bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐frequency wave propagation in periodically layered media
Authors: Roganov Yuriy , Stovas Alexey
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we consider wave propagation in a layered medium. Using the Baker‐Campbell‐Hausdorff series, we expand the logarithm of a propagator matrix in series of frequency. The series coefficients allow us to extend the effective Backus medium for low frequencies.

The proposed technique is applied to vertical propagation in a periodically layered and binary medium as well as for a gradient medium. The velocity dispersion equations are derived for these media. We also consider the layered medium with monoclinic anisotropy. We illustrate the accuracy of the proposed method on synthetic and well‐log data.
Quantification of excess water loss in plant canopies warmed with infrared heating
Authors: De Boeck Hans J. , Kimball Bruce A. , Miglietta Franco , Nijs Ivan
Published: May 2012

Here we investigate the extent to which infrared heating used to warm plant canopies in climate manipulation experiments increases transpiration. Concerns regarding the impact of the infrared heater technique on the water balance have been raised before, but a quantification is lacking. We calculate transpiration rates under infrared heaters and compare these with air warming at constant relative humidity. As infrared heating primarily warms the leaves and not the air, this method increases both the gradient and the conductance for water vapour. Stomatal conductance is determined both independently of vapour pressure differences and as a function thereof, while boundary layer conductance is calculated using several approaches. We argue that none of these approaches is fully accurate, and opt to present results as an interval in which the actual water loss is likely to be found. For typical conditions in a temperate climate, our results suggest a 12–15% increase in transpiration under infrared heaters for a 1 °C warming. This effect decreases when stomatal conductance is allowed to vary with the vapour pressure difference. Importantly, the artefact is less of a concern when simulating heat waves. The higher atmospheric water demand underneath the heaters reflects naturally occurring increases of potential evapotranspiration during heat waves resulting from atmospheric feedback. While air warming encompasses no increases in transpiration, this fully depends on the ability to keep humidity constant, which in the case of greenhouses requires the presence of an air humidification system. As various artefacts have been associated with chamber experiments, we argue that manipulating climate in the field should be prioritized, while striving to limit confounding factors. The excess water loss underneath infrared heaters reported upon here could be compensated by increasing irrigation or applying newly developed techniques for increasing air humidity in the field.
Physicochemical and microbial quality evaluation of foam‐mat‐dried pineapple powder
Authors: Kadam Dattatreya M. , Wilson Robin A. , Kaur Varinder , Chadha Sonia , Kaushik Pratibha , Kaur Sumandeep , Patil Ramabhau T. , Rai Deepak R.
Published: May 2012

Present experiments were carried to study the physicochemical and microbial quality of foam‐mat‐dried pineapple powder. Pineapple pulp was foamed using two foaming agents, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%) and egg white (EW) (0%, 0.50%, 1.0%, 1.50%, and 2.0%). Carboxy methyl cellulose (0.25%) was used as foam stabiliser, and drying was carried out at 65, 75, and 85 °C in tray drier followed by pulverising the dried foam mats in to fine powder. Powdered samples were analysed for various physicochemical quality parameters viz. total sugars, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, total acid, pH, iron, phosphorus and calcium content, and bacterial and fungal load. Statistical analysis using LSD revealed that sample dried using 1% TCP at 65 °C was the best with 4.60% total sugars, 2.71% reducing sugars, 4.05 mg per 100 g ascorbic acid, 0.35% total acid, 0.29 mg per 100 g Iron, 2.24 mg per 100 g phosphorous, and 6.58 g per 100 g calcium and zero bacterial and fungal growth.
Reliability and maintainability analysis to improve the operation of the limoncello production line
Authors: Tsarouhas Panagiotis H. , Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S.
Published: May 2012

The reliability, maintainability, failure rate and repair rate models of a limoncello automated production line for a period of 8 months at machine and entire line level were carried out. It was pointed out that (i) the real operating time of the limoncello production line (LPL) is 89.35%, whereas for the rest 10.65%, the LPL is under repair, (ii) the Weibull distribution provided the best fit of the failure data for the LPL to describe the time‐between‐failures (TBFs), whereas the time‐to‐repairs (TTRs) are lognormal distributed, and (iii) the failure rate of the production line increases, implying that the current maintenance strategy is not adequate and must be improved. This particular methodology can also be utilised in the beverage industry sector by the machinery manufacturers and the manufacturers of bottled products to improve the design and operation management of the bottling production line.
Chronic pruritus – more than a symptom: a qualitative investigation into patients’ subjective illness perceptions
Authors: Bathe Anja , Weisshaar Elke , Matterne Uwe
Published: May 2012

bathe a., weisshaar e. & matterne u. (2012) Chronic pruritus – more than a symptom: a qualitative investigation into patients’ subjective illness perceptions. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 316–326. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06009.x

Aim.  This article is a report of a study exploring the subjective illness perceptions of patients with chronic pruritus (>6 weeks).

