bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies toward well‐defined polymer nanoparticles inspired by nature: Chemistry versus versatility
Authors: Elsabahy Mahmoud , Wooley Karen L.
Published: February 2012

Polymeric nanoparticles are promising delivery platforms for various biomedical applications. One of the main challenges toward the development of therapeutic nanoparticles is the premature disassembly and release of the encapsulated drug. Among the different strategies to enhance the kinetic stability of polymeric nanoparticles, shell‐ and core‐crosslinking have been shown to provide robust character, while creating a suitable environment for encapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, metallic, and small and large biomolecules, with gating of their release as well. The versatility of shell‐ and core‐crosslinked nanoparticles is driven from the ease by which the structures of the shell‐ and core‐forming polymers and crosslinkers can be modified. In addition, postmodification with cell‐recognition moieties, grafting of antibiofouling polymers, or chemical degradation of the core to yield nanocages allow the use of these robust nanostructures as “smart” nanocarriers. The building principles of these multifunctional nanoparticles borrow analogy from the synthesis, supramolecular assembly, stabilization, and dynamic activity of the naturally driven biological nanoparticles such as proteins, lipoproteins, and viruses. In this review, the chemistry involved during the buildup from small molecules to polymers to covalently stabilized nanoscopic objects is detailed, with contrast of the strategies of the supramolecular assembly of polymer building blocks followed by intramicellar stabilization into shell‐, core‐, or core–shell‐crosslinked knedel‐like nanoparticles versus polymerization of polymers into nanoscopic molecular brushes followed by further intramolecular covalent stabilization events. The rational design of shell‐crosslinked knedel‐like nanoparticles is then elaborated for therapeutic packaging and delivery, with emphasis on the polymer chemistry aspects to accomplish the synthesis of such nanoparticulate systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of tadpole polymers via triple click reactions: Copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, diels–alder, and nitroxide radical coupling reactions
Authors: Dedeoglu Tuba , Durmaz Hakan , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit
Published: February 2012

We designed a trifunctional initiator (3) containing anthracene, bromide, and OH functionalities and subsequently used as an initiator in atom transfer radical Polymerization (ATRP) of styrene to yield linear polystyrene (PS) with α‐anthracene, OH, and ω‐bromide terminal groups, of which bromide is later transformed into azide to result in the linear anthracene‐, OH‐, and azide‐terminated PS (l‐α‐anthracene‐OH‐ω‐azide‐PS). The copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction between l‐α‐anthracene‐OH‐ω‐azide‐PS and α‐furan‐protected‐maleimide‐ω‐alkyne linkage, 4 afforded the linear anthracene‐, OH‐, and maleimide‐terminated PS. The cyclization via intramolecular Diels–Alder click reaction of this linear PS and the subsequent conversion of the hydroxyl into bromide resulted in the cyclic PS with one bromide located on the ring, (c‐PS)‐Br. Finally, the c‐PS‐Br was clicked with either well‐defined tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) yielding the tadpole polymer, (c‐PS)‐b‐PEG or (c‐PS)‐b‐PCL. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Predicting parenting stress in caregivers of children with brain tumours
Authors: Bennett Emily , English Martin William , Rennoldson Michael , Starza‐Smith Arleta
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that contribute to parenting stress in caregivers of children diagnosed with brain tumours.

Methods

The study was cross‐sectional and recruited 37 participants from a clinical database at a specialist children's hospital. Parents were sent questionnaires, which were used to measure factors related to stress in caregivers of children diagnosed with a brain tumour. Stress levels were measured using the Parenting Stress Index—Short Form (PSI/SF). Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to examine the associations between parenting stress and coping styles, locus of control, parent‐perceived child disability and time since diagnosis.

Results

Results revealed that 51% of parents were experiencing clinically significant levels of stress. The mean stress level of parents in the study was significantly higher than the PSI/SF norms (t = 4.7, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed that external locus of control and coping by accepting responsibility accounted for 67% of the variance in parenting stress. Other styles of coping, child behaviour problems and the amount of time since diagnosis were not found to be predictive of levels of parenting stress.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of parenting stress in caregivers of children with a brain tumour. An external locus of control and coping by accepting responsibility increased the likelihood of elevated levels of stress. Results emphasised the importance of ongoing support for parents of children with brain tumours. Intervention might helpfully be centred on strategies to increase parents' internal locus of control. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beta‐blockers in patients with asthma and COPD
Authors: Spencer Rachel , Serumaga Brian
Published: February 2012

In this series we present a number of prescribing safety indicators developed as part of an RCGP project.1 The evidence base behind each of the indicators is given along with information to illustrate their clinical significance. We provide a ‘real‐life’ audit based on the indicator to show how practices could begin to analyse their own prescribing data. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Adopting evidence into practice
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2012

