bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemiepark als Modell
Authors: Hilken Günter
Published: July 2012

Nachhaltig ist, was wirtschaftlichen Erfolg langfristig ermöglicht, was zum Umwelt‐ und Klimaschutz beiträgt und was Arbeitsplätze sichert. Kann die chemische Industrie nachhaltig sein?
Influence of surface treatments on the physicochemical properties of short sisal fibers: Ethylene vinyl acetate composites
Authors: Madera‐Santana T.J. , Soto Valdez H. , Richardson M.O.W.
Published: July 2012

Natural fibers (NFs) are rich in cellulose and also they are a low cost, easily renewable source for polymer composites. However, the presence of impurities (waxes, lignin, etc.) and hydroxyl groups produce those NFs with less ability to reinforce polymeric matrices. Short sisal fibers (SSF) were subjected to three different chemical treatments (alkaline, dicumyl peroxide, and silane). Composites of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and chemically modified SSF were prepared by mechanical mixing at the melt state of the polymer matrix (130°C) using a two roll mill. The influences of fiber content and chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The tensile strength increased for every such treated SSF‐reinforced composite. There was also a noticeable increase in elastic modulus compared with the unfilled matrix. The elongation at break values decreased as the fiber content was increased. Moreover, it was observed that the surface treatment of the SSF improved the fiber dispersion within the EVA matrix. The thermal stability of SSF was analyzed by thermogravimetic analysis. Potentially, the recyclability of the composites might be promising due to the lower specific gravity of NF, accompanied by low cost, and with the added advantage of biodegradability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
‘Getting the Balance between Encouragement and Taking Over’ — Reflections on Using a New Stroke Self‐Management Programme
Authors: Jones Fiona , Livingstone Elizabeth , Hawkes Louise
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose

This paper presents findings from a study which aimed to explore contextual, personal and professional factors in applying training in the use of a new stroke self‐management programme.

Methods

Practitioners completed in‐depth case reflections as part of their two‐day training in the Bridges stroke self‐management programme (SSMP). The study utilized a qualitative approach to explore the understanding and meaning participants gave to their experiences of using the SSMP. Data from case reflections were analysed using a thematic content analysis.

Results

Data from 60 case reflections were included in the analysis. Several themes were prominent including: timing, belief in the concept of self‐management, congruence with goal setting, balance of power and subtleties and sensitivities of using the SSMP. The use of in‐depth case reflections enabled a personal awareness of the complexities of supporting self‐management after stroke. Participants reflected on their communication styles and interactions and how they influence the development of self‐management skills in individuals post‐stroke.

Conclusion

Case reflections offered an opportunity for participants who had received training in the use of an SSMP to explore their experiences of using the programme with individuals post‐stroke. This enabled personal reflection on learning and facilitated a wider discussion on the professional and organizational context concerning integration of a self‐management programme into stroke rehabilitation. The paradox between professionals having a role as ‘experts’ and the subtle changes in practice towards a more collaborative therapeutic relationship to support self‐management needs further exploration.

Implication for practice

Physiotherapists were required to make a change in their practice from traditional, educational, hands on approaches to one which gave more prominence to facilitating an individual's problem solving, collaborative goal setting and decision‐making post‐stroke. This study highlights a number of issues relevant to professional learning and education in respect of self‐management. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exciton–Mn exchange interactions as a function of translational wavevector in Cd1‐xMnxTe quantum wells
Authors: Rice C. , Smith L. C. , Davies J. J. , Wolverson D. , Wiater M. , Karczewski G. , Wojtowicz T.
Published: July 2012

The exchange interaction between excitons and manganese ions have been studied in wide quantum wells of Cd1‐x Mnx Te with Cd1‐y Mgy Te barriers. The widths L of the wells are sufficiently large for the excitons to be described by the centre of mass approximation, in which the translational wavevector is quantised according to Kz = Nπ/L. Excitonic transitions with different values of the quantisation index N can be resolved in the optical spectra. The giant Zeeman splittings induced by a magnetic field then enable the separate determination of the exchange energy for each value of the wavevector. We find that the quantity N0 (α – β), which describes the exchange splitting, is constant to within 3% over the range of wavevectors up to 4 × 106 cm–1 (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Selective etching of InGaAs/InP substrates from II–VI multilayer heterostructures
Authors: Moug R. , Alfaro‐Martinez A. , Peng L. , Garcia T. , Deligiannakis V. , Shen A. , Tamargo M.
Published: July 2012

Typically, II–VI heterostructures and devices are grown on commercially available III–V substrates. Often these substrates have strong absorption at the emission energy of the epitaxial layer, a problem when transmission measurements are required, as well as for some device applications. By removing the epilayers from the substrate the layer properties can be examined unhindered by the presence of the substrate. In this paper we present a selective etching technique for the removal of InGaAs/InP substrates from ZnMgCdSe‐based epitaxial structures. Characterization of the materials after etching indicated the material is not damaged in the etching process. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preface: Phys. Status Solidi C 7/2012
Authors: Lourdudoss Sebastian , Marcinkevičius Saulius , Kataria Himanshu
Published: July 2012

This special issue collects a selection of papers that were presented at the 16th International Semiconducting and Insulating Materials Conference (SIMC‐XVI), held at KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), Stockholm, Kista, Sweden from June 19–23, 2011. Over the years from its genesis in 1980, SIMC has been maintaining the tradition of addressing the link between materials research and application. SIMC‐XVI was no exception. SIMC has been held in 11 countries and four continents during its 31 year history.

