bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ageing‐induced solubility loss in milk protein concentrate powder: effect of protein conformational modifications and interactions with water
Authors: Haque Enamul , Bhandari Bhesh R , Gidley Michael J , Deeth Hilton C , Whittaker Andrew K
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Protein conformational modifications and water‐protein interactions are two major factors believed to induce instability of protein and eventually affect the solubility of milk protein concentrate (MPC) powder. To test these hypotheses, MPC was stored at different water activities (aw 0.0–0.85) and temperatures (25 and 45 °C) for up to 12 weeks. Samples were examined periodically to determine solubility, change in protein conformation by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and water status (interaction of water with the protein molecule/surface) by measuring the transverse relaxation time (T2) with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR).

RESULTS: The solubility of MPC decreased significantly with ageing and this process was enhanced by increasing water activity (aw) and temperature. Minor changes in protein secondary structure were observed with FTIR which indicated some degree of unfolding of protein molecules. The NMR T2 results indicated the presence of three distinct populations of water molecules and the proton signal intensity and T2 values of proton fractions varied with storage condition (humidity) and ageing.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that protein/protein interactions may be initiated by unfolding of protein molecules that eventually affects solubility. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative biology of cAMP‐induced germinal vesicle breakdown in marine invertebrate oocytes
Authors: Deguchi Ryusaku , Takeda Noriyo , Stricker Stephen A.
Published: June 2011

During maturation, oocytes must undergo a process of nuclear disassembly, or “germinal vesicle breakdown” (GVBD), that is regulated by signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP (cAMP). In vertebrate and starfish oocytes, cAMP elevation typically prevents GVBD. Alternatively, increased concentrations of intra‐oocytic cAMP trigger, rather than inhibit, GVBD in several groups of marine invertebrates. To integrate what is known about the stimulation of GVBD by intra‐oocytic cAMP, this article reviews published data for ascidian, bivalve, brittle star, jellyfish, and nemertean oocytes. The bulk of the review concentrates on the three most intensively analyzed groups known to display cAMP‐induced GVBD—nemerteans, ascidians, and jellyfish. In addition, this synopsis also presents some previously unpublished findings regarding the stimulatory effects of intra‐oocytic cAMP on GVBD in jellyfish and the annelid worm Pseudopotamilla occelata. Finally, factors that may account for the currently known distribution of cAMP‐induced GVBD across animal groups are discussed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:708–725, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing a multi‐group model of culturally competent behaviors among underrepresented nurse practitioners
Authors: Benkert Ramona , Templin Thomas , Schim Stephanie Myers , Doorenbos Ardith Z. , Bell Sue Ellen
Published: June 2011

Diversifying the health professional workforce and enhancing cultural competence are recommended for decreasing health disparities. We tested a structural equation model of the predictors of culturally competent behaviors in a mailed survey of three groups of underrepresented nurse practitioners (n = 474). Our model had good fit and accounted for 29% of the variance in culturally competent behaviors. Life experiences with diversity had direct effects on awareness/sensitivity and behaviors, and diversity training had a direct effect on behaviors. Cultural awareness/sensitivity mediated the relationship between life experiences with diversity and culturally competent behaviors; all paths remained after controlling for covariates. For unique experiences that contribute to workplace diversity, life experiences with diversity, and diversity training are important for culturally competent behaviors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:327–341, 2011
Impact behavior of particles filled‐glass/polyester composite plates
Authors: Çallıoğlu Hasan , Sayer Metin , Demir Ersin
Published: June 2011

The aim of the study is to lay bare the impact behavior of filled composite plates experimentally. The woven glass/polyester‐matrix composite plates filled with 0% (unfilled), 10%, and 20% SiCp ceramic particles were manufactured by hand lay‐up method. The low velocity drop impact testing is conducted to the composite samples subjected to increasing impact energies that were ranged from approximately 2.5 to 22.5 J. With this use of increasing impact energies, it was possible to examine the impact response and damage mechanism until perforation of the composite plates. An energy profiling method was used in order to identify the perforation thresholds of composites. It is concluded that addition of particles to resin, until a certain ratio, increases the perforation thresholds of the woven glass/polyester. The perforation threshold of 10% filled composite is about 37% higher than that of the 20% filled composite and 6% higher than ones of the unfilled composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
“Click” synthesis of thermally stable au nanoparticles with highly grafted polymer shell and control of their behavior in polymer matrix
Authors: Lim Jongmin , Yang Hyunseung , Paek Kwanyeol , Cho Chul‐Hee , Kim Seyong , Bang Joona , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: June 2011

