bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contractual Provisions to Mitigate Holdup: Evidence from Information Technology Outsourcing
Authors: Susarla Anjana , Subramanyam Ramanath , Karhade Prasanna
Published: March 2009

The complexity and scope of outsourced information technology (IT) demands relationship-specific investments from vendors, which, when combined with contract incompleteness, may result in underinvestment and inefficient bargaining, referred to as the holdup problem. Using a unique data set of over 100 IT outsourcing contracts, we examine whether contract extensiveness, i.e., the extent to which firms and vendors can foresee contingencies when designing contracts for outsourced IT services, can alleviate holdup. While extensively detailed contracts are likely to include a greater breadth of activities outsourced to a vendor, task complexity makes it difficult to draft extensive contracts. Furthermore, extensive contracts may still be incomplete with respect to enforcement. We then examine the role of nonprice contractual provisions, contract duration, and extendibility terms, which give firms an option to extend the contract to limit the likelihood of holdup. We also validate the ex post efficiency of contract design choices by examining renewals of contracting agreements.
Research Note—The Role of Organizational Controls and Boundary Spanning in Software Development Outsourcing: Implications for Project Performance
Authors: Gopal Anandasivam , Gosain Sanjay
Published: March 2009

Past research has studied how the selection and use of control portfolios in software projects is based on environmental and task characteristics. However, little research has examined the consequences of control mode choices on project performance. This paper reports on a study that addresses this issue in the context of outsourced software projects. In addition, we propose that boundary-spanning activities between the vendor and the client enable knowledge sharing across organizational and knowledge domain boundaries. This is expected to lead to facilitation of control through specific incentives and performance norms that are suited to client needs as well as the vendor context. Therefore, we argue that boundary spanning between the vendor and client moderates the relationship between formal controls instituted by the vendor on the development team and project performance. We also hypothesize the effect of collaboration as a clan control on project performance. We examine project performance in terms of software quality and project efficiency. The research model is empirically tested in the Indian software industry setting on a sample of 96 projects. The results suggest that formal and informal control modes have a significant impact on software project outcomes, but need to be finely tuned and directed toward appropriate objectives. In addition, boundary-spanning activities significantly improve the effectiveness of formal controls. Finally, we find that collaborative culture has provided mixed benefits by enhancing quality but reducing efficiency.
The origin of factor scores: Spearman, Thomson and Bartlett
Authors: Bartholomew David J. , Deary Ian J. , Lawn Martin
Published: March 2009

The indeterminacy of factor scores has been a perennial source of debate since the time of Spearman. The main purpose of this paper is to show that, in spite of his inadequate tools and concepts, Sir Godfrey Thomson's approach of 70 years ago was on the right lines. His thinking was constrained by the primitive state of his statistical understanding but it is illuminated by his substantial exchange of the correspondence with M. S. Bartlett in the 1930s, most of which has survived in the Godfrey Thomson archive at the University of Edinburgh. In order to justify our claim and clarify the issues, we have found it necessary to fill in some of the gaps in the original derivations of Spearman, Thomson and Bartlett and to express their work in terms which are intelligible today. The opportunity is taken to relate this earlier work to contemporary debates.
Vom Fall in die Farbe. Chromophilie in Wolframs von Eschenbach ›Parzival‹
Authors: Schausten Monika
Published: March 2009

The paper explores the negotiations of medieval theological discourses on colours in Wolfram's ›Parzival‹. The episode of Parzival's encounter with Ither, the red knight, for example, points to the significance of these discourses for Wolfram's construction of the story. On the one hand, Parzival's desire for and his violent acquisition of Ither's armour seem to draw from chromophobic arguments by Bernhard of Clairvaux, since the colour of the armour represents the hero's murder and his fall from grace. On the other hand, Parzival's appropriation of the red armour simultaneously signifies his rise in courtly society. Thus, the episode reflects the high esteem of colours in the Middle Ages derived from the medieval philosophy of light.
Observation of Austenitic Grain Growth in Some Alloy Structural Steels
Authors: Gerosa Riccardo , Rivolta Barbara , Silva Giuseppe , Demarchi Renato , Poli Andrea
Published: March 2009

In order to satisfy the demands coming from the thermal and thermo-chemical treatments, higher treatment temperature values are required to shorten the soaking time or to increase the structurally modified thickness, or both. Toughness and mechanical strength of a steel are strictly related to the presence of small grain dimension microstructure, which can be obtained through the presence of precipitates at the grain boundaries. The refinement of the microstructure is connected to the chemical composition and dimension of the precipitates, which dissolve partially or totally above a critical temperature. In this paper, two steels for mechanical application have been studied. In the supply conditions these steels are characterized by a precipitation condition due to the thermal treatment carried out in the steelmaker plant. By metallographic techniques, the grain growth has been studied, varying temperature and soaking time during thermal treatments. The dilatometric tests have been useful to follow the transformations able to contain the increase of the austenitic grain size and TEM analysis has contributed to confirm the nature of these transformations.
Determination of Failure Criteria for Electric Cables Exposed to Fire for Use in a Nuclear Power Plant Risk Analysis
Authors: Norcott Jill E. , Blanchat Thomas K.
Published: March 2009