Steve Chaplin discusses a recent bulletin from the National Prescribing Centre that looks at the best approaches to implementing new evidence into clinical practice. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
Concise guide to diagnosis and management of conjunctivitis
Authors: Tey Adrian
Published: February 2012

Conjunctivitis is a common presentation in the primary‐care setting. Although it is usually self‐limiting, early identification with optimal treatment is important to avoid complications. Our Drug review describes the various clinical features of conjunctivitis and recommended management, followed by a review of prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Interface Ltd
The self assembly of thymine at Au(110)/liquid interfaces
Authors: Molina Contreras J. R. , Smith C. I. , Bowfield A. , Tillner F. , Weightman P.
Published: February 2012

We show that thymine self‐assembles into an ordered structure when adsorbed at a Au(110)/liquid interface. Reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) shows that as found for cytosine and adenine the adsorbed thymine molecules are oriented essentially vertically on the Au(110) surface with the molecule aligned along one of the principal axes of the Au(110) surface. Simulations of the RA spectra to an empirical model indicates that as found for adsorbed cytosine and adenine, thymine is aligned along the [$1{\bar {1}}0$] direction on the Au(110) surface.
Single molecule electrical excitation
Authors: Nothaft Maximilian , Höhla Steffen , Jelezko Fedor , Pflaum Jens , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: February 2012

Optical studies of individual molecules offer the unique possibility of investigating the local environment of single quantum objects on nanometre length scales and of employing molecular systems as non‐classical light sources at room temperature. Usually, single molecule excitation is based on optical stimulation by laser radiation. In this feature article, we present an alternative approach by utilizing charge injection in combination with molecular electron–hole recombination to electrically excite single fluorescent dyes. The successful implementation of this strategy promotes the realization of electrically driven single photon sources on demand operating at room temperature and being feasible on a vast number of molecules emitting at e.g. telecommunication wavelengths. Moreover, these probes render probing the charge carrier transport and recombination on molecular length scales. In this article, we will first discuss the interaction of single charge carriers with optically excited molecules characterized by a decrease of photoluminescence intensity with increasing current density. As it is demonstrated, this effect originates from strong electrical pumping of triplet state populations upon charge carrier recombination. Secondly, the prospect of using phosphorescent emitters as electrically driven single photon sources at room temperature will be discussed. Finally, we will highlight that photoluminescence quenching of single fluorescent dyes provides a sensitive tool to quantify local current densities and recombination dynamics in operational organic light emitting diode devices with molecular spatial resolution.
Ab initio density functional theory calculation of stacking fault energy and stress in 3C‐SiC
Authors: Umeno Yoshitaka , Yagi Kuniaki , Nagasawa Hiroyuki
Published: February 2012

Stacking faults (SFs) in the cubic polytype of silicon carbide (3C‐SiC) can bring about the leakage current in devices or cause warping of wafers. Along with experimental efforts with the aim to reduce SFs in 3C‐SiC, theoretical approach is needed to reveal the mechanical aspects of SFs. In this study, we employ ab initio density functional theory calculations to investigate the fundamental mechanical properties of SFs in cubic SiC, including the effect of stress and doping atoms (substitution of C by N or Si). Stress and strain induced by SF formation is quantitatively evaluated. Calculation of SF energies indicates that extrinsic SFs are stable. The extrinsic SFs containing double and triple SiC layers are found to be slightly more stable than the single‐layer extrinsic SF, which supports experimental observations. Neglecting the effect of local strain induced by doping, nitrogen doping around an SF obviously increase the SF formation energy, while SFs seem to be easily formed in Si‐rich models. Effect of tensile or compressive stress on SF energies is found to be very small, suggesting stress condition (large compression) induced by substitution of C atoms by Si should not substantially change the formability of SFs.
Analysis of the performance of DFT functionals in the study of light emission by oxyluciferin analogs
Authors: Pinto da Silva Luís , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G.
Published: February 2012

Firefly bioluminescence has attracted much attention from the research community due to its most intriguing multicolor bioluminescence. Computational studies have been fundamental to the clarification of this phenomenon. However, no clear demonstration of the accuracy of the theoretical methods used in this field of research has been provided. In this work, we have used luciferin and dehydroluciferin in water as a model for the calculation of the emission wavelength of oxyluciferin and analogs. This model was used in a density functional theory (DFT) benchmarking in which 24 functionals were tested. A non‐negligible “case to case” dependence was observed. However in general, the better classes of the DFT functionals are generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and meta GGA. The generalized gradient exchange functional TPSSVWN5, the hybrid‐meta GGA functional mPWKCIS, and the hybrid GGA functional MPWLYP1M also present good results. For the contrary, the popular hybrid GGA functionals present a worse performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of a simulated λ Cro dimer conformational ensemble to its NMR models
Authors: Ahlstrom Logan S. , Miyashita Osamu
Published: February 2012