Thermally stable core–shell gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with highly grafted polymer shells were synthesized by combining reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization and click chemistry of copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). First, alkyne‐terminated poly(4‐benzylchloride‐b‐styrene) (alkyne‐PSCl‐b‐PS) was prepared from the alkyne‐terminated RAFT agent. Then, an alkyne‐PSCl‐b‐PS chain was coupled to azide‐functionalized Au NPs via the CuAAC reaction. Careful characterization using FT‐IR, UV–Vis, and TGA showed that PSCl‐b‐PS chains were successfully grafted onto the Au NP surface with high grafting density. Finally, azide groups were introduced to PSCl‐b‐PS chains on the Au NP surface to produce thermally stable Au NPs with crosslinkable polymer shell (Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 1). As the control sample, PS‐b‐PSN3‐coated Au NPs (Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 2) were made by the conventional “grafting to” approach. The grafting density of polymer chains on Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 1 was found to be much higher than that on Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 2. To demonstrate the importance of having the highly packed polymer shell on the nanoparticles, Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 1 particles were added into the PS and PS‐b‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) matrix, respectively. Consequently, it was found that Au‐PSN3‐b‐PS 1 nanoparticles were well dispersed in the PS matrix and PS‐b‐P2VP matrix without any aggregation even after annealing at 220 °C for 2 days. Our simple and powerful approach could be easily extended to design other core–shell inorganic nanoparticles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Liquid phase demixing in ferroelectric/semiconducting polymer blends: An experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Michels Jasper J. , van Breemen Albert J. J. M. , Usman Khurram , Gelinck Gerwin H.
Published: June 2011

This article describes a combined experimental and theoretical study on nanophase structure development as a result of liquid phase demixing in solution‐cast blends of the organic semiconductor poly(9,9′‐dioctyl fluorene) (PFO) and the ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)). Blend layers (200 nm) are prepared by spin coating a 1:9 (w/w) PFO:P(VDF‐TrFE) blend solution in a common solvent on a poly(ethylenedioxy thiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) substrate. Owing to the pronounced incompatibility between the two polymers, a strong phase‐separated morphology is obtained, characterized by disk‐like nanodomains of PFO embedded in a P(VDF‐TrFE) matrix, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. By varying the processing conditions, we find the average domain size and standard deviation to increase with spinning time. The considerable increase in domain size suggests the coarsening process not to be impeded by a steep rise in viscosity. This indicates solvent evaporation to be only moderate within the experimental time frame. The evolution of the observed phase morphology is modeled using ternary diffuse interface theory integrated with a modified Flory–Huggins (FH) treatment of the homogeneous (bulk) free energy of mixing, to account for significant molecular differences between the active blend components. Using calculated FH interaction parameters, the model confirms the phase separation to occur via spinodal decomposition of the blend solution during spin coating, as suggested by experimental observations. The simulated phase morphologies as well as the modeled trends in domain growth and standard deviation compare favorably with the experimental data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1255–1262, 2011
Development of internal fine structure in stretched rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Tosaka Masatoshi , Toki Shigeyuki , Che Justin , Rong Lixia , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: June 2011

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) pattern and tensile stress during relaxation of stretched rubber vulcanizates (synthetic polyisoprene) were measured simultaneously at room temperature and at 0 °C. The samples were quickly stretched to the prefixed strain and then allowed to relax for 1 h. In every SAXS pattern, the intensity distribution was elongated along the equator, indicating the formation of structures elongated in the stretching direction. The so‐called two‐spots pattern corresponding to the long period of stacked lamellar crystals did not appear even when the critical strain to induce crystallization was exceeded. On the other hand, even below the critical strain, additional development of equatorial streaks was detected in the differential SAXS patterns. This result suggests the growth of the density fluctuation elongated in the stretching direction, which is not directly related to strain‐induced crystallization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Characteristics of Discontinuous Permafrost based on Ground Temperature Measurements and Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Southern Yukon, Canada
Authors: Lewkowicz Antoni G. , Etzelmüller Bernd , Smith Sharon L.
Published: June 2011

Warm permafrost conditions (mean temperatures of −3°C to −0.1°C) were investigated in detail at 13 valley and mountain sites in the sporadic (10–50%) and extensive (50–90%) discontinuous permafrost zones in the southern half of the Yukon (60°N to 64°N), using a combination of ground temperature monitoring, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), frost table probing and coring. Sites were selected to cover a wide range of substrates, vegetation types and ground ice contents. ERT profiling in the spring imaged both deep seasonal frost and perennially frozen ground. Deep active layers measured by probing at the end of summer were also detectable by ERT. Where ground temperatures indicated that the base of permafrost was at a depth of less than 25 m, vertical transitions in apparent resistivity were more sharply defined in coarse materials than in fine‐grained deposits, probably because of differences in unfrozen moisture contents at temperatures just below 0°C. Apparent resistivity values related to excess ice fraction and ground temperatures were similar to those previously obtained in Mongolia and Iceland, but generally lower than in ice‐rich rock glaciers in European studies. The observations revealed the complexity of site conditions where permafrost is discontinuous and the utility of ERT, in combination with other methods, to investigate permafrost thickness, spatial extent and ice content for infrastructure planning or climate change studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescence properties of epitaxially grown GaN and InGaN layers around ZnO nanopillars
Authors: Fikry M. , Madel M. , Tischer I. , Thonke K. , Scholz F.
Published: June 2011

