bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why behavioural health promotion endures despite its failure to reduce health inequities
Authors: Baum Fran , Fisher Matthew
Published: February 2014

Increasing rates of chronic conditions have resulted in governments targeting health behaviour such as smoking, eating high‐fat diets, or physical inactivity known to increase risk for these conditions. In the process, many have become preoccupied with disease prevention policies focused excessively and narrowly on behavioural health‐promotion strategies. These aim to improve health status by persuading individuals to change their health behaviour. At the same time, health promotion policy often fails to incorporate an understanding of the social determinants of health, which recognises that health behaviour itself is greatly influenced by peoples’ environmental, socioeconomic and cultural settings, and that chronic diseases and health behaviour such as smoking are more prevalent among the socially or economically disadvantaged. We identify several reasons why behavioural forms of health promotion are inadequate for addressing social inequities in health and point to a dilemma that, despite these inadequacies and increasing evidence of the social determinants of health, behavioural approaches and policies have strong appeal to governments. In conclusion, the article promotes strategies addressing social determinants that are likely to reduce health inequities. The article also concludes that evidence alone will not result in health policies aimed at equity and that political values and will, and the pressure of civil society are also crucial.
Monetary Policy in a Very Open Economy: Some Major Analytical Issues
Authors: McCallum Bennett T.
Published: February 2014

This paper develops three considerations relevant to the possibility of modification of the Hong Kong currency board system for conducting monetary/exchange‐rate policy. The first concerns the system employed by Singapore, an economy similar in several ways to Hong Kong's, whereby the exchange rate is adjusted periodically in activist response to inflation and output developments. The second concerns a generalization, one that calls for adjustments of a weighted average of exchange rate and interest rate instruments, so designed to be effective whether the economy is, or is not, in a liquidity‐trap situation. Finally, the third topic concerns political‐economy aspects of policy, which tend to incline against the use of the activist systems.
An Optimal Currency Basket to Minimize Output and Inflation Volatility: Theory and an Application to Hong Kong
Authors: Ma Zihui , Cheng Leonard K.
Published: February 2014

In this paper we develop a theoretical model of an optimal currency basket for a small open economy. A currency basket for the home economy is defined as a chosen weighted average of a subset of foreign currencies, and an optimal currency basket is taken to be one that minimizes a given weighted average of the expected output volatility and expected inflation volatility. This theoretical model is then applied to Hong Kong, which has adopted a currency board system for close to 30 years. We estimate an optimal currency basket for Hong Kong and compare its performance with the existing currency board system as well as with currency baskets whose weights are given by export and import trade shares.
Currency Boards when Interest Rates are Zero
Authors: Cook David , Yetman James
Published: February 2014

In a fixed exchange rate system, any expectation that the peg may be abandoned will normally be reflected in an interest rate differential between instruments denominated in domestic and anchor currencies: the possibility of a revaluation will drive domestic interest rates below those in the anchor currency, for example. However, when interest rates are close to the zero lower bound, there is limited scope for exchange rate expectations to be reflected in interest rate differentials. Here we introduce a new mechanism, based on the central bank balance sheet, which works to bring about equilibrium in currency markets even when interest rates are zero. An expectation of exchange rate appreciation will cause foreign exchange reserves to swell, increasing the cost to policy‐makers of allowing an appreciation and, therefore, lowering the likelihood of the fixed exchange rate being abandoned. Under normal circumstances, this channel reinforces the equilibrating effect of interest rate differentials. When interest rates cannot adjust only this channel operates, implying that much larger changes in reserves are required to equilibrate currency markets. We develop a simple model to illustrate these arguments and find support for the predictions of the model using data for Hong Kong, the world's largest economy with a currency board.
Correlation of p16 status, hypoxic imaging using [18F]‐misonidazole positron emission tomography and outcome in patients with loco‐regionally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Trinkaus Mateya E , Hicks Rodney J , Young Richard J , Peters Lester J , Solomon Ben , Bressel Mathias , Corry June , Fisher Richard , Binns David , McArthur Grant A , Rischin Danny
Published: February 2014

Introduction

We investigated the relationship between hypoxia, human papillomavirus (HPV) status and outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Patients with stage III and IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated on phase I and II chemoradiation trials with 70‐Gy radiation combined with tirapazamine/cisplatin or cisplatin/fluorouracil (5FU), hypoxic imaging using [18F]‐misonidazole positron emission tomography and known HPV status (by p16 immunohistochemistry) were included in this sub‐study. Separate analyses were conducted to consider the impact of tirapazamine on HPV‐negative tumours in the phase II trial.

Results

Both p16‐positive oropharyngeal tumours and p16‐negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumours had a high prevalence of tumour hypoxia; 14/19 (74%) and 35/44 (80%), respectively. The distribution of hypoxia (primary, nodal) was similar. On phase II, trial patients with p16‐negative hypoxic tumours had worse loco‐regional control with cisplatin and 5FU compared with tirapazamine and cisplatin (P < 0.001) and worse failure‐free survival (hazard ratio = 5.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.98–13.55; P = 0.001). Only 1 out of 14 p16‐positive patients on the phase II trial experienced loco‐regional failure.