Several solved X‐ray structures and an NMR ensemble of the dimeric λ Cro protein markedly differ from one another, leaving its dominant solution conformation in question. Recently performed replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations starting from crystal structure coordinates sample a range of conformational space that correlates well with the X‐ray structures but differs notably from the NMR models. To further investigate the latter observation, this study focuses on additional simulation beginning from an NMR model. Network analysis and a free energy surface show that the trajectory immediately converges to a region of conformational space in agreement with the previously run simulations and the crystal structures, but they suggest that the NMR models are not stable solution conformations. Insufficient intersubunit nuclear Overhauser enhancement restraints and the absence of electrostatics in the structure calculation may have compromised the global conformation of the NMR models. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of surface roughness on angle‐resolved XPS
Authors: Katona L. , Bianchi D. , Brenner J. , Vorlaufer G. , Vernes A. , Betz G. , Werner W. S. M.
Published: February 2012

In the present contribution, the strategy of atomic force microscope mapping of periodical rough surfaces is combined with an extension of the polyhedral model. Atomic force microscope images are numerically interpolated, applying non‐uniform rational B‐splines, which also have the advantage that simultaneously to the interpolation, they provide the normals at any point on the rough surfaces. Compared with the polyhedral model, in the present scheme, any rough surface is accurately well approximated by a finite set of almost infinitesimal planes, which are all oriented in accordance with the normals obtained, while non‐uniform rational B‐splines interpolate the surface. In this view, the Beer–Lambert law is straightforwardly applied to compute all local (almost pointwise resolved) contributions to the photoelectron intensity on the analyser site. The proposed numerical scheme is validated in case of Si samples possessing either arbitrary rough, one‐ or two‐dimensional periodic structures on the analysed surfaces. In this manner, it is shown that the computed angle‐resolved XPS well agree with the experimental ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalized weighting regression‐derived meta‐analysis estimator robust to small‐study effects and heterogeneity
Authors: Moreno Santiago G. , Sutton Alex J. , Thompson John R. , Ades A.E. , Abrams Keith R. , Cooper Nicola J.
Published: February 2012

Heterogeneity and small‐study effects are major concerns for the validity of meta‐analysis. Although random effects meta‐analysis provides a partial solution to heterogeneity, neither takes into account the presence of small‐study effects, although they can rarely be ruled out with certainty. In this paper, we facilitate a better understanding of the properties of a recently described regression‐based approach to deriving a meta‐analysis estimator robust to small‐study effects and unexplainable heterogeneity. The weightings of studies in the meta‐analysis are derived algebraically for the regression model and compared with the weightings allocated to studies by fixed and random effects models. These weightings are compared in case studies with and without small‐study effects. The presence of small‐study effects causes pooled estimates from fixed and random effects meta‐analyses to differ, potentially markedly, as a result of the different weights allocated to individual studies. Because random effects meta‐analysis gives more weight to smaller studies, it becomes more vulnerable to the small‐study effects. The regression approach gives heavier weight to the larger studies than either the fixed or random effects models, leading to its dominance in the estimated pooled effect. The weighting properties of the proposed regression‐derived meta‐analysis estimator are presented and compared with those of the standard meta‐analytic estimators. We propose that there is much to recommend the routine use of this model as a reliable way to derive a pooled meta‐analysis estimate that is robust to potential small‐study effects, while still accommodating heterogeneity, even though uncertainty will often be considerably larger than for standard estimators. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second Language Writers’ Strategy Use and Performance on an Integrated Reading‐Listening‐Writing Task
Authors: Yang Hui‐Chun , Plakans Lia
Published: February 2012

Integrated writing tasks that involve different language modalities such as reading and listening have increasingly been used as means to assess academic writing. Thus, there is a need for understanding how test‐takers coordinate different skills to complete these tasks. This study explored second language writers’ strategy use and its relationship to test performance on an integrated reading‐listening‐writing test task using a structural equation modeling approach. The results reveal that integrated writing strategy use was a multifaceted construct consisting of three factors: self‐regulatory strategy use (SELFS), discourse synthesis strategy use (DSS), and “test‐wiseness” strategy use (TWS). SELFS had an executive control over other types of strategy use. DSS had a direct, positive impact on test performance, and TWS had a direct, negative impact on test performance. The study suggests that the task requires not only comprehension and production abilities, but also regulation skills for managing reading, listening, and writing interactions. The findings provide insight into the nature of integrated reading‐listening‐writing tasks and contribute to validity arguments for the test. The study has implications for second language academic writing assessment, learning, and instruction.
Utility of Drain Fluid Amylase Measurement on the First Postoperative Day after Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Sutcliffe Robert P. , Battula Narendra , Haque Ali , Ali Amir , Srinivasan Parthi , Atkinson Simon W. , Rela Mohamed , Heaton Nigel D. , Prachalias Andreas A.
Published: February 2012

Background

Early detection of pancreatic fistula (PF) may improve the outcome after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and exclusion of PF may allow earlier drain removal and accelerate recovery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between drain fluid amylase on the first postoperative day (DFA1) and PF.