GaN and InGaN layers grown around ZnO nanopillars by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) are investigated by means of photoluminescence (PL) and locally resolved cathodoluminescence (CL). A multi layer growth process involving deposition at different growth conditions in a step‐wise manner has been employed for the coaxially grown GaN. Then InGaN/GaN quantum wells and barriers have been deposited as the final growth stage. A sharp peak at 3.46 eV in low temperature PL with FWHM of 23 meV confirmed the high quality of the deposited GaN layers. The existence of InGaN layers has been confirmed by another PL peak at 3.16 eV that has been shifted to 3.11 eV as the InGaN deposition temperature was reduced by 15 °C and the trimethylindium (TMIn) flow was increased by 40 sccm. For more efficient investigations of single pillars, position control has been achieved through the growth of single ZnO nanopillars on top of GaN pyramids. Locally resolved CL mapping along single rods has revealed a relatively homogeneous indium distribution along the non‐polar side facets of the overgrown nanopillars.
Polarization‐engineering in group III‐nitride heterostructures: New opportunities for device design
Authors: Jena Debdeep , Simon John , Wang Albert (Kejia) , Cao Yu , Goodman Kevin , Verma Jai , Ganguly Satyaki , Li Guowang , Karda Kamal , Protasenko Vladimir , Lian Chuanxin , Kosel Thomas , Fay Patrick , Xing Huili
Published: June 2011

The role of spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization in III–V nitride heterostructure devices is discussed. Problems as well as opportunities in incorporating polarization in abrupt and graded heterojunctions composed of binary, ternary, and quaternary nitrides are outlined.
Mechanical characterisation of a periodic auxetic structure produced by SEBM
Authors: Schwerdtfeger J. , Schury F. , Stingl M. , Wein F. , Singer R. F. , Körner C.
Published: June 2011

We present a thorough investigation of the mechanical behaviour of a non‐stochastic cellular auxetic structure. A combination of experimental and numerical methods is used to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanical behaviour and its dependence on the geometric properties of the cellular structure. The experimental samples are built from Ti‐6Al‐4V using selective electron beam melting, an additive manufacturing process giving the possibility to vary the geometry of the structure in a highly controlled manner. The use of finite element simulations and mathematical homogenisation allows us also to investigate off‐axis properties of the cellular material. This leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the auxetics. Ultimately, the gained knowledge can be used to tailor auxetic materials to specific applications.
First‐principles study on half‐metallic properties of CuHg2Ti‐type alloys FeV2Z (Z = Si, Ge, As, Sb)
Authors: Xu Ben , Zhang Ming , Yan Hui
Published: June 2011

The first‐principles calculation within density‐functional theory is used to investigate the electronic structures and magnetic properties in CuHg2Ti‐type alloys FeV2Z (Z = Si, Ge, As, Sb). FeV2Sb is predicted to be half‐metal and the energy gap lies in the majority‐spin bands. Though FeV2Si, FeV2Ge, and FeV2As show no half‐metallicity, their spin polarization of conduction electrons is around 99.7, 99.0, and 97.8%, respectively. The investigation of volume distortion shows that over 99% spin‐polarization can be retained in the range of 5.70–6.05 Å for FeV2Si, 5.85–6.05 Å for FeV2Ge, and 5.90–6.00 Å for FeV2As, respectively. FeV2Sb can keep half‐metallicity from 6.00 to 6.15 Å. We studied the effects of defects at transition‐metal sites and Ge, As, and vacancy substitution for Sb atom on the electronic structures in FeV2Sb, and the results indicate that half‐metallicity in FeV2Sb is not sensitive to substitutions for Sb sites.
The influence of the magnetic subsystem on the heat transport in CsMnCl3 · 2H2O
Authors: Tkáč V. , Tibenská K. , Orendáčová A. , Orendáč M. , Šebek J. , Sechovský V. , Anders A. G. , Pavlík V. , Feher A.
Published: June 2011

The thermal conductivity of CsMnCl3 · 2H2O (CMC) – a quasi‐one‐dimensional antiferromagnet with spin 5/2 has been studied in the temperature range from 2 to 25 K in zero magnetic field. The analysis of the data performed within Debye model revealed the combined effect of the single‐ion and volume magnetostriction in the vicinity of a phase transition. Thermal‐conductivity calculations based on the model and corresponding experimental studies showed that the poor sample quality and small dimensions can suppress the manifestation of a spin–phonon coupling present in CMC.
Motivation, rationale and key results from the GERBILS Saharan dust measurement campaign
Authors: Haywood J. M. , Johnson B. T. , Osborne S. R. , Baran A. J. , Brooks M. , Milton S. F. , Mulcahy J. , Walters D. , Allan R. P. , Klaver A. , Formenti P. , Brindley H. E. , Christopher S. , Gupta P.
Published: June 2011