Conclusion

Hypoxia, as assessed by [18F]‐misonidazole positron emission tomography, is frequently present in both p16‐positive and negative head and neck cancer. Further research is required to determine whether hypoxic imaging can be used to predict benefit from hypoxia‐targeting therapies in patients with p16‐negative tumours.
Alloimmune Neonatal Neutropenia in Croatia during the 1998–2008 Period
Authors: Tomicic Maja , Starcevic Mirta , Ribicic Rebeka , Golubic‐Cepulic Branka , Hundric‐Haspl Zeljka , Jukic Irena
Published: February 2014

Problem

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of the disease and to analyze laboratory data of 23 newborns undergoing serologic testing for alloimmune neonatal neutropenia (ANN) during the 1998–2008 period in Croatia.

Method of study

Laboratory data on 23 newborns undergoing serologic testing for ANN during the 1998–2008 period and epidemiologic data on the number of live births in Croatia were analyzed. Laboratory testing for ANN included serologic screening of maternal and neonatal sera and granulocytes (neutrophils) by immunofluorescence (IF) method. The monoclonal antibody immobilization of neutrophil antigens (MAINA) was employed to determine anti‐HNA antibody specificity.

Results

Anti‐HNA antibodies were detected in seven (54%) of 13 cases of serologically positive ANN. Only anti‐HLA class I antibodies were demonstrated in four (31%) of 13 cases In the 2007–2008 period of prospective data collection, the number of serologically verified ANN cases was one case per 17,323 live births.

Results of the prospective study conducted at Maternity Ward, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center yielded the ANN incidence of one case per 2843 live births.

Conclusion

Monitoring of neutrophil count in neonatal blood and serologic testing for ANN in case of isolated neutropenia in the newborn contributed considerably to timely detection of ANN.

Descriptors

Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia—incidence, serologic diagnosis, antineutrophil antibodies, anti‐HNA, anti‐HLA class I, Croatia.
EFFICIENT PUBLIC‐PRIVATE CAPITAL STRUCTURES
Authors: MOSZORO Marian
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a rationale for hybrid public‐private capital structures in public utilities. The public sector can borrow money cheaper, while private investors can spawn life‐cycle cost savings. When investment vehicles enable the internalization of the financial advantage of the public sector and the managerial advantage of the private sector, a Pareto‐efficient capital structure is achieved with both the public and private parties as shareholders. I show how different knowledge transfer schemes determine the optimal shareholding structure for the utility company.
LOCAL MIXED COMPANIES: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE IN AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: CRUZ N.F. , MARQUES R.C. , MARRA A. , POZZI C.
Published: February 2014

Several factors have been contributing to the growing use of public private‐partnership (PPP) arrangements by local governments, such as, the need for new investments on infrastructure (e.g. decentralization of responsibilities, regulatory requirements demanding better quality and environmental protection, renovation of the networks), imposition of strict debt limits to the localities, and local government reform policies/programs. Whereas contractual PPP arrangements, such as concession contracts, can be seen as an extension of traditional public procurement (with additional complexities in contract design and management) and are currently better handled by contracting authorities, institutionalized PPPs (mixed companies) are still quite puzzling for both practitioners and academics. In fact, the following questions deserve further investigation: When are mixed companies expected to depict a higher performance than other options? What are the risks involved and how should they be allocated and mitigated? How should mixed companies be monitored and evaluated? The articles in this Special Issue provide insightful answers to these and many other relevant questions to policy makers.
BRAF mutation in follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is associated with unfavourable clinicopathological characteristics and malignant features on ultrasonography
Authors: Chai Young Jun , Kim Su‐jin , Kim Soo Chin , Koo Do Hoon , Min Hye Sook , Lee Kyu Eun , Kim Ji‐hoon , Youn Yeo‐Kyu
Published: February 2014

Objective

Follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) is a common variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but the association between BRAF mutation and the clinicopathological and ultrasonographical characteristics of FVPTC has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of BRAF mutation in FVPTC.

Patients

The medical records of the 137 patients with >5 mm FVPTCs and known BRAF mutation status in the interested nodule were reviewed. BRAF mutation analysis was performed routinely and prospectively by Sanger sequencing. Clinicopathological and ultrasonographical characteristics were compared between BRAF mutation‐positive and BRAF mutation‐negative groups.