Patients and methods

This work was designed as a prospective study and included patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in a single center. For each patient, DFA was measured on the first and fifth postoperative days, and PF was defined by drainage of amylase‐rich fluid on the fifth postoperative day (DFA5 >300 U/l). A cut‐off value of DFA1 was derived, which yielded sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% for predicting a PF.

Results

A total of 70 patients (47% male) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure: 37; pylorus‐preserving procedure: 33) between April 2009 and March 2010 were included. Nine of those patients developed a PF (grade A‐2; B‐5; C‐2). There were two postoperative deaths (3%). The DFA1 value significantly correlated with DFA5 (Spearman rank coefficient 0.68; p < 0.0001). The median DFA1 of patients with a PF (6,205; range 357–23,391) was significantly higher than in patients without a PF (69; range 5–5,180; p = 0.01; unpaired t test). No patient with a PF had a DFA1 ≤350 U/l, compared to 48/61 patients (79%) without a PF. Using 350 U/l as a cut‐off, a low DFA1 excluded a PF with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 100, 79, 41, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Drain fluid amylase on the DFA1 after pancreaticoduodenectomy stratifies patients according to likelihood of developing a PF.
Comparison of Survival Rates for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment Methods
Authors: Hinterseher Irene , Kuffner Herold , Koch Rainer , Gäbel Gabor , Saeger Hans D. , Smelser Diane
Published: February 2012

Background

We compared relative survival rates of patients after various operative treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to those for the general population. We calculated a point of “recovery,” defined as the survival rate equal to that of the general population.

Methods

Survival data were collected from patients who underwent open repair for a ruptured AAA (rAAA), elective open repair of an AAA (OPEN), and endovascular repair (EVAR) in our hospital between 1995 and 2005. The cumulative relative survival rate and time‐specific relative survival rate were calculated for these patients compared to those for the general population. The point of “recovery” was defined as the cumulative relative survival rate equaling the survival rate for the population, and the time‐specific relative survival rate reaching 1.0.

Results

The cumulative relative survival rate of the patients immediately after OPEN was lower than for the comparison group at the time the cumulative relative survival rate was regained. The time‐specific relative survival rate of the rAAA reached 1.0 at 16 months following emergency surgery, and for OPEN after 10 months. The cumulative relative survival rate in the EVAR group had no impairment following intervention. The relative long‐term survival rate in all three surgical groups was the same as that for the general German population.

Conclusions

Patients treated successfully for AAA have the same relative long‐term survival as the general population. The time required to reach the same survival, however, differs between the treatment groups and is longest in the group with a rAAA. The variable survival rates should be taken into consideration when treating patients with an AAA.
Outcome of Operative Therapy of Hepatic Metastatic Stomach Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Schildberg Claus W. , Croner R. , Merkel S. , Schellerer V. , Müller V. , Yedibela S. , Hohenberger W. , Peros G. , Perrakis A.
Published: February 2012

Background

In general, hepatic metastasis from stomach carcinoma has an unfavorable prognosis. In addition, there are often further metastases in other organs, such as peritoneal carcinomatosis. The major aim of the present study was to investigate a potential curative surgical approach in these patients.

Material and methods

Thirty‐one patients with hepatic metastases from stomach cancer were treated in the University Clinic Erlangen‐Nürnberg. The data were collected retrospectively from 1972 to 1977 and prospectively since 1978 at the Erlangen Cancer Registry. The time frame of this retrospective analysis from patients who had surgical resection of hepatic metatases from gastric cancer was from 1972 to 2008. The median age of the patients was 65 years, and the ratio of men to women was 2:1.

Results

Atypical or anatomical resections of segments were possible in 21 cases. Larger operations, such as hemihepatectomy (right/left), were performed in 10 patients. The postoperative complication rate was 29%, and the hospital mortality was 6%. The five‐year survival rate was 13%; R0 resection was achieved in 23 patients. We also found a significant difference in the 5‐year survival rate between synchronous and metachronous metastases (0 vs. 29%; p < 0.001) and R0 resected patients (p = 0.002). Patients with solitary metastases had a significantly better median survival than patients with multiple metastases (21 vs. 4 months; p < 0.005.)