The vulnerability of electrical cables exposed to a fire environment is of particular concern to the nuclear power plant community. The community is interested in data that could be used for predicting cable failures during a fire situation. For this reason, a cable test program was conducted using two different types of cable insulation. Several different exposure heat fluxes were tested, as well as different test arrangements such as cable trays and conduits. The program revealed that a single failure temperature for all cable types is not recommended, but if it is necessary a reasonable temperature could be chosen for the thermosets tested in this project.
Monitoring of Radiation Embrittlement of the First and Second Generation of VVER RPV Steels
Authors: Shtrombakh Ya. I. , Nikolaev Yu. A.
Published: March 2009

The analysis of the current condition on the prediction of radiation embrittlement for VVER RPV materials of the first and second generation has been carried out. The radiation lifetime of a definite type of pressure vessel is determined by various parameters caused by operational features and the chemical composition of pressure vessel’s metal. The emphasis on re-irradiation embrittlement kinetics is given for the first generation of VVER RPV steels (VVER-440/179 and VVER-440/230 grades). The technique for the first generation RPV materials monitoring, based on sampling and studies of metal from the pressure vessel’s inner surface, is considered. The current program of cutting out templates, for the inner surface of a RPV wall, and their re-irradiation in surveillance channels of VVER-440 units with full core and dummy assembles is described. The new approaches to re-irradiation embrittlement models are analyzed. The basic problems of VVER-440/213 and VVER-1000 metal monitoring are analyzed. The representativity of VVER-440/213 and VVER-1000 RPV surveillance programs is discussed. The necessity of updating of the current standard reference dependences for the prediction of radiation embrittlement of RPV materials is shown. The most urgent questions of reactor dosimetry for VVER pressure vessel materials have been covered. The lifetime extension problem for the first and second generation of VVER units is considered.
Phase Analysis of Hydraulic Cements by X-Ray Powder Diffraction: Precision, Bias, and Qualification
Authors: Stutzman Paul , Leigh Stefan
Published: March 2009

Estimates of cement phase composition have traditionally been made using bulk chemical analysis and the Bogue calculations, developed over 75 years ago. X-ray powder diffraction analysis provides an alternative with direct phase determination, qualitatively and quantitatively. The Rietveld method to refine multi-phase X-ray powder diffraction patterns of cement uses a whole-pattern approach with determination of the best-fit set of calculated diffraction patterns based on crystal structure models. The pattern intensities calculated in the analysis are used to estimate relative phase abundances. To estimate precision and bias and to establish qualification criteria, an inter-laboratory study involving eleven laboratories was undertaken. Four cement reference specimens were prepared using NIST SRM clinkers compounded with known amounts of one or more of gypsum, bassanite, anhydrite, and calcite. Results of the study were used to estimate the inter- and intra-laboratory precision and bias of phase abundance determinations. The data were also used to establish criteria for qualification of a laboratory, using prediction intervals that reflect the collective performance characteristics of the participants. Results show an improvement in repeatability over previous cement inter-laboratory studies utilizing internal standard-based, peak area measurement methods.
Concussion in Youth Hockey: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management across Observation Strategies
Authors: Williamson I. J. S. , Goodman D.
Published: March 2009

Ice hockey ranks among the highest of all sports for rates of concussion, and estimates from youth hockey appear ominously close to estimates from the NHL (23.15 and 29.59 per 1000 player-hours, respectively), yet concussion is seldom studied in the youth setting, particularly in a way that accounts for under-reporting. To maximize the capture of concussions in youth hockey, we used broad injury inclusion criteria and multiple surveillance strategies, including (a) official injury reports, (b) reports from team personnel, and (c) reports from trained hockey observers. The aims were to (a) better elucidate the prevalence and causes of hockey-related concussions, (b) examine how concussions are reportedly managed in youth ice hockey, and (c) speak to the utility of the different surveillance strategies. Contact between players was the most common mechanism across observation strategies and more than half (51 %) of concussions reported by volunteers were caused by illegal acts (32 % hits from behind, 8 % hits to head, and 7 % crosschecks), though few (23 %) resulted in penalties. According to volunteer and observer reports, many young players are returning to play in the same game they sustained a concussion (34 % and 71 %, respectively), which contravenes Hockey Canada guidelines. Contrary to the literature, there were significantly higher odds (p<0.05) of sustaining a concussion in the youngest age division rather than among older players according to volunteer reports. This study sampled approximately 22 400 youth players and is among the broadest investigations of concussion in youth ice hockey.
A Test Method to Determine Low-Cycle-Fatigue Behavior of Wrinkled Pipe
Authors: Das S , Roger Cheng JJ , Murray DW
Published: March 2009

