bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality and causes of death in children with sickle cell disease in the Netherlands, before the introduction of neonatal screening
Authors: van der Plas Evelyn M. , van den Tweel Xandra W. , Geskus Ronald B. , Heijboer Harriët , Biemond Bart J. , Peters Marjolein , Fijnvandraat Karin
Published: July 2011

This study analyzed the mortality and causes of death in sickle cell disease patients in the Netherlands, to provide a baseline for monitoring the effect of the recently introduced neonatal screening programme and to indicate areas of improvement in the care for these patients. All children (<18 years) diagnosed with sickle cell disease in a tertiary hospital from 1985 to 2007 were included. Vital status was determined up to March 2008. A total of 298 children were included: 189 (63%) patients had HbSS, 17 (6%) HbSβ0 thalassaemia, 72 (24%) HbSC and 20 (7%) HbSβ+ thalassaemia. Twelve patients (4%) died during a total follow‐up of 3896 patient years. All known deaths were sickle cell disease‐related. Meningitis/sepsis (n = 4; 33%), stroke (n = 3; 25%) and death during a visit to the country of origin (n = 3; 25%) were the most common causes of death. The overall mortality rate was 0·27 deaths/100 patient years [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·15–0·43]. The estimated survival at the age of 18 years was 97·3% (95% CI: 95–99%). This report confirms that the burden of mortality in sickle cell disease is increasingly shifting to adults. It is recommended that compliance to antibiotic prophylaxis, thorough counselling and support for patients travelling abroad and specialized peri‐operative care should receive continuous attention.
A welcome can of worms? Hypoxia mitigation by an invasive species
Authors: Norkko Joanna , Reed Daniel C. , Timmermann Karen , Norkko Alf , Gustafsson Bo G. , Bonsdorff Erik , Slomp Caroline P. , Carstensen Jacob , Conley Daniel J.
Published: July 2011

Invasive species and bottom‐water hypoxia both constitute major global threats to the diversity and integrity of marine ecosystems. These stressors may interact with unexpected consequences, as invasive species that require an initial environmental disturbance to become established can subsequently become important drivers of ecological change. There is recent evidence that improved bottom‐water oxygen conditions in coastal areas of the northern Baltic Sea coincide with increased abundances of the invasive polychaetesMarenzelleriaspp. Using a reactive‐transport model, we demonstrate that the long‐term bioirrigation activities of denseMarenzelleriapopulations have a major impact on sedimentary phosphorus dynamics. This may facilitate the switch from a seasonally hypoxic system back to a normoxic system by reducing the potential for sediment‐induced eutrophication in the upper water column. In contrast to short‐term laboratory experiments, our simulations, which cover a 10‐year period, show thatMarenzelleriahas the potential to enhance long‐term phosphorus retention in muddy sediments. Over time bioirrigation leads to a substantial increase in the iron‐bound phosphorus content of sediments while reducing the concentration of labile organic carbon. As surface sediments are maintained oxic, iron oxyhydroxides are able to persist and age into more refractory forms. The model illustrates mechanisms through whichMarenzelleriacan act as a driver of ecological change, although hypoxic disturbance or natural population declines in native species may be needed for them to initially become established. Invasive species are generally considered to have a negative impact; however, we show here that one of the main recent invaders in the Baltic Sea may provide important ecosystem services. This may be of particular importance in low‐diversity systems, where disturbances may dramatically alter ecosystem services due to low functional redundancy. Thus, an environmental problem in one region may be either exacerbated or alleviated by a single species from another region, with potentially ecosystem‐wide consequences.
The theory‐practice relationship: reflective skills and theoretical knowledge as key factors in bridging the gap between theory and practice in initial nursing education
Authors: Hatlevik Ida Katrine Riksaasen
Published: July 2011

hatlevik i.k.r. (2011) The theory‐practice relationship: reflective skills and theoretical knowledge as key factors in bridging the gap between theory and practice in initial nursing education. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 868–877.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a correlational study of the relations of nursing students’ acquired reflective skills, practical skills and theoretical knowledge on their perception of coherence between theory and practice.

Background.  Reflection is considered a key factor in bridging the gap between theory and practice. However, it is not evident whether reflective skills are primarily generic in nature or whether they develop from a theoretical knowledge base or the acquisition of practical skills.

Method.  This study is a secondary analysis of existing data. The data are part of a student survey that was conducted among third‐year nursing students in Norway during the spring of 2007. A total of 446 nursing students participated in this study and the response rate was 71%. Structural equation modelling analyses were performed.

Findings.  The results indicate that students’ perception of coherence between theory and practice during initial nursing education is directly influenced by reflective skills and theoretical knowledge. The results also reveal that reflective skills have mediating effects and that practical skills have a fully mediated and theoretical knowledge a partially mediated influence on students’ perception of coherence.