The programme committee set up an attractive programme portraying vividly the recent developments in emerging semiconducting and insulating materials and their applications. The conference was filled with 101 contributions with an equal number of participants from 26 countries belonging to 5 continents. There were totally 8 topical oral sessions that included 19 invited talks and one poster session covering nanostructures, materials for energy, oxides, bismides, wide bandgap nitrides, materials characterization and devices. The pss Young Researcher Award, sponsored by physica status solidi, was given to Naeem Shahid, KTH and The Best Poster Award, sponsored by the conference organizers, was given to Päivi Mattila, Aalto University, Finland.

We are grateful to all the members of the Programme Committee, International Advisory Board and several members of the staff and students at School of ICT, KTH for their valuable time to make this conference a success. The generosity of several sponsors facilitated smooth functioning of the conference without financial constraints. We would like to thank primarily Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council) for its grant allotted to the invited speakers. The reception and conference dinner at the Stockholm City Hall (Nobel Prize Dinner Venue) was generously hosted by Stockholms Stad (City of Stockholm). Everybody felt the fever of the Nobel Prize and equally enjoyed the sumptuous dinner. The boat trip that followed on the waters of Stockholm under sunshine was a memorable one. Of course, KTH supported this conference through the magnanimous contribution from the School of ICT (Prof. Mikael Östling), Materials Platform (Prof. Ulf Karlsson), Energy Platform (Prof. Ramon Wyss), Electrum Lab (Dr. Nils Nordell) and ADOPT – Linné Center in Advanced Optics and Photonics (Prof. Gunnar Björk). We are also very grateful to Fabsupport AB (Mr. Jonas Andersson), Aixtron (Dr. Rainer Beccard), Acreo and Imagic Centre of Excellence (Dr. Jan Andersson). It is our pleasure to thank Ms. Anna Hermansson at Congrex and Ms. Madeleine Printzsköld at KTH for taking care of several of the practical aspects of the conference. Last but not least, we should thank Dr. Stefan Hildebrandt, Ms. Julia Huebner and Ms. Irina Juschak, the editorial staff of pss, for their cooperation.
Using Gray‐Based Taguchi Method to Construct Multi‐Objective Optimal Model in Super‐Resolution Near‐Field Photolithography
Authors: Yang Ching‐Been , Chiang Hsiu‐Lu
Published: July 2012

This study integrated thermally induced super‐resolution into near‐field photolithography and conducted simulation and analysis on line segment fabrication. This technique involves passing a laser beam through an aluminum‐plated optical fiber probe onto a thin film of indium (approximately 10 nm thick). The indium film opens a melted aperture narrower than the width of the laser beam, creating a melted region and a crystalline region. The difference in penetration rate between the two regions leads to the generation of thermally induced super‐resolution. This paper proposes a combination of Taguchi method with gray relational analysis, in which S/N ratios obtained using the Taguchi method are converted into gray relational grades to identify an optimal combination of parameters capable of meeting multiple quality objectives. This optimal combination includes a probe aperture of 100 nm (A1), exposure energy of 0.002nJ (B2), development time of 60 s (C3), and indium film with a thickness of 7 nm (D1). The optimal parameters were (A1B2C3D1) for the gray relational analysis and (A1B1C1D1) for the Taguchi method. Results showed a negative improvement of –14.3% in line width from 126.2 (Taguchi method) to 144.2 nm (gray relational analysis). Working depth, however, showed a significantly improvement of 140.4% from 5.7 (Taguchi method) to 13.7 nm (gray relational analysis). The proposed approach resolves the conflicts that commonly occur among factor levels in Taguchi analysis under the requirements of multiple quality requirements. SCANNING 35:47‐58, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical Property Investigation of Soft Materials by Cantilever‐Based Optical Interfacial Force Microscopy
Authors: Kim Byung I. , Boehm Ryan D.
Published: July 2012

Cantilever‐based optical interfacial force microscopy (COIFM) was applied to the investigation of the mechanical properties of soft materials to avoid the double‐spring effect and snap‐to‐contact problem associated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). When a force was measured as a function of distance between an oxidized silicon probe and the surface of a soft hydrocarbon film, it increases nonlinearly in the lower force region below ∼10 nN, following the Herzian model with the elastic modulus of ∼50 MPa. Above ∼10 nN, it increases linearly with a small oscillatory sawtooth pattern with amplitude 1–2 nN. The pattern suggests the possible existence of the layered structure within the film. When its internal part of the film was exposed to the probe, the force depends on the distance linearly with an adhesive force of −20 nN. This linear dependence suggests that the adhesive internal material behaved like a linear spring with a spring constant of ∼1 N/m. Constant‐force images taken in the repulsive and attractive contact regimes revealed additional features that were not observed in the images taken in the noncontact regime. At some locations, however, contrast inversions were observed between the two contact regimes while the average roughness remained constant. The result suggests that some embedded materials had spring constants different from those of the surrounding material. This study demonstrated that the COIFM is capable of imaging mechanical properties of local structures such as small impurities and domains at the nanometer scale, which is a formidable challenge with conventional AFM methods. SCANNING 35:59‐67, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photoelectron spectroscopic studies of the formation of hydroxyapatite films on 316L stainless steel pretreated with etidronic acid
Authors: Gao Feng , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: July 2012