Field observations of buried pipelines used by energy industries for transporting natural gas and oil indicate that it is not uncommon for geotechnical movements to impose large displacements on buried pipelines resulting in localized curvature, deformations, and strain in the pipe wall. Often these local deformation results in local buckling in the pipe wall (wrinkling) and, in its post-buckling range of response, wrinkles develop rapidly. Subsequent cyclic load histories may produce cyclic plastic strain reversals in the wrinkle region leading to formation of fractures in the wrinkle region. This paper presents an innovative and simple material test method, called a strip test, which was designed and carried out at the University of Alberta in order to simulate the complicated behavior of pipe wrinkles subject to such low-cycle-fatigue loading. It is found that the strip test is capable of replicating the complicated behavior of wrinkled pipe subject to plastic strain reversals at the wrinkle location due to low-cycle-fatigue loading and provides necessary information that can be used for further studies. For the current project, a total of 16 such strip tests were carried out, and the test data from these strip tests have been used successfully to develop a fracture life assessment (FLA) model for the wrinkled energy pipe subject to strain reversal due to low-cycle-fatigue loading. The development of the FLA model will be presented in a future publication.
Dynamic Fracture-Initiation Toughness ermination of Al 7075-T651 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Loya JA , Fernández-Sáez J
Published: March 2009

We present values of the static and dynamic fracture-initiation toughness at different loading rates of the aluminum alloy Al 7075-T651 obtained on three-point bend specimens with different thicknesses and initial crack lengths. In static conditions, the critical stress intensity factor was measured according to well known procedures. The methodology of dynamic fracture initiation toughness is not yet standardized, and the dynamic tests were done with a modified Hopkinson pressure bar coupled to high-speed cameras to measure the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) of the specimens. The critical stress intensity value was obtained from the CMOD at the time that crack starts to grow. This instant was detected by means of crack gauges at the crack tip.
A Biaxial Load Cell Design for Simultaneous Measurement of Horizontal and Vertical Spring Forces in Sinuous Spring-Supported Seating
Authors: Tackett Bob , Zhang Jilei
Published: March 2009

Sinuous springs are the most commonly used method of seat support in upholstered furniture. The dynamics of load transference by these springs to the furniture frame members has not been thoroughly studied. Rational strength design of sinuous-type upholstered furniture frames, especially their seating support systems, requires information concerning the magnitudes and directions of spring loads on spring supporting rails. These values are important for frame designers to be able to adjust member sizes and materials and select appropriate fasteners. Presently, furniture design largely depends on trial and error. A load cell was conceived, designed, and verified which can determine horizontal and vertical components of a spring load. Preliminary results showed that the average initial spring tension on each load cell, with no external loading applied to the springs, was 46 lb. (205 N) horizontal. For some situations, the horizontal load components actually decrease when a person comes to rest on the seat. Vertical and horizontal loading is greatest on the center three springs of the seat which used five, equally spaced springs in this paper.
Boundary Condition Role in Tests of Wood Compression Webs
Authors: Leichti Robert J. , Kleemann Karl , Miller Thomas H.
Published: March 2009

The important role of boundary conditions in tests of compression members was evaluated when determining the instability loads of asymmetric and nonprismatic compression webs for wood trusses. The compression webs were created by nailing a side member to the truss web so that the cross section was L-shaped. In the analytical investigation, the side members were assumed to be as long as the truss web, and the boundary conditions were for pinned and elastically restrained connections. In the experiments, L-reinforced webs were tested with pinned and metal-plate-connected boundary conditions and with side members of various lengths. The boundary conditions had a significant effect on stability load and the failure mode. Capacity of the L-reinforced truss web may be governed by the metal connector plate rather than wood strength or instability.
Evaluation of A Humidity Sensor for Use in An Environment Exposed to Radiation
Authors: Brenner Richard , Bingefors Nils , Mohn Bjarte
Published: March 2009

Humidity sensors tolerant to ionizing radiation are used in high-energy physics experiments where radiation doses are large and the sensors are inaccessible for replacement due to the highly activated environment. Other fields that have to meet the same demands are nuclear industry and space technology. In this paper cellulose crystallite humidity sensors that have been qualified by the manufacturer for use in radiation environments have been characterized and calibrated with the purpose of evaluating their suitability for use in the CERN ATLAS experiment for high-energy physics research. The impact of protons on the sensor was studied up to a fluence of 2∙1014 p/cm2.
Effect of Antistrip Additives on Surface Free Energy Characteristics of Asphalt Binders for Moisture-Induced Damage Potential
Authors: Wasiuddin NM , Fogle CM , Zaman MM , O'Rear EA
Published: March 2009