Background.  Pruritus is a common symptom of dermatological as well as other conditions. This pervasive symptom has a substantial impact on quality of life. Little is known about how patients with chronic pruritus construct the symptom, what causes they ascribe, consequences they endure, how they control the symptom and experience the healthcare system.

Design.  A qualitative design taking a constructivist inquiry perspective.

Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews with 16 patients were conducted between September 2008–February 2009 and analysed by qualitative content analysis.

Results.  Many patients find it very difficult to adequately describe the symptom to others resulting sometimes in bizarre accounts of the symptom that provoke irritation in lay people and health professionals. This irritation frequently leaves the sufferer feeling misunderstood. Patients often feel their burden is not taken seriously by health professionals. This and various other reasons contribute to difficulties in accepting a given diagnosis. This can leave patients unsatisfied with their current health care and the system. They respond with frequent doctor changes and consideration of complementary and alternative therapeutic methods.

Conclusion.  Assisting patients with chronic pruritus in their efforts to adequately describe the symptom along with unconditional regard and empathy are key factors that can help enhance the provider–patient relationship and subsequent acceptance of a given diagnosis. A stronger emphasis on the perspectives of these patients may also improve the quality of healthcare provision.
Theoretical limits to the correlation between pelagic larval duration and population genetic structure
Authors: FAURBY SØREN , BARBER PAUL H.
Published: May 2012

Increasing dispersal duration should result in increasing dispersal distance, facilitating higher gene flow among populations. As such, it has long been predicted that genetic structure (e.g. FST) among populations of marine species should be strongly correlated with pelagic larval duration (PLD). However, previous studies have repeatedly shown a surprisingly poor correspondence. This result has been frequently interpreted as evidence for larval behaviours or physical oceanographic processes that result in larvae failing to reach their dispersal potential, or error inherent in estimating PLD and FST. This study employed a computer modelling approach to explore the impacts of various uncertainties on the correlation between measures of genetic differentiation such as FST and PLD. Results indicate that variation resulting from PLD estimation error had minor impacts on the correlation between genetic structure and PLD. However, variation in effective population size between species, errors in FST estimation and non‐equilibrium FST values all had major impacts, resulting in dramatically weaker correlations between PLD and FST. These results suggest that poor correlations between PLD and FST may result from variation and uncertainty in the terms associated with the calculation of FST values. As such, PLD may be a much stronger determinant of realized larval dispersal than suggested by the weak‐to‐moderate correlations between PLD and FST reported in empirical studies.
Shigella flexneri effectors OspE1 and OspE2 mediate induced adherence to the colonic epithelium following bile salts exposure
Authors: Faherty Christina S. , Redman Julia C. , Rasko David A. , Barry Eileen M. , Nataro James P.
Published: May 2012

Shigella flexneri is a Gram‐negative pathogen that invades the colonic epithelium. While invasion has been thoroughly investigated, it is unknown how Shigella first attaches to the epithelium. Previous literature suggests that Shigella utilizes adhesins that are induced by environmental signals, including bile salts, encountered in the small intestine prior to invasion. We hypothesized that bile would induce adherence factors to facilitate attachment to colonic epithelial cells. To test our hypothesis, S. flexneri strain 2457T was subcultured in media containing bile salts, and the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the apical surface of polarized T84 epithelial cells was measured. We observed a significant increase in adherence, which was absent in a virulence plasmid‐cured strain and a type‐III secretion system mutant. Microarray expression analysis indicated that the ospE1/ospE2 genes were induced in the presence of bile, and bile‐induced adherence was lost in a ΔospE1/ΔospE2 mutant. Further studies demonstrated that the OspE1/OspE2 proteins were localized to the bacterial outer membrane following exposure to bile salts. The data presented are the first demonstration that the OspE1/OspE2 proteins promote initial adherence to the intestinal epithelium. The adhesins required for Shigella attachment to the colonic epithelium may serve as ideal targets for vaccine development.
A prevalent founder mutation and genotype–phenotype correlations of OTOF in Japanese patients with auditory neuropathy
Authors: Matsunaga T , Mutai H , Kunishima S , Namba K , Morimoto N , Shinjo Y , Arimoto Y , Kataoka Y , Shintani T , Morita N , Sugiuchi T , Masuda S , Nakano A , Taiji H , Kaga K
Published: May 2012

Matsunaga T, Mutai H, Kunishima S, Namba K, Morimoto N, Shinjo Y, Arimoto Y, Kataoka Y, Shintani T, Morita N, Sugiuchi T, Masuda S, Nakano A, Taiji H, Kaga K. A prevalent founder mutation and genotype–phenotype correlations of OTOF in Japanese patients with auditory neuropathy.