Conclusion.  The findings imply that helping students perceive coherence between theory and practice in nursing education, developing students’ reflective skills and strengthening the theoretical components of the initial nursing education programme might be beneficial. The results suggest that reflective thinking is not merely a generic skill but rather a skill that depends on the acquisition of relevant professional knowledge and experience.
Effects of maternal confidence and competence on maternal parenting stress in newborn care
Authors: Liu Chien‐Chi , Chen Yueh‐Chih , Yeh Yen‐Po , Hsieh Yeu‐Sheng
Published: July 2011

liu c.‐c., chen y.‐c., yeh y.‐p. & hsieh y.‐s.
(2011) Effects of maternal confidence and competence on maternal parenting stress in newborn care. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 908–918.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a correlational study of the relations of maternal confidence and maternal competence to maternal parenting stress during newborn care.

Background.  Maternal role development is a cognitive and social process influenced by cultural and family contexts and mother and child characteristics. Most knowledge about maternal role development comes from western society. However, perceptions of the maternal role in contemporary Taiwanese society may be affected by contextual and environmental factors.

Methods.  A prospective correlational design was used to recruit 372 postpartum Taiwanese women and their infants from well‐child clinics at 16 health centres in central Taiwan. Inclusion criteria for mothers were gestational age >37 weeks, ≥18 years old, and healthy, with infants <4 months old. Data were collected between August 2007 and January 2008 using a self‐report questionnaire on mothers’ and infants’ demographic variables, maternal confidence, maternal competence and self‐perceived maternal parenting stress.

Results.  After controlling for maternal parity and infant temperament, high maternal confidence and competence were associated with low maternal parenting stress. Maternal confidence influenced maternal parenting stress both directly and indirectly via maternal competence.

Conclusion.  To assist postpartum women in infant care programmes achieve positive outcomes, nurses should evaluate and bolster mothers’ belief in their own abilities. Likewise, nurses should not only consider mothers’ infant care skills, but also mothers’ parity and infant temperament. Finally, it is crucial for nurses and researchers to recognize that infant care programmes should be tailored to mothers’ specific maternal characteristics.
Cestode genomics – progress and prospects for advancing basic and applied aspects of flatworm biology
Authors: OLSON P. D. , ZAROWIECKI M. , KISS F. , BREHM K.
Published: July 2011

Characterization of the first tapeworm genome, Echinococcus multilocularis, is now nearly complete, and genome assemblies of E. granulosus, Taenia solium and Hymenolepis microstoma are in advanced draft versions. These initiatives herald the beginning of a genomic era in cestodology and underpin a diverse set of research agendas targeting both basic and applied aspects of tapeworm biology. We discuss the progress in the genomics of these species, provide insights into the presence and composition of immunologically relevant gene families, including the antigen B‐ and EG95/45W families, and discuss chemogenomic approaches toward the development of novel chemotherapeutics against cestode diseases. In addition, we discuss the evolution of tapeworm parasites and introduce the research programmes linked to genome initiatives that are aimed at understanding signalling systems involved in basic host–parasite interactions and morphogenesis.
Leishmania infantum LeIF and its recombinant polypeptides modulate interleukin IL‐12p70, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor‐α production by human monocytes
Authors: BARHOUMI M. , GARNAOUI A. , KAABI B. , TANNER N. K. , GUIZANI I.
Published: July 2011

Leishmania eukaryotic initiation factor (LeIF) antigen, a Leishmania protein, was shown to induce IL‐12, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production by human monocytes‐derived macrophages and dendritic cells from healthy individuals. This cytokine‐inducing activity was previously found to be located in the amino‐terminal region of LeIF protein. This study aimed at characterizing the cytokine‐inducing activity of Leishmania infantum LeIF [Leishmania (L.) infantum (LieIF)] and at defining the fragments necessary for inducing cytokine secretion. Eleven rationally designed recombinant polypeptides, corresponding to the entire LeIF protein or parts of it, were expressed and used to stimulate monocytes from healthy individuals. Leishmania (L.) infantum was able to induce IL‐12p70, IL‐10 and TNF‐α secretion in human monocytes. In addition, both amino‐ (1–226) and carboxyl‐terminal (196–403) parts of the protein were shown to induce significant levels of the three cytokines analysed. However, IL‐12p70‐inducing activity was not significant when monocytes were stimulated with the fragments 129–226 and 129–261, inferring that IL‐12p70‐inducing activity was primarily located within amino acids 1–129 and 261–403. Although the full‐length LieIF protein was a more potent inducer than the tested fragments, a significant cytokine‐inducing activity was maintained in smaller amino acid regions. This work suggests that cytokine‐inducing activity of LieIF or its parts could be exploited in vaccination or immunotherapy protocols.
Contribution of human neutrophils in the development of protective immune response during in vitro Leishmania major infection
Authors: SAFAIYAN S. , BOLHASSANI A. , NYLEN S. , AKUFFO H. , RAFATI S.
Published: July 2011