The valence band and core‐level X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to probe hydroxyapatite films formed on the surface of stainless steel. These films formed on steel may find application in medical implants. The key to the successful adhesion of the hydroxyapatite films is shown to be the initial formation of a thin, oxide‐free etidronate film on the metal. It was not found possible to prepare the hydroxyapatite films directly on the metal surfaces. Since hydroxyapatite is a key component of bone and teeth, it is likely that the coated metals will have desirable biocompatible properties. The hydroxyapatite film was exposed to air, water, and 1M sodium chloride solution as representative components of the environment of the film in the human body, and these exposures led to no detectable decomposition of the film. The thin hydroxyapatite and etidronate film on the metal show differential charging effects that caused a doubling of the peaks in some core level spectra. The valence band spectra proved especially valuable in the identification of the surface chemistry of the films, and these spectra were interpreted by comparing the experimental spectra with spectra calculated using band structure calculations which showed good agreement with experiment. The calculated spectrum of etidronic acid was found to be significantly different to that of etidronate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and localization of nanoparticles in tissues by mass spectrometry
Authors: Audinot Jean‐Nicolas , Georgantzopoulou Anastasia , Piret Jean‐Pascal , Gutleb Arno C. , Dowsett David , Migeon Henri Noel , Hoffmann Lucien
Published: July 2012

To understand the potential toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs), it is necessary to evaluate their penetration in biological tissues. For that, cell imaging can be considered as an indispensable diagnosis method. We have used the NanoSIMS50 to detect particles of a few nanometres diameter unambiguously in biological tissues. Animals (Daphnia magna) or cells were exposed to NPs (titaniumdioxide, silver, silicon oxide and copper oxide). Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) imaging was used as a complementary technique to secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging. The correlation of SIMS and TEM images opens up a new way of studying the toxicological effects of NPs of interest to medicine and pharmacology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D Direct Laser Writing of Nano‐ and Microstructured Hierarchical Gecko‐Mimicking Surfaces
Authors: Röhrig Michael , Thiel Michael , Worgull Matthias , Hölscher Hendrik
Published: July 2012

Applying 3D direct laser writing, artificial hierarchical gecko‐type structures are designed and fabricated down to nanometer dimensions. In this way, the elastic modulus and the length scale of the gecko's setae are very closely matched. Direct laser writing is a very flexible rapid prototyping method allowing the fabrication of arbitrary nanostructures. Since the parameters of the structures can be easily changed, this technique is perfect for design studies of dry adhesives. Measuring the adhesional forces by atomic force microscopy, the influence of several design parameters like density, aspect ratio, and tip‐shape on dry adhesion performance are systematically examined. In this way, it is revealed that hierarchy is favorable for artificial gecko‐inspired dry adhesives made of stiff materials on the nanometer scale.
Numerical Modeling of Microstructure Evolution During Forging of Crank Shafts
Authors: Milenin Andrzej , Walczyk Wojciech , Pietrzyk Maciej
Published: July 2012

Application of numerical simulations to improve forging technology for crank shafts is the objective of this work. Thermal–mechanical finite element model combined with closed form equations describing microstructure evolution is used. Simulations of grain size changes in several locations in the volume of the forging were performed. Results of simulations allow to evaluate microstructure of the final product.
Adding Collaborative Peer Coaching to Our Teaching Identities
Authors: Jewett Pamela , MacPhee Deborah
Published: July 2012

Recent research suggests that personal and institutional constraints often limit the degree to which professional development impacts teaching practice. Darling‐Hammond suggests that one of those constraints is time in schools for collaborative planning. She cites high performing schools in Europe and Asia that have three to four times more collaborative planning time for teachers than schools in the United States, and she suggests that teachers need to discover ways to collaborate to solve problems and improve practice. One way to create the kinds of collaborative teaching communities that Darling‐Hammond proposes is with peer coaching, and this article describes a group of teachers who found ways to work and learn together by adding collaborative peer coaching to their identities as teachers.
Probing top-Higgs non-standard interactions at the LHC
Authors: Degrande C. , Gérard J.-M. , Grojean C. , Maltoni F. , Servant G.
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Effective interactions involving both the top quark and the Higgs field are among the least constrained of all possible (gauge invariant) dimension-six operators in the Standard Model. Such a handful of operators, in particular the top quark chromomagnetic dipole moment, might encapsulate signs of the new physics responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking. In this work, we compute the contributions of these operators to inclusive Higgs and
$ t\overline t h $
productions. We argue that: i) rather strong constraints on the overall size of these operators can already be obtained from the current limits/evidence on Higgs production at the LHC; ii)
$ t\overline t h $
production will provide further key information that is complementary to
$ t\overline t $
measurements, and the possibility of discriminating among different contributions by performing accurate measurements of total and differential rates.
Tail homogeneity of invariant measures of multidimensional stochastic recursions in a critical case
Authors: Kolesko Konrad
Published: July 2012