Conclusions

The overall survival in our study was 13%; therefore gastric cancer with liver metastases is not in every case a palliative situation. It seems that patients with liver metastases benefit from resection, especially if the metastases are metachronous (p < 0.001) and solitary, provided that a curative R0 resection has been achieved. An interdisciplinary approach with neoadjuvant chemotherapy appears useful. Additional controlled studies should be conducted.
Fast and effective: intense pulse light photodynamic inactivation of bacteria
Authors: Maisch Tim , Spannberger Franz , Regensburger Johannes , Felgenträger Ariane , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The goal of this study was to investigate the photodynamic toxicity of TMPyP (5, 10, 15, 20-Tetrakis (1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-porphyrin tetra p-toluenesulfonate) in combination with short pulses (ms) of an intense pulse light source within 10 s against Bacillus atrophaeus, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Escherichia coli, major pathogens in food industry and in health care, respectively. Bacteria were incubated with a photoactive dye (TMPyP) that is subsequently irradiated with visible light flashes of 100 ms to induce oxidative damage immediately by generation of reactive oxygen species like singlet oxygen. A photodynamic killing efficacy of up to 6 log10 (>99.9999%) was achieved within a total treatment time of 10 s using a concentration range of 1–100 μmol TMPyP and multiple light flashes of 100 ms (from 20 J cm−2 up to 80 J cm−2). Both incubation of bacteria with TMPyP alone or application of light flashes only did not have any negative effect on bacteria survival. Here we could demonstrate for the first time that the combination of TMPyP as the respective photosensitizer and a light flash of 100 ms of an intense pulsed light source is enough to generate sufficient amounts of reactive oxygen species to kill these pathogens within a few seconds. Increasing antibiotic resistance requires fast and efficient new approaches to kill bacteria, therefore the photodynamic process seems to be a promising tool for disinfection of horizontal surfaces in industry and clinical purposes where savings in time is a critical point to achieve efficient inactivation of microorganisms.
A multidisciplinary evidence-based guideline for minimally invasive surgery.
Authors: la Chapelle Claire F. , Bemelman Willem A. , Rademaker Bart M. P. , van Barneveld Teus A. , Jansen Frank Willem ,   on behalf of the Dutch Multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group Minimally Invasive Surgery
Published: February 2012

The Dutch Society for Endoscopic Surgery together with the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology initiated a multidisciplinary working group to develop a guideline on minimally invasive surgery to formulate multidisciplinary agreements for minimally invasive surgery aiming towards better patient care and safety. The guideline development group consisted of general surgeons, gynecologists, an anesthesiologist, and urologist authorized by their scientific professional association. Two advisors in evidence-based guideline development supported the group. The guideline was developed using the “Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation” instrument. Clinically important aspects were identified and discussed. The best available evidence on these aspects was gathered by systematic review. Recommendations for clinical practice were formulated based on the evidence and a consensus of expert opinion. The guideline was externally reviewed by members of the participating scientific associations and their feedback was integrated. Identified important topics were: laparoscopic entry techniques, intra-abdominal pressure, trocar use, electrosurgical techniques, prevention of trocar site herniation, patient positioning, anesthesiology, perioperative care, patient information, multidisciplinary user consultation, and complication registration. The text of each topic contains an introduction with an explanation of the problem and a summary of the current literature. Each topic was discussed, considerations were evaluated and recommendations were formulated. The development of a guideline on a multidisciplinary level facilitated a broad and rich discussion, which resulted in a very complete and implementable guideline.
Shaping carnivore communities by predator control: competitor release revisited
Authors: Casanovas Jorge G. , Barrull Joan , Mate Isabel , Zorrilla Juan M. , Ruiz‐Olmo Jordi , Gosàlbez Joaquim , Salicrú Miquel
Published: February 2012

The traditional way to deal with hunting interests is often focused on predator control. This approach requires a detailed understanding of predator responses to game management. Control methods can be non‐selective and, consequently, can potentially have a negative impact on non‐target predator species, affecting carnivore guild. In order to assess the potential risks associated with non‐selective predator control in the presence of intraguild competition, the classical Lotka–Volterra competition model was used, but with two additional factors: a linear factor for capture mortality (mortality caused by predator control) and a factor for vacated niche occupancy associated with immigration. Simulation in a scenario with three species revealed that one of them, the red fox Vulpes vulpes, which presented the highest intrinsic growth rate, can show population increases even under moderate control, whereas the population of European badger Meles meles, with a lower intrinsic growth rate, was reduced and, in some cases, may even become extinct. Lastly, the stone marten Martes foina presented a differential response, depending on the removal intensity and strategy employed. This behaviour is compatible with the results observed in a Mediterranean environment subjected to two types of game management: non‐selective predator control (culling) and no control. In areas with non‐selective control and moderate predator removal, the red fox population remained stable, while the stone marten and the European badger populations reduced markedly or disappeared.
Genetic Variation and Chemical Traits of Selected New Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) Genotypes
Authors: Al‐Soqeer A. , Motawei M. I. , Al‐Dakhil M. , El‐Mergawi R. , Al‐Khalifah N.
Published: February 2012