Stimulation of neutrophils may potentiate immunity to Leishmania major. CpG‐containing oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) has immune stimulatory effects and has been suggested as adjuvants and therapeutics to potentiate efficacy of vaccines and treatments against leishmaniasis. Here, we examined the stimulatory effect of synthetic ODN containing CpG motifs class A and B on cytokine production by neutrophils. Neutrophils from healthy donors responded to CpG‐ODN type A, but not to class B, with secretion of IL‐8 and following GM‐CSF pretreatment with TNF‐α production. To test whether neutrophil responses were altered in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and to better understand the role of neutrophils in susceptibility and resistance to disease, we evaluated cytokine responses in GM‐CSF preconditioned neutrophils from asymptomatic (Leishmanin skin test positive, LST+) and nonhealing CL individuals to CpG‐ODN class A and assessed the expression levels of toll‐like receptors (TLR2), 4 and 9. LST+ and healthy donor, but not nonhealing CL neutrophils, responded with TNF‐α secretion. Neutrophils from nonhealing CL displayed increased mRNA expression levels of TLR2, 4 and 9 compared to neutrophils from LST+ or healthy donors. Therefore, failure to cure CL is associated with reduced ability of neutrophils to secrete TNF‐α and correlates with high TLR 2, 4 and 9 expressions.
Rice 14‐3‐3 protein (GF14e) negatively affects cell death and disease resistance
Authors: Manosalva Patricia M. , Bruce Myron , Leach Jan E.
Published: July 2011

Plant 14‐3‐3 proteins regulate important cellular processes, including plant immune responses, through protein–protein interactions with a wide range of target proteins. In rice (Oryza sativa), the GF14e gene, which encodes a 14‐3‐3 protein, is induced during effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) associated with pathogens such as Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). To determine whether the GF14e gene plays a direct role in resistance to disease in rice, we suppressed its expression by RNAi silencing. GF14e suppression was correlated with the appearance of a lesion‐mimic (LM) phenotype in the transgenic plants at 3 weeks after sowing. This indicates inappropriate regulation of cell death, a phenotype that is frequently associated with enhanced resistance to pathogens. GF14e‐silenced rice plants showed high levels of resistance to a virulent strain of Xoo compared with plants that were not silenced. Enhanced resistance was correlated with GF14e silencing prior to and after development of the LM phenotype, higher basal expression of a defense response peroxidase gene (POX22.3), and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, GF14e‐silenced plants also exhibit enhanced resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. Together, our findings suggest that GF14e negatively affects the induction of plant defense response genes, cell death and broad‐spectrum resistance in rice.
Can carotenoids mediate the potentially harmful effects of ultraviolet light in Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis larvae?
Authors: Ogilvy V. , Preziosi R. F.
Published: July 2011

Amphibians have recently experienced unprecedented declines in the wild, the causes of which are often difficult to mitigate. This has increased the importance of ex situ conservation; however, long‐term maintenance and breeding of amphibians in captivity often has limited success. In vertebrates, vitamin D is required for calcium homeostasis and is produced endogenously in skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light; however, UV light can be harmful to amphibians in some instances. Carotenoids are dietary pigments that may provide protection from UV light. The aim of this study was to assess the protective capability of carotenoids against the potentially harmful effects of UV light in Silurana (=Xenopus) tropicalis larvae raised in an enhanced or limited UV environment. Tadpole survival and the size and developmental stage reached by the end of the study period were measured. Carotenoids had a significantly positive effect on developmental rate in both UV‐limited and UV‐enhanced environments. Larvae in an enhanced UV environment were significantly larger than those raised under a limited UV environment, irrespective of diet. Carotenoid‐fed larvae tended to have increased survival in relation to those raised without carotenoids, but only in a limited UV environment. Carotenoids appear to provide little protection against UV light in this case. The role of carotenoids in amphibian health has not previously been studied. We show that carotenoid availability significantly influences development and may increase survival in S. (X.) tropicalis larvae. This finding may have important implications for recommendations made on the nutrition of amphibians in captivity.
Genetic linkage map construction for kenaf using SRAP, ISSR and RAPD markers
Authors: Chen Mei‐xia , Wei Cheng‐lin , Qi Jian‐min , Chen Xing‐bo , Su Jian‐guang , Li Ai‐Qing , Tao Ai‐fen , Wu Wei‐ren
Published: July 2011

