bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Chinese dairy firms have market power? an estimation of market power with price heterogeneity
Authors: Guo Qing , Wang H. Holly , Chen Yongjun
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate market power in dairy industry in China. Specifically, we analyze market power for different firm size, locations of region and city empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

We estimate the market power by controlling the unobserved price heterogeneity. The econometric model was developed through a typical production function. We added three dummy variables to differentiate firms of different sizes, at urban or rural locations, and in east or other regions, according to the characteristics of the dairy industry. A sample including 511 observations were used to do the regression.

Findings

Our results show that Chinese dairy industry as a whole is a competitive industry in general，while the large firms have gained considerable market power. The firms locate in the eastern area grow slower than firms locate in the middle and western area.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this is the first study to analyze the market power in China’s dairy industry by controlling the unobserved price heterogeneity. Dairy is usually thought to be competitive, while in our paper we found that large firms can exercise market power while small firms operate in a competitive market.
Drivers of household entry and intensity in land rental market in rural China: evidence from North Henan Province
Authors: Yan Xiaohuan , HUO XUEXI
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Economic reforms in rural China have led to the emergence of land and labor markets. The development of rural land rental markets can improve agricultural productivity and equity by facilitating transfers of land to more productive farmers and facilitating the participation in the non-farm economy of less productive farmers. In contrast to the burgeoning development of off-farm labor markets, the development of rural land rental market has lagged. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting households’ entry and transaction intensity in rural land rental markets, especially the effects of land tenure and off-farm employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a field survey data of 479 household in Henan Province in 2009, the authors used Cragg’s double hurdle model to identify the determinants for households’ land rental participation and its transaction amount.

Findings

Off-farm employment is one of main driving factor for household’s land rent-out decision. Tenure insecurity reduces both the propensity and the magnitude of rental market transactions. Land use certificates significantly contribute to participation in land-rental markets and the rental amount.

Originality/value

This paper treats household land rental market participation as a related two-step process, focusing on both land transfer and its transaction amount. This paper also builds on a broad view, including analysis on both demand and supply side of land rental market.
Trade margins, quality upgrading, and China’s agri-food export growth
Authors: Tian Dongwen , Hu Na , Wang Xin , Huang Li
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the source and pattern of China’s agri-food export growth mainly along the intensive margin and the factors affecting it, especially the determinants contributing most to sustainable export growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper phases in three empirical steps: analyzing highly-disaggregated agri-food export data of China to 213 countries or economies and attempting to find some stylized facts; consecutively decomposing China’s agri-food export volume into three trade margins and calculating each of them; based on an extended heterogeneity firm and trade model with the quality margin being introduced, investigating the source and pattern of China’s agri-food export growth and the role of relevant determinants.

Findings

The paper reveals that the relative quality upgrading explains most of the increase along the intensive margin, to which the relative price decrease has a negligible negative contribution. Simultaneously, the heterogeneity across products does matter, since we find that the relative quality improvement and relative product price decline are more prominent for the differentiated products with larger quantity expansion along the intensive margins.

Originality/value

With quality upgrading dynamically, we attribute China’s long-term agri-food export growth to the quantity penetration along the intensive margin. With the relative product price distinction reflecting factor costs and productivity differences across industries, the comparative quality upgrading in differentiated products might correlate with their upward production productivity.
Optimal exit dates for members of the GSF
Authors: Lally Martin
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the optimal date for an employee to initiate the pension payments from the New Zealand Government Superannuation Fund (GSF), through retirement or job shifting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses discounted cash flow methods in conjunction with mortality tables, inflation estimates and a range of values for the yield on inflation-adjusted bonds in New Zealand.

Findings

The paper finds that, if job shifting is costless, then the optimal exit date is between 60 and 65. If job switching is costly, then this paper determines the effective salary reduction arising from continuing to work at the GSF-associated job beyond the optimal job switching age under costless job switching, arising from the adverse impact on the present value of the pension benefits, so as to assist in deciding when to switch jobs or retire. These effective salary reductions are small below 65 but rapidly rise after that, thereby significantly discouraging work much beyond age 65.

Originality/value

This paper assists GSF members to determine when to switch jobs or retire.
Expected lessons from the US experience with alternative cannabis policy regimes
Authors: Bretteville‐Jensen Anne Line
Published: April 2016

Commentary to: Considering marijuana legalization carefully: insights for other jurisdictions from analysis for Vermont
Dynamic Policymaking with Decay
Authors: Callander Steven , Martin Gregory J.
Published: April 2016

It is often said that the only constant is change itself. As time passes, the population grows, new technologies are invented, and the skills, demographics, and norms of the populace evolve. These changes, whether in isolation or in aggregate, influence the effectiveness of policy. In particular, policies designed for today's world are unlikely to provide a perfect fit tomorrow. We develop a notion of policy decay that captures this impact formally. We introduce policy decay into a paradigmatic model of legislative policymaking and show that it leads to a starkly different perspective on legislative politics. Our results upend the classic notion of gridlock and bear implications more broadly for the practice of politics. We show how a changing world impacts the power of agenda control, how it drives the dynamic path of legislation, how it reveals a novel conception of policy expertise, and how it, ultimately, provides a foundational logic to the design of bureaucracy.
Mortality after open aortic aneurysm surgery by Australasian surgeons trained in the endovascular era
Authors: Beiles C. Barry , Walker Stuart
Published: April 2016

Background

Reduced exposure of trainees to open repair (OR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) during training has been considered detrimental to outcome. The Australasian experience is examined.