The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget Intercomparison of Longwave and Shortwave radiation (GERBILS) was an observational field experiment over North Africa during June 2007. The campaign involved 10 flights by the FAAM BAe‐146 research aircraft over southwestern parts of the Sahara Desert and coastal stretches of the Atlantic Ocean. Objectives of the GERBILS campaign included characterisation of mineral dust geographic distribution and physical and optical properties, assessment of the impact upon radiation, validation of satellite remote sensing retrievals, and validation of numerical weather prediction model forecasts of aerosol optical depths (AODs) and size distributions. We provide the motivation behind GERBILS and the experimental design and report the progress made in each of the objectives. We show that mineral dust in the region is relatively non‐absorbing (mean single scattering albedo at 550 nm of 0.97) owing to the relatively small fraction of iron oxides present (1–3%), and that detailed spectral radiances are most accurately modelled using irregularly shaped particles. Satellite retrievals over bright desert surfaces are challenging owing to the lack of spectral contrast between the dust and the underlying surface. However, new techniques have been developed which are shown to be in relatively good agreement with AERONET estimates of AOD and with each other. This encouraging result enables relatively robust validation of numerical models which treat the production, transport, and deposition of mineral dust. The dust models themselves are able to represent large‐scale synoptically driven dust events to a reasonable degree, but some deficiencies remain both in the Sahara and over the Sahelian region, where cold pool outflow from convective cells associated with the intertropical convergence zone can lead to significant dust production. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Entry into platform‐based markets
Authors: Zhu Feng , Iansiti Marco
Published: June 2011

This paper examines the relative importance of platform quality, indirect network effects, and consumer expectations on the success of entrants in platform‐based markets. We develop a theoretical model and find that an entrant's success depends on the strength of indirect network effects and on the consumers' discount factor for future applications. We then illustrate the model's applicability by examining Xbox's entry into the video game industry. We find that Xbox had a small quality advantage over the incumbent, PlayStation 2, and the strength of indirect network effects and the consumers' discount factor, while statistically significant, fall in the region where PlayStation 2's position is unsustainable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who leaves, where to, and why worry? employee mobility, entrepreneurship and effects on source firm performance
Authors: Campbell Benjamin A. , Ganco Martin , Franco April M. , Agarwal Rajshree
Published: June 2011

We theorize that the value provided by the firm's complementary assets has important implications for the exit decisions of employees and their subsequent effects on the firm's performance. Using linked employee‐employer data from the U.S. Census Bureau on legal services, we find that employees with higher earnings are less likely to leave relative to employees with lower earnings, but if they do, are more likely to create a new venture than join another firm. Employee entrepreneurship has a larger adverse impact on source firm performance than moves to established firms, even controlling for observable employee quality. Our findings suggest that in knowledge intensive settings, managers should focus on tailoring compensation packages to help minimize the adverse impact of employee entrepreneurship, particularly among high performing individuals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of feeding enrichment methods on the behavior of captive Western lowland gorillas
Authors: Ryan Erin B. , Proudfoot Kathryn L. , Fraser David
Published: June 2011

Three feeding enrichment treatments were tested in an outdoor yard used by six Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). In “Yard‐toss,” forage was thrown by hand over one third of the yard. In “Set‐up,” forage and browse were hand‐scattered throughout the yard. “Set‐up Enriched” was similar with the addition of either a hay‐ and forage‐filled feeder or forage‐filled boomer ball(s) suspended from a climbing structure. Each treatment was presented on 5 d. Behavior was recorded for 30 min before (baseline) and 30 min after the start of each treatment. All treatments led to more foraging and less inactivity compared with baseline (P80.05), but Yard‐toss was the least effective, likely because resources were clumped and monopolized by dominant animals. In Set‐up Enriched, dominant animals had the greatest increase in foraging (P=0.03), partly because they generally monopolized the suspended items, but this allowed others to forage at ground level. This separation of the animals likely explains why Set‐Up Enriched led to more foraging than all other treatments (P80.05). Findings show that for these hierarchical animals, enrichment resources are most effective when distributed widely, including vertically, and that enrichment strategies must take social structure into account. Zoo Biol 31: 235–241, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk Factors Influencing Postoperative Outcomes of Major Hepatic Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Patients with Underlying Liver Diseases
Authors: Yang Tian , Zhang Jin , Lu Jun‐Hua , Yang Guang‐Shun , Wu Meng‐Chao , Yu Wei‐Feng
Published: June 2011

Background

Major hepatic resection of more than three segments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high‐risk operation, especially in patients with co‐existing underlying liver diseases. The present study evaluated risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality after major hepatic resection in HCC patients with underlying liver diseases.