Results

BRAF mutation was detected in 35 (25·5%) patients. The BRAF mutation‐positive group was associated with smaller tumour size (P = 0·022), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0·001), multifocality (P = 0·046) and higher (III/IV) TNM stages (P = 0·005). In multivariable analysis, higher (III/IV) TNM stage was an independent predictive factor for BRAF mutation‐positive status (adjusted OR 2·966, 95% CI 1·321–6·663). In diagnosis of FVPTC, the presence of BRAF mutation was associated with malignant features on ultrasonography (P < 0·001) and higher incidence of suspicious for malignancy or malignant diagnosis on the fine needle aspiration cytology (P = 0·023). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of US for detecting BRAF mutation were 82·9%, 57·8%, 40·3%, 90·8% and 64·2%, respectively. Conclusions BRAF mutation in FVPTC is associated with unfavourable clinicopathological characteristics and malignant features on ultrasonography and may be a potential prognostic factor as it is in classical PTC.
Porcine dermal matrix in the treatment of dehiscence‐type defects – an experimental split‐mouth animal trial
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Nannmark Ulf , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Hürzeler Markus B. , Kebschull Moritz
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To describe histometrical outcomes (tissue thickness, tissue height) of a porcine dermal matrix (PDX) and subepithelial connective tissue (CTG) in the treatment of dehiscence‐type defects.

Material and methods

In five beagle dogs buccal dehiscence defects were created on both upper canines. The defects were covered in a split‐mouth design either with a porcine dermal matrix or subepithelial connective tissue. After 4 months histometrical outcomes were evaluated using a nonparametric Brunner–Langer model.

Results

Neither in the test nor in the control specimen signs of inflammation or foreign body reaction was detected. Histometrically, no significant difference was found for tissue thickness and height between both treatment groups.

Conclusions

Porcine dermal matrix can be used for grafting of dehiscence‐type defects. Augmentation of tissue thickness seems to be comparable to subepithelial connective tissue.
Drivers of Seabird Population Recovery on New Zealand Islands after Predator Eradication
Authors: BUXTON RACHEL T. , JONES CHRISTOPHER , MOLLER HENRIK , TOWNS DAVID R.
Published: February 2014

Eradication of introduced mammalian predators from islands has become increasingly common, with over 800 successful projects around the world. Historically, introduced predators extirpated or reduced the size of many seabird populations, changing the dynamics of entire island ecosystems. Although the primary outcome of many eradication projects is the restoration of affected seabird populations, natural population responses are rarely documented and mechanisms are poorly understood. We used a generic model of seabird colony growth to identify key predictor variables relevant to recovery or recolonization. We used generalized linear mixed models to test the importance of these variables in driving seabird population responses after predator eradication on islands around New Zealand. The most influential variable affecting recolonization of seabirds around New Zealand was the distance to a source population, with few cases of recolonization without a source population ≤25 km away. Colony growth was most affected by metapopulation status; there was little colony growth in species with a declining status. These characteristics may facilitate the prioritization of newly predator‐free islands for active management. Although we found some evidence documenting natural recovery, generally this topic was understudied. Our results suggest that in order to guide management strategies, more effort should be allocated to monitoring wildlife response after eradication.

Conductores de la Recuperación de Poblaciones de Aves Marinas en Islas de Nueva Zelanda después de la Erradicación de Depredadores
Importance of Baseline Specification in Evaluating Conservation Interventions and Achieving No Net Loss of Biodiversity
Authors: BULL J. W. , GORDON A. , LAW E. A. , SUTTLE K. B. , MILNER‐GULLAND E. J.
Published: February 2014

There is an urgent need to improve the evaluation of conservation interventions. This requires specifying an objective and a frame of reference from which to measure performance. Reference frames can be baselines (i.e., known biodiversity at a fixed point in history) or counterfactuals (i.e., a scenario that would have occurred without the intervention). Biodiversity offsets are interventions with the objective of no net loss of biodiversity (NNL). We used biodiversity offsets to analyze the effects of the choice of reference frame on whether interventions met stated objectives. We developed 2 models to investigate the implications of setting different frames of reference in regions subject to various biodiversity trends and anthropogenic impacts. First, a general analytic model evaluated offsets against a range of baseline and counterfactual specifications. Second, a simulation model then replicated these results with a complex real world case study: native grassland offsets in Melbourne, Australia. Both models showed that achieving NNL depended upon the interaction between reference frame and background biodiversity trends. With a baseline, offsets were less likely to achieve NNL where biodiversity was decreasing than where biodiversity was stable or increasing. With a no‐development counterfactual, however, NNL was achievable only where biodiversity was declining. Otherwise, preventing development was better for biodiversity. Uncertainty about compliance was a stronger determinant of success than uncertainty in underlying biodiversity trends. When only development and offset locations were considered, offsets sometimes resulted in NNL, but not across an entire region. Choice of reference frame determined feasibility and effort required to attain objectives when designing and evaluating biodiversity offset schemes. We argue the choice is thus of fundamental importance for conservation policy. Our results shed light on situations in which biodiversity offsets may be an inappropriate policy instrument