Methods

The Australasian Vascular Audit (AVA) was interrogated for AAA procedures between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. Surgeons completing training before 2006 (group 1) were compared with those attaining their qualification subsequently (group 2). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) database was also interrogated to confirm the trends over time of open and endovascular repair (EVAR) since 2000. Actual exposure to OR and EVAR of AAA by trainees from 2010 to 2014 was also extracted.

Results

One hundred and forty‐six surgeons in group 1 performed 3049 OR compared with 997 for the 66 surgeons in group 2. Overall mortality for group 1 was 9.8% and for group 2, 15% (P < 0.0001). However, proportionately more ruptured AAA were treated in group 2 (31.5%) compared to group 1 (21.6%) (P < 0.0001). There was a slightly higher mortality in group 2 for ruptured but not intact aneurysm repair. Logistic regression analysis did not show the consultant group to be a significant variable in the model. EVAR was performed in 7409 patients during the study period; group 1 had a 1.5% mortality rate compared with 1.6% for group 2 (P = 0.76). AIHW data showed a trend of increasing EVAR with time. Considerable variation in OR exposure by trainees exists.

Conclusion

Reduced exposure to OR by younger trainees did not significantly affect surgical outcome when compared with those surgeons trained in an earlier period.
Invasive plant management must be driven by a holistic understanding of invader impacts
Authors: Barney Jacob N.
Published: April 2016

Understanding impacts of invasive plants is necessary to achieve conservation goals. In this issue of Applied Vegetation Science, Kelemen et al. identify that a widespread invader reduces native abundance, but not richness, by displacing weak competitors as invader cover increased. An enhanced understanding of the multitude of ecological impacts should be a primary element of invasive plant management.
The feasibility and effect of deprescribing in older adults on mortality and health: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Page Amy T. , Clifford Rhonda M. , Potter Kathleen , Schwartz Darren , Etherton‐Beer Christopher D.
Published: April 2016

Aims

Deprescribing is a suggested intervention to reverse the potential iatrogenic harms of inappropriate polypharmacy. The review aimed to determine whether or not deprescribing is a safe, effective and feasible intervention to modify mortality and health outcomes in older adults.

Methods

Specified databases were searched from inception to February 2015. Two researchers independently screened all retrieved articles for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data. Data were pooled using RevMan v5.3. Eligible studies included those where older adults had at least one medication deprescribed. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse drug withdrawal events, psychological and physical health outcomes, quality of life, and medication usage (e.g. successful deprescribing, number of medications prescribed, potentially inappropriate medication use).

Results

A total of 132 papers met the inclusion criteria, which included 34 143 participants aged 73.8 ± 5.4 years. In nonrandomized studies, deprescribing polypharmacy was shown to significantly decrease mortality (OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17–0.60). However, this was not statistically significant in the randomized studies (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61–1.11). Subgroup analysis revealed patient‐specific interventions to deprescribe demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.88). However, generalized educational programmes did not change mortality (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.86–1.69).

Conclusions

Although nonrandomized data suggested that deprescribing reduces mortality, deprescribing was not shown to alter mortality in randomized studies. Mortality was significantly reduced when applying patient‐specific interventions to deprescribe in randomized studies.
Adverse effects of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficiency: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Lai Nai Ming , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Chong David Weng Kwai
Published: April 2016

Aim

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common genetic disorder, affecting nearly 400 million individuals worldwide. Whilst it is known that a number of drugs, foods and chemicals can trigger haemolysis in G6PD deficient individuals, the association between herbal and dietary supplements and haemolysis is less clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between herbal or dietary supplements and adverse events in G6PD deficient individuals.

Methods

We searched 14 electronic databases from their inception until November 2015 for articles describing the use of herbal or dietary supplements in G6PD deficient individuals. Additional publications were identified from manually searching textbooks, conference abstracts and the grey literature. All study designs were included as long as they contained clinical information. These gathered findings were summarized narratively.

Results

Thirty‐two publications met inclusion criteria. These reported on 10 herbal and dietary supplements. Overall evidence linking haemolysis to a herbal/dietary supplement was only found for henna. No evidence of harm was observed for vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, Gingko biloba and α‐lipoic acid.