Methods

Perioperative data of 305 HCC patients with underlying liver diseases who underwent major hepatic resection were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

The overall morbidity rate was 37.0% (n = 113), caused by pleural effusion (n = 56), ascites (n = 43), subphrenic effusion/infection (n = 23), hepatic dysfunction (n = 22), bile leakage (n = 10), respiratory infection (n = 7), incision infection (n = 7), intra‐abdominal hemorrhage (n = 5), and others. The hospital mortality rate was 2.6% (n = 8), primarily caused by liver failure (4/8). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative platelet count <100 × 109/l (P = 0.006), and increased intraoperative blood loss (≥800 ml) (P = 0.008) were independent risk factors of postoperative morbidity, and that preoperative prothrombin time >14 s (P = 0.015) and preoperative platelet count <100 × 109/l (P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for significant hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Careful preoperative selection of patients in terms of the Child‐Pugh classification and decrease of intraoperative blood loss are important measures to reduce postoperative morbidity after major hepatic resection in HCC patients with underlying liver diseases. Moreover, we should be aware that preoperative platelet count is independently associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality for those patients following major hepatic resection.
The Effects of Morphine–Neostigmine and Secretin Provocation on Pancreaticobiliary Morphology in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double‐blind Crossover Study Using Serial MRCP
Authors: Chowdhury Abeed H. , Humes David J. , Pritchard Susan E. , Marciani Luca , Gowland Penny A. , Simpson John , Lobo Dileep N.
Published: June 2011

Background

Secretin‐stimulated magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is used for the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), but it does not correlate well with sphincter of Oddi manometry. Serial MRCP following morphine–neostigmine provocation may be of value in the assessment of SOD, but the effects of these pharmacological agents on pancreaticobiliary morphology in healthy subjects have not been studied. The aim of the present study was to use serial MRCP to charactertize the effects of morphine–neostigmine and secretin provocation on serum pancreatic enzyme responses and pancreaticobiliary ductal morphology in healthy subjects.

Methods

Following a baseline scan and serum lipase and amylase assays, 10 healthy subjects were randomized in a double‐blind manner to receive morphine (10 mg intramuscularly [IM]), neostigmine (1 mg IM) and saline (intravenously [IV]); OR saline (IM), saline (IM) and secretin (1 U/kg IV). A MRCP study was performed at 5, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min thereafter, with blood samples taken every 60 min for 4 h. Pancreatic duct (PD) diameter, visible PD length, common bile duct (CBD) diameter, and gallbladder volume were recorded. Crossover studies were performed 10 days later.

Results

Serum pancreatic enzyme concentrations were significantly greater (amylase, P = 0.003; lipase, P = 0.04) after morphine–neostigmine than after secretin. Following morphine–neostigmine and secretin provocation, the mean (SEM) percentage increase in PD diameter was 28.7 (7.2) versus 12.9 (3.3); P < 0.0001, and visible PD length was 49.4 (11.5) versus 28.1 (8.2); P < 0.0001, respectively.

Conclusions

The effects of morphine–neostigmine were more pronounced than those of secretin in healthy subjects. The diagnostic utility of morphine–neostigmine stimulated serial MRCP for SOD merits further evaluation.
Differences Between African American and White Research Volunteers in Their Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge Regarding Genetic Testing for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Akinleye Ibidapo , Roberts J. Scott , Royal Charmaine D. M. , Linnenbringer Erin , Obisesan Thomas O. , Fasaye Grace‐Ann , Green Robert C.
Published: June 2011

Genetic susceptibility testing for common diseases is expanding, but little is known about race group differences in test perceptions. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between African Americans and Whites in knowledge, attitudes, and motivations regarding genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Before enrolling in an AD genetic testing research trial, 313 first‐degree relatives of AD patients (20% African American; 71% female; mean age = 58 years) were surveyed regarding: (1) knowledge about genetics and AD risk; (2) concerns about developing AD; and (3) reasons for seeking testing. In comparison to Whites, African Americans were less knowledgeable about genetics and AD risk (p < .01) and less concerned about developing AD (p < .05), with lower levels of perceived disease risk (p = .04). The results suggest that African Americans and Whites differ notably in their knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding genetic testing for AD. Additional research with more representative samples is needed to better understand these differences.
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Freedman's Savings Bank
Authors: Giedeman Daniel C.
Published: June 2011

The experiences of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during and prior to the Financial Crisis of 2007–09 call to mind the history of the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, a prominent bank founded for the benefit of former slaves just after the Civil War. This paper notes similarities concerning the initial motivation for the creation of all three institutions and draws parallels between their mismanagement and subsequent failures. The paper also discusses the government's response to the institutions' downfalls and the legacies that the institutions left behind.
Do Interruptions Pay off? Effects of Interruptive Ads on Consumers’ Willingness to Pay
Authors: Acquisti Alessandro , Spiekermann Sarah
Published: June 2011

We present the results of a study designed to measure the impact of interruptive advertising on consumers’ willingness to pay for products bearing the advertiser's brand. Subjects participating in a controlled experiment were exposed to ads that diverted their attention from a computer game they were testing. We measured subjects’ willingness to pay for a good associated with the advertised brand. We found that the ads significantly lowered the willingness to pay for goods associated with the advertising brand. We do not find conclusive evidence that providing some level of user control over the appearance of ads mitigates the negative impact of ad interruption. Our results contribute to the research on the economic impact of advertising, and introduce a method of measuring actual (as opposed to self-reported) willingness to pay in experimental marketing research.
Russia and Cuba: “doomed” comrades?
Authors: Bain Mervyn J.
Published: June 2011