In this study, the effect of antistrip additives on asphalt binders was evaluated by both laboratory tests and a proposed chemical model of asphalt binder based on the surface free energy characteristics. Two performance graded asphalt binders, namely, PG 64-22 and PG 70-28 and two amine-based liquid antistrip additives, namely, AD-Here HP Plus and Redicote E-6 were evaluated at different percentages (0.25 %, 0.75 %, and 1.5 %). It was found that 1.5 %AD-Here HP Plus and 1.5 % Redicote E-6 increased the total SFE of PG 64-22 by 67 % and 208 %, respectively. Also, the acid components of PG 64-22 and PG 70-28 are 2.9 dyne/cm and 2.5 dyne/cm, respectively, whereas, the corresponding base components are 0.4 dyne/cm for both. With the addition of 1.5 %. Redicote E-6 in PG 64-22, the acid component of the binder reduced by 92 % and the base component of the binder increased by 1141 %.
An Experimentally-Based Analytical Model of the Stress Field in an Iosipescu Composite Test Specimen
Authors: Bell Jennifer M. , Odom Edwin M.
Published: March 2009

Typically, the reduction of the load and strain data obtained during an Iosipescu shear test assumes constant shear strain and shear stress distributions. While this is nominally correct and simplifies the data reduction, it provides no insight into the shear stress-shear strain distribution and can lead to theoretically inconsistent experimental results. In this study, an Idaho Iosipescu test fixture, two sizes of strain gages, an assumed power law for the strain distribution, and the Richard-Blacklock stress-strain relationship have been combined to model both the shear strain and the shear stress profile across the gage section. The results show a strain distribution dependent on both load and laminate layup and the difference between the shear stress and the shear strain profile. The initial shear moduli found from the nonlinear model show an insignificant difference between the two layups which is in agreement with composite theory.
Assessment of Clothing Effects in Thermal Comfort Standards: A Review
Authors: Huang Jianhua
Published: March 2009

There are four international standards covering the measurement of thermal resistance of clothing, i.e., ISO 15831, ASTM F 1291, ASTM F 1720, and EN 342. They employ the same measurement technique, but they differ in manikin size, test conditions, formula for calculating the insulation, and the parameters for reporting the test results. ASTM F 2370 is the only standard that addresses the measurement of evaporative resistance of clothing. It specifies the configuration of sweating thermal manikin, test protocol and test conditions, and does not call for a specific technique to simulate body sweating. ISO 9920 provides formulas for estimating thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of clothing. The international standards for the assessment of thermal comfort or thermal strain of a clothed body include ISO 7730, ISO/TR 11079 and ISO 7933, for evaluating moderate thermal, cold and hot environments, respectively. Their applications of thermal properties of clothing, principles, and limitations vary. Several suggestions are finally projected with regard to the future revision of these standards.
Reconstitution Process by Stud Welding for the Surveillance Program in Mexico
Authors: Romero Jesús , Hernández Rogelio , Fernández Filiberto , Mercado Fortino , van Walle Eric
Published: March 2009

This paper describes the development of the stud welding process for reconstitution of Charpy specimens for the surveillance program at the Mexican nuclear power plants. The surveillance program objective is to evaluate in advance the degree of embrittlement of the vessel over its service life. However, the number of capsules with test specimens was only foreseen for the plant’s design lifetime, and, at present, nuclear power plants can take measures that extend their lifetime by up to 20 additional years; hence the importance of this test material, which stores specific information on accumulated damage due to irradiation. This material needs to be reused after being destructively tested and, hence, there is the need to develop a reconstitution process to obtain other reconstructed Charpy specimens. These will be reinserted into the reactor both for the surveillance program and potential plant life extension.
Gearbox Fault Feature Extraction Using Hilbert Transform, S-Transform, and a Statistical Indicator
Authors: Fan Xianfeng , Zuo Ming J.
Published: March 2009

Vibration analysis has been widely used in machine fault feature extraction and diagnosis of rotating machinery. The effects of modulation and nonstationarity in vibration signals collected from a faulty gearbox present challenges for fault feature extraction. Hilbert transform and S-transform have the ability to address these issues through demodulation and time-frequency analysis, respectively. In this paper, we propose to use a feature indicator to represent the S-transform coefficients. The proposed method integrates the advantages of Hilbert transform, S-transform, and the proposed feature indicator (FI). The validity of the proposed method is verified with a simulated signal and real gearbox vibration signals. Comparison studies show that the proposed method is more effective and does not require the operators to have a lot of diagnostic experience.
Measurement, Analysis, and Comparison of the Parcel Shipping Shock and Drop Environment of the United States Postal Service with Commercial Carriers
Authors: Singh J. , Singh S. P. , Burgess G. , Saha K.
Published: March 2009