Conclusions

The review showed that there was insufficient evidence to contravene the use of most herbal or dietary products at therapeutic doses in G6PD deficient subjects.
Early and extensive spinal white matter involvement in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Hayashida Shotaro , Masaki Katsuhisa , Yonekawa Tomomi , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Hiwatashi Akio , Matsushita Takuya , Watanabe Mitsuru , Yamasaki Ryo , Suenaga Toshihiko , Iwaki Toru , Murai Hiroyuki , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Studies of longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs) in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) have focused on gray matter, where the relevant antigen, aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), is abundant. Because spinal white matter pathology in NMO is not well characterized, we aimed to clarify spinal white matter pathology of LESCLs in NMO.

Methods

We analyzed 50 spinal cord lesions from eleven autopsied NMO/NMO spectrum disorder (NMOSD) cases. We also evaluated LESCLs with three or fewer spinal cord attacks by 3‐tesla MRI in 15 AQP4 antibody‐positive NMO/NMOSD patients and in 15 AQP4 antibody‐negative multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Results

Pathological analysis revealed seven cases of AQP4 loss and four predominantly demyelinating cases. Forty‐four lesions from AQP4 loss cases involved significantly more frequently posterior columns (PC) and lateral columns (LC) than anterior columns (AC) (59.1%, 63.6%, and 34.1%, respectively). The posterior horn (PH), central portion (CP), and anterior horn (AH) were similarly affected (38.6%, 36.4% and 31.8%, respectively). Isolated perivascular inflammatory lesions with selective loss of astrocyte endfoot proteins, AQP4 and connexin 43, were present only in white matter and were more frequent in PC and LC than in AC (22.7%, 29.5% and 2.3%, Pcorr = 0.020, and Pcorr = 0.004, respectively). MRI indicated LESCLs more frequently affected PC and LC than AC in anti‐AQP4 antibody‐seropositive NMO/NMOSD (86.7%, 60.0% and 20.0%, Pcorr = 0.005, and Pcorr = 0.043, respectively) and AQP4 antibody‐seronegative MS patients (86.7%, 73.3% and 33.3%, Pcorr = 0.063, and Pcorr = 0.043, respectively). PH, CP and AH were involved in 93.3%, 86.7% and 73.3% of seropositive patients, respectively, and in 53.3%, 60.0% and 40.0% of seronegative patients, respectively.

Conclusions

NMO frequently and extensively affects spinal white matter in addition to central gray matter, especially in PC and LC, where isolated perivascular lesions with astrocyte endfoot protein loss may emerge. Spinal white matter involvement may also appear in early NMO, similar to cerebral white matter lesions.
Preschool Drawing and School Mathematics: The Nature of the Association
Authors: Malanchini Margherita , Tosto Maria G. , Garfield Victoria , Dirik Aysegul , Czerwik Adrian , Arden Rosalind , Malykh Sergey , Kovas Yulia
Published: April 2016

The study examined the etiology of individual differences in early drawing and of its longitudinal association with school mathematics. Participants (N = 14,760), members of the Twins Early Development Study, were assessed on their ability to draw a human figure, including number of features, symmetry, and proportionality. Human figure drawing was moderately stable across 6 months (average r = .40). Individual differences in drawing at age 4½ were influenced by genetic (.21), shared environmental (.30), and nonshared environmental (.49) factors. Drawing was related to later (age 12) mathematical ability (average r = .24). This association was explained by genetic and shared environmental factors that also influenced general intelligence. Some genetic factors, unrelated to intelligence, also contributed to individual differences in drawing.
Elevated levels of circulating CD4+CRTh2+ T cells characterize severe asthma
Authors: Palikhe N. S. , Laratta C. , Nahirney D. , Vethanayagam D. , Bhutani M. , Vliagoftis H. , Cameron L.
Published: April 2016

Background

Chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTh2) is a receptor for PGD2 and expressed by T cells, eosinophils, basophils, and ILC2 cells. CRTh2 expression by CD4+ T cells identifies the Th2 subset, and these cells have been characterized as allergen‐specific central memory Th2 cells. Recently, activation of the PGD2‐CRTh2 pathway in the lungs was associated with severe asthma.

Objective

To assess circulating levels of Th2 cells and related mediators in severe asthma and those who experience asthma exacerbations.

Methods

Peripheral blood cells expressing CRTh2 were characterized by flow cytometry and qRT‐PCR. Serum IL‐13 and PGD2 were measured by ELISA and compared with asthma severity and tendency to exacerbate.