In 1991 Vitaly Churkin, a Soviet Minister for Foreign Economic Cooperation, stated that economic links between Russia and Cuba were “doomed” to continue. This gave a very negative impression of the relationship, but quickly he appeared to be incorrect because by the end of 1992 little seemed to remain of the 30-year relationship. However, as the 1990s progressed, the relationship continued to function and then improve. Fundamental to this were the principles of the realist paradigm of International Relations, which has been vital since the relationship’s inception in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, in conjunction with a long-term legacy. The outcome is that Russia and Cuba are indeed “doomed” comrades.
Coblation-assisted endonasal endoscopic resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma
Authors: Ye L , Zhou X , Li J , Jin J
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma may be successfully resected using endoscopic techniques. However, the use of coblation technology for such resection has not been described. This study aimed to document cases of Fisch class I juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with limited nasopharyngeal and nasal cavity extension, which were completely resected using an endoscopic coblation technique.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied 23 patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma who underwent resection with either traditional endoscopic instruments (n = 12) or coblation (n = 11). Intra-operative blood loss and overall operative time were recorded.

Results:

The mean tumour resection time for coblation and traditional endoscopic instruments was 87 and 136 minutes, respectively (t = 9.962, p < 0.001). Mean intra-operative blood loss was 121 and 420 ml, respectively (t = 28.944, p < 0.001), a significant difference. Both techniques achieved complete tumour resection with minimal damage to adjacent tissues, and no recurrence in any patient.

Conclusion:

Coblation successfully achieves transnasal endoscopic resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (Fisch class I), with good surgical margins and minimal blood loss.
Gott als verlässlicher Käufer: Einige Papyrologische Anmerkungen und bibeltheologische Schlussfolgerungen zum Gottesbild der Paulusbriefe
Authors: Arzt-Grabner Peter
Published: June 2011

Throughout his letters, Paul uses several terms and images that originate from the world of ancient economics. Some of these terms are used metaphorically to describe God’s own attitudes and actions. The term ἀρραβών (‘earnest money, advance payment, bargain money’) may exemplify the use of a business term in the papyri in comparison with its use in Paul’s letters (in 2 Cor. 1.22 and 5.5; cf. Eph 1.14). In Paul’s image, God is depicted as a purchaser who offers ‘us’ his salvation for free and guarantees to complete it in the end. In using the term ἀρραβών, Paul emphasizes God’s reliability and unlimited trustworthiness within an insecure world.
Interference in the production of Italian subject and object wh-questions
Authors: GUASTI MARIA TERESA , BRANCHINI CHIARA , AROSIO FABRIZIO
Published: June 2011

We investigate the production of subject and object who- and which-questions in the Italian of 4- to 5-year-olds and report a subject/object asymmetry observed in other studies. We argue that this asymmetry stems from interference of the object copy in the AGREE relation between AgrS and the subject in the Spec of the verb phrase. We show that different avoidance strategies are attempted by the child to get around this interference, all boiling down to a double checking of agreement: AGREE and Spec-Head. Then, we evaluate our approach from a cross-linguistic perspective and offer an account of the differences observed across early languages. Because our account seems to call both for a grammatical and a processing explanation, we end with a critical discussion of this dichotomy.
The changing role of central banks
Authors: Goodhart C. A. E.
Published: June 2011

Although central banks have pursued the same objectives throughout their existence, primarily price and financial stability, the interpretation of their role in doing so has varied. We identify three stable epochs, when such interpretations had stabilised, i.e. the Victorian era, 1840s–1914; the decades of government control, 1930s–60s; the triumph of the markets, 1980s–2007. Each epoch was followed by a confused interregnum, searching for a new consensual blueprint. The final such epoch concluded with a crisis, when it became apparent that macro-economic stability, the Great Moderation, plus (efficient) markets could not guarantee financial stability. So the search is now on for additional macro-prudential (counter-cyclical) instruments. The use of such instruments will need to be associated with controlled variations in systemic liquidity, and in the balance sheet of the central bank. Such control over its own balance sheet is the core, central function of any central bank, even more so than its role in setting short-term interest rates, which lattercouldbe delegated. We end by surveying how relationships between central banks and governments may change over the next period.
Comparative efficacy of sildenafil in Eisenmenger's syndrome secondary to atrial septal defect versus ventricular septal defect: a cardiac catheterisation follow-up study
Authors: Garg Naveen , Tripathy Nishant , Sinha Nakul
Published: June 2011

Objectives

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome with special emphasis on haemodynamic parameters and its comparative efficacy in atrial septal defect versus ventricular septal defect patients.

Methods

Oral sildenafil was given to 22 patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome – eight with atrial septal defect and 14 with ventricular septal defect – after detailed baseline evaluation including a six-minute walk test, echocardiography, and cardiac catheterisation. Patients were followed up for a period of 6 months for functional class assessment and six-minute walk distance. Cardiac catheterisation was repeated in all patients.