Importancia de la Especificación de Línea de Base en la Evaluación de Intervenciones de Conservación y la Obtención de Ninguna Pérdida Neta de la Biodiversidad
Efficacy of Two Lion Conservation Programs in Maasailand, Kenya
Authors: HAZZAH LEELA , DOLRENRY STEPHANIE , NAUGHTON LISA , EDWARDS CHARLES T T , MWEBI OGETO , KEARNEY FIACHRA , FRANK LAURENCE
Published: February 2014

Lion (Panthera leo) populations are in decline throughout most of Africa. The problem is particularly acute in southern Kenya, where Maasai pastoralists have been spearing and poisoning lions at a rate that will ensure near term local extinction. We investigated 2 approaches for improving local tolerance of lions: compensation payments for livestock lost to predators and Lion Guardians, which draws on local cultural values and knowledge to mitigate livestock‐carnivore conflict and monitor carnivores. To gauge the overall influence of conservation intervention, we combined both programs into a single conservation treatment variable. Using 8 years of lion killing data, we applied Manski's partial identification approach with bounded assumptions to investigate the effect of conservation treatment on lion killing in 4 contiguous areas. In 3 of the areas, conservation treatment was positively associated with a reduction in lion killing. We then applied a generalized linear model to assess the relative efficacy of the 2 interventions. The model estimated that compensation resulted in an 87–91% drop in the number of lions killed, whereas Lion Guardians (operating in combination with compensation and alone) resulted in a 99% drop in lion killing.

Eficacia de Dos Programas de Conservación de Leones en Maasailand, Kenia
Transgenerational Effects of Parental Rearing Environment Influence the Survivorship of Captive‐Born Offspring in the Wild
Authors: Evans Melissa L. , Wilke Nathan F. , O'Reilly Patrick T. , Fleming Ian A.
Published: February 2014

As natural populations decline, captive breeding and rearing programs have become essential components of conservation efforts. However, captive rearing can cause unintended phenotypic and/or genetic changes that adversely impact on population restoration efforts. Here, we test whether the exposure of captive‐reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to natural river environments (i.e., “wild exposure”) during early life can serve as a mitigation technique to improve the survivorship of descendents in the wild. Using genetic pedigree reconstruction, we observed a two‐fold increase in the survivorship of offspring of wild‐exposed parents compared to the offspring of captive parents. Our results suggest that harnessing the influence of transgenerational effects in captive‐rearing programs can improve the outcomes of endangered species restoration efforts.
Correspondence
Authors: Knight Cameron
Published: February 2014

See also the original review article by Taylor and Haldorson.
Familicide‐Suicide: From Myth To Hypothesis And Toward Understanding
Authors: Johnson Carolyn , Sachmann Mark
Published: February 2014

Familicide‐suicide following separation is an underresearched and poorly understood offense. Findings from previous research are inconclusive about risk factors and perpetrator motivation. This article explores common myths about the offense in relation to some of the findings from two studies of familicide‐suicide following separation undertaken in Western Australia. A new conceptualization of the offense is proposed based on attachment theory, the neurobiology of trauma, and the possible subconscious motivation of perpetrators, which may be helpful in assessing risk of familicide‐suicide in family court cases.

Keypoints

There are warning signs to familicide‐suicide following separation.

Warning signs are often not recognised or not adequately communicated to decision makers.

Risk factors are dynamic and therefore not always able to be assessed in tests that measure static personality characteristics.

Assessment needs to involve input from family members and collaboration with other agencies.

Judicial decision making should be informed by comprehensive psychological profiles including childhood abuse history, adult attachment assessments, level of narcissism, degree of symbiosis in the relationship and history of domestic violence, including threats to kill and/or suicide.
Investigations into the auto‐FAT10ylation of the bispecific E2 conjugating enzyme UBA6‐specific E2 enzyme 1
Authors: Aichem Annette , Catone Nicola , Groettrup Marcus
Published: February 2014

The cytokine‐inducible ubiquitin‐like modifier HLA‐F adjacent transcript 10 (FAT10) targets its substrates for degradation by the proteasome. FAT10 is conjugated to its substrates via the bispecific, ubiquitin‐activating and FAT10‐activating enzyme UBA6, the likewise bispecific conjugating enzyme UBA6‐specific E2 enzyme 1 (USE1), and possibly E3 ligases. By MS analysis, we found that USE1 undergoes self‐FAT10ylation in cis, mainly at Lys323. Mutation of Lys323 to an arginine did not abolish auto‐FAT10ylation of USE1, but every other lysine could instead be modified with FAT10. Similarly to bulk FAT10 substrates, FAT10ylation of USE1 accelerated its proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, the USE1–FAT10 conjugate continued to be an active E2 enzyme, because both FAT10 and ubiquitin could still be thioester‐linked to the USE1–FAT10 conjugate. We therefore suggest that the major function of USE1 auto‐FAT10ylation is to serve as a negative feedback mechanism to limit the conjugation of FAT10 upon its cytokine‐mediated induction by reducing the amount of USE1 through proteasomal degradation of the USE1–FAT10 conjugate.