Results

Severe asthmatics had more circulating CD4+CRTh2+ T cells, CRTh2 and GATA3 mRNA, and a higher level of serum IL‐13 compared to mild/moderate asthmatics. The proportion of CD4+CRTh2+ T cells was associated with lower lung function and was highest in severe asthmatics that exacerbated in the last year. Circulating CD4+CRTh2+ T cells, unlike eosinophils, were positively correlated with inhaled steroid dose.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Elevated levels of circulating CD4+CRTh2+ T cells are a feature of severe asthma, despite high‐dose corticosteroids. Tracking the systemic level of these cells may help identify type 2 severe asthmatics at risk of exacerbation.
Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and its association with refractive error in Chinese children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study
Authors: Kang Meng‐Tian , Li Shi‐Ming , Li He , Li Lei , Li Si‐Yuan , Zhu Bi‐Dan , Guo Yi‐Qin , Meng Bo , Sun Yun‐Yun , Ran Anran , Wang Yi‐Peng , Liu Luo‐Ru , Zhan Si‐Yan , Thomas Ravi , Wang Ningli
Published: April 2016

Background

To report the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) in Chinese children and examine its association with refractive error, axial length (AL) and optic disc parameters.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants

A total of 2893 seven‐year‐old children from 11 randomly selected primary schools in Anyang, central China.

Methods

Participants underwent ophthalmic examinations including optical biometry, cycloplegic autorefraction and spectral‐domain ocular coherence tomography.

Main Outcome Measures

Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in 16 radial sections, cycloplegic spherical equivalent, AL.

Results

The mean (SD) average RNFL thickness was 102.01(8.02) µm. The average RNFL thickness decreased with smaller disc area (r = 0.18, R2 = 0.03, P < 0.0001), bigger cup area (r = −0.11, R2 = 0.01, P < 0.0001), smaller rim area (r = 0.28, R2 = 0.08, P < 0.0001), smaller nerve head volume (r = 0.27, R2 = 0.07, P < 0.0001), longer AL (r = −0.15, R2 = 0.02, P < 0.0001) and a negative spherical equivalent (r = 0.11, R2 = 0.01, P < 0.0001). Hyperopic children had a thicker RNFL than emmetropic children [102.45(8.13) µm vs. 100.81 (7.18) µm, P < 0.001]. Myopic children had thinner RNFL than emmetropic children [99.17 (7.69) µm vs. 100.81 (7.18) µm, P < 0.05].

Conclusion

Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness decreased with increasing AL, higher myopia, bigger cup area, smaller disc and rim area, and a smaller nerve head volume, but the coefficient of determination for all these associations was small. The RNFL in myopes was significantly thinner than emmetropes or hyperopes, but with small absolute differences. The study provides RNFL values for healthy 7‐year‐old Chinese children. Follow up of this cohort to observe the change of RNFL thickness with myopia and possible change in detected associations with age is planned.
A Visualization‐Based Analysis System for Urban Search & Rescue Mission Planning Support
Authors: Bock Alexander , Svensson Åsa , Kleiner Alexander , Lundberg Jonas , Ropinski Timo
Published: April 2016

We propose a visualization system for incident commanders (ICs) in urban search and rescue scenarios that supports path planning in post‐disaster structures. Utilizing point cloud data acquired from unmanned robots, we provide methods for the assessment of automatically generated paths. As data uncertainty and a priori unknown information make fully automated systems impractical, we present the IC with a set of viable access paths, based on varying risk factors, in a 3D environment combined with visual analysis tools enabling informed decision making and trade‐offs. Based on these decisions, a responder is guided along the path by the IC, who can interactively annotate and reevaluate the acquired point cloud and generated paths to react to the dynamics of the situation. We describe visualization design considerations for our system and decision support systems in general, technical realizations of the visualization components, and discuss the results of two qualitative expert evaluation; one online study with nine search and rescue experts and an eye‐tracking study in which four experts used the system on an application case.
Frogs at the summits: phylogeny of the Andean frogs of the genus Telmatobius (Anura, Telmatobiidae) based on phenotypic characters
Authors: Barrionuevo J. Sebastián
Published: April 2016

A phylogenetic hypothesis for the frogs of the genus Telmatobius that includes a comprehensive sample of the morphological and geographical variation is lacking. Obtaining such a hypothesis constitutes the main focus of this contribution. A phylogenetic matrix was generated based on 97 phenotypic characters and 56 terminals. A parsimony analysis of this matrix was performed with TNT. Telmatobius is found to be monophyletic and well supported by 11 synapomorphies. Although the consensus tree shows several polytomies, four main groups have been recovered. The well‐supported T. verrucosus Group includes forest and sub‐paramo species from Bolivia and Peru, and is the sister group of the remaining species. The T. bolivianus Group includes forest and inter‐Andean valley species from Argentina and Bolivia but it is poorly supported. Two supported high‐altitude groups have been recovered, the T. macrostomus Group from the Central Andes of Peru, and the T. marmoratus Group from the Altiplano‐Puna Plateau of Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile and its adjacent Pacific and Northern slopes. The synapomorphies proposed for Telmatobius are discussed as well as the evolution of some of these synapomorphies and other characters within the genus.
Marginal healing using Polyetheretherketone as healing abutments: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Rea Massimiliano , Ricci Sara , Ghensi Paolo , Lang Niklaus P. , Botticelli Daniele , Soldini Claudio
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate the marginal soft and hard tissue healing at titanium and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) healing implant abutments over a 4‐month period.