Auditory neuropathy is a hearing disorder characterized by normal outer hair cell function and abnormal neural conduction of the auditory pathway. Aetiology and clinical presentation of congenital or early‐onset auditory neuropathy are heterogeneous, and their correlations are not well understood. Genetic backgrounds and associated phenotypes of congenital or early‐onset auditory neuropathy were investigated by systematically screening a cohort of 23 patients from unrelated Japanese families. Of the 23 patients, 13 (56.5%) had biallelic mutations in OTOF, whereas little or no association was detected with GJB2 or PJVK, respectively. Nine different mutations of OTOF were detected, and seven of them were novel. p.R1939Q, which was previously reported in one family in the United States, was found in 13 of the 23 patients (56.5%), and a founder effect was determined for this mutation. p.R1939Q homozygotes and compound heterozygotes of p.R1939Q and truncating mutations or a putative splice site mutation presented with stable, and severe‐to‐profound hearing loss with a flat or gently sloping audiogram, whereas patients who had non‐truncating mutations except for p.R1939Q presented with moderate hearing loss with a steeply sloping, gently sloping or flat audiogram, or temperature‐sensitive auditory neuropathy. These results support the clinical significance of comprehensive mutation screening for auditory neuropathy.
Arabinogalactan proteins and the extracellular matrix surface network during peach palm somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Steinmacher Douglas A. , Saare‐Surminski Katja , Lieberei Reinhard
Published: May 2012

Somatic embryogenesis has been described in peach palm as a reliable method for its in vitro multiplication and conservation. In this study, we evaluated the possible role of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) during this morphogenetic pathway. The presence of Yariv reagent, a synthesized chemical antibody that specifically binds AGP molecules, affected somatic embryos and callus development rate, but no effect was observed on fresh weight increment. This substance also had profound effects on embryo morphology: somatic embryos presented loose cells in the protoderm and no signs of polarization could be observed. To better evaluate the role of AGPs, analyses of specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against different AGP epitopes revealed a specific pattern of distribution for each epitope. MAb JIM13 had differential expression and showed intense signal on the embryogenic sector and some immediately adjacent layers. MAb JIM7 against pectin recognized cell walls and a specific layer over the developing somatic embryo, as well as over the shoot meristem region of mature somatic embryos. This corresponds to an extracellular matrix surface network (ECMSN) associated with the development of somatic embryos and closely related to the expression of MAb JIM13. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of an ECMSN covering a specific group of cells and ultra‐structural analyses revealed that the ECMSN had lipophilic substances.
Comparative Morphology of the Papillae Linguales and their Connective Tissue Cores in the Tongue of the Greater Japanese Shrew‐mole, Urotrichus talpoides
Authors: Yoshimura K. , Shindo J. , Kageyama I.
Published: May 2012

The external morphology of the papillae linguales (papillae filiformes, papillae fungiformes and papillae vallatae) and their connective tissue cores (CTCs) of the greater Japanese shrew‐mole (Urotrichus talpoides) were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Papillae filiformes were distributed over the dorsal surface of the apex linguae, and on the rostral and caudal regions of the corpus linguae but were less numerous in the mid‐region. They were absent from the radix linguae. A pair of oval papillae vallatae was situated at the border between the corpus linguae and the radix linguae. Papillae foliatae were absent. The epithelial surface of each papilla filiformis consisted of a circular concavity, a ring‐like wall and either a single thumb‐like process or 2–3 slender pointed processes, depending on their location. The morphology of the CTCs of the papillae filiformes also varied regionally. The papillae linguales of the Japanese shrew‐mole were morphologically similar to those of other Talpidae and Soricidae, including the common shrew, particularly with respect to the papillae filiformes in the mid‐ and caudal regions of the corpus linguae.
Correlation between cancer location and oncological outcome after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Hashine Katsuyoshi , Ueno Yoshiteru , Shinomori Kensuke , Ninomiya Iku , Teramoto Norihiro , Yamashita Natsumi
Published: May 2012

Objectives:  To examine the association between cancer location, resection margins and oncological outcome in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Methods:  A total of 505 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1993 and 2009 were included in this analysis. Cancer location, resection margins and pathological factors were assessed based on the 2010 General Rules for Clinical and Pathological Studies on Prostate Cancer. Biochemical recurrence was defined as prostate‐specific antigen >0.2 ng/mL.

Results:  Positive resection margins were found in 38.4% of all cases, in 30.3% of pT2 cases and in 57.7% of pT3 cases. The cancer was distributed evenly among the apex‐anterior, apex‐posterior and middle lesions, which each accounted for approximately 30% of the whole lesion in the main tumor. A higher rate of positive resection margins (47.6%) was found in the apex‐anterior lesions. In minor tumors, most cancer was located in the middle lesion and accounted for approximately 60% of the lesion. However, positive resection margins were detected significantly more frequently in the apex‐anterior lesion of minor tumors. The 5‐year and 10‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates were 36.2% and 32.0%, respectively, in patients with a positive resection margin, and 82.7% and 77.4%, respectively, in those with a negative resection margin. Cancer location was an independent risk factor for biochemical recurrence and a positive resection margin. Recurrence‐free survival was lower in pT2 cases with a positive resection margin compared with pT3 cases with a negative resection margin.