With 3 figures and 3 tables

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the most economically important crops for fibre production. Genetic maps have been developed in almost all the agricultural crops. However, genetic information for kenaf, especially, at the molecular level is limited. To better understand the genetic basis of kenaf for the improvement of production and to lay the foundation for molecular breeding efforts, a primary genetic linkage map was constructed using sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Cultivar ‘Alian kenaf’ and ‘Fuhong 992’ were used as parents to construct an F2 population consisting of 180 plants. We selected 494 SRAP, 60 ISSR, 120 RAPD and 300 two‐primer RAPD mixture primers that amplified 396 polymorphic loci in total. At a logarithm of the odds (LOD) score threshold of 5.0 and at a maximum map distance of 25 cM, these 396 loci were used to construct the genetic linkage map with MAPMAKER/EXP 3.0, a total of 307 loci were grouped into 26 linkage groups that spanned a total map length of around 4924.8 cM with a mean density of 16.04 cM per locus. These markers were distributed randomly in all linkage groups without any clustering. The construction of the kenaf genetic linkage map will be useful for further genetic studies including mapping both qualitative and quantitative traits, marker‐assisted selection program, and comparative genomics analysis.
Presence of Nitric Oxide Synthase Immunoreactivity and mRNA in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Oocytes and Embryos
Authors: Rameshbabu K , Sharma R , Singh KP , George A , Chauhan MS , Singla SK , Manik RS , Palta P
Published: July 2011

Contents

This study examined the presence of immunoreactivity and mRNA for different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in immature and in vitro matured oocytes and in embryos at two‐, four‐ and eight‐cell, and morula and blastocyst stages in buffalo. Oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse buffalo ovaries were subjected to in vitro maturation in TCM‐199 + 10% FBS + 5 μg/ml pFSH + 1 μg/ml estradiol‐17β + 0.81 mm sodium pyruvate + 10% buffalo follicular fluid + 50 μg/ml gentamycin sulphate for 24 h in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2 in air) at 38.5°C. Following in vitro fertilization carried out by incubating them with 2–4 million spermatozoa/ml for 18 h, the presumed zygotes were cultured in mCR2aa medium containing 0.6% BSA and 10% FBS for up to 8 days post insemination. Immunofluorescence staining of NOS using antibodies that cross‐reacted either with all the NOS isoforms i.e., universal (uNOS) or specifically with inducible (iNOS) or endothelial (eNOS) isoforms revealed that NOS was present in oocytes and embryos at all the stages examined. Examination of the semi‐quantitative expression of NOS genes by RT‐PCR revealed that the iNOS, eNOS and nNOS mRNA was present in the immature and mature oocytes and in all the embryonic stages examined. In conclusion, it was demonstrated in the present study that immunoreactivity and mRNA for different NOS isoforms was present in buffalo oocytes and pre‐implantation stage embryos.
Prognostic models for renal cell carcinoma recurrence: External validation in a Japanese population
Authors: Utsumi Takanobu , Ueda Takeshi , Fukasawa Satoshi , Komaru Atsushi , Sazuka Tomokazu , Kawamura Koji , Imamoto Takashi , Nihei Naoki , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: July 2011

The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of three prognostic models in predicting recurrence‐free survival among Japanese patients who underwent nephrectomy for non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients originated from two centers: Chiba University Hospital (n = 152) and Chiba Cancer Center (n = 65). The following data were collected: age, sex, clinical presentation, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, surgical technique, 1997 tumor–node–metastasis stage, clinical and pathological tumor size, histological subtype, disease recurrence, and progression. Three western models, including Yaycioglu's model, Cindolo's model and Kattan's nomogram, were used to predict recurrence‐free survival. Predictive accuracy of these models were validated by using Harrell's concordance‐index. Concordance‐indexes were 0.795 and 0.745 for Kattan's nomogram, 0.700 and 0.634 for Yaycioglu's model, and 0.700 and 0.634 for Cindolo's model, respectively. Furthermore, the constructed calibration plots of Kattan's nomogram overestimated the predicted probability of recurrence‐free survival after 5 years compared with the actual probability. Our findings suggest that despite working better than other predictive tools, Kattan's nomogram needs be used with caution when applied to Japanese patients who have undergone nephrectomy for non‐metastatic RCC.
Benefits of Practicing 4 = 2 + 2: Nontraditional Problem Formats Facilitate Children’s Understanding of Mathematical Equivalence
Authors: McNeil Nicole M. , Fyfe Emily R. , Petersen Lori A. , Dunwiddie April E. , Brletic‐Shipley Heather
Published: July 2011