We consider the stochastic recursion $${X_{n+1} = M_{n+1}X_{n} + Q_{n+1}, (n \in \mathbb{N})}$$, where $${Q_n, X_n \in \mathbb{R}^d }$$, M
n
are similarities of the Euclidean space $${ \mathbb{R}^d }$$ and (Q
n
, M
n
) are i.i.d. We study asymptotic properties at infinity of the invariant measure for the Markov chain X
n
under assumption $${\mathbb{E}{[\log|M|]}=0}$$ i.e. in the so called critical case.
On fixed points of a generalized multidimensional affine recursion
Authors: Mirek Mariusz
Published: July 2012

Let G be a multiplicative subsemigroup of the general linear group Gl $${(\mathbb{R}^d)}$$ which consists of matrices with positive entries such that every column and every row contains a strictly positive element. Given a G-valued random matrix A, we consider the following generalized multidimensional affine equation$$R\stackrel{\mathcal{D}}{=} \sum_{i=1}^N A_iR_i+B,$$where N ≥ 2 is a fixed natural number, A1, . . . , A
N
are independent copies of $${A, B \in \mathbb{R}^d}$$ is a random vector with positive entries, and R1, . . . , R
N
are independent copies of $${R \in \mathbb{R}^d}$$ , which have also positive entries. Moreover, all of them are mutually independent and $${\stackrel{\mathcal{D}}{=}}$$ stands for the equality in distribution. We will show with the aid of spectral theory developed by Guivarc’h and Le Page (Simplicité de spectres de Lyapounov et propriété d’isolation spectrale pour une famille d’opérateurs de transfert sur l’espace projectif. Random Walks and Geometry, Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin, 2004; On matricial renewal theorems and tails of stationary measures for affine stochastic recursions, Preprint, 2011) and Kesten’s renewal theorem (Kesten in Ann Probab 2:355–386, 1974), that under appropriate conditions, there exists χ >  0 such that $${{\mathbb{P}(\{\langle R, u \rangle > t\})\asymp t^{-\chi}}}$$ , as t → ∞, for every unit vector $${u \in \mathbb{S}^{d-1}}$$ with positive entries.
Natural regeneration of Spanish black pine [Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. salzmannii (Dunal) Franco] at contrasting altitudes in a Mediterranean mountain area
Authors: Lucas‐Borja Manuel E. , Fonseca Teresa Fidalgo , Lousada José Luís , Silva‐Santos Pedro , Garcia Eduardo Martínez , Abellán Manuela Andrés
Published: July 2012

Information on plant seed dispersal, natural loss dynamics of seeds and germination are critical for understanding natural regeneration mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different forest stand densities on seedfall, seed predation, and seedling germination of two populations of the endangered Spanish black Pine forests located at lower (Central population) and higher elevation near the limit of the species’ range (peripheral population) in the Cuenca Mountains of Central Spain. The seed predation and germination experiment also included a nested site preparation treatment. Seed fall varied significantly between 2006 and 2005 or 2007 in both populations. During the only mast year of 2006, higher seedfall was observed at lower elevation and in higher density stands. Predation rates were influenced by the seed crop since predators consumed more than 75 % of seeds in years with lower production and less than 15 % in a mast year. Seed germination is influenced by forest habitat, stand density and soil scalping. For common habitat types, and in a high seed production year, better seed germination rates were observed in medium and dense stands (25–30 and 35–40 m2 ha−1, respectively, in terms of basal area). No statistical difference in seed germination rate was found for Spanish black pine forest at its ecological distribution limit between lower and higher densities (15–20 and 35–40 m2 ha−1, in terms of basal area). In both sites, closed stands with soil scalping exhibited higher germination rates.
Coming to Grips with Evolvability
Authors: Pavlicev Mihaela , Wagner Günter P.
Published: July 2012

To explain the evolution of complex organisms by random mutation, drift, and selection is not a trivial task. This becomes obvious if we imagine an organism in which most genes affect most traits and all mutations are immediately expressed in the phenotype. Most of the mutations will be deleterious. Computer programmers experienced a similar problem when trying to evolve computer programs by introducing random changes to a conventional computer code, realizing that almost all random changes are “lethal.” Everyone who has done any programming knows that conventional computer languages are very brittle! Real organisms are not organized in this way but rather involve mediation between the genes and the phenotypic traits, namely development, also sometimes called the genotype–phenotype map. This map of genetic effects is structured in a way that enables evolvability, that is, enhances the probability that mutations will improve the performance of the organism. Here we outline two properties of organismal development, namely modularity and robustness. Modularity refers to the situation in which genes affect a restricted number of functionally related phenotypic characters. Robustness describes a situation in which cryptic mutations can accumulate without effect on fitness but can become visible to selection in a new environment or genetic background. We discuss recent empirical evidence in support of both phenomena and their effect on evolvability and also briefly address their evolution.
Kinematic analysis of leg alignment during conventional versus navigated total knee arthroplasty: Initial results of a prospective study
Authors: Chang Chih‐Wei , Chang Chih‐Hang , Yang Chyun‐Yu , Lai Kuo‐An , Lin Cheng‐Li , Lin Chii‐Jeng
Published: July 2012