Structured digital abstract

•USE1 physically interacts with FAT10 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

•USE1 physically interacts with FAT10 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Homooligomerization is needed for stability: a molecular modelling and solution study of Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase
Authors: Bertoša Branimir , Mikleušević Goran , Wielgus‐Kutrowska Beata , Narczyk Marta , Hajnić Matea , Leščić Ašler Ivana , Tomić Sanja , Luić Marija , Bzowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2014

Although many enzymes are homooligomers composed of tightly bound subunits, it is often the case that smaller assemblies of such subunits, or even individual monomers, seem to have all the structural features necessary to independently conduct catalysis. In this study, we investigated the reasons justifying the necessity for the hexameric form of Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase – a homohexamer composed of three linked dimers – since it appears that the dimer is the smallest unit capable of catalyzing the reaction, according to the currently accepted mechanism. Molecular modelling was employed to probe mutations at the dimer–dimer interface that would result in a dimeric enzyme form. In this way, both in silico and in vitro, the hexamer was successfully transformed into dimers. However, modelling and solution studies show that, when isolated, dimers cannot maintain the appropriate three‐dimensional structure, including the geometry of the active site and the position of the catalytically important amino acids. Analytical ultracentrifugation proves that E. coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase dimeric mutants tend to dissociate into monomers with dissociation constants of 20–80 μm. Consistently, the catalytic activity of these mutants is negligible, at least 6 orders of magnitude smaller than for the wild‐type enzyme. We conclude that the hexameric architecture of E. coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase is necessary to provide stabilization of the proper three‐dimensional structure of the dimeric assembly, and therefore this enzyme is the obligate (obligatory) hexamer.

Structured digital abstract

●PNP and PNP bind by molecular sieving (1, 2, 3, 4)
Abrupt Late Holocene uplifts of the southern Izu Peninsula, central Japan: Evidence from emerged marine sessile assemblages
Authors: Kitamura Akihisa , Koyama Masato , Itasaka Koji , Miyairi Yosuke , Mori Hideki
Published: February 2014

Evidence for abrupt coastal uplifts has been found in emerged sessile assemblages in a sea cave at the southern end of the Izu Peninsula, central Japan. We identified five sessile assemblage zones: Zones I to V, in ascending order. The uppermost zone (Zone I), located at an elevation of 2.7–3.5 m above the present‐day mean sea level (amsl), is a hard massive shellcrust consisting mainly of the barnacles Chthamalus challenger and the tube worm Pomatoleios kraussii. Zone II, at 2.35–2.7 m amsl, is dominated by well‐preserved individuals of C. challenger. Zone III, at 2.0–2.35 m amsl, is strongly eroded and consists mainly of C. challenger and P. kraussii. Zone IV, at 1.6–2.0 m amsl, is characterized by the co‐occurrence of very fresh shells of C. challenger and P. kraussii. Zone V (the lowest zone), at 1.0–1.60 m amsl, is characterized by the co‐occurrence of very fresh shells of Saccostrea kegaki and P. kraussii, and by the absence of C. challenger. Radiocarbon dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and the presence of modern taxa in the sessile assemblages suggest that three episodes of coastal uplift have occurred in the area, during AD 570–820, AD 1000–1270, and AD 1430–1660, with magnitudes of 0.9–2.0 m, 0.3–0.8 m, and 1.9–2.2 m, respectively.
Submental cutaneous sinus tract of mandibular second molar origin
Authors: Bai J. , Ji A.‐P. , Huang M.‐W.
Published: February 2014

Aim

To report a case in which a submental cutaneous sinus tract resulted from apical periodontitis associated with a mandibular second molar.

A 53‐year‐old man presented with a chronic cutaneous sinus tract in the submental region, which had previously been misdiagnosed as a thyroglossal fistula. The origin of the sinus tract was shown by sinus tract angiography to be the left mandibular second molar (tooth 37), which had apical periodontitis. The sinus tract healed after extraction of the tooth and partial excision of the lesion from an extraoral approach. Histological examination confirmed that the tract was lined with granulation tissue and not with epithelial tissue. A submental sinus tract drainage pathway was observed. Prompt dental evaluation, especially of all mandibular teeth, should be considered when assessing cases of submental cutaneous sinus tracts.

Key learning points

An odontogenic origin should be part of the differential diagnosis for orofacial skin lesions.

Cutaneous sinus tracts of mandibular molar origin are complex and thus a comprehensive examination should be stressed.

It is necessary to examine all mandibular teeth in cases of odontogenic submental cutaneous sinus tracts.

Sinus tract angiography can be used to identify the sinus tract pathway and to confirm the associated teeth.