This study examined whether practice with arithmetic problems presented in a nontraditional problem format improves understanding of mathematical equivalence. Children (M age = 8;0; N = 90) were randomly assigned to practice addition in one of three conditions: (a) traditional, in which problems were presented in the traditional “operations on left side” format (e.g., 9 + 8 = 17); (b) nontraditional, in which problems were presented in a nontraditional format (e.g., 17 = 9 + 8); or (c) no extra practice. Children developed a better understanding of mathematical equivalence after receiving nontraditional practice than after receiving traditional practice or no extra practice. Results suggest that minor differences in early input can yield substantial differences in children’s understanding of fundamental concepts.
A Refined Methodology for Durability‐Based Service Life Estimation of Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements Considering Fuzzy and Random Uncertainties
Authors: Anoop M. B. , Raghuprasad B. K. , Balaji Rao K.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  A reliable method for service life estimation of the structural element is a prerequisite for service life design. A new methodology for durability‐based service life estimation of reinforced concrete flexural elements with respect to chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforcement is proposed. The methodology takes into consideration the fuzzy and random uncertainties associated with the variables involved in service life estimation by using a hybrid method combining the vertex method of fuzzy set theory with Monte Carlo simulation technique. It is also shown how to determine the bounds for characteristic value of failure probability from the resulting fuzzy set for failure probability with minimal computational effort. Using the methodology, the bounds for the characteristic value of failure probability for a reinforced concrete T‐beam bridge girder has been determined. The service life of the structural element is determined by comparing the upper bound of characteristic value of failure probability with the target failure probability. The methodology will be useful for durability‐based service life design and also for making decisions regarding in‐service inspections.
Technological change as chaotic process
Authors: Hung Shih‐Chang , Tu Min‐Fen
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we draw upon the concepts of chaos theory to examine technological change as a pattern of punctuated equilibrium through the alternation of continuity and discontinuity across time. We advocate the application of the chaos mathematical technique of time‐varying local Lyapunov exponents to estimate the rates of change, timing of technological transitions and the continuity–discontinuity loop time periods. To illustrate our framework of ideas, we investigated and compared the development of four technologies – semiconductor, display, software, and biotechnology – from 1976 to 2005, using time series patent data. Implications for theory, method, and practice are discussed.
Reflexivity, stress, and unlearning in the new product development team: the moderating effect of procedural justice
Authors: Lee Les Tien‐Shang , Sukoco Badri Munir
Published: July 2011

The success of new product development (NPD) depends on a team's abilities to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competences and the flexibility to address rapidly changing environments. To develop innovative products it is desirable that these processes should not be constrained by current beliefs and routines. NPD teams therefore need to engage in an unlearning process to overcome any resistance to new ideas and to facilitate a fresh approach. The paper recognizes that the controlled experience of stress plays a part in unlearning (e.g., confusion about technology or market change can encourage changes) and argues that teams should systematically reflect on the progress they are making in projects and in unlearning. The fairness of procedures used by the management moderates the proposed relationships. Two hundred and ninety eight team members and 77 NPD team leaders participated in the study. The results indicate that team reflexivity positively influences unlearning and product innovation, while team stress has a negative effect. The perceived fairness of management procedures strengthens the positive effects of team reflexivity on unlearning and product innovation, and reduces negative effect of team stress.
Circuits of Schooling: A Sociological Exploration of Parental Choice of School in Social Class Contexts
Authors: Ball Stephen J. , Bowe Richard , Gewirtz Sharon
Published: July 2011

Parental choice of school is one of the main platforms of government education policy and is the centre piece of the Parents Charter. But sociological understanding of choice and choice-making is woefully underdeveloped. This paper draws on an ESRC study of market forces in education to explore social class variations in choice of school in one specific locality. The complexity of choice-making is portrayed using data from interviews with parents and it is argued that middle-class parents are taking full advantage of ‘the market’ to sustain or re-assert their class advantages.
Attitudes, Accounts and Impact Assessment
Authors: Burningham Kate
Published: July 2011

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the sociological study of environmental issues. One area in which this is evident is in the application of social scientific methods in social impact assessment (SIA): the study of the anticipated social impact of proposed changes to the environment. This paper addresses one aspect of the debate about appropriate methods for SIA; whether, and how, to include the expressed views and perceptions of those who will be affected. It is argued first that although SIA ostensibly deals with the social effects of projects there is a tendency for assessments to avoid any detailed consideration of the ways in which people are affected. Instead there is an emphasis upon technical and economic considerations. When assessments do attempt to incorporate the perceptions of local people they typically do so through some form of attitude research. However if language is viewed as a form of social action rather than as a detached commentary on reality there are radical implications for the methods traditionally used in SIA to gauge people's views and attitudes. I conclude by outlining an alternative to the traditional practice of viewing peoples' accounts as a repository of their attitudes, arguing that they might be more profitably used to explore how social impacts are socially constructed.
Latin and British in Roman and Post‐Roman Britain: methodology and morphology
Authors: Russell Paul
Published: July 2011

Contact between Latin and British, the Brittonic Celtic language, in Roman and post‐Roman Britain has received considerable attention in the last few years as part of a more general discussion of linguistic contact phenomena in early Britain. Much of the discussion has focused on phonological aspects, although morphological features have sometimes been invoked without discussion. The aim of this paper is to consider some of the morphological features which have been claimed to reflect Latin influence on Brittonic Celtic languages, such as loss of a case system, loss of the neuter gender, the development of compound prepositions, and the acquisition of a pluperfect tense.
Language and technology: some examples from Seafaring (Germanic and Celtic)1
Authors: Thier Katrin
Published: July 2011

Language contact and the transfer of technologies are closely linked and often influence each other. This paper examines a few examples from the domain of seafaring at various periods relevant to the history of Anglo‐Saxon England and the Old English language. The origin of Old English segl is used to illustrate prehistoric influences reflected in the recorded vocabulary; the fate of ciula, the Latin adaptation of ceol, shows the failing of a borrowing in the course of the Anglo‐Saxon period; and floege and cuople are rare Viking Age survivors of oral and literary contact with two very different languages.
Sabrina in the thorns: place‐names as evidence for British and Latin in Roman Britain
Authors: Parsons David N.
Published: July 2011