Current kinematic navigation systems provide real‐time spatial analyses of leg alignments during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) instead of delayed radiographic verification after surgery. A prospective study was conducted to investigate leg alignments of TKAs that underwent different surgical guidance [intramedullary (IM) jig‐based vs. navigation‐assisted] using a kinematic navigation system. Since May 2007, patients admitted for primary TKA were considered for inclusion. Within 6 months, 38 sets of intraoperative analyses on the operated legs have been performed. Excluding seven unreliable data sets, 15 conventional IM jig‐based TKAs and 16 navigation‐assisted TKAs were available. The leg alignments in maximum knee extension were retrieved for comparison. Although similar final coronal alignments were accurately achieved in both groups (0.21 valgus in the IM group vs. 0.17 valgus in the NA group, p = 0.993), a more flexed sagittal axis was constructed with conventional IM jigs (1.93 flexion in the IM group vs. 0.58 extension in the NA group, p < 0.05). The study suggests that comparable coronal precision could be achieved with conventional IM jigs by trained surgeons, although computer‐assisted navigation is a documented method to restore accurate alignment. Different sagittal alignments observed in this study indicate the inherent discrepancy between different surgical guides as well as their according concepts.
Activation of androgen receptor induces ID1 and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion
Authors: Ao Junping , Meng Jiao , Zhu Lei , Nie Huizhen , Yang Chenchen , Li Jinjun , Gu Jianren , Lin Qiushi , Long Weiwen , Dong Xiaoqun , Li Chao
Published: July 2012

Androgen receptor (AR) activity is associated with cancer development and progression. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), AR contributes to HCC incidence, but the role of AR in HCC cell migration and invasion remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that AR was expressed at high levels in a subgroup of HCC cell lines with high metastatic potential. Experiments using lentiviral overexpression or small hairpin RNA knockdown of AR as well as activation of AR by its ligand indicated that AR activation promoted HCC cell migration and invasion. We also found that AR activation enhanced the expression of a metastasis‐promoting gene, ID1, which led to increased HCC cell migration and invasion. An AR antagonist was able to block this process, suggesting that AR activation in AR‐positive HCC may be therapeutically inhibited as a potential intervention strategy.
Systematic review of neuropathic component in persistent post-surgical pain
Authors: Haroutiunian S. , Nikolajsen L. , Finnerup N.B. , Jensen T.S.
Published: July 2012

Background/aim

The aim of the current study was to assess the neuropathic component of persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) following eleven types of surgery.

Methods

We performed a systematic PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE search to identify studies on PPSP following (i) thoracic surgery, (ii) breast surgery, (iii) groin hernia repair, (iv) prostatectomy, (v) major abdominal surgery, (vi) gynecologic surgery, (vii) iliac crest bone harvest, (viii) total hip arthroplasty (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA), (ix) varicose vein stripping or ablation, (x) mandibular sagittal split osteotomy and (xi) donor nephrectomy, and assessed the prevalence of Probable/Definite neuropathic pain using the recently published neuropathic pain probability grading criteria [1].

Results

We included 291 relevant papers. Surgeries performed in the thoracic/breast area resulted in similarly high median PPSP prevalence of about 30–35%; bone and joint surgeries resulted in similar PPSP prevalence of about 20%; and surgeries on visceral organs resulted in lower PPSP prevalence of 10–14%. The reported ranges of PPSP prevalence were very wide, between 0 and 91%. The prevalence of Probable/Definite neuropathic pain among patients with PPSP was about 65% after thoracic and breast surgeries, about 32% after groin hernia repair and gynecologic surgery, and between 9 and 16% after bone and joint surgeries such as iliac crest bone harvest and THA/TKA. In varicose vein surgeries and mandibular sagittal split osteotomies more research is needed to investigate the contribution of neuropathic pain mechanisms.