Material and Methods

In six Labrador dogs, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 4 months of healing, flaps were elevated, and two implants were installed at each side of the mandible, one in the premolar and the other in the molar regions. Four different types of healing abutments were positioned on the top of each implant: (i) titanium (Ti); (ii) PEEK material bonded to a base made of titanium (Ti‐P), randomly positioned in the premolar region; (iii) PEEK, pristine (P); and (iv) PEEK, roughened (P‐R), randomly positioned in the molar region. The flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged healing, and after 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections obtained for histological evaluation.

Results

A higher resorption of the buccal bone crest was observed at the PEEK bonded to a base made of titanium abutments (1.0 ± 0.3 mm) compared to those made of titanium (0.3 ± 0.4 mm). However, similar dimensions of the peri‐implant mucosa and similar locations of the soft tissues in relation to the implant shoulder were observed. No statistically significant differences were seen in the outcomes when the pristine PEEK was compared with the roughened PEEK abutments. The mean apical extension of the junctional epithelium did not exceed the implant shoulder at any of the abutment types used.

Conclusions

The coronal level of the hard and soft tissues allows the conclusion that the use of PEEK as healing abutments may be indicated.
In silico study of the impact of cancer stem cell dynamics and radiobiological hypoxia on tumour response to hyperfractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Marcu L. G. , Marcu D. , Filip S. M.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Advanced head and neck carcinomas (HNCs) are aggressive tumours, mainly due to hypoxia and a cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation. The aim of this study was to simulate tumour growth and behaviour during radiotherapy of three HNC groups (governed by different growth kinetics, hypoxia levels and CSC division pattern) to determine correlation between resistance factors and responses to hyperfractionated radiotherapy.

Methods

An in silico HNC model was developed based on biologically realistic input parameters. During radiotherapy simulation, three parameters were studied: growth kinetics, hypoxia and probability of CSC symmetrical division. Both independent and combined effects on tumour response to hyperfractionated radiotherapy were assessed.

Results

Oxic and very mildly hypoxic HNCs were revealed to be controlled by hyperfractionated radiotherapy, irrespective of growth kinetics and CSC division pattern. Moderately hypoxic tumours had different responses to radiotherapy: while slowly proliferating HNCs were still controllable, tumours with higher cell turnover were more resistant. In rapidly proliferating tumours, the number of fractions needed for tumour control increased exponentially with the probability of CSC symmetrical division, whereas in moderately growing HNC, this behaviour was linear. Severely hypoxic tumours could not be controlled by radiotherapy alone. Tumours with CSCs in a severely hypoxic niche required adjuvant therapies to be eradicated.

Conclusions

Growth kinetics strongly influence tumour responses to treatment. Slowly growing tumours showed linear dependence between dose and hypoxia/CSC, whereas rapidly growing tumours followed exponential behaviour.
Coccygeal polypoid eccrine nevus associated with imperforate anus and unilateral multicystic kidney dysplasia
Authors: Frouin Eric , Riviere Benjamin , Maillet Olivier , Willems Marjolaine , Kalfa Nicolas , Costes Valerie , Bessis Didier
Published: April 2016

Eccrine nevi are rare hamartomas characterized by an increase in the number or size of eccrine glands. A polypoid form located in the coccygeal area has been described in a few cases and termed coccygeal polypoid eccrine nevus (CPEN). No association with internal malformations was reported in any of these cases. We describe herein a case of CPEN associated with imperforate anus and unilateral multicystic kidney dysplasia. We review the clinical and pathological characteristics of CPENs and discuss the differential diagnoses.
Narrative Approaches to Organizational Development: A Case Study of Implementation of Collaborative Helping
Authors: Madsen William C.
Published: April 2016

AcrossNorthAmerica, community agencies and state/provincial jurisdictions are embracing family‐centered approaches to service delivery that are grounded in strength‐based, culturally responsive, accountable partnerships with families. This article details a collaborative consultation process to initiate and sustain organizational change toward this effort. It draws on innovative ideas from narrative theory, organizational development, and implementation science to highlight a three component approach. This approach includes the use of appreciative inquiry focus groups to elicit existing best practices, the provision of clinical training, and ongoing coaching with practice leaders to build on those better moments and develop concrete practice frameworks, and leadership coaching and organizational consultation to develop organizational structures that institutionalize family‐centered practice. While the article uses a principle‐based practice framework,CollaborativeHelping, to illustrate this process, the approach is applicable with a variety of clinical frameworks grounded in family‐centered values and principles.
Cold air drainage flows subsidize montane valley ecosystem productivity
Authors: Novick Kimberly A. , Oishi A. Christopher , Miniat Chelcy Ford
Published: April 2016