The treatment of an odontogenic cutaneous sinus tract requires the elimination of the source of infection.
Singular value decomposition of a technology matrix
Authors: Fisher Eric O'N.
Published: February 2014

This paper is the first application of the singular value decomposition (SVD) in general equilibrium theory. Every technology matrix can be decomposed into three parts: a definition of composite commodities; a definition of composite factors; and a simple map of composite factor prices into composite goods prices. This technique gives an orthogonal decomposition of the price space into two complementary subspaces: vectors that generate the price cone; and a basis that describe the flats on the production possibility frontier. This decomposition can be used easily to compute Rybczynski effects.
Dynamic two‐country Heckscher–Ohlin model with externality
Authors: Iwasa Kazumichi , Nishimura Kazuo
Published: February 2014

We extend a dynamic Heckscher–Ohlin model with production externality presented in recent work by Nishimura and Shimomura by assuming a consumable capital good. Following work by Bond, Iwasa, and Nishimura, we define a steady‐state excess demand function and derive the locus of home and foreign capital stocks that are consistent with a steady‐state equilibrium under free trade. Also, we examine the relationship between externality and local dynamics in autarky or under free trade, which includes a phase diagram analysis. Then we show that opening trade can generate expectation‐driven fluctuations in a world trade market.
Coordination of tax policies toward inward foreign direct investment
Authors: Glass Amy Jocelyn , Saggi Kamal
Published: February 2014

We study competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) between host countries and the implications of tax policy coordination between them. By reducing its tax on multinational production, a host country can attract additional FDI, some of which is diverted from other host countries. The shift in FDI causes host wages to rise while wages elsewhere fall. The host country with the lower natural attractiveness for FDI (absent intervention) adopts a smaller tax on multinational production. Coordination between hosts eliminates the FDI diversion effect and leads them to impose a harmonized FDI tax that is larger than their non‐cooperative tax levels.
Globalization and the market for high‐ability managers
Authors: Davidson Carl , Matusz Steven J.
Published: February 2014

We add heterogeneous workers and search‐generated unemployment to a Melitz‐style economy. Depending on their productivity, firms choose to search exclusively for one of two types of skilled workers, or possibly undertake a broad search for either. Increased globalization changes the cost–benefit calculus of different search strategies and therefore alters the range of firms willing to implement the alternative search strategies.
Regional exhaustion of intellectual property
Authors: Saggi Kamal
Published: February 2014

This paper analyzes the causes and consequences of regional exhaustion of intellectual property, a discriminatory policy under which a set of countries permit parallel imports from one another but not from the rest of the world. A three‐country model is developed in which two high‐income countries jointly choose their common exhaustion policy among national (NE), international (IE), or regional exhaustion (RE). The two high‐income countries implement RE when they are similar to each other and sufficiently high‐income relative to the third country. Restricting their choice set to only non‐discriminatory exhaustion policies (i.e., NE and IE) makes all countries worse off.
Market quality and market infrastructure in the South and technology diffusion
Authors: Furukawa Yuichi , Yano Makoto
Published: February 2014

In his previous work, Yano defined market quality as a market performance measure combining efficiency and fairness. His theory states that market quality is supported by well‐coordinated market infrastructure, including laws, rules, and compliance as well as more basic factors such as culture, morals, and ethics. Focusing on the free‐riding aspect of technology diffusion from the North to the South, this study demonstrates that market quality in the South can be supported by the coordination of the South's intellectual property law and its basic morals towards honoring intellectual property developed in the North.
Study Quality in Quantitative L2 Research (1990–2010): A Methodological Synthesis and Call for Reform
Authors: Plonsky Luke
Published: February 2014

This article builds on the growing line of inquiry into methodological practices in quantitative second language (L2) research. Specifically, the study uses synthetic techniques to examine changes over time in research and reporting practices. 606 primary reports of quantitative L2 research from two journals—Language Learning and Studies in Second Language Acquisition—were surveyed on different design features, statistical analyses, and data reporting practices. Frequencies and percentages of each feature were then calculated and compared across the 1990s and the first decade of the 2000s to examine changes taking place in the field. The results, while not necessarily representative of all substantive and methodological approaches within the domain of L2 research, indicate numerous changes including increases in sample sizes, delayed posttesting, and the availability of critical data such as effect sizes, reliability estimates, and standard deviations to accompany means. With respect to statistical procedures, the range of analyses has not changed, and the field continues its unfortunate reliance on statistical significance. The findings are grouped according to three themes, which are discussed in light of previous reviews in this and other fields: (a) means‐based analyses, (b) missing data, null hypothesis significance testing, and the “power problem,” and (c) design preferences. The article concludes with an extended call for reform targeting six groups of stakeholders in the field. Most notably, an argument is made for field‐specific methodological standards and enhancements to graduate curricula and training.
Scaffolded Feedback, Recasts, and L2 Development: A Sociocultural Perspective
Authors: Rassaei Ehsan
Published: February 2014