Conclusion

PPSP after different surgeries is reported to be common and often neuropathic. This systematic review of the literature showed that reported PPSP prevalences range widely among studies, and only a minority of studies used methodology that enabled the estimation of Probable/Definite neuropathic pain prevalence.
The 1.5-ka varved record of Lake Montcortès (southern Pyrenees, NE Spain)
Authors: Corella Juan Pablo , Brauer Achim , Mangili Clara , Rull Valentí , Vegas‐Vilarrúbia Teresa , Morellón Mario , Valero‐Garcés Blas L.
Published: July 2012

The karstic Lake Montcortès sedimentary sequence spanning the last 1548 yr constitutes the first continuous, high-resolution, multi-proxy varved record in northern Spain. Sediments consist of biogenic varves composed of calcite, organic matter and detrital laminae and turbidite layers. Calcite layer thickness and internal sub-layering indicate changes in water temperature and seasonality whereas the frequency of detrital layers reflects rainfall variability. Higher temperatures occurred in Lake Montcortès in AD 555–738, 825–875, 1010–1322 and 1874–present. Lower temperatures and prolonged winter conditions were recorded in AD 1446–1598, 1663–1711 and 1759–1819. Extreme and multiple precipitation events dominated in AD 571–593, 848–922, 987–1086, 1168–1196, 1217–1249, 1444–1457, 1728–1741 and 1840–1875, indicating complex hydrological variability in NE Spain since AD 463. The sedimentary record of Lake Montcortès reveals a short-term relation between rainfall variability and the detrital influx, pronounced during extended periods of reduced anthropogenic influences. In pre-industrial times, during warm climate episodes, population and land use increased in the area. After the onset of the industrialization, the relationship between climate and human activities decoupled and population dynamics and landscape modifications were therefore mostly determined by socio‐economic factors.
On the perils of poor editing: regulation of peptide loading by HLA-DQ and H2-A molecules associated with celiac disease and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Busch Robert , De Riva Alessandra , Hadjinicolaou Andreas V. , Jiang Wei , Hou Tieying , Mellins Elizabeth D.
Published: July 2012

This review discusses mechanisms that link allelic variants of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules (MHCII) to immune pathology. We focus on HLA (human leukocyte antigen)-DQ (DQ) alleles associated with celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the role of the murine DQ-like allele, H2-Ag7(I-Ag7or Ag7), in murine T1D. MHCII molecules bind peptides, and alleles vary in their peptide-binding specificity. Disease-associated alleles permit binding of disease-inducing peptides, such as gluten-derived, Glu-/Pro-rich gliadin peptides in CD and peptides from islet autoantigens, including insulin, in T1D. In addition, the CD-associated DQ2.5 and DQ8 alleles are unusual in their interactions with factors that regulate their peptide loading, invariant chain (Ii) and HLA-DM (DM). The same alleles, as well as other T1D DQ risk alleles (and Ag7), share nonpolar residues in place of Asp at β57 and prefer peptides that place acidic side chains in a pocket in the MHCII groove (P9). Antigen-presenting cells from T1D-susceptible mice and humans retain CLIP because of poor DM editing, although underlying mechanisms differ between species. We propose that these effects on peptide presentation make key contributions to CD and T1D pathogenesis.
Flow of fluids with pressure- and shear-dependent viscosity down an inclined plane
Authors: Rajagopal K. R. , Saccomandi G. , Vergori L.
Published: July 2012

In this paper we consider a fluid whose viscosity depends on both the mean normal stress and the shear rate flowing down an inclined plane. Such flows have relevance to geophysical flows. In order to make the problem amenable to analysis, we consider a generalization of the lubrication approximation for the flows of such fluids based on the development of the generalization of the Reynolds equation for such flows. This allows us to obtain analytical solutions to the problem of propagation of waves in a fluid flowing down an inclined plane. We find that the dependence of the viscosity on the pressure can increase the breaking time by an order of magnitude or more than that for the classical Newtonian fluid. In the viscous regime, we find both upslope and downslope travelling wave solutions, and these solutions are quantitatively and qualitatively different from the classical Newtonian solutions.
GENETICS OF POPULATION EXCHANGE ALONG THE HISTORICAL PORTUGUESE–SPANISH BORDER
Authors: ROMÁN-BUSTO J. , TASSO M. , CARAVELLO G. , FUSTER V. , ZULUAGA P.
Published: July 2012

The present analysis compares the distribution of surnames by means of spatial autocorrelation analysis in the Spain–Portugal border region. The Spanish National Institute of Statistics provides a database of surnames of residents in the western Spanish provinces of Zamora, Salamanca, Cáceres, Badajoz and Huelva. The Spanish and Portuguese patterns of surname distribution were established according to various geographic axes. The results obtained show a low diversity of surnames in this region – especially in the centre – which can be explained by the absence of any major geographic barriers, with the exception of the mountain ranges between hydrographic basins, and by the presence of traditional roads that have existed since Roman times. The latter have resulted in a constant migratory flow over short–median distances, which, as can be deduced from the surnames, fits two north/south territorial axes running parallel to the border between Spain and Portugal. The distribution patterns of Portuguese and Spanish surnames differ with regard to their frequencies in the five provinces studied, which can be attributed to their respective historical, economic and social conditions. It is concluded that the border delimiting these two countries has affected the migratory flow, thereby conditioning the demographic and genetic structure of the western Spanish regions.
Attending to Time and Place in Rousseau's Legislative Art
Authors: Schaeffer Denise
Published: July 2012