The past decade has shown a great increase in the number of direct to consumer shipments of products and packages. As a result, parcel delivery companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and the USPS have strengthened their presence in air transport to deliver products faster and through larger distances. Using cargo planes, they route packages from various destinations to large airport hubs, where they sort millions of packages and ship them to their destinations. There is a continuous need to quantify what happens to these packages as they are handled both manually during collection and delivery and on large high-speed conveying and sortation equipment at hubs. The dynamic events during these moves can cause damage. The information collected in this study helps packaging engineers design protective packaging. This study measured and compared shock and drop events for these carriers during next-day and two-day shipping service between Michigan and California. Data are presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95, and 99th percentile of occurrence for DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Impact orientation is also discussed. The data from this study are beneficial to new test methods being developed for drop testing of single parcel shipments by ASTM.
A Critical Review of the Diametral Compression Method for Determining the Tensile Strength of Spherical Aggregates
Authors: Luscher Walter G. , Hellmann John R. , Segall Albert E. , Shelleman David L. , Scheetz Barry E.
Published: March 2009

The validity of diametral compression as an effective means of determining the tensile strength of spherical ceramic bodies has often been questioned. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the original work, as well as alternative studies that suggest shortcomings of the original method, is made. For comparative purposes, data recently collected via diametral compression on aluminosilicate aggregates is presented in the context of these latter works and compared with the original methodology. Overall, results indicate that the diametral compression test can indeed provide an accurate measure of tensile strength when several important test criteria are met.
Effect of Coating Variables on Total Solar Reflectance and Emissivity of Polymer-Coated Metal Panels
Authors: Turner Lance , Manning Christopher , Peake Geoffrey
Published: March 2009

As reporting of total solar reflectance (TSR) and emissivity of painted metal becomes more prevalent due to Energy Star and LEED™ certification for roofing and other building panels, interest in, and use of, ASTM methods for measuring those values will increase. Though methods such as E903, C1549, C1371, and E1980 are good at describing how to carry out the measurement of panels, they say nothing about how the panels should be prepared. This paper describes how variations common in panel preparation, including color, topcoat thickness, primer thickness, coating chemistry, pretreatment, and substrate, affect the TSR and emissivity values that will be measured.
Texture Evaluation in Zr-2.5 % Nb Pressure Tubes Using Kearn’s f Parameter
Authors: Kapoor K. , Padmaprabu C. , Ramana Rao S. V. , Sanyal T. , Kashyap B. P.
Published: March 2009

The anisotropic properties of Zr-2.5 wt % Nb pressure tube material, used in pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) depend primarily on the texture associated with the material. Particularly properties such as coefficient of thermal expansion, mechanical anisotropy, irradiation growth, stress corrosion cracking, and delayed hydrogen cracking, are directly correlated. Thus, the knowledge of preferred orientation becomes an essential prerequisite for property evaluation. In the present paper the correlation between the preferred orientation factor, namely Kearn’s f′ parameter, and some of the important properties of the material is summarized. The f parameters were deduced from the X-ray diffraction data, using the inverse pole figure method, and then subsequently the values were verified experimentally using the direct pole figure method.
Prevention of embryo loss in non-obese diabetic mice using adoptive ITGA2+ISG20+ natural killer-cell transfer
Authors: Lin Yi , Wang Huiqi , Wang Wenjing , Zeng Shan , Zhong Yanmin , Li Da-Jin
Published: March 2009

Both regulatory T cells and regulatory natural killer (NK) cells may play essential roles in the maintenance of pregnancy. In this study, we show that a significantly high percentage of spontaneous embryo loss was observed in both allogeneic and syngeneic pregnant non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. The percentage of embryo loss in allogeneic pregnant mice was further increased by the administration of anti-asialo ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide to deplete NK cells, but was decreased by the adoptive transfer of ITGA2+ISG20+(CD49b+CD25+) NK cells from normal mice. No such trend was observed in syngeneic pregnant NOD mice. The pattern of CXCR4 (specific receptor for CXCL12) expression on NK cells was analyzed and NK-cell migration was confirmed byin vitroandin vivomigratory assays. Since CXCL12 production by murine trophoblast cells was confirmed previously, our findings suggest that the recruitment of peripheral CXCR4-expressing ITGA2+ISG20+NK cells into pregnant uteri may be important in the regulation of feto-maternal tolerance.
Use of Injectable Nicardipine for Neurovascular Indications
Authors: Reddy Prabashni , Yeh Yu‐Chen
Published: March 2009

Injectable nicardipine is increasingly being used to manage neurovascular conditions. To better understand its place in therapy, we conducted an evidenced‐based literature review. Two‐hundred twenty‐three article abstracts were identified; after independent review by two individuals and a supplemental manual search, 29 were deemed relevant and were included in this review. Nicardipine has been studied or recommended for management of hypertension in many neurovascular settings (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, craniotomy, and spinal surgery), for vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and in acute traumatic brain injury. In the management of hypertension in acute stroke, nicardipine is one of several recommended options available; expert opinion forms the basis of these recommendations in clinical guidelines, with limited randomized controlled trial evidence to support its use. Among the various antihypertensive agents, nicardipine has the highest drug acquisition cost. In two meta‐analyses, intravenous nicardipine had no impact on patient outcomes (death, disability) in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (relative risk [RR] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05‐1.27) or in patients with aneursymal subarachnoid hemorrhage (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.78‐1.20). Intraarterial nicardipine reduced angiographic diameter (p value not reported) and peak systolic velocities on transcranial Doppler images (p<0.001) in published case series. Given nicardipine's high cost relative to that of other agents and the limited evidence to support its use in patients with neurovascular conditions, this drug should be considered only in patients who have failed or have contraindications to alternative agents in the management of hypertension. Although intraarterial nicardipine appears to be promising in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, well‐designed studies are needed in this setting before its use can be routinely recommended.
Key Articles and Guidelines for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Dobesh Paul P. , Wittkowsky Ann K. , Stacy Zachary , Dager William E. , Haines Stuart T. , Lopez Larry M. , Nutescu Edith , Phillips Katherine W. , Trujillo Toby C. , Vondracek Tom
Published: March 2009

