parameters of Sutton-Chen interatomic potential function. The constants for ten fcc metals are computed and tabulized. Moreover, the exact closed-form solution of the bending of a nano-size Bernoulli-Euler beam in second strain gradient elasticity is provided; the appearance of the additional constants in the corresponding formulations, through the governing equation and boundary conditions, can serve to delineate the true behavior of the material in ultra small elastic structures, having very large surface-to-volume ratio. Now that the values of the material constants are available, a nanoscopic study of the Kelvin problem in second strain gradient theory is performed, and the result is compared quantitatively with those of the first strain gradient and traditional theories.
Variational Approach to Beams Resting on Two-Parameter Tensionless Elastic Foundations
Authors: Nobili A.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a Hamiltonian variational formulation to determine the energy minimizing boundary conditions (BCs) of the tensionless contact problem for an Euler–Bernoulli beam resting on either a Pasternak or a Reissner two-parameters foundation. Mathematically, this originates a free-boundary variational problem. It is shown that the BCs setting the contact loci, which are the boundary points of the contact interval, are always given by second order homogeneous forms in the displacement and its derivatives. This stands for the nonlinear nature of the problem and calls for multiple solutions in the displacement, together with the classical result of multiple solutions in the contact loci position. In particular, it is shown that the Pasternak soil possesses an extra solution other than Kerr’s, although it is proved that such solution must be ruled out owing to interpenetration. The homogeneous character of the BCs explains the well-known load scaling invariance of the contact loci position. It is further shown that the Reissner foundation may be given two mechanical interpretations, which lead to different BCs. Comparison with the established literature is drawn and numerical solutions shown which confirm the energy minimizing nature of the assessed BCs.
Quantification of the atomic hydrogen flux as a function of filament temperature and H2 flow rate
Authors: Ugur D. , Storm A. J. , Verberk R. , Brouwer J. C. , Sloof W. G.
Published: April 2012

An isothermal sensor is developed to quantify the atomic hydrogen flux on a surface, which can be located at any distance from the molecular hydrogen cracking unit. This flux is determined from the measured heat effect due to recombination of atomic hydrogen at the sensor surface. The temperature of the sensor was kept constant at 350°C to keep the heat losses constant during the measurement. Other heat flows due to radiative, conductive, and convective phenomena were quantified with targeted measurements. The design of the sensor allows ample area for the atomic hydrogen recombination reaction; thus enabling the flux values to be determined with high accuracy (errors were between ±8.3×1015 and ±3.3×1016atcm-2s-1). The atomic hydrogen flux, generated with a commercial atomic hydrogen source was measured as a function of the filament temperature in the range of 1400-1950°C and H2 gas flow in the range of 7.44×10-6 to 7.44×10-5mol/s (10–100 sccm). These measurements showed that the atomic hydrogen flux increases with both filament temperature and H2 flux.
Late Accretion on the Earliest Planetesimals Revealed by the Highly Siderophile Elements
Authors: Dale Christopher W. , Burton Kevin W. , Greenwood Richard C. , Gannoun Abdelmouhcine , Wade Jonathan , Wood Bernard J. , Pearson D. Graham
Published: April 2012

Coming Late to the Planetesimal

Highly siderophile (iron-loving) elements (Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, and Au) must have been added to the mantles of Earth, the Moon, and Mars after their iron cores formed; otherwise the mantles would be devoid of these elements, which tend to be segregated to the core.

Dale
et al.

(p.
72
) report data on highly siderophile elements in rocks from different planetary bodies, including asteroid 4 Vesta and other differentiated asteroids, which are representative of the planetesimals from which the solar system planets formed. Like the larger planetary bodies, differentiated asteroids, which formed over the first few million years of the solar system, bear the evidence of the late addition of highly siderophile elements to their mantles. Thus, this process was not unique to Earth, the Moon, and Mars and happened over an extended period of time in the inner solar system.
Networking Knowledge Creation
Reinventing Discovery
The New Era of Networked Science

by Michael Nielsen

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2012. 272 pp. $24.95, £16.95. ISBN 9780691148908.
Authors: Fiore Stephen M.
Published: April 2012

In addition to describing how the Internet has changed the practice of science, Nielsen suggests how it can lead to further innovations.
High-Resolution EM of Colloidal Nanocrystal Growth Using Graphene Liquid Cells
Authors: Yuk Jong Min , Park Jungwon , Ercius Peter , Kim Kwanpyo , Hellebusch Daniel J. , Crommie Michael F. , Lee Jeong Yong , Zettl A. , Alivisatos A. Paul
Published: April 2012

Liquid Nanocrystals

In high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, grid materials are used to support solid samples while providing a means for preventing a build-up of static charge. Liquids are difficult to study at the same atomic resolution and require encapsulation to prevent excess sample movement, sample damage, or evaporation. Materials that have been used for liquid cells, like silicon nitride or silicon oxide, need thick layers and have poor electron transmittance at the thicknesses required because they contain high atomic number elements.

Yuk
et al.

(p.
61
; see the Perspective by

Colliex

) show that liquids can be encapsulated in graphene sheets, and through this technique, they studied the formation of platinum nanocrystals with atomic resolution. The crystals could be tracked as they selectively coalesced, modified their shape, and formed surface facets.
Population Genomics of Early Events in the Ecological Differentiation of Bacteria
Authors: Shapiro B. Jesse , Friedman Jonathan , Cordero Otto X. , Preheim Sarah P. , Timberlake Sonia C. , Szabó Gitta , Polz Martin F. , Alm Eric J.
Published: April 2012

Some Sort of Species

Certain populations of bacteria are known to show ecological differentiation, but how this happens has remained controversial.