Conclusions:  Cancer location and occurrence of positive resection margins can have negative effects on recurrence‐free survival. Thus, it is of utmost importance to avoid positive resection margins during radical prostatectomy.
Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery: a mentoring surgical model
Authors: Yang Joseph Y. M. , De Ruiter Ingrid , Parker Andrew , Wormald Peter J. , Robinson Simon , Wickremesekera Agadha
Published: May 2012

Background:  We report the experience of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for resection of pituitary region tumours at Wellington, the central regional referral centre for neurosurgery in New Zealand, and discuss the collaborative mentoring surgical model that enhanced the learning experience.

Method:  Between January 2007 and June 2009, a total of 47 operations on 46 patients were performed and reviewed retrospectively. All patients had perioperative clinical assessment, hormonal profile and magnetic resonance imaging studies for residual/recurrent disease. The collaborative model utilized two neurosurgeons with experience in the microsurgical resection of pituitary tumours: an endoscopic skull base fellowship trained rhinologist and an endoscopic skull base rhinologist with more experience who visited twice a year from Adelaide, Australia.

Results:  The pathology results included: 30 non‐functioning pituitary adenomas, 10 secreting pituitary adenomas, 3 meningiomas, 1 chordoma, 1 anterior skull base adenocarcinoma and 1 clival prostate metastasis. Complete tumour resection was intended and achieved in 38 cases. All 10 patients with secreting adenomas achieved improvement of hormonal profile. Nineteen out of 27 cases demonstrated improvement of vision. Perioperative complications included one epistaxis, three cerebrospinal fluid fistulae, one delayed chronic subdural haematoma and one persistent diabetes insipidus.

Conclusion:  Our results highlight the value of a collaborative mentoring surgical model for a single centre adopting the endoscopic transsphenoidal technique and demonstrate that excellent EETS outcomes can be achieved in a smaller endoscopic skull base unit in Australasia during the learning phase.
Reflections on clinical learning in novice speech–language therapy students
Authors: Hill Anne E. , Davidson Bronwyn J. , Theodoros Deborah G.
Published: May 2012

Background: Reflective practice is reported to enhance clinical reasoning and therefore to maximize client outcomes. The inclusion of targeted reflective practice in academic programmes in speech–language therapy has not been consistent, although providing opportunities for speech–language therapy students to reflect during their clinical practice has been reported. Indeed, there has been limited investigation of the nature of speech–language therapy students’ reflections.

Aims: (1) To describe the breadth and depth of reflection skills of novice speech–language therapy students by utilizing structured reflective learning journals. (2) To evaluate the use of a coding system to determine its reliability and relevance in identifying reflection skills.

Methods & Procedures: Participants were 52 students in their second year of a 4‐year undergraduate speech–language therapy programme. Mean participant age was 20.5 years; all students were female. Participants completed guided written reflections following three interviews with a standardized patient (an actor portraying a parent of a child with delayed speech development). Reflections were coded by two raters. Nine participants’ reflections were recoded by raters A and B to establish intra‐rater reliability. Inter‐rater reliability between these two raters was calculated and a third rater completed coding of 20% of students’ reflections to further establish inter‐rater reliability.

Outcomes & Results: Results indicated that the majority of students were categorized as ‘reflectors’. All students demonstrated at least one element of reflection. Their reflective writing primarily focused on a discussion of the content of and strategies used within the interviews, and reflection on and for action. Results also indicated that the coding system used within the study was reliable in determining both the breadth and depth of student reflections.

Conclusions & Implications: This study found that novice speech–language therapy students can reflect on their clinical learning experiences within a structured clinical environment involving standardized patients. Only a small number of novice students were found to be critical reflectors who were able to analyse the content of clinical interviews, view the interaction from the perspective of the patient, and record changes to their own perspective which occurred as a result. The coding system was established as reliable and thus relevant for use in furthering research on reflective practice within speech–language therapy and other disciplines. Further investigation of reflective skills within other clinical environments and with additional clinical experience is recommended.
Current role of diethylstilbestrol in the management of advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Bosset Pierre‐Olivier , Albiges Laurence , Seisen Thomas , de la Motte Rouge Thibault , Phé Véronique , Bitker Marc‐Olivier , Rouprêt Morgan
Published: May 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been found to have anti‐tumour properties and clinical effectiveness in prostate cancer that is resistant to the first‐line hormonal therapy.

This review found that low‐dose DES has anti‐tumour efficacy with limited cardiovascular side effects and should be considered for secondary hormone manoeuvres.

The aim of this review was to describe the most recent data from contemporary clinical trials of diethylstilbestrol (DES) to better determine its current role in advanced prostate cancer treatment as new hormonal therapies emerge. Relevant clinical studies using 1 mg of DES in castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were identified from the literature, clinical trial databases, websites and conference abstracts. The efficacy and safety outcomes were summarized. DES in CRPC produced a biological response (change in PSA level) and improved the median survival of patients when used as a second‐line hormone therapy after standard androgen deprivation with bicalutamide and LHRH analogues. These findings were for low doses of DES. The 1‐mg dose is associated with a reduced toxicity, including fewer thromboembolic and cardiovascular events. Low‐dose DES appears to be safe and effective for CRPC before initiating chemotherapy. The cost/efficiency ratio may encourage physicians to consider DES as a therapy option before chemotherapy in non‐symptomatic CRPC.
An evaluation of a pilot capacity building initiative for smoking cessation in social and community services: The Smoking Care project
Authors: O'BRIEN JON , BONEVSKI BILLIE , SALMON ALLISON , OAKES WENDY , GOODGER BRENDAN , SOEWIDO DIAS
Published: May 2012

Introduction and Aims. New strategies are required to reach subpopulations with high smoking rates. This study reports on an evaluation of the Smoking Care intervention—a 2‐year organisational capacity building strategy—for social and community service organisations (SCSOs) to provide smoking care to clients.