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important medical problem that affects millions of patients each year. With appropriate prophylaxis, many of these thromboembolic events can be prevented. Although strong evidence supporting VTE prophylaxis spans several decades, several large American and global registries have documented very poor use of appropriate prophylaxis. Because of increasing regulatory requirements, hospitals nationwide are in the process of developing documentation of appropriate VTE prophylaxis programs for both surgical and medical patients. A wide range of clinicians must understand what constitutes appropriate VTE prophylaxis in various patient populations. With the existence of numerous pharmacologic agents, abundance of data from major clinical trials, and several nationally recognized clinical guidelines, compiling the needed reference material to make evidence‐based decisions on appropriate VTE prophylaxis can be difficult for clinicians. Therefore, we provide a bibliography of key articles and guidelines related to the prevention of VTE in various patient groups. We hope this compilation will serve as a resource for pharmacists, physicians, nurses, residents, and students responsible for the care of patients who may be at risk for VTE.
Severe Rash Associated with Dexmedetomidine Use During Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Ludwig Kyle , Sorrell Matthew , Liu Peter
Published: March 2009

Dexmedetomidine, a sedative administered by continuous infusion, is used to facilitate mechanical ventilation through α2‐receptor activation. The drug's most common adverse reactions include hypotension, hypertension, nausea, bradycardia, and dry mouth. However, to our knowledge, no reports of dermatologic allergic reactions from dexmedetomidine use have been published. We describe a 22‐year‐old man who was intubated after being injured in a motor vehicle collision. He had been receiving propofol and fentanyl infusions for sedation during mechanical ventilation and was transitioning to dexmedetomidine. Within 4 hours of receiving dexmedetomidine 0.2 μg/kg/hour, the patient developed a wheal‐and‐flare rash encompassing 60% of his body surface area. The infusion was immediately discontinued; over the next 24 hours most of the rash receded, and within 48 hours of drug discontinuation the rash had completely resolved. According to the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, the likelihood that this rash was induced by dexmedetomidine was probable. Clinicians should be aware of this potential dermatologic adverse effect from dexmedetomidine, and patients receiving the drug should be closely monitored.
Recommendations for Training and Certification for Pharmacists Practicing, Mentoring, and Educating in Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Ernst Erika J. , Klepser Michael E. , Bosso John A. , Rybak Michael J. , Hermsen Elizabeth D. , Segarra‐Newnham Marisel , Drew Richard H.
Published: March 2009

Recently created guidelines for the development of institutional antimicrobial stewardship programs recommend that a pharmacist with infectious diseases training be included as a core member of the antimicrobial stewardship team. However, training and certification requirements for infectious diseases‐trained clinical pharmacists have not been established. Although pharmacists have nurtured their interest in infectious diseases by self‐directed learning or on‐the‐job experiences, this mode of training is not considered feasible or sufficient for reliable training of future clinical specialists in infectious diseases. This document, therefore, is forward looking and provides overarching recommendations for future training and certification of pharmacists practicing, mentoring, and educating in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy, with the recognition that full implementation may take several years. We recommend that future pharmacists wishing to obtain a clinical position as an infectious diseases‐trained pharmacist should complete a postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residency and a PGY2 residency in infectious diseases, that practitioners become board‐certified pharmacotherapy specialists, that a certification examination in infectious diseases be developed, that practitioners maintain a portfolio of educational experiences to maintain qualifications, that current nonaccredited training programs seek accreditation, and that employers and academicians recognize the desirability of these qualifications in hiring decisions.
A Preliminary Molecular Investigation of Aleocharine Phylogeny (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Thomas J C
Published: March 2009

The subfamily Aleocharinae Fleming is one of the largest and most diverse lineages of staphylinid beetles (≈12,000 species). Being one of the most taxonomically difficult groups of beetles, the classification of the 52 tribes in this subfamily is artificial and almost void of any phylogenetic context. As a preliminary step toward building a tribal-level phylogeny for this lineage of beetles, a molecular investigation of partial sequences of 12s and 16s mitochondrial genes was undertaken for 21 species in eight different tribes. These sequences were analyzed using parsimony, bayesian, and maximum likelihood methods. Results largely support the findings of previous morphological analyses. The “higher” Aleocharinae form a monophyletic group. The tribe Myllaenini Ganglbauer is supported as a member of the higher Aleocharinae. The subtribe Gyrophaenina Kraatz is monophyletic. These results suggest that 12s and 16s mitochondrial genes are phylogenetically informative molecular characters for building a tribal-level phylogeny of the Aleocharinae.
Survey of the Color Forms of the Southern Twostriped Walkingstick (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Anisomorphini), With Notes on Its Range, Habitats, and Behaviors
Authors: Conle Oskar V , Hennemann Frank H , Dossey Aaron T
Published: March 2009