This article reviews published work which draws on various kinds of evidence to assess the linguistic situation in Roman Britain. Having reached some interim conclusions about the state of scholarship, it proceeds to examine the particular contribution that place‐names can make to the debate on how far Latin may have taken hold in the province at the expense of the native British Celtic. While there is rather more evidence of Latin here than has often been allowed, the widespread continuity of British across much, at least, of Lowland Britain is reaffirmed, in the face of a recent suggestion to the contrary.
Creep of Dam Concrete Evaluated from Laboratory and In Situ Tests
Authors: Serra C. , Batista A. L. , Tavares de Castro A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  One of the most important phenomena of the delayed behaviour of mass concrete used in dams is creep, i.e., the increase in deformation over time when subjected to constant stress. Although several studies concerning concrete creep were carried out throughout the last decades in a structural and material level, the physical and chemical phenomena are yet to be fully understood. This paper presents a study on the Alqueva dam’s concrete deformability in which a parameter evaluation was performed using the Baz̆ant and Panula’s basic creep function, based on both in situ and laboratory creep test results. In the first part of the paper, the approach and material properties that better fit the experimental data of a dam’s mass concrete are presented. In the second part, the fitted function for each in situ test was validated using a finite element numerical model that takes into account the time‐dependent behaviour, the applied stress and the monitored temperatures.
The self‐esteem roller coaster: Adult attachment moderates the impact of daily feedback
Authors: HEPPER ERICA G. , CARNELLEY KATHERINE B.
Published: July 2011

People with different attachment orientations rely on different sources of self‐esteem. This 14‐day diary study examined the impact of different types of feedback on self‐esteem for adults of different attachment orientations. Consistent with theory, higher (vs. lower) anxious participants' daily self‐esteem fluctuated more with daily interpersonal feedback conveying rejection or coming from a romantic partner; they also self‐reported stronger reactions to idiosyncratic negative interpersonal feedback. Higher (vs. lower) avoidant participants showed weaker daily self‐esteem fluctuation with positive interpersonal feedback, and those with a fearful‐avoidant attachment pattern reported stronger reactions to positive agentic feedback. Self‐reported emotional reactions mediated links between attachment dimensions and self‐reported impact of feedback on self‐evaluations. Results highlight the importance of affect‐regulation strategies in influencing regulation of self‐esteem.
Carbon isotope evidence of last glacial climate variations in the tropical NW Leizhou Peninsula, South China
Authors: ZHONG WEI , CAO JIAYUAN , XUE JIBIN , OUYANG JUN , WANG HAIMEI , TANG XIAOHONG , GAO XIAOYAN
Published: July 2011

Zhong, W., Cao, J., Xue, J., Ouyang, J., Wang, H., Tang, X. & Gao, X. 2012 (January): Carbon isotope evidence of last glacial climate variations in the tropical NW Leizhou Peninsula, South China. Boreas, Vol. 41, pp. 102–112. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2011.00224.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

Bulk organic δ13C values of sediment sequences are commonly used to indicate past climatic changes, although the causes and mechanisms leading to the observed organic carbon isotope responses are presently not fully understood. Based on two sedimentary sequences, namely a peat profile and a fluvial and swamp sequence from the tropical NW Leizhou Peninsula in South China, we interpret more negative bulk organic δ13C values to suggest wetter and warmer conditions, implying a stronger East Asian (EA) summer monsoon, and less negative δ13C values to indicate drier and cooler conditions, reflecting a weakening of the EA summer monsoon. A warm and wet period occurred between c. 48.0 and 28.0 cal. ka BP. In the study region, a climate shift occurred at c. 22.0 (or 20.0) cal. ka BP, and the driest and coldest period occurred between c. 19.0 and 16.0 cal. ka BP. After c. 12.0 cal. ka BP, the climate changed towards wetter and warmer conditions. Several possible millennial‐scale dry and cold oscillations characterized possibly by C4 plants, or by more positive organic δ13C values during the period when C3 plants dominated, are cautiously and tentatively interpreted as showing a similarity with Heinrich events and other cold millennial‐scale oscillations evidenced from a Greenland ice core and Chinese stalagmite. We demonstrate that bulk organic δ13C records of sedimentary sequences in the study region have potential for indicating the changes in vegetation composition that were closely associated with climate variation during the last glacial period.
The use of noncellularized artificial dermis in the prevention of scar contracture and hypertrophy
Authors: Téot Luc , Otman Sami , Trial Chloé , Brancati Antonio
Published: July 2011