The study reported here investigated and compared the effects of scaffolded feedback and recasts on second language (L2) development. The concept of scaffolded feedback was operationalized based on Vygotsky's concepts of scaffolding and assisted performance. The study included 78 Persian EFL learners who were assigned to either a control group or one of two experimental groups. Learners in the experimental groups received either recasts or scaffolded feedback for their errors during task‐based interactions with their interlocutors while learners in the control group performed the same task but received no feedback. Two dependent measures, an untimed grammaticality judgment test and an oral production task, were administered as pretests and posttests to investigate learners' achievements in the two experimental groups compared with the control condition. The results of data analysis revealed that scaffolded feedback contributed to higher levels of development compared with recasts. The study's findings and implications are discussed from several perspectives.
“That's Wrong”: Repair and Rapport in Culturally Diverse Higher Education Classrooms
Authors: Dippold Doris
Published: February 2014

Drawing on video‐recorded classroom interactions and interviews with tutors, this study investigates what considerations for rapport motivate tutors' repair strategies in two culturally diverse higher education classes in the UK: an Oral Skills class from an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme and an undergraduate Accounting class. The analysis shows that repair initiations in the Oral Skills class tend to be made off‐record, be mitigated, and generally lead either to student self‐repair or other‐repair by a class member, while repair initiations in the Accounting class tend to occur close to the trouble spot, be direct and explicit, and often lead to other‐repair by the tutor. What is common to both classes is that the tutors foreground a collective frame of reference to protect the group's equity and association rights at the partial expense of their own and individual students' face claims. Because this article can only show the general relationship between repair strategies and rapport considerations, it is suggested that studies on classroom interaction need to systematically explore classroom practices in different subject areas and educational environments in which English is used as the language of communication. This will further our understanding of different norms of classroom interaction and inform the teaching of EAP.
The Politics of Normativity and Globalization: Which Spanish in the Classroom?
Authors: Del Valle José
Published: February 2014

In this article, I introduce the debate on dialect choice in the teaching of Spanish. I first present an early 20th‐century proposal by Spanish philologist Ramón Menéndez Pidal (1918) and then move to two recent discussions: one within the Instituto Cervantes in the context of the international promotion of Spanish, and another in the context provided by the growth of the teaching of Spanish to heritage speakers in the United States. After considering the MLA (2007, 2009) reports on the role of languages in higher education, I conclude by embracing pedagogical options where, regardless of the choice of one particular norm, discussion of the development and operation of linguistic regimes becomes central in language instruction from the very early stages of the language program's curricular structure.
Camellia curryana and C. longii spp. nov. (Theaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Orel George , Wilson Peter G. , Hong Truong Luu
Published: February 2014

Two species of Camellia L. (Theaceae) are described here as new: C. curryana and C. longii. The new species were discovered in the southern Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and are endemic to tropical rainforest remnants that occur at altitudes between 1500 and 1700 m a.s.l. Camellia curryana possesses almost sessile, unevenly circular, two whorled, white‐cream and proximally yellowish flowers, proximally joined outer stamens, three styles and mature fruit that dehisces into three parts, or longitudinally into two halves. Camellia longii has campanulate or almost campanulate, intensely dark orange to red flowers with uneven whitish margins, 5–6 petals and 3–2 petaloids, filaments that are united with the petals and one another, a diamond shaped ovary and compound 5–6 styles that are connate at the base.
The Information Content of Dividend Surprises: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Andres Christian , Betzer Andre′ , van den Bongard Inga , Haesner Christian , Theissen Erik
Published: February 2014

This paper reconsiders the issue of share price reactions to dividend announcements. We use the difference between the actual dividend and the analyst consensus forecast as obtained from I/B/E/S as a proxy for the surprise in the dividend announcement. Using data from Germany, we find significant share price reactions after dividend announcements. We use panel methods to analyze the determinants of the share price reactions and find evidence in favour of the cash flow signaling hypothesis and dividend clientele effects. We further find that the price reaction to dividend surprises is related to the ownership structure of the firm. The results do not support the free cash flow hypothesis. An additional result of our analysis is that dividend changes are not an appropriate measure to capture the information content of dividend announcements.
Orthostatic Blood Pressure Dysregulation and Polymorphisms of β‐Adrenergic Receptor Genes in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Gao Ying , Lin Yahui , Sun Kai , Wang Yibo , Chen Jingzhou , Wang Hu , Zhou Xianliang , Fan Xiaohan , Hui Rutai
Published: February 2014

The genetic susceptibility to orthostatic blood pressure dysregulation remains poorly understood. The association between polymorphisms of beta‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) genes and orthostatic blood pressure dysregulation in hypertensive patients was investigated. Two polymorphisms of β1‐AR (Arg389/Gly) and β2‐AR (Arg16/Gly) were genotyped in untreated hypertensive patients and normotensive patients. In patients with untreated hypertension, the frequency of β1‐AR Gly389 homozygote was significantly higher in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH) (P<.0001) and lower in patients with orthostatic hypertension (OHT) (P=.002) as compared with patients with orthostatic normotension (ONT) even after Bonferroni correction. After analysis by sex and adjustment for conventional risk factors, the β1‐AR Gly389 homozygote conferred about a 3‐fold risk of OH and independently predicted a 6.5 mm Hg greater orthostatic SBP decrease (GG −8.9±13 mm Hg vs CC+CG −2.4±12 mm Hg, P<.001) only in female hypertensive patients. The association of β2‐AR Arg16/Gly with OH was not significant after adjustment for conventional risk factors. In normotensive patients, no association was identified between these two polymorphisms and OHT or OH. These results indicated that the β1‐AR Arg389/Gly polymorphism may be associated with increased risk of OH in female hypertensive patients.
Accumulation by Dispossession and Socio‐Environmental Conflicts Caused by the Expansion of Agribusiness in Argentina
Authors: Cáceres Daniel M.
Published: February 2014