Design and Methods. The Smoking Care intervention consisted of: awareness raising seminars (half‐day); smoking cessation training (1 day) and; nicotine replacement therapy grants (3 months). Baseline and 3‐month follow‐up data were collected within participating SCSOs and the primary outcomes measured were: changes in staff attitudes, confidence and practice of smoking cessation care. Changes in client self‐reported smoking behaviours, quit attempts and interest in quitting were also measured.

Results. Of 600 staff who attended training, 306 (51%) returned pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys. At 3‐month follow‐up staff reported statistically significant increases in positive attitudes to providing smoking cessation care, increased confidence in providing such care and increases in cessation practice. Of 400 client surveys distributed, 367 (92%) were returned at pre‐intervention and 255 (64%) at post‐intervention. Fewer clients reported daily smoking at post‐intervention, while use of nicotine replacement therapy and group counselling increased significantly. Client interest in quitting and receiving quit support from case workers was high at both pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Discussion and Conclusions. The intervention had an impact on SCSO staff attitudes, confidence and provision of smoking care. Results show clients were receptive to this support. More rigorous testing of similar interventions in SCSOs is warranted.[O'Brien J, Bonevski B, Salmon A, Oakes W, Goodger B, Soewido D. An evaluation of a pilot capacity building initiative for smoking cessation in social and community services: The Smoking Care project. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:685–692].
THE DANGERS OF EUTHANASIA AND DEMENTIA: HOW KANTIAN THINKING MIGHT BE USED TO SUPPORT NON‐VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA IN CASES OF EXTREME DEMENTIA
Authors: SHARP ROBERT
Published: May 2012

Some writers have argued that a Kantian approach to ethics can be used to justify suicide in cases of extreme dementia, where a patient lacks the rationality required of Kantian moral agents. I worry that this line of thinking may lead to the more extreme claim that euthanasia is a proper Kantian response to severe dementia (and similar afflictions). Such morally treacherous thinking seems to be directly implied by the arguments that lead Dennis Cooley and similar writers to claim that Kant might support suicide. If rationality is the only factor in valuing a human life, then the loss of that rationality (however such loss might be defined) would allow us to use essentially utilitarian thinking in order to support non‐voluntary euthanasia, since the patients themselves would no longer be moral agents that demand respect.
The International Trade Union Confederation: From Two (or More?) Identities to One
Authors: Gumbrell‐McCormick Rebecca
Published: May 2012

The International Trade Union Confederation was founded in 2006, consisting primarily of former affiliates of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the World Confederation of Labour (although its creation was not formally a merger). I show how changes in the ideologies and identities of both confederations helped to overcome years of mutual antagonism and paved the way for unification. I consider the unification process in the broader perspective of the literature on trade union mergers but stress the need to focus on the role of ideas in such structural changes. The conclusion considers the problems the new confederation faces in developing a common set of ideas and a clear identity out of the separate orientations of its forerunners.
Spillover Between Work and Home, Role Importance and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Wolfram Hans‐Joachim , Gratton Lynda
Published: May 2012

This study of n = 201 knowledge workers examines positive and negative spillover between work and home and its interrelation with life satisfaction. Additionally, it accounts for the direct effect of role importance on life satisfaction and its moderating effect on the interrelation between spillover and life satisfaction. Central to role importance is the degree of attachment that an individual places on family role and career role. Positive spillover from home is interrelated with higher life satisfaction, whereas negative spillover from work is related to lower life satisfaction. Family role importance and career role importance are associated with higher life satisfaction. For respondents with higher family role importance, there is a stronger interrelation between negative spillover from home and lower life satisfaction.
Was Labour Penalised Where it Stood All Women Shortlist Candidates? An Analysis of the 2010 UK General Election
Authors: Cutts David , Widdop Paul
Published: May 2012

Despite losing nearly 100 seats, Labour managed to increase its percentage of women MPs in parliament due to the success of all women shortlists (AWS). However, 35 AWS candidates were defeated. So was Labour penalised where it stood AWS candidates or was any backlash symptomatic of Labour's electoral predicament or the result of being a new candidate in a seat? Here we examine whether AWS candidates fared worse than other Labour candidates in the 2010 general election. Our findings suggest that AWS candidates suffered from being new candidates. Both AWS and non-AWS candidates in Labour-held seats fared significantly better than AWS and new candidates in non-held seats. But there was no significant difference in support between AWS and new non-AWS candidates standing in incumbent seats or between AWS and new candidates in non-held Labour seats. Put simply, there was no anti-AWS effect, even after taking account of incumbency status, in the 2010 general election.
Economic Performance and Higher Education: The Lessons for Britain
Authors: Whiteley Paul
Published: May 2012