Abnormal scarring occurring after wounds and burns remains a major source of functional and cosmetic disorders. The dermal part of the skin is recognized as playing a major role in the contraction process. The skin dermis may be involved in superficial wounds, but when the basal membrane and the sources of keratinocytes, like hair follicles and adnexa, are left intact, little visible scarring is observed. The skin elasticity may be preserved, even when the extracellular matrix is somehow altered. On the opposite extreme, in wounds of extended depth, the loss of dermal component results in the absence of elasticity and fibroblastic cell proliferation, leading to hypertrophy and contracture. These phenomena may be explained either by differences in cell populations, by extracellular matrix reactions to different stimuli, or by chemical control of interactions between cells and matrix.
Controlling the Airwaves: Incumbency Advantage and Community Radio in Brazil
Authors: Boas Taylor C. , Hidalgo F. Daniel
Published: July 2011

Direct influence over communication media is a potent resource during electoral campaigns, and politicians have an incentive to gain control of the airwaves to advance their careers. In this article, we use data on community radio license applications in Brazil to identify both the causal effect of incumbency on politicians’ ability to control the media and the causal effect of media control on their future electoral prospects. Using a regression discontinuity design, we compare city council candidates who barely won or barely lost an election, showing that incumbency more than doubles the probability of an application’s approval by the Ministry of Communications. Next, using genetic matching, we compare candidates who acquired community radio licenses before an election to similar politicians who did not, showing that a radio station substantially increases one’s vote share and probability of victory. These findings demonstrate that media control helps entrench local political power in Brazil.
The Rationale Determining Advocacy Coalitions: Examining Coordination Networks and Corresponding Beliefs
Authors: Matti Simon , Sandström Annica
Published: July 2011

The contemporary trend within natural resource governance sees a strong increase in collaborative management. A successful turnout of these arrangements is, however, dependent upon the formation and characteristics of advocacy coalitions. Uncovering the rationale determining coalitions is therefore a key undertaking in policy analysis and the advocacy coalition framework (ACF) has been widely applied for this purpose. This article aspires to test several important hypotheses regarding the nature of coordination networks and the formation of coalitions, treating the ACF both as an inspiration and as a framework in need of further refinement. This is done in the context of a complex and conflict‐ridden policy subsystem: the Swedish carnivore‐management subsystem. The results indicate, firstly, that perceived belief correspondence, and not perceived influence, is the driving mechanism behind coordination; and, secondly, that the catalog of beliefs shared by actors within a coalition is composed by policy core beliefs, in particular, with a more normative content, while no connection between deep core beliefs and coordination is found.
Network Structures within Policy Processes: Coalitions, Power, and Brokerage in Swiss Climate Policy
Authors: Ingold Karin
Published: July 2011

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) is a prominent approach to investigate the formation of coalition and their impact on policy outputs. Although the ACF combines both the network structures of a political process with actors' values and belief systems, most empirical tests focus mainly on beliefs rather than network structures. Considering a relational approach makes particular sense when one wants to investigate the structural patterns of a subsystem and to assess coalition formation and maintenance. The author therefore proceeds by taking two steps to study the existence of coalitions, power relations, and policy preferences: first, social network analysis frames the empirical study of network structures, based on the assumption that common beliefs are reflected in relations among actors involved in policy processes. Second, using a sophisticated mathematical algorithm, the multicriteria analysis furnishes a systematic evaluation of the elite's belief system. This methodological combination constitutes the added value of this research and allows for testing to establish if common beliefs are reflected in network structures.
Shifting Resources and Venues Producing Policy Change in Contested Subsystems: A Case Study of Swedish Signals Intelligence Policy
Authors: Nohrstedt Daniel
Published: July 2011

In the last decade and across countries, changes in national intelligence policies have spurred widespread political opposition and public protest. Instances of intelligence policy change warrant close academic attention to cast light on the dynamics of policymaking in contested policy areas. In an effort to contribute to further development of a theory of policy change within the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), this article analyzes the adoption of legislation in Sweden to expand the mandate for signals intelligence gathering. Three explanatory variables are derived from the ACF to explain policy change in this case: shifts in advocacy coalition membership, distribution of coalition resources, and access to policy venues. Whereas shifts in coalition membership were unrelated to policy change in this case, the case‐study lends partial support to the role of resource distribution and policy venues. To promote the progress of an ACF theory of policy change, the study concludes by drawing two theoretical implications: (i) introducing hierarchical classification of coalition resources and (ii) identification of revised policy narratives and exploitative policy entrepreneurship as causal mechanisms linking external shocks to venue shifts and policy change.
Policy Narratives and Policy Processes
Authors: Shanahan Elizabeth A. , Jones Michael D. , McBeth Mark K.
Published: July 2011