Seeds from six selected jojoba genotypes were used in this study. Seed samples were analyzed for oil, protein, total carbohydrate, and simmondsin contents. The genetic relationships among jojoba genotypes were also determined. Highly significant differences among the genotypes were found for oil, protein, total carbohydrate and simmondsin contents. Genotype MD 8 recorded the highest oil content (54.95%), whereas genotype HD 6 had the lowest oil content (47.17%). However, the highest protein content (16.98%) and the highest carbohydrate value (33.97%) were found in genotype HB 6, which differed significantly from all the other genotypes. The significant variations in the studied characteristics observed among the genotypes might reflect, in part, their different genetic backgrounds. The inter‐simple sequence repeat ISSR‐derived data were evaluated to calculate the genetic similarity (ISSR‐GS). The genetic similarity coefficient varied between 0.60 and 0.90. Cluster analysis was conducted to generate a dendogram to elucidate the relationships among jojoba genotypes. The dendogram generated using pooled ISSR data divided the jojoba genotypes into two main clusters. Genotypes HB8 and MD8 were found in the same sub‐cluster using ISSR primers. These genotypes also had almost similar values for most chemical traits.
Hydraulic properties and embolism in small-diameter roots of five temperate broad-leaved tree species with contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Köcher Paul , Horna Viviana , Beckmeyer Ingo , Leuschner Christoph
Published: February 2012

• Context

It has been estimated that about half of a plant’s total hydraulic resistance is located belowground, but it is not well known how temperate tree species differ in root hydraulic properties and how these traits vary with the species’ drought tolerance.

• Aims

We examined root anatomical and hydraulic traits in five broad-leaved tree species with different drought tolerance, analyzed the relation between root anatomy and hydraulic conductivity and root embolism, and investigated the relation of these traits to the species’ drought tolerance.

• Methods

In small-diameter roots (2–6 mm), we measured vessel diameters and vessel density, specific hydraulic conductivity, and the percental loss of conductivity (“native” embolism) during summer in a mixed forest.

• Results

Specific conductivity was positively related to vessel diameter but not to vessel density. Drought-tolerant Fraxinus showed the smallest mean vessel diameters and drought-sensitive Fagus the largest. Specific conductivity was highly variable among different similar-sized roots of the same species with a few roots apparently functioning as “high-conductivity roots”.

• Conclusion

The results show that coexisting tree species can differ largely in root hydraulic traits with more drought-sensitive trees apparently having larger mean vessel diameters in their roots than tolerant species. However, this difference was not related to the observed root conductivity losses due to embolism.
The role of meat in the expression of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Grant William B.
Published: February 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammation of the synovial tissues in the joints. A number of papers related to dietary components that are associated with this inflammation are reviewed. In addition, the ecological approach is used to study the links between diet and RA. Multi-country data for prevalence of RA for females from eight and fifteen countries were compared statistically with components of national dietary supply. Fat from meat and offal for the period 2 years before the prevalence data was found to have the highest statistical association with the prevalence of RA (r20·877,P<0·001 for eight countries). The statistical correlations for meat and offal were almost as high as those for their fat. Similar correlations were found for temporal changes in indices of effects of RA in several European countries between 1968 and 1978 as more meat was added to the national diets, although the correlations were higher for meat than for fat. It is hypothesized that meat and offal may be a major factor contributing to the inflammation in RA. In the present short review, the author examines some of the data that associate meat consumption with RA and the possible factors, e.g. fat, Fe and nitrite, which may contribute to the inflammation.
Thucydides, amended: religion, narrative, and IR theory in the Peloponnesian Crisis
Authors: DOLGERT STEFAN
Published: February 2012

Most of our knowledge of the Peloponnesian War comes from the text of Thucydides' History, yet IR scholars are strangely credulous when evaluating Thucydides' pronouncements. I explore what Thucydides does not tell us, and suggest that his text obscures important information regarding the outbreak of the war. Thucydides has a secular bias which leads him to discount the Spartan religious self-narrative, but by attending to this schema, in which Sparta sees itself in the role of the pious defender of moderation pitted against the corrupt Athenians, we gain a richer understanding of the chain of events that led to war. Contemporary scholars have too readily adopted Thucydides' perspective on this issue, but by assessing Thucydides' data using insights drawn from contemporary cognitive theories of narrative and image we see that misperceptions based in the conflicting Athenian and Spartan narratives played an important role in the escalation of the crisis.
Rethinking democracy promotion
Authors: JAHN BEATE
Published: February 2012