After the 2010 general election the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition embarked on a radical new policy for funding higher education in England which involves transferring all the costs of tuition to students, with the exception of the STEM subjects. This article evaluates the implications of this policy for Britain's economic prosperity in the future by modelling the relationship between higher education enrolments and economic growth in the advanced industrial countries. It evaluates the potential costs of the coalition government's radical funding experiment, if it has the effect of deterring large numbers of young people from enrolling in higher education. The results show that higher education is an important driver of economic growth in advanced industrial countries like Britain, although there is no evidence to support the idea that special treatment for the STEM subjects stimulates growth. If the policy does deter students from enrolling in the future the long-term costs are likely to be significantly greater than any short-term gains to the Exchequer.
Do Intelligent Leaders Make a Difference? The Effect of a Leader's Emotional Intelligence on Followers' Creativity
Authors: Castro Francisca , Gomes Jorge , de Sousa Fernando C.
Published: May 2012

This research investigates the connection between emotional intelligence (EI) and creativity. This was studied by exploring: (i) an association between leaders' EI and their followers' creative output; (ii) an association between six sub‐dimensions of EI and creativity; and (iii) a mediating role of climate in the link between EI and creativity. Two questionnaires (one for leaders and one for employees) were used to collect data in a hospital. Sixty‐six usable leader‐employee dyads were collected. The findings confirmed a positive relationship between leaders' EI and employees' creativity. At an EI's sub‐dimensions level, the current research showed an association between creativity, on one hand, and self‐encouragement and understanding of own emotions, on the other. Finally, no mediating effect of climate was observed. The absence of a mediating effect is interesting, since it suggests a direct link between leaders' EI and employees' creativity, regardless of the climate. This is important, since it calls attention to the paramount role of leaders in shaping individual and organizational behaviours as far as creativity is concerned. The paper also discusses implications for management and practice.
SOCIAL SECURITY TAX AND ENDOGENOUS TECHNICAL CHANGE IN AN ECONOMY WITH AN AGING POPULATION
Authors: Rada Codrina
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a classical model of economic growth which incorporates class conflict and induced technological change to show how demographic changes can affect future income distribution and production relations in industrialized countries. Specifically, I use an extended real wage Phillips curve to account for the effects of a social security tax on income distribution and therefore on capital accumulation and employment. In this framework output growth is determined from the supply side by available savings. Analytical and simulation results indicate that the sustainability of an economy with fast population aging over transient paths hinges upon improvements in labor productivity, hence, the specific mechanism of technical progress in place.
Cervical artery dissection is not a benign entity in the thrombolytic era
Authors: Qureshi A. I.
Published: May 2012

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
The effectiveness of butylated hydroxyanisole and α‐tocopherol in inhibiting oxidant‐induced chemical and structural changes of whey protein
Authors: KONG BAOHUA , SUN YAN , JIANG LIANZHOU , LIU QIAN , XIA XIUFAGN
Published: May 2012

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and α‐tocopherol in protecting whey protein isolate (WPI) from oxidative modification. The results showed that oxidation increased protein carbonyls and decreased total sulfhydryls, and led to higher dityrosine and surface hydrophobicity (P < 0.05) than nonoxidised WPI. The presence of BHA and α‐tocopherol significantly reduced (P  < 0.05) the extent of WPI oxidation, thus limiting the oxidation‐induced protein aggregates and structural changes. Therefore, BHA and α‐tocopherol may be used as potential antioxidants in WPI and WPI‐containing foods.
Model selection criteria affect measures of temporal variation in animal–landscape regression models
Authors: Riffell Samuel K. , Gutzwiller Kevin J.
Published: May 2012

Aim

Temporal variation in animal–landscape relationships hinders management decisions and development of conservation policy. Animal–landscape relationships may be modelled using several model selection criteria (MSC), but how such criteria affect measures of temporal variation of modelled relationships is unclear.

Location

AppalachianMountains,USA.

Methods

We used results from linear and logistic regression models for 98 bird species over a 5‐year period to compute two measures of interannual variation in bird–landscape relationships: model consistency reflected the degree to which variables and directions of relationships in a model were the same.R2coefficient of variation (R2CV) reflected the degree to which the strength of relationships was the same. We calculated both metrics for each species' models after using four commonMSC:AICc,BIC, stepwise‐0.15 and adjustedR2.

Results

Although positively correlated (r = 0.43−> 0.99;P = 0.030−< 0.001), interannual variation metrics for species differed up to 80% among differentMSC. One exception was that using stepwise‐0.15 andAICcresulted in identical bird–landscape models > 90% of the time and thus produced the same interannual variation metrics for those models.MSCaffectedR2CVless than model consistency. Model consistency did not differ significantly amongMSC. Use ofBICled to the highestR2CV(greatest interannual variation), and use ofAICcand stepwise‐0.15 led to the lowestR2CV.