In mountainous areas, cold air drainage from high to low elevations has pronounced effects on local temperature, which is a critical driver of many ecosystem processes, including carbon uptake and storage. Here, we leverage new approaches for interpreting ecosystem carbon flux observations in complex terrain to quantify the links between macro‐climate condition, drainage flows, local microclimate, and ecosystem carbon cycling in a southern Appalachian valley. Data from multiple long‐running climate stations and multiple eddy covariance flux towers are combined with simple models for ecosystem carbon fluxes. We show that cold air drainage into the valley suppresses local temperature by several degrees at night and for several hours before and after sunset, leading to reductions in growing season respiration on the order of ~8%. As a result, we estimate that drainage flows increase growing season and annual net carbon uptake in the valley by >10% and >15%, respectively, via effects on microclimate that are not be adequately represented in regional‐ and global‐scale terrestrial ecosystem models. Analyses driven by chamber‐based estimates of soil and plant respiration reveal cold air drainage effects on ecosystem respiration are dominated by reductions to the respiration of aboveground biomass. We further show that cold air drainage proceeds more readily when cloud cover and humidity are low, resulting in the greatest enhancements to net carbon uptake in the valley under clear, cloud‐free (i.e., drought‐like) conditions. This is a counterintuitive result that is neither observed nor predicted outside of the valley, where nocturnal temperature and respiration increase during dry periods. This result should motivate efforts to explore how topographic flows may buffer eco‐physiological processes from macroscale climate change.
Synthesis and characterization of low Tg As‐S‐I chalcohalide glass for processing of raw diamonds
Authors: Molla Atiar Rahaman , Tarafder Anal , Sasmal Nibedita , Mistry Janak , Karmakar Basudeb
Published: April 2016

As‐S‐I chalcohalide glass has been synthesized using elemental sulfur (S), arsenic (As), and iodine (I) in an evacuated sealed silica ampoule. DSC and dilatometry study revealed that the As‐S‐I glass has very low Tg of only about 50°C, deformation temperature of ~61°C, and high CTE ~68×10−6 K−1 (40‐60°C). Refractive index (n) has been found to vary in the range of 2.3‐2.4 which is close to the n value of diamond. When defective diamond pieces are embedded in such glasses, the defects within diamond become visible, enabling the optimized processing of diamonds to get maximum yields.
International teaching assistants’ initiation of negotiations in engineering labs
Authors: Kim Jeongyeon
Published: April 2016

This study explores nonnative English‐speaking teaching assistants’ interactional practices in engineering labs. Specifically, this study examines how the international teaching assistants (ITAs) initiate meaning negotiation while interacting with native English‐speaking undergraduate students. The data for the study consist of 415 minutes of video‐recorded interactions between four ITAs and undergraduate students in the engineering labs of an American university. The qualitative, discourse‐driven analysis of the data revealed that the ITAs, initiating negotiations on the students’ turn, employed various unspecific initiators (e.g. ‘what?’) which were least effective in locating a problem. Initiation of negotiations occurred in multiples and was delayed. The findings highlight the importance of second language interactional competence, specifically the knowledge of how to handle a problem in the context of an engineering lab.
Evaluation of polyphenolic fingerprints and antioxidant profiles of wild fruits
Authors: Sima Ioana Anamaria , Sârbu Costel
Published: April 2016

High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and UV–vis spectrometry, coupled with multivariate exploratory techniques, have been investigated to fingerprint some local wild fruit extracts. The study was conducted using extracts of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), rose hip (Cynosbati fructus), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and less‐known berries such as cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), all acquired from local markets. The extracts were firstly subjected to chromatographic separation coupled with digital image analysis and secondly to spectrophotometric analysis. Also, the DPPH˙ scavenging profiles were investigated through the UV–vis spectrum (200–700 nm), and RSA%–time profiles were determined for the first time using these samples, at different concentrations.
Perceptions of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria: Understanding the influence of imagination on health orientation
Authors: Oduyemi Rachael O , Ayegboyin Matthew , Salami Kabiru K
Published: April 2016

The 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was officially declared in the West Africa region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 23 March 2014. This first episode of EVD in Nigeria on 20 July 2014 raised more intense panic globally than the seven occurrences of the disease in Zaire. Although Nigeria was declared Ebola free by the WHO within 3 months, it is imperative to understand people's perceptions of the disease in the country. A discussion of peoples' perception of EVD in Nigeria is the aim of this article. This discussion paper complements secondary data with grey literature to explore how peoples' imagination and personification of thoughts influence their health orientation. Data are sourced from secondary information compiled from ‘The Nation Newspaper, 2014’; ‘Nairaland online forum, 2014’ and ‘Giftedgreen online magazine, 2014’. Ebola virus disease was perceived as a spiritual manipulation of witchcraft activities and described as biological terrorism and a means of creating a drug market, among other issues, in the country. Public health professionals should consider the sociocultural milieu to understand and offer health‐care services in epidemics. Public health orientation work is urgently required in Nigeria to forestall future occurrence of EVD and other highly infectious diseases.
Suppression of Silver Diffusion in Borosilicate Glass‐Based Low‐Temperature Cofired Ceramics by Copper Oxide Addition
Authors: Ma Mingsheng , Liu Zhifu , Zhang Faqiang , Liu Feng , Li Yongxiang
Published: April 2016