Drawing upon the concept of ‘accumulation by dispossession’, this paper analyses the expansion of agrarian capital in Argentina. A case study illustrates the social and environmental impacts of the expansion of agribusiness in central Argentina and the social struggle – both rural and urban – that has arisen to resist this process. Although government policies after the 2001 crisis differ in many ways from those of the 1990s, current agrarian policies are not significantly distinct from those followed during the pre‐crisis neoliberal period. Rather than ‘post‐neoliberal’, the new model could thus be better described as ‘neo‐extractivist’. With the connivance of the state, agribusiness is producing the largest‐ever transformation of natural capital into economic capital in the history of the region. Moreover, the latest policy developments suggest that Argentina is on the threshold of a new and deeper stage of agrarian capital expansion and wealth concentration, this time operating at a much larger scale.
Discharge from an emergency department observation unit and a surgical assessment unit: experiences of patients with acute abdominal pain
Authors: Schultz Helen , Qvist Niels , Mogensen Christian B , Pedersen Birthe D
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectives

To investigate the experiences of patients with acute abdominal pain at discharge from an emergency department observation unit compared with discharge from a surgical assessment unit.

Background

The increase in emergency department observation units has increased short‐term admissions and changed the patient journey from admission and discharge from specialised wards staffed by specialist nurses to admission and discharge from units staffed by emergency nurses.

Design

A comparative qualitative interview study.

Methods

The study included 20 patients: 10 from an emergency department observation unit and 10 from a surgical assessment unit, and took a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach. Patients were interviewed at discharge and three months later.

Results

More patients from the emergency department observation unit experienced readiness for discharge and had plans for follow‐up, compared with patients from the surgical assessment unit. In the surgical assessment unit, more patients were readmitted, had unanswered questions after three months and experienced a follow‐up visit at the general practitioner as insufficient. More patients from the surgical assessment unit reported receiving useful self‐care advice, compared with those from the emergency department observation unit.

Conclusion

The experience of emergency department observation unit patients on discharge and follow‐up was that the health professionals were more supportive, compared with surgical assessment unit patients, who felt discharge occurred too early, but with more preparation for independent home self‐care. These results are an important factor in the patient experience of discharge from hospital and may reflect differences in specialisation of the nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Units discharging patients with acute abdominal pain could be inspired by scheduled fast‐track surgery programmes with structured information about admission, treatment and follow‐up and easy access to relevant health professionals after discharge.
The Efficacy of Using Photographs to Represent Attributes of Sliced Sandwich Bread in an Adaptive Choice‐Based Conjoint
Authors: Jervis S.M. , Jervis M.G. , Guthrie B. , Drake M.A.
Published: February 2014

Pictures to represent product concepts in surveys are a useful tool. However, this technique limits the complexity of the survey design. This study determined if pictures of individual product attributes of sliced bread products can be used to determine the utility of sliced bread in adaptive choice‐based conjoint (ACBC) analysis. Sliced sandwich bread was photographed, formatted, sized and composed for visual evaluation. All possible crust/crumb combinations (n = 36) were first presented to bread consumers (n = 1,024) in an online survey to determine their overall appearance liking. Subsequently, bread consumers (n = 891) evaluated the crust and crumb pictured attributes in an ACBC survey. Market simulations were conducted to predict bread performance. Consumers (n = 100) then evaluated commercial bread representing select levels of crust and crumb for appearance liking, and results were compared with the market simulation results to demonstrate the efficacy of the technique. Both surveys revealed crumb with seeds/flakes to be more appealing than a uniform crumb, and crust with flakes/oats was more appealing than crust with no topping. The utility scores estimated from the attribute pictures were representative of choice behavior in a consumer test.

Practical Applications

Whole wheat breads are important in the fight against obesity by aiding in weight loss and increasing satiety. However, despite best efforts, they are underrepresented in the American diet (United States Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Health and Human Services 2010). It is important to understand how consumers currently perceive whole wheat and white breads to determine what features of bread are most attractive. The appearance of bread influences purchase intent of the consumer. Pictures, rather than descriptions of features, may be useful to determine the utility of crust and crumb attributes. Representing pictures of attributes as opposed to the entire product concept will enhance the complexity of conjoint studies allowing for more information to be gathered in a given study.