Main conclusions

Comparisons of interannual variation metrics across studies or regions should be based on models derived from the sameMSC. When cross‐study comparisons must be made, effects ofMSCon interannual variation in the strength of relationships (R2CV) may be smaller than effects ofMSCon interannual variation in the identity of relationships (model consistency). Model consistency metrics could potentially be used in concert with other model evaluation criteria to refine landscape‐based species conservation planning.
Subaltern geopolitics: Libya in the mirror of Europe
Authors: Sidaway James D
Published: May 2012

In the wake of armed intervention and civil war in Libya, this commentary considers the changing ways that Libya has been represented in Western narratives. These include being part of a new ‘Roman Empire’ in Mussolini's geopolitics, loyal pro‐Western ally in the early Cold War after Libya's independence in 1951, ‘rogue’ and ‘terrorist’ state in the 1970s and 1980s, then success for Western sanctions and diplomacy and subsequently commercial opportunity and cooperative partner in constraining African migration to Europe in the 2000s. The commentary develops the category of subaltern geopolitics. It begins and ends however with issues of memory and massacre: in Libya and Lockerbie, Scotland.
Squatiniformes (Chondrichthyes, Neoselachii) from the Late Cretaceous of southern England and northern France with redescription of the holotype of Squatina cranei Woodward, 1888
Authors: GUINOT GUILLAUME , UNDERWOOD CHARLIE J. , CAPPETTA HENRI , WARD DAVID J.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Bulk sampling of phosphate‐rich horizons within the Late Cretaceous of the Anglo‐Paris Basin yielded numerous teeth of members of the Squatiniformes. Along with isolated tooth remains, two museum specimens comprising partial articulated encoskeletal remains including the holotype of the species Squatina cranei Woodward, 1888a are described, and a new subgenus Cretascyllium is proposed for species of the genus Squatina with high degree of heterodonty and triangular anterior teeth. The species Squatina (Cretascyllium) cranei comb. nov. and Squatina (Cretascyllium) hassei comb. nov. are referred to this subgenus. The genus Parasquatina Herman, 1982 previously erected on a single tooth is valid, and two new species P. justinensis sp. nov. and P. jarvisi sp. nov. are described along with a third taxon Parasquatina sp. An enigmatic tooth referred to ?Neoselachii incertae sedis is also reported. The palaeoecology of these taxa is discussed.
New palaeoscolecid worms from the Furongian (upper Cambrian) of Hunan, South China: isMarkueliaan embryonic palaeoscolecid?
Authors: DUAN BAICHUAN , DONG XI‐PING , DONOGHUE PHILIP C. J.
Published: May 2012

Abstract: Three‐dimensional fragments of palaeoscolecid cuticle have been recovered from the Furongian (upper Cambrian) of Hunan, South China. Extraordinary preservation of the fossils shows exquisite surface details indicating a three‐layered structure of the cuticle. One new genus and two new speciesDispinoscolex decorusgen. et sp. nov. andSchistoscolex hunanensissp. nov. are described. The co‐occurrence of these palaeoscolecid remains with those ofMarkuelia hunanensisallowed us to test the hypothesis thatMarkuelia, known hitherto only from embryonic remains, is an embryonic palaeoscolecid. The comparative anatomy ofMarkueliaand the co‐occurring palaeoscolecids shows a number of distinctions, particularly in the structure of the tail; all similarities are scalidophoran or introvertan (cycloneuralian) symplesiomorphies. The available evidence does not support the interpretation ofMarkueliaas an embryonic palaeoscolecid.
Do Managers Always Know Better? The Relative Accuracy of Management and Analyst Forecasts
Authors: HUTTON AMY P. , LEE LIAN FEN , SHU SUSAN Z.
Published: May 2012

We examine the relative accuracy of management and analyst forecasts of annual EPS. We predict and find that analysts’ information advantage resides at the macroeconomic level. They provide more accurate earnings forecasts than management when a firm's fortunes move in concert with macroeconomic factors such as Gross Domestic Product and energy costs. In contrast, we predict and find that management's information advantage resides at the firm level. Their forecasts are more accurate than analysts’ when management's actions, which affect reported earnings, are difficult to anticipate by outsiders, such as when the firm's inventories are abnormally high or the firm has excess capacity or is experiencing a loss. Although analysts are commonly viewed as industry specialists, we fail to find evidence that analysts have an information advantage over managers at the industry level. The two have comparable abilities to forecast earnings for firms with revenues or earnings that are more synchronous with their industries.
How we provide transfusion support for neonatal and pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Yuan Shan , Tsukahara Elsa , De La Cruz Kim , Kelly Robert B.
Published: May 2012