The silver diffusion behavior in the low‐temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) comprising of borosilicate glass and alumina was investigated in this work. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis revealed that silver ions diffused into LTCC materials through the glass phase. The addition of copper oxide in the LTCC materials can suppress the silver diffusion during the sintering process because of the enhanced crystallization of borosilicate glass, which leads to the quick increase in glass viscosity and retards the silver diffusion. Thermal dynamic analysis confirmed that the diffusion coefficient of silver in the copper‐oxide‐modified LTCC materials was largely reduced.
CeO2 Nanorods and Nanocubes: Impact of Nanoparticle Shape on Dilatometry and Electrical Properties
Authors: Knauth Philippe , Harrington George F. , Bishop Sean R. , Saltsburg Howard , Tuller Harry L.
Published: April 2016

The electrical and dilatometric properties of CeO2 nanopowders were examined as function of particle shape and size, including nanorods and nanocubes. Nanorods show continuous irreversible shrinkage, linked to particle reordering and compaction. Thermal expansion of CeO2 nanocubes was analyzed and was found to be consistent with literature data for microcrystalline ceria with no apparent nanosize effects. The electrical properties of the loosely compacted nanopowders were generally found to be characterized by n‐type electronic conduction, except for proton conductivity contributions associated with adsorbed moisture at temperatures below 400°C. The PO2 and temperature dependences of the conductivity were examined in terms of defect chemical models. The lower effective enthalpy of reduction for nanorods (1.5 eV) in comparison with nanocubes (1.8 eV), both being much smaller than the value found for “bulk” ceria (4.7 eV), can be related to the larger surface to volume ratio of the nanorods, where oxide ion removal is more facile and less energy costly.
Time Course of Potassium Nitrate Penetration into the Pulp Cavity and the Effect of Penetration Levels on Tooth Whitening Efficacy
Authors: Kwon So Ran , Dawson Deborah V. , Wertz Philip W.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To establish time‐course of potassium nitrate (PN) penetration into the pulp cavity, and determine whether PN pretreatment would affect whitening efficacy.

Materials and Methods

Extracted teeth (n = 100) were randomized into five groups of 20 specimens each. Relief ACP (Philips Oral Healthcare, Los Angeles, CA, USA) was applied for 0, 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes for groups 15, respectively. A nitrate/nitrite assay kit was used for colorimetric detection of nitrate. Whitening was performed using a Zoom White Speed system (Philips Oral Healthcare) for 60 minutes. Tooth color was measured with a spectrophotometer at baseline (T0), 1‐day post PN application (T1), 1‐day post‐whitening (T2), and 1‐month post‐whitening (T3). Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to assess group differences in PN penetration and tooth color change.

Results

PN penetration differed among all groups except 2 and 3. There were no differences among groups for any baseline color parameters (p > 0.30). At T2 there was no change relative to baseline for individual components L*, a*, and b*. At T3 and T4 there was significant change relative to baseline for ΔL*, Δb*, and ΔE*, for all groups.

Conclusions

PN penetration is time dependent and pretreatment with PN does not affect whitening efficacy.

Clinical Significance

Postassium nitrate penetration into the pulp cavity occurred as early as 5 minutes after application, and pretreatment with potassium nitrate containing desensitizers did not adversely affect tooth whitening efficacy. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:S14–S22, 2016)
The scaling of postcranial muscles in cats (Felidae) II: hindlimb and lumbosacral muscles
Authors: Cuff Andrew R. , Sparkes Emily L. , Randau Marcela , Pierce Stephanie E. , Kitchener Andrew C. , Goswami Anjali , Hutchinson John R.
Published: April 2016