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) has influenced a generation of policy scholars with its emphasis on causal drivers, testable hypotheses, and falsification. Until recently, the role of policy narratives has been largely neglected in ACF literature partially because much of that work has operated outside of traditional social science principles, such as falsification. Yet emerging literature under the rubric of Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) demonstrates how the role of policy narratives in policy processes is studied using the same rigorous social science standards initially set forth by Paul A. Sabatier. The NPF identifies theories specifying narrative elements and strategies that are likely useful to ACF researchers as classes of variables that have yet to be integrated. Examining this proposition, we provide seven hypotheses related to critical ACF concepts including advocacy coalitions and policy beliefs, policy learning, public opinion, and strategy. Our goal is to stay within the scientific, theoretical, and methodological tradition of the ACF and show how NPF's empirical, hypotheses, and causal driven work on policy narratives identifies theories applicable to ACF research while also offering an independent framework capable of explaining the policy process through the power of policy narratives. In doing so, we believe both ACF and NPF scholarship can contribute to the advancement of our understanding of the policy process.
Dipyridamole stress echocardiography in diagnosis and prognosis of hemodialysis patients with asymptomatic coronary disease
Authors: RIVERA Rodolfo F. , MIRCOLI Luca , BONFORTE Giuseppe , TORRI Valter , MONTEFORTE Marta , STELLA Andrea , Genovesi Simonetta
Published: July 2011

The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is high in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of dipyridamole stress echocardiography (DSE) in nondiabetic HD patients without signs or symptoms of CAD. In 51 out of 158 evaluated HD patients (21 females, age 67 [33–85] years, HD duration 38 [9–271] months), resting echocardiography and DSE were performed. Exclusion criteria were known CAD, diabetes mellitus, and pulmonary and oncologic pathologies. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of abnormal DSE response, while Cox regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with total and cardiovascular mortality, after 43.3 (11–60) months of follow‐up. Seven patients (14%) showed a positive response to DSE (DSE+). In 5/7, CAD was documented by angiography: All of them underwent coronary revascularization. DSE+ patients had significantly smaller body mass index than patients with a negative response (DSE‐): 21.7 ± 1.9 vs. 25.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2 (p = 0.018). During follow‐up, 16 (31%) patients died. Older age hazard ratio [HR = 1.07; confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.12; p = 0.02] and higher plasma phosphate levels (HR = 10.41; CI = 2.30–47.17; p < 0.01) were predictors of total mortality. Male gender (HR = 22.7; CI = 1.45–354.4; p = 0.03), older age (HR = 1.24; CI = 1.03–1.50; p = 0.02), longer HD duration (HR = 1.13; CI = 1.01–1.26; p = 0.04), and positive response to DSE (HR = 5.82; CI = 1.04–32.65; p = 0.04) were associated with cardiovascular mortality. Ten percent of asymptomatic HD patients had significant CAD, but timely diagnosis did not seem to improve their prognosis. Total survival was associated with age and higher levels of plasma phosphate, while male gender, older age, longer HD duration, and DSE+ were predictors of cardiovascular mortality.
Dialysate saving by automated control of flow rates: Comparison between individualized online hemodiafiltration and standard hemodialysis
Authors: MESIC Enisa , BOCK Andreas , MAJOR Lajos , VASLAKI Lajos , BERTA Klara , WIKSTROM Bjorn , CANAUD Bernard , WOJKE Ralf
Published: July 2011

Cost reduction and quality improvement seem to be conflicting issues. However, online hemodiafiltration (oHDF) with new automatic functions offers a cost‐efficient therapy compared to hemodialysis (HD). Seven dialysis centers conducted a randomized clinical trial with cross‐over design: high‐flux HD vs. postdilutional oHDF with functions coupling both dialysate and substitution flow rates to blood flow rates. During the 6 weeks of the study, all treatment parameters remained unchanged for HD and oHDF, apart from dialysate and substitution flow rate. Treatment data were recorded during each treatment, and predialytic and postdialytic concentrations of urea were recorded at the end of each study phase. The analysis involved 956 treatments of 54 patients. The mean dialysate consumption was 123.2 ± 6.4 l for HD and 113.4 ± 14.9 l for oHDF (p < 0.0001), the mean dialysis dose was 1.42 ± 0.23 for HD and 1.47 ± 0.26 for oHDF (p < 0.0001); oHDF resulted in a lower dialysate consumption (8.0% less) and a slightly increased dialysis dose (Kt/V 3.5% higher) compared to HD. oHDF with the investigated automatic functions offers substantial savings in dialysate consumption without decreasing dialysis dose.
Raman Spectroscopic Observations of Ferroelastic Switching in Ceria‐Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Bolon Amy M. , Gentleman Molly M.
Published: July 2011

Ferroelasticity was observed in 18‐mol% ceria‐stabilized zirconia using polarized confocal Raman spectroscopy. Samples were either indented using a diamond Vickers indenter or loaded uniaxially in a diamond anvil cell to induce the ferroelastic behavior. The presence and formation of the ferroelastic domains were observed by monitoring the relative intensities of the B1g and A1g Raman modes for the tetragonal phase. Domain switching was found to be present on the surfaces in the damaged materials both inside and around cracks. Loading of the ceramic materials revealed hysteresis in the relative intensities of the Raman peaks as a function of loading and unloading.