Despite the fact that democracy promotion is a major part of liberal foreign policies, the discipline of International Relations has not paid much systematic attention to it. Conversely, the study of democracy promotion is dominated by comparative politics and pays hardly any attention to the international system. This mutual neglect signifies a core weakness in the theory and practice of democracy promotion: its failure to comprehend the development of liberal democracy as an international process. This article argues that a thorough engagement with John Locke explains the failures of democracy promotion policies and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the development of liberal democracy.
God vs. Westphalia: radical Islamist movements and the battle for organising the World
Authors: MENDELSOHN BARAK
Published: February 2012

This article presents the operation ofal-QaedaandHizb ut-Tahrir, two of the most radical Islamist movements, through the lens of the relationship between religion as an organising principle for world politics and the state-based logic. It examines these groups in the context of repeated attempts by religious actors throughout history to render religion the dominant and constitutive element in world politics. Prior to the Peace of Westphalia, religion had a critical role in shaping the political landscape, but Westphalia relegated religion to a secondary position. While it accepted religion's role in the domestic affairs of the units in the international system, the Westphalian order kept religion subordinated to the logic of the state system. But religion maintained its ability to provide an alternative organisation for world politics. Whileal-QaedaandHizb ut-Tahrirare highly unlikely to bring about systemic change, their ascendance should remind scholars that the existing order is not inevitable and that the resurgence of religion in international politics also involves the resurrection of interpretations of religion that compete with and challenge the logic of the state-based system.
The challenge of liminality for International Relations theory
Authors: MÄLKSOO MARIA
Published: February 2012

The concept of liminality favours a broad interpretation, lending itself easily to disciplinary contexts outside of the original framework of cultural anthropology. Developed by Arnold van Gennep and Victor Turner by exploring the rites of passage, liminality points to in-between situations and conditions where established structures are dislocated, hierarchies reversed, and traditional settings of authority possibly endangered. The liminal state is a central phase in all social and cultural transitions as it marks the passage of the subject through ‘a cultural realm that has few or none of the attributes of the past or coming state’. It is thus a realm of great ambiguity, since the ‘liminal entities are neither here nor there; they are betwixt and between the positions assigned and arrayed by law, custom, convention, and ceremonial’. Yet, as a threshold situation, liminality is also a vital moment of creativity, a potential platform for renewing the societal make-up.
Liminal identities and processes of domestication and subversion in International Relations
Authors: RUMELILI BAHAR
Published: February 2012

In the course of his ethnographic study of the Ndembu tribes, the renowned anthropologist Victor Turner focused on the elaborate rituals that marked various phases of social transition, such as puberty and marriage. Also drawing on the work of Arnold van Gennep on rites of passage, Turner identified the entities going through social transitions as liminals, that ‘are neither here nor there; they are betwixt and between the positions assigned and arrayed by law, custom, convention, and ceremonial’. According to Turner, the defining attribute of liminal positions is their ambiguity and indeterminacy because they ‘elude or slip through the network of classifications that normally locate states and positions in cultural space’.
Building vibrant school–community music collaborations: three case studies from Australia
Authors: Bartleet Brydie-Leigh
Published: February 2012

This paper explores the relationship between school music and community music in Australia. While many Australian schools and community music activities tend to exist in relative isolation from one another, a range of unique school–community collaborations can be found throughout the country. Drawing on insights from Sound Links, one of Australia's largest studies into community music, this paper explores three case studies of these unique school–community collaborations. These collaborations include a community-initiated collaboration, a school-initiated collaboration and a mutual collaboration. The author brings these collaborations to life for the reader through the words and experiences of their participants, and explores their structures, relationships, benefits, and educational and social outcomes. These descriptions feature important concepts, which could be transferred to a range of other cultural and educational settings in order to foster more vibrant school–community collaborations.
The double feature of musical folkbildning: three Swedish examples
Authors: Brändström Sture , Söderman Johan , Thorgersen Ketil
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this article is to analyse three case study examples of musical folkbildning in Sweden. The first case study is from the establishment of the state-funded Framnäs Folk High Music School in the middle of the last century. The second case study, Hagström's music education, is from the same time but describes a music school run by a private company. The third case study concerns a contemporary expression of folkbildning, namely hip-hop. The theoretical framework that inspired this article stems from the work of Pierre Bourdieu. The double feature of folkbildning appears in terms of: elitist and democratic tendencies, high and low taste agendas, control and freedom.
The challenges of teaching composing
Authors: Winters Mandy
Published: February 2012

It is a familiar comment from some new beginner music teachers, ‘I'm not a composer, how do I teach composition, I'm not sure about this, I don't feel confident . . .’. Since the work of Paynter (1982), Swanwick (1979), Swanwick and Taylor (1982) and others, whose work has influenced the National Curriculum in England, classroom music-making has focused on the key musical activities of listening, performing and composing, assuming an experiential learning approach which builds on the inter-relatedness of the three activities. Visits to school music departments reveal a range of pupil music-making but often the area which is least confidently facilitated and supported (and perhaps misunderstood) is composing. Why is this and what are the challenges of teaching composing?
Palimpsest or Potential Space? Finding a Vocabulary for Site-Specific Performance
Authors: Turner Cathy
Published: February 2012