In his Plan for a Constitution for Corsica, Rousseau recommends a series of institutional arrangements and psychological incentives designed to generate certain salutary opinions and behaviors on the part of the citizens. However, he also indicates in several ways that it is not only impossible to control such outcomes absolutely or permanently, but also undesirable insofar as a static people tends to be a languorous people. This essay argues that the model of citizenship that emerges in Corsica is more dynamic and less thoroughly choreographed than is often recognized. Rousseau suggests that what it takes to attach citizens to the collective good over the long term requires not only a specific form of socialization, but also that the people are capable, to some degree, of transcending their socialization. The goal of Rousseau's legislative art is not to form a people that can remain on “autopilot,” but rather to cultivate a form of reflection and judgment that is rooted in and animated by healthy attachments and proper conditioning of the passions. The puzzle becomes the relationship between these two sides of the legislative art.
FINITE-SAMPLE BIAS OF THE QMLE IN SPATIAL AUTOREGRESSIVE MODELS
Authors: Bao Yong
Published: July 2012

We investigate the finite-sample bias of the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) in spatial autoregressive models with possible exogenous regressors. We derive the approximate bias result of the QMLE in terms of model parameters and also the moments (up to order 4) of the error distribution, and thus a feasible bias-correction procedure is directly applicable. In some special cases, the analytical bias result can be significantly simplified. Our Monte Carlo results demonstrate that the feasible bias-correction procedure works remarkably well.
ON THE BEHAVIOR OF FIXED-bTREND BREAK TESTS UNDER FRACTIONAL INTEGRATION
Authors: Iacone Fabrizio , Leybourne Stephen J. , Taylor A.M. Robert
Published: July 2012

Testing for the presence of a broken linear trend when the nature of the persistence in the data is unknown is not a trivial problem, because the test needs to be both asymptotically correctly sized and consistent, regardless of the order of integration of the data. In a recent paper, Sayginsoy and Vogelsang (2011,Econometric Theory27, 992–1025) (SV) show that tests based on fixed-basymptotics provide a useful solution to this problem in the case where the shocks may be either weakly dependent or display strong dependence within the near-unit-root class. In this paper we analyze the performance of these tests when the shocks may be fractionally integrated, an alternative model paradigm that allows for either weak or strong dependence in the shocks. We demonstrate that the fixed-btrend break statistics converge to well-defined limit distributions under both the null and local alternatives in this case (and retain consistency against fixed alternatives), but that these distributions depend on the fractional integration parameterδ. As a result, it is only whenδis either zero or one that the SV critical values yield correctly sized tests. Consequently, we propose a procedure that employsδ-adaptive critical values to remove the size distortions in the SV test. In addition, use ofδ-adaptive critical values also allows us to consider a simplification of the SV test that is (asymptotically) correctly sized acrossδbut can also provide a significant increase in power over the standard SV test whenδ= 1.
How Academics Can Help People Make Better Decisions Concerning Global Poverty
Authors: Horton Keith
Published: July 2012

One relatively straightforward way in which academics could have a positive impact on global poverty is by putting people in a position to make better decisions about issues relevant to such poverty. Academics could do this by conducting appropriate kinds of research on those issues, and sharing what they have learned in accessible ways.

But aren't academics already doing this? In the case of many of those issues, I think the appropriate answer would be “Yes, to some extent, but they could do so much better.” In this article, I first discuss the academic research relevant to one important decision about an issue concerning global poverty. I argue that this research has been seriously deficient both in terms of quality and of quantity. Building on this discussion, I then formulate two questions that can be applied to any such decision, answers to which would indicate the quality of the input academics are currently providing. In cases where that input is deficient, and the decision in question an important one, I suggest that academics organise themselves in ways that will improve that input. I finish by briefly discussing how Academics Stand Against Poverty might help them do so.
The African wintering distribution and ecology of the Corncrake Crex crex
Authors: WALTHER BRUNO A. , BARRY TAYLOR P. , SCHÄFFER NORBERT , ROBINSON SUE , JIGUET FREDERIC
Published: July 2012

The Corncrake Crex crex breeds in the Palearctic but overwinters in central and southern Africa. While some information had previously been gathered about the Corncrake’s African wintering distribution, we here analyse a much more comprehensive database of 1,284 records based on a five-year desk study completed in January 2011 and use those records selected for spatio-temporal accuracy to build a continental distribution model. Our model was based mostly on climatic variables and predicts a high suitability for most eastern Africa countries south of the equator, but none of the western African countries with the exception of Angola and Namibia. Both the actual number of records as well as the distribution model thus indicates that the vast majority of Corncrakes migrate through and overwinter in the eastern parts of Africa. Because large parts of Angola, Mozambique, north-eastern Namibia, and Tanzania are predicted as suitable but have yielded very few actual records so far, they should be targeted for future field work. A very small number of Corncrakes may oversummer in Africa but such individuals are possibly unable to migrate due to sickness or injury, or may be first-year birds that are not ready to breed. An analysis of habitat and population density data indicates that, within the continental distribution, Corncrakes are mostly concentrated within grass-dominated habitats, mirroring their habitat preferences in the breeding areas. Corncrakes reach their wintering distribution mostly through an eastern migration route, but some individuals or subpopulations from the Western breeding population also use a western migration route. We also document the food choices, weights, and causes of injury and death within Africa. Because habitat conversion is accelerating all across Africa, we recommend constant monitoring of habitat availability and population densities within the Corncrake’s wintering distribution.
Interwar Romanian sovereign bonds: the impact of diplomacy, politics and the economy
Authors: Oosterlinck Kim , Ureche-Rangau Loredana
Published: July 2012