Results

A significant improvement in the World Health Organization functional class, six-minute walk distance, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance was noticed. Systemic arterial and mixed venous oxygen saturations were also significantly improved along with improvement in pulmonary blood flow. None showed any significant side effects or worsening of systemic arterial saturation. At baseline, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary/systemic vascular resistance ratios were significantly higher in ventricular septal defect patients than in atrial septal defect patients. Atrial septal defect patients showed better response in clinical as well as haemodynamic parameters.

Conclusions

Sildenafil is an effective and safe agent for patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome. It improves their functional capacity as well as haemodynamic parameters. The beneficial effects are greater in patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome secondary to atrial septal defect than ventricular septal defect.
Congenital giant aneurysm of the left atrial appendage in an infant
Authors: Bhattarai Anil , Padalino Massimo A. , Stellin Giovanni
Published: June 2011

Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is a rare pathological condition. We describe the diagnostic work-up and surgical management of a child with giant congenital aneurysm of the left atrial appendage.
The development of intensification scales in noun-intensifying uses of adjectives: sources, paths and mechanisms of change
Authors: GHESQUIÈRE LOBKE , DAVIDSE KRISTIN
Published: June 2011

This article is concerned with the sources, paths and mechanisms of change leading to noun-intensifying uses of adjectives, such asa complete mess,a whole bunch of crazy stuff,a particular threat. Such intensifying uses may develop from property-describing uses of adjectives, as discussed by Traugott (1989), Adamson (2000) and Paradis (2000, 2001, 2008). As pointed out by Bolinger (1972: 61), noun-intensifying uses may also develop from elements of the NP that have identifying functions, which can be either quantifying-identifying or identifying in the strict sense. The aim of this article is to provide a new synthesis of how these three pathways lead towards noun-intensifying meanings, focusing on the question of how the intensification scales necessary to these uses are acquired. We posit that the concepts of open and closed intensification scales (Kennedy & McNally 2005) can generalize over the intensifying uses from the three sources. The main mechanism of change is the foregrounding of the gradability mode (Paradis 2000), quantification scale or other implied scale of the immediate source uses. The initial shift takes place in collocational environments that overlap with those of the source uses. Due to later collocational extension, noun-intensifying uses may come to incorporate intensification scales unpredicted by their sources.
Genitive coordinations with personal pronouns
Authors: PAYNE JOHN
Published: June 2011

English genitive noun-phrase coordinations follow two patterns. The first is the single genitive, in which exponence of the genitive case occurs solely on the final coordinate, e.g. Mary and Jane's; and the second is the multiple genitive, in which exponence of the genitive case occurs on all coordinates, e.g. Mary's and Jane's. When either of the coordinates is a personal pronoun, difficult choices have to be made about the form of the pronoun. These difficulties arise especially with the single genitive, which is judged to be totally ungrammatical in coordinations like *my wife and I's or *my wife and my. On the other hand, the alternative use of the multiple genitive, my wife's and my, conflicts with a preference for the single genitive when the coordinates are felt to constitute a single unit. In this article, we first conduct a corpus-based analysis for genitive coordinations with personal pronouns, based on the British National Corpus. This, supplemented by some non-standard examples from web-based sources, gives some insight into the choices actually made by native speakers. We then provide a theoretical account of the syntactic problems that genitive coordinations with pronouns create. This account is shown to be compatible solely with an analysis of the English ’s genitive as an inflectional affix.
Alternative Business Structures – the Long Pregnancy
Authors: Jarrett-Kerr Nick
Published: June 2011

In this article, Nick Jarrett-Kerr examines the long delayed implementation of the ABS structure which is likely to be finally implemented in October 2011. He reviews the plans of some early movers towards ABS and considers the possible benefits to law firms, to external investors and to clients.
Outcomes Focused Regulation – a New Approach to the Regulation of Legal Services
Authors: Still Bronwen
Published: June 2011

Bronwen Still explains the provisions of the new SRA Handbook in implementing an entirely new system of outcomes focused regulation. This approach sets out to give firms much more freedom to tailor their services to individual clients, rather than the previous system of detailed regulation.
How the Legal Services Act 2007 has Affected Regulation of the Bar
Authors: Deech Ruth
Published: June 2011

This article from the Chair of the Bar Standards Board, Baroness Ruth Deech, considers the impact of the Legal Services Act 2007 on the regulation of the Bar.
Changing Face of Corporate Information Services – New Service Models and Partnerships
Authors: Worley Loyita
Published: June 2011

Loyita Worley reports on the SLA Europe1 seminar held in March 2011 on the impact of outsourcing in law firms. The panel included the perspectives of the provider companies and experiences of law firm information professionals who have already adopted outsourcing and those who are about to.
Legal Process Outsourcing: Ethics and Compliance
Authors: Ross Mark
Published: June 2011

Mark Ross provides an overview of currently available ethical guidance from both the UK and US regulatory bodies for law firms engaged in legal process outsourcing.
Future of Legal Services: or the Future is Now
Authors: Brown Clare
Published: June 2011