In quadrupeds the musculature of the hindlimbs is expected to be responsible for generating most of the propulsive locomotory forces, as well as contributing to body support by generating vertical forces. In supporting the body, postural changes from crouched to upright limbs are often associated with an increase of body mass in terrestrial tetrapods. However, felids do not change their crouched limb posture despite undergoing a 300‐fold size increase between the smallest and largest extant species. Here, we test how changes in the muscle architecture (masses and lengths of components of the muscle‐tendon units) of the hindlimbs and lumbosacral region are related to body mass, to assess whether there are muscular compensations for the maintenance of a crouched limb posture at larger body sizes. We use regression and principal component analyses to detect allometries in muscle architecture, with and without phylogenetic correction. Of the muscle lengths that scale allometrically, all scale with negative allometry (i.e. relative shortening with increasing body mass), whereas all tendon lengths scale isometrically. Only two muscles' belly masses and two tendons' masses scale with positive allometry (i.e. relatively more massive with increasing body mass). Of the muscles that scale allometrically for physiological cross‐sectional area, all scale positively (i.e. relatively greater area with increasing body mass). These muscles are mostly linked to control of hip and thigh movements. When the architecture data are phylogenetically corrected, there are few significant results, and only the strongest signals remain. None of the vertebral muscles scaled significantly differently from isometry. Principal component analysis and manovas showed that neither body size nor locomotor mode separate the felid species in morphospace. Our results support the inference that, despite some positively allometric trends in muscle areas related to thigh movement, larger cats have relatively weaker hindlimb and lumbosacral muscles in general. This decrease in power may be reflected in relative decreases in running speeds and is consistent with prevailing evidence that behavioural changes may be the primary mode of compensation for a consistently crouched limb posture in larger cats.
Experiences and insomnia‐associated factors in Chinese breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Mu‐Lan , Liu Jun‐E , Su Ya‐Li , Xue Cui‐Cui
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore the experiences and factors associated with insomnia in Chinese breast cancer survivors.

Background

Insomnia is a common and significant symptom in breast cancer survivors. Quantitative studies are unable to describe the experience of insomnia and the sleep‐associated factors from a personal point of view. A profound understanding of the experience of insomnia in breast cancer survivors can provide information for health workers and caregivers to allow them to provide more effective support.

Design

A descriptive qualitative research was adopted.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 22 insomniac breast cancer survivors. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Three themes emerged concerning the experiences of insomnia, including sleep neglect, insomnia perception and insomnia anxiety. Participants reported their own opinions on three insomnia‐associated factors, including factors associated with hospitalisation, factors associated with breast cancer and the therapies and too much attention placed on sleep.

Conclusions

Survivors would neglect their sleep problems in the early stage after diagnosis. When they became aware of their sleep problems, they were inclined to worry too much and sought help from traditional Chinese medicine. Anticipatory sleep anxiety, excessive negative cognitive activities and insomnia became a vicious circle for insomniac breast cancer survivors.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings provide detailed information to help nurses understand the experiences of breast cancer survivors with insomnia. Nurses could provide proper care to help prevent insomnia or improve sleep.
The cost‐effectiveness of semi‐rigid ankle brace to facilitate return to work following first‐time acute ankle sprains
Authors: Fatoye Francis , Haigh Carol
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the cost‐effectiveness of semi‐rigid ankle brace to facilitate return to work following first‐time acute ankle sprains.

Design

Economic evaluation based on cost–utility analysis.

Background

Ankle sprains are a source of morbidity and absenteeism from work, accounting for 15–20% of all sports injuries. Semi‐rigid ankle brace and taping are functional treatment interventions used by Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists and Nurses to facilitate return to work following acute ankle sprains.

Methods

A decision model analysis, based on cost–utility analysis from the perspective of National Health Service was used. The primary outcomes measure was incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio, based on quality‐adjusted life years. Costs and quality of life data were derived from published literature, while model clinical probabilities were sourced from Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists.

Results

The cost and quality adjusted life years gained using semi‐rigid ankle brace was £184 and 0.72 respectively. However, the cost and quality adjusted life years gained following taping was £155 and 0.61 respectively. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for the semi‐rigid brace was £263 per quality adjusted life year. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that ankle brace provided the highest net‐benefit, hence the preferred option.

Conclusion

Taping is a cheaper intervention compared with ankle brace to facilitate return to work following first‐time ankle sprains. However, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio observed for ankle brace was less than the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold and the intervention had a higher net‐benefit, suggesting that it is a cost‐effective intervention. Decision‐makers may be willing to pay £263 for an additional gain in quality adjusted life year.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this economic evaluation provide justification for the use of semi‐rigid ankle brace by Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists and Nurses to facilitate return to work in individuals with first‐time ankle sprains.
ECONOMIC TARGETS AND LOSS‐AVERSION IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION
Authors: İriş Doruk
Published: April 2016

In the standard emission problem, each country's ruling party decides on an optimal level of emissions by analyzing the cost and benefit to the country. However, such policy decisions are often influenced by political parties' incentives to be elected. Voters tend to give higher priority to economic issues than they do to environmental ones. As a result, political parties have additional incentives to reach a critical economic benefit level, at a cost of higher emission level, in order to satisfy voters' expectations in economic issues. Therefore, this study explores the implications of political parties being averse to insufficient economic performance relative to a critical economic target level on sustaining an international environmental agreement on emission levels. In doing so, we allow countries to have asymmetric concerns about economic targets, as well as asymmetric technology levels. We find that stronger concerns about economic targets deter the most cooperative emission levels countries could jointly sustain. Furthermore, technological asymmetry could either deepen or offset this impact. These results suggest that efforts on achieving substantial international environmental agreements should be supported at the citizen level to eliminate the adverse effects.