Sovereign debts differ from other financial instruments because repayment ultimately depends on the issuers' willingness to pay. In turn, willingness to pay may be influenced by political, diplomatic or economic considerations. Based on an original database of Romanian bonds traded in Paris, this article shows that international diplomacy played an important role in the Romanian debt valuation.
Welfare costs and benefits of non-tariff measures in trade: a conceptual framework and application
Authors: BEGHIN JOHN , DISDIER ANNE-CÉLIA , MARETTE STÉPHAN , VAN TONGEREN FRANK
Published: July 2012

This paper provides a systematic welfare-based approach to analyze the impact of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on trade and welfare in the presence of market imperfections. It focuses on standard-like measures such as technical barriers and sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. The approach overcomes the shortcomings of the mainstream approach based on the analysis of foregone trade caused by trade costs. The latter ignores market imperfections, and welfare is found to increases when NTMs are reduced and trade expands. We explain how to account for external effects and market failures in trade-focused welfare analysis, leading to a more balanced overall assessment of measures despite a potential reduction of trade flows. The relationships between trade, welfare, and NTMs are complex, and generalizations are best avoided. Very often, the optimum NTM is not the absence of regulation. An application to shrimp trade illustrates the feasibility of the proposed approach. The illustration shows that the reinforcement of a food safety standard can be socially preferable to the status-quo situation, both domestically and internationally.
Standards, reputation, and trade: evidence from US horticultural import refusals
Authors: JOUANJEAN MARIE-AGNÈS
Published: July 2012

By disentangling productivity- from quality-sorting in horticultural exports, this paper investigates the impact of food safety standards and consumers’ preference for quality on developing countries’ capacity to export high care and differentiated agricultural products (HCAs). Using a unique database on US import refusals, the empirical analysis shows that a shock to reputation has a downgrading effect, reducing the capacity to participate and benefit from trade in HCAs. The occurrence of at least one refusal in the current year reduces HS 6-digit average unit export price by over 8% and the long-run propensity suggests a 25% cut.
Ethnicity, race, and advance directives in an inpatient palliative care consultation service
Authors: Zaide Glenn B. , Pekmezaris Renee , Nouryan Christian N. , Mir Tanveer P. , Sison Cristina P. , Liberman Tara , Lesser Martin L. , Cooper Lynda.B. , Wolf-Klein Gisele P.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

Although race and ethnic background are known to be important factors in the completion of advance directives, there is a dearth of literature specifically investigating the effect of race and ethnicity on advance directive completion rate after palliative care consultation (PCC).

Method:

A chart review of all patients seen by the PCC service in an academic hospital over a 9-month period was performed. Data were compiled using gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and primary diagnosis. For this study, advance directives were defined as: “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) and/or “Do Not Intubate” (DNI).

Results:

Of the 400 medical records reviewed, 57% of patients were female and 71.3% documented their religion as Christian. The most common documented diagnosis was cancer (39.5%). Forty-seven percent reported their race as white. White patients completed more advance directives than did nonwhite patients both before (25.67% vs. 12.68%) and after (59.36% vs. 40.84%) PCC. There was a significantly higher proportion of whites who signed an advance directive after a PCC than of nonwhites (p = 0.021); of the 139 whites who did not have an advance directive at admission, 63 signed an advance directive after a PCC compared with 186/60 nonwhites (45% vs. 32%, respectively, p = 0.021). Further analysis revealed that African Americans differed from whites in the likelihood of advance directive execution rates pre-PCC, but not post-PCC.

Significance of results:

This study demonstrates the impact of a PCC on the completion of advance directives, on both whites and nonwhites. The PCC Intervention significantly reduced differences between whites and African Americans in completing advance directives, which have been consistently documented in the end-of-life literature.
Should community-based services be publicly funded or contracted out?
Authors: Lyzwinski Lynnette Nathalie
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The introduction of Canada's Medicare in 1966 established precedence for a universally accessible and equitable healthcare system. Although Canada has been a leader in building the foundations of socialized medicine, it has stalled short of fulfilling a vision promulgated by its architects of a system that operates on a continuum of care. The aim of this review was to examine whether the expansion of publicly funded services under the Canada Health Act would be an economically and socially viable policy option.

Method:

A literature review of the direct and indirect social and economic costs associated with contracting out community-based services in the form of outpatient rehabilitative care, palliative care, and home care was conducted.

Results:

This article concludes that the private financing of community-based services increases healthcare costs in the long term through increased density and frequency of acute care utilization. It is associated with increased indirect costs in the form of caregiver burden and reduced labor market participation of informal caregivers. The expansion of publicly funded community-based services minimizes these direct health and indirect societal costs.

Significance of results:

The integration of publicly funded community-based services under the Canada Health Act would ensure that the principles of Medicare in the form of equity and accessibility would be enforced while maintaining an economically sustainable healthcare system.