Shapiro
et al.

(p.
48
; see the Perspective by

Papke and Gogarten

) examined whole-genome sequences from ecologically divergent
Vibrio
populations and found that genes and genome regions containing so-called “eco-SNPs” (single-nuleotide polymorphisms) have swept through populations. These regions differentiate the bacteria genetically, apparently according to the type of substratum on which they live. Subsequently, tight genotypic clusters may have emerged as a result of preferential recombination occurring within particular habitats. Although specialization into different habitats may reduce gene flow between bacterial populations, the bacteria will always remain open to taking up DNA from other populations and so they cannot be said to be species in the eukaryotic sense.
Irisin, Light My Fire
Authors: Kelly Daniel P.
Published: April 2012

A newly discovered messenger system between muscle and fat tissue may explain the systemic benefits of exercise.
On Second Thought, Flu Papers Get Go-Ahead
Authors: Cohen Jon , Malakoff David
Published: April 2012

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity is now recommending that the two controversial papers describing how researchers made the H5N1 avian influenza virus more transmissible between mammals should be made public, in full.
Agencies Rally to Tackle Big Data
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2012

A federal effort is under way to improve the nation's ability to manage, understand, and act upon the 1.2 zettabytes (10
21
) of electronic data generated each year.
Bloodstream Infection Caused by Nontoxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae in an Immunocompromised Host in the United States
Authors: Wojewoda Christina M. , Koval Christine E. , Wilson Deborah A. , Chakos Mary H. , Harrington Susan M.
Published: April 2012

Corynebacteriumspecies are well-known causes of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Toxigenic strains ofCorynebacterium diphtheriaecause respiratory diphtheria. We report a bloodstream infection caused by a nontoxigenic strain ofC. diphtheriaeand discuss the epidemiology, possible sources of the infection, and the implications of rapid species identification of corynebacteria.
Multiplex PCR for Rapid and Improved Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Rath Peter-Michael , Saner Fuat , Paul Andreas , Lehmann Nils , Steinmann Eike , Buer Jan , Steinmann Joerg
Published: April 2012

This prospective study evaluated the utility of the SeptiFast (SF) test in detecting 25 clinically important pathogens in 225 blood samples from 170 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with suspected sepsis after liver transplantation (LTX) or after other major abdominal surgery (non-LTX). SF yielded a significantly higher positivity rate in the LTX group (52.3%) than in the non-LTX group (30.5%;
P
= 0.0009). SF may be a powerful tool for the early diagnosis of bloodstream infections in LTX patients.
Interpersonal trauma exposure and cognitive development in children to age 8 years: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Egeland Byron , Blood Emily A , Wright Robert O , Wright Rosalind J
Published: April 2012

Background

Childhood trauma exposure has been associated with deficits in cognitive functioning. The influence of timing of exposure on the magnitude and persistence of deficits is not well understood. The impact of exposure in early development has been especially under-investigated. This study examined the impact of interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT) in the first years of life on childhood cognitive functioning.

Methods

Children (N=206) participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study were assessed prospectively for exposure to IPT (physical or emotional abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, witnessing maternal partner violence) between birth and 64 months. Child intelligent quotient (IQ) scores were assessed at 24, 64 and 96 months of age. Race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, maternal IQ, birth complications, birth weight and cognitive stimulation in the home were also assessed.

Results

IPT was significantly associated with decreased cognitive scores at all time points, even after controlling for socio-demographic factors, maternal IQ, birth complications, birth weight and cognitive stimulation in the home. IPT in the first 2 years appeared to be especially detrimental. On average, compared with children not exposed to IPT in the first 2 years, exposed children scored one-half SD lower across cognitive assessments.

Conclusion

IPT in early life may have adverse effects on cognitive development. IPT during the first 2 years may have particular impact, with effects persisting at least into later childhood.
Endovascular intervention for delayed stenosis of extracranial–intracranial bypass saphenous vein grafts
Authors: Qahwash Omar , Alaraj Ali , Aletich Victor , Charbel Fady T , Bulsara Ketan R , Ho Winson , Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Bypass graft stenosis is an uncommon but significant issue which can be encountered following extracranial–intracranial (EC–IC) bypass surgery and carries significant potential for morbidity and mortality. Angioplasty for graft stenosis (with or without stenting) has been extensively discussed in the cardiothoracic literature but its application for neurosurgical purposes has not been well documented.

Methods

Cases of EC–IC bypass undergoing endovascular intervention for graft stenosis were retrospectively reviewed; a literature search was performed. Diagnosis, pathology and indications for intervention were reviewed.

Results

Three patients underwent 13 endovascular interventions for EC–IC saphenous vein graft stenosis. The indication for the initial bypass was an unsecured intracranial aneurysm in all cases, using an interposition saphenous vein graft. The initial endovascular procedure was needed 9–23 weeks after the bypass surgery, a timeframe suggestive of intimal hyperplasia as the underlying etiology of stenosis. There were nine cases of angioplasty alone, three with stent placement and one case in which vasodilators were infused. Non-invasive phase contrast quantitative MR angiography was effective in predicting graft stenosis. Despite intervention, two grafts ultimately occluded and a third has remained patent only after multiple angioplasties and placement of a drug eluting coronary stent.

Conclusion

Although rare, bypass graft stenosis can occur in the subacute period, and likely represents a flow related venopathy. Given the challenges of re-do bypass surgery, endovascular intervention is an attractive treatment option. However, although repeated interventions with diligent follow-up may allow graft salvage, failure of endovascular intervention can also ultimately result in graft occlusion.