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides lifesaving hemodynamic and respiratory support to neonatal and pediatric patients with a variety of congenital or acquired cardiopulmonary defects. Successful ECMO support requires close collaboration among multiple services, including critical care medicine, perfusion, and transfusion medicine services. Neonatal and pediatric ECMO patients require significant transfusion support, both at the time of cannulation and after the ECMO circuit has been established, often with little advance notice. Thus a number of communication and logistic issues must be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach to ensure both good patient outcome and judicious use of resources. In this article, we describe our protocol for transfusion support for ECMO and potential ECMO patients, which was developed to address a number of issues, including identifying and stratifiying ECMO candidate patients, streamlining the ordering and communication processes, and improving blood product turnaround times and availability. Additional measures of quality improvement are also discussed. As the number of centers performing ECMO procedures remains high, we believe that our experience may be of interest to our colleagues in transfusion medicine and critical care.
Does Involvement in Performance Management Routines Encourage Performance Information Use? Evaluating GPRA and PART
Authors: Moynihan Donald P. , Lavertu Stéphane
Published: May 2012

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the George W. Bush administration’s Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) established new routines that were intended to foster performance management practices. Using data from two surveys, the authors find that the involvement of agency employees in GPRA processes and PART reviews generally had little direct effect on performance information use once other factors are accounted for. The main exception is that managerial involvement in GPRA processes and PART reviews is associated with the use of performance data to refine measures and goals. This reflects the limits of government‐wide reform efforts that depend on difficult‐to‐observe bureaucratic behavior. The authors also find that a series of organizational factors—leadership commitment to results, learning routines led by supervisors, the motivational nature of the task, and the ability to link measures to actions—are positive predictors of performance information use.
Electron Tomography of Vesicles
Authors: MICHEL C. CHARLES
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Michel CC. Electron tomography of vesicles. Microcirculation 19: 473–476, 2012.

In this issue of Microcirculation, Wagner, Modla, Hossler and Czmmek [25] describe the use of electron tomography to visualize the three‐dimensional arrangement of small endothelial vesicles and caveolae of muscle capillaries. Their images show the well‐known clusters of fused vesicles communicating with caveolae at the luminal and abluminal surfaces. The advantages of electron tomography are shown by well resolved images of single cytoplasmic vesicles separate from fused vesicle clusters and also by occasional chains of fused vesicles forming trans‐endothelial channels. Twenty five to thirty years ago the existence of both trans‐endothelial channels and single unattached vesicles was disputed. Also, since some single vesicles and all of the trans‐endothelial channels are labeled with a lanthanide tracer present in the perfusate at the time of fixation, this evidence once again raises the question of whether vesicles have a role in vascular permeability to macromolecules. This brief review describes the origin of the vesicle controversy, some of the more recent evidence for and against the participation of vesicles in macromolecular transport and considers some criticisms of ultra‐structural evidence for vesicular transport that still require answers.
Strengthening Ti3AlC2 by In Situ Synthesizing Ti3AlC2–Y4Al2O9 Composites
Authors: Zhan Xun , Li Zhen , Gao Zenghua , Zheng Liya , Wang Xiaohui , Wang Jingyang , Zhou Yanchun
Published: May 2012

Ti3AlC2 has low density, high elastic modulus, quasi‐ductility, and excellent oxidation resistance. However, its relatively low strength needs to be improved. In this study, dense Ti3AlC2–Y4Al2O9 composites (containing 2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt% Y4Al2O9) were synthesized by hot pressing/solid‐liquid reaction using Ti, Al, C, and Y2O3 as initial materials. We investigated the in situ formation process of Y4Al2O9, and studied the change of microstructure and optimization of mechanical properties of the Ti3AlC2–Y4Al2O9 composites. The grain size and aspect ratio of Ti3AlC2 grains are significantly reduced in Ti3AlC2–Y4Al2O9 composites, which is the source of higher strength from room temperature to elevated temperatures. The Ti3AlC2‐5 wt%Y4Al2O9 composite shows better optimization in its mechanical properties than other studied composites. In addition, there is an improvement in strength without debit in toughness of the composite.
Systemic antibiotics and debridement of peri‐implant mucositis. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hallström Hadar , Persson G. Rutger , Lindgren Susann , Olofsson Maria , Renvert Stefan
Published: May 2012

Background

This RCT compared non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implant mucositis with or without systemic antibiotics.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight subjects received non‐surgical debridement with or without systemic Azithromax ® (4 days), and were followed during 6 months. The checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization method was used to analyse the microbiological material.

Results

Five subjects were excluded due to antibiotic medication during follow‐up. At baseline,1 and 3 months no group differences were found. Statistical analysis failed to demonstrate differences in probing pocket depths (PPD) values at 6 months (Mean diff PPD: 0.5 mm, SE: ±0.4 mm, 95% CI: −0.2, 1.3, p = 0.16). Mean% implant bleeding decreased between baseline and month 6 from 82.6% to 27.3% in the test, and from 80.0% to 47.5% in the control group (p < 0.02). Throughout the study, no study group differences in bacterial counts were found.

Conclusion

No short‐term differences were found between study groups. The clinical improvements observed at 6 months may be attributed to improvements in oral hygiene. The present study does not provide evidence for the use of systemic antibiotics in treatment of peri‐implant mucositis.