Numerous color morphs of the southern twostriped walkingstick (or “devil rider”), Anisomorpha buprestoides (Stoll, 1813) (Phasmatodea: Areolatae: Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Anisomorphini), predominantly from Florida, are described and illustrated. Three main color forms of A. buprestoides are recognized: white, orange and brown. Type specimens of A. buprestoides have been lost, but colored illustrations by its original describer are compared with the most similar color form described here. This is intended to support future selection of a neotype, which will become necessary for conducting any confirmed taxonomic studies. The common brown form is highly variable in size and coloration and exhibits a wide distribution, mainly throughout the more northern portions of the dispersal of A. buprestoides. The white and orange forms are restricted to rather small localities in central Florida and show affiliation with dryer habitats. The distribution of A. buprestoides, based on collecting records from various museum collections, extends as far south as Key West, FL, but the northern boundary of its range is unclear. The day-hiding, defensive, and oviposition behaviors are described and illustrated for the three recognized color forms and are shown to differ considerably with dependence on the respective habitat. A list of known host plants and alternative food plants used in captive breeding of A. buprestoides is provided, which proves this species to be rather polyphagous. Captive breeding on alternative food plants for three generations has shown the coloration to remain constant independent of food plant used. Our observations lead us to the conclusion that A. buprestoides is in every aspect capable of adaptation to ecological pressure.
Age-Specific Life Table Parameters and Survivorship of an Iranian Population of the Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) at Different Constant Temperatures
Authors: Aghdam Hossein Ranjbar , Fathipour Yaghoub , Kontodimas Dimitris C , Radjabi Gholamreza , Rezapanah Mohammadreza
Published: March 2009

Age-specific life table parameters and survivorship, adult longevity, reproduction periods, fertility, and sex ratio of the codling moth were studied at eight constant temperatures (10, 14, 20, 25, 27, 30, 33, and 35 ±0.5°C). Among the examined temperatures, the highest values of net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase were 18.28 (females/female), 0.08 (females/female/d), and 1.08 at 27°C, respectively. Similarly, the highest value of sex ratio was 0.56 [females/ (females + males)] at 27°C. The highest mean generation time and doubling time were 72.26 and 23.09 d, respectively, at 20°C. To present a suitable model for intrinsic rate of increase at different temperatures, a nonlinear Lactin model was fitted to our observations. The longest preoviposition period was 2.77 and 2.55 d at 20 and 30°C, respectively. Also, the longest oviposition period was 8.46 d at 20°C. Postoviposition period was not statistically different at examined temperatures. The Weibull frequency distribution was used to describe the age-specific survival of the female adults. Based on the Weibull distribution parameters, the survival curves were type I at all examined temperatures, which indicates that mortality mostly occurred in old individuals. These findings confirmed that temperature is a critical environmental factor affecting codling moth population growth.
Egg Morphology and Stages of Embryonic Development of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Ali K , Morse Joseph G
Published: March 2009

The structure of the egg and embryonic developmental stages of glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera Cicadellidae), an important vector of Xyhlla fastidiosa are described and illustrated. This sharpshooter has narrow, flattened elliptical eggs with the anterior end less broad and more pointed than the posterior end. The anterior portion of the egg contains a keel-shaped structure with a ridge that stretches backward for a short distance and then transforms into a groove stretching longitudinally along the ventral surface of the egg. The eggshell apparently has two layers: an outer shell layer that peels off easily when handling the egg, and an inner layer that appears intact, tightly surrounding the yolk and other liquid contents of the egg. There were six discernible stages of embryonic development (195 h at 25°C): an initial undifferentiated stage at 0–90 h, appearance of the head cap at 90–100 h, eye spot migration at 100–130 h, active physiological stage at 130–180 h, a head cap ballooning stage at 180–190 h, and emergence of the first-instar nymph at 185–195 h. It was found that the general structure of the egg and embryonic developmental stages are similar to that of other cicadellids. However, the present work breaks down the embryonic development of leafhopper] eggs into more stages than previously described. The timing of H. vitripennis embryonic developmental stages could be used to improve the design of host-age effect experiments aimed at developing more efficient rearing methods for egg parasitoids to be released for control of H. vitripennis.
Odonata Biogeography in the Grand Canyon Ecoregion, Southwestern USA
Authors: Stevens Lawrence E , Bailowitz Richard A
Published: March 2009