Clare Brown of Collyer Bristow revisits her earlier research on how the legal landscape is changing as a result of changes in regulation; the opening up of the profession to alternative business models and the effect of the internet on legal service provision.
High Kicks and Inner Peace: Knowledge Ninjas at the Legal Ombudsman
Authors: Meyer Sara
Published: June 2011

Sara Meyer, the newly appointed Knowledge Manager at the Legal Ombudsman in Birmingham, describes how they are beginning to set up KM systems to deal with a completely new jurisdiction relating to the hearing of complaints against solicitors. This follows the introduction of reforms contained in the Legal Services Act 2007, which mean that all complaints are now heard by this one organisation.
Sun-driven microbial synthesis of chemicals in space
Authors: Way Jeffrey C. , Silver Pamela A. , Howard Russell J.
Published: June 2011

Long space flights and planetary settlement will require sources of nutrition and chemicals that must be generated in space. This will include not only amino acids and vitamins but also oxygen, all of which can be generated by means of biosynthesis. Synthetic biology has the potential to generate organisms designed for supplying human nutritional needs in space. Photosynthetic microbes may be ideal for this purpose, as they are more efficient per volume cultivated than green plants at conversion of light to chemical energy, biomass and nutritional molecules. In addition, microbes are easier and faster to genetically engineer, facilitating not only design and terrestrial manufacture of organisms optimized for growth and nutrient production in the artificial conditions of space, but superior ability in space to develop organisms suited to newly discovered environments. The rapid ability to adapt and create new microbes to suit new circumstances when in space offers significant potential for risk reduction. Development of sun-driven microbial production of nutritional chemicals would also have terrestrial benefits in commerce and sustainability. A synthetic biology approach to chemical production would not be based on fossil fuels as such fuels do not exist on other planets. This approach would highlight a synergistic relationship between outer space and ‘spaceship earth’, illustrating NASA's role in stimulating technology development with terrestrial application. Two specific approaches deserve consideration: production by traditional photosynthetic microbes, or by the newly appreciated capacity of some bacteria to absorb electric current (e.g. solar panels) to drive metabolism. Palatability and sensory stimulation are a key part of food consumption and could be engineered into microbes. As a first step, NASA should test a bioreactor in which genetically engineered, nutrient-producing photosynthetic bacteria are grown and harvested in space.
The magnetized universe: its origin and dissipation through acceleration and leakage to the voids
Authors: Colgate Stirling A. , Li Hui , Kronberg Philipp P.
Published: June 2011

The consistency is awesome between over a dozen observations and the paradigm of radio lobes being immense sources of magnetic energy, flux, and relativistic electrons, – a magnetized universe.

The greater the total energy of an astrophysical phenomenon, the more restricted are the possible explanations. Magnetic energy is the most challenging because its origin is still considered problematic. We suggest that it is evident that the universe is magnetized because of radio lobes, ultra relativistic electrons, Faraday rotation measures, the polarized emission of extra galactic radio structures, the x-rays from relativistic electrons Comptonized on the CMB, and possibly extra galactic cosmic rays. The implied energies are so large that only the formation of supermassive black hole, (SMBH) at the center of every galaxy is remotely energetic enough to supply this immense energy, ~(1/10) 108M⊙c2 per galaxy. Only a galaxy cluster of 1000 galaxies has comparable energy, but it is inversely, (to the number of galaxies), rare per galaxy. Yet this energy appears to be shared between magnetic fields and accelerated relativistic particles, both electrons and ions. Only a large-scale coherent dynamo generating poloidal flux within the accretion disk forming the massive black hole makes a reasonable starting point. The subsequent winding of this dynamo-derived magnetic flux by conducting, angular momentum-dominated accreting matter, (~1011 turns near the event horizon in 108 years) produces the immense, coherent magnetic jets or total flux of radio lobes and similarly in star formation. By extending this same physics to supernova-neutron star formation, we predict that similar differential winding of the flux that couples explosion ejecta and a newly formed, rapidly rotating neutron star will produce similar phenomena of a magnetic jet and lobes in the forming supernova nebula. In all cases the conversion of force-free magnetic energy into accelerated ions and electrons is a major challenge.
Laboratory-generated Coronal Mass Ejections
Authors: Watts Christopher , Zhang Yue , Lynn Alan , Manchester Ward , Arge C. Nick
Published: June 2011

We have begun a series of laboratory experiments focused on understanding how coronal mass ejections (CME) interact and evolve in the solar wind. The experiments make use of the Helicon-Cathode (HelCat) plasma facility, and the Plasma Bubble eXperiment (PBeX). PBeX can generate CME-like structures (sphereomak geometry) that propagate into the high-density, magnetized background plasma of the HelCat device. The goal of the current research is to compare CME evolution under conditions where there is sheared flow in the background plasma, versus without flow; observations suggest that CME evolution is strongly influenced by such sheared flow regions. Results of these studies will be used to validate numerical simulations of CME evolution, in particular the 3D BATS-R-US MHD code of the University of Michigan. Initial studies have characterized the plasma bubble as it evolves into the background field with and without plasma (no shear).