A recent preoccupation with space and place has drawn together theorists and workers in a wide range of disciplines, including human geographers, archaeologists, architects, cartographers, psychoanalysts, sociologists, poets, novelists – and theatre practitioners. There are therefore a range of lenses, a range of vocabularies, through which site-specific theatre and performance can be considered. In this article, Cathy Turner focuses on Mike Pearson's descriptions of site-specific work, particularly his involvement with archaeology, before proposing that we might find a useful, complementary vocabulary within psychoanalytic theories of object relations. She refers to performances by Lone Twin and to her own work with site-specific company Wrights & Sites, who created An Exeter Mis-Guide and A Courtauld Mis-Guide in 2003. Cathy Turner has produced a number of site-specific ‘mis-guided walks’, tours, and performances in her work with Wrights & Sites since 1998. She recently completed a Research Fellowship at Exeter University, investigating writing processes in contemporary performance, including site-specific work. She is now a Teaching Fellow at Exeter University and an Associate Lecturer at Dartington College of Arts.
L’assurance autonomie: Une innovation essentielle pour répondre aux défis du vieillissement
Authors: Hébert Réjean
Published: February 2012

The aging population and the epidemic of chronic diseases requires an accompanying finance reform of long-term care that will become increasingly dominant. Many countries have faced this situation and have set up a separate public funding for such care on the basis of a universal insurance covering both home care and institutions. Canada and Quebec must adopt such autonomy insurance and create a separate fund financed partly by a more judicious use of current budgets and tax credits, and also by a significant investment in home care. An autonomy support benefit could be allocated in kind to fund public services and by contract to pay for services delivered by private, voluntary, and social economy agencies. This benefit would be established following a standardized assessment of functional autonomy achieved by the case manager who will manage the services and control their quality.
Market-consistent valuations and Solvency II: Implications of the recent financial crisis
Authors: Foroughi Kamran
Published: February 2012

The recent financial crisis has raised challenges to market-consistent valuation, both in its implementation and application. These include both commercial and technical challenges. The whole concept of mark-to-market accounting has been questioned in some quarters.

There have been commercial challenges in deciding how to assess business strategies given recent volatile market-consistent results, including the implications for ALM and new business pricing. Industry-wide, macroeconomic concerns have been raised regarding procyclicality.

This paper recognises these commercial challenges and highlights how a combination of different forms of management information covering both market-consistent and other measures can help in making decisions. This paper sets out some possible approaches to mitigate procyclicality.

There have been technical challenges in:

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assessing how to value instruments in markets which are or have become illiquid

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selecting an appropriate ‘risk-free’ or reference rate

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deciding whether and how to make additional allowance for the liquidity premium or own credit risk

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the calibration of stochastic models used to value embedded financial options and guarantees

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assessing an appropriate allowance for non-hedgeable risk.

This paper discusses these technical challenges. The paper proposes a way forward in some areas, taking into account the recent dislocation of the financial markets and drawing on recent Solvency II, IASB, FASB and MCEV developments.
Determinants of household food access among small farmers in the Andes: examining the path
Authors: Leah Jessica , Pradel Willy , Cole Donald C , Prain Gordon , Creed-Kanashiro Hilary , Carrasco Miluska V
Published: February 2012

Objective

Household food access remains a concern among primarily agricultural households in lower- and middle-income countries. We examined the associations among domains representing livelihood assets (human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital and financial capital) and household food access.

Design

Cross-sectional survey (two questionnaires) on livelihood assets.

Setting

Metropolitan Pillaro, Ecuador; Cochabamba, Bolivia; and Huancayo, Peru.

Subjects

Households (n570) involved in small-scale agricultural production in 2008.

Results

Food access, defined as the number of months of adequate food provisioning in the previous year, was relatively good; 41 % of the respondents indicated to have had no difficulty in obtaining food for their household in the past year. Using bivariate analysis, key livelihood assets indicators associated with better household food access were identified as: age of household survey respondent (P= 0·05), participation in agricultural associations (P= 0·09), church membership (P= 0·08), area of irrigated land (P= 0·08), housing material (P= 0·06), space within the household residence (P= 0·02) and satisfaction with health status (P= 0·02). In path models both direct and indirect effects were observed, underscoring the complexity of the relationships between livelihood assets and household food access. Paths significantly associated with better household food access included: better housing conditions (P= 0·01), more space within the household residence (P= 0·001) and greater satisfaction with health status (P= 0·001).

Conclusions

Multiple factors were associated with household food access in these peri-urban agricultural households. Food security intervention programmes focusing on food access need to deal with both agricultural factors and determinants of health to bolster household food security in challenging lower- and middle-income country contexts.