The Odonata fauna of the Grand Canyon ecoregion (GCE) on the southern Colorado Plateau includes 89 species (35 genera, seven families), including 49 Anisoptera species (25 genera, four families) and 40 Zygoptera species (10 genera, three families), and with 58 Odonata species in Grand Canyon (GC; 24 genera, seven families). Three biogeographic hypotheses account for this relatively high regional species richness: faunal affinity (origin), elevation effects on range, and landform impacts across spatial scale. The GCE Odonata assemblage is the result of mixing of taxa from adjacent Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Allochthonous taxa include 34.8% tropical (Mexican, Caribbean, Neotropical, or Pantropical) and 21.3% boreal (Nearctic or Holarctic) species. Autochthonous species (43.8%) are range-centered in North American, neither clearly Nearctic nor Neotropical, with a strong Pacific Coast influence. Area-adjusted species richness is negatively linearly related to elevation. Tropical species have lower elevation ranges than do boreal species, whereas the elevation ranges of both allochthonous groups overlap those of autochthonous species. Odonata generally overcome landform-based range constraints at coarse spatial scales, but barrier/filter and corridor effects predominate over refuge and null biogeographic effects in GC. Anisoptera and Zygoptera biogeographic patterns are similar, except that 9-fold more Zygoptera species exist in refugia in GC compared with Anisoptera. Although no GCE Odonata previously have been considered rare or at risk, 15 (16.9%) species are restricted to three or fewer localities, four (4.5%) of species have been detected at only a single locality, and four high-elevation Nearctic species may be at risk of extirpation though climate change impacts on their habitats.
Wild Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) of the Michigan Highbush Blueberry Agroecosystem
Authors: Tuell Julianna K , Ascher John S , Isaacs Rufus
Published: March 2009

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a native North American crop dependent upon pollen movement by bees for high fruit set and large berries. Commercial blueberry farms use honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to provide pollination services, but there is concern regarding their long-term sustainability as crop pollinators. We conducted a 3-yr study at 15 farms to identify the bee community associated with the blueberry agroecosystem in Michigan to improve our understanding of this community and to better target conservation practices. Pan trapping and direct observation were used to determine the relative abundance and diversity of wild bees before, during, and after bloom. We found at least 166 species, representing 30 genera and five families, 112 of which were active during bloom. Most bees captured were solitary, soil-nesting bees. Most species were from subfamily Halictinae (family Halictidae) and genus Andrena (family Andrenidae). Andrena Carolina Viereck, a specialist on Ericaceae, was the most abundant native bee species collected during blueberry bloom. Several native Osmia species that were present in low abundance during bloom are potential targets for management. Honey bees were more often captured in white than in yellow traps, regardless of trap position in the field. Wild bees were more often captured in field perimeters than interiors, but they did not respond differentially to trap color. We report seven new state records for Michigan, including significant range extensions, and three new floral record associations. Implications for the conservation of native bees in this agricultural system are discussed.
Antennal Sensilla of Anastrepha serpentina (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Castrejón-Gómez Víctor R , Rojas Julio C
Published: March 2009

The antennal sensilla of Anastrepha serpentina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) adults were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. Both sexes have the same form and number of antennal segments. The scape and the pedicel are covered entirely by microtrichia. In the distal part of both segments, a series of longitudinally striated hairs was observed, originating in a flexible socket and ending in a pointed tip. Six types of sensilla were observed in the funiculus: 1) thick-walled multiporous pitted sensilla subtype I and subtype II, 2) thin-walled multiporous pitted sensilla long subtype I and medium length subtype II, 3) basiconic sensilla, 4) multiporous grooved sensilla, 5) clavate sensilla, and 6) an olfactory pit with two small conical and striated sensilla inside. Furthermore, there is a large quantity of microtrichia surrounding the entire funiculus. In the proximal dorso-lateral region of the funiculus, there are trichoid aristae composed of two short segments and one large segment, which have fixed base bristles or tactile hairs without membranes.
Lack of Mother—Offspring Relationships in White‐Tailed Deer Capture Groups
Authors: ROSENBERRY CHRISTOPHER S. , LONG ERIC S. , HASSEL‐FINNEGAN HEATHER M. , BUONACCORSI VINCENT P. , DIEFENBACH DUANE R. , WALLINGFORD BRET D.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  Behavioral studies of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) often assign mother‐offspring relationships based on common capture of juveniles with adult deer, assuming that fawns associate closely with mothers. We tested this assumption using genetic parentage to assess mother‐offspring relationships within capture groups based on data from 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci. At the 80% confidence level, we assigned maternity to 43% and 51% of juveniles captured with an adult female in 2 respective study areas. Capture with their mother did not differ by sex of juveniles in either study area, and limiting our analysis to capture groups that most represent family groups (i.e., one ad F with 1–3 juv) did not increase maternity assignment (35%). Our results indicate that common capture may be a poor indicator of mother‐offspring relationships in many field settings. We recommend genetic verification of family relationships.