bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems with non‐adherence to antipsychotic medication in Samoan new Zealanders: A literature review
Authors: Ioasa‐Martin Itagia , Moore Laurie Jo
Published: March 2012

This paper explores what is known about adherence to antipsychotic medications in general and the possible reasons for non‐adherence in Samoan New Zealanders. Samoan New Zealanders are either Samoan‐born immigrants or their descendents born in New Zealand. Clinicians recognize a high prevalence of non‐adherence among Samoan New Zealanders. The authors hypothesize that traditional Samoan beliefs play a prominent role in problems with adherence. To investigate this hypothesis, a review of the literature on adherence in Samoan New Zealanders was undertaken. Documents from the Ministry of Health support the hypothesis. To investigate this issue, the Ministry of Health initiated a qualitative research project to examine the nature of Samoan traditional beliefs. The results of this study are summarized. No research had previously been undertaken on adherence in Samoan New Zealanders. In general, there is a lack of research on all aspects of the mental health of Pacific peoples in New Zealand. Literature reviews of adherence research consistently show that interventions that improve adherence address the beliefs, behaviours, and relationships surrounding adherence. This finding supports the author's hypothesis that traditional beliefs play an important role in the problem of adherence. Further definitive study with Samoan New Zealanders is required.
Estimation of the endurance fatigue limit for structural steel in load increasing tests at low temperature
Authors: KUCHARCZYK P. , RIZOS A. , MÜNSTERMANN S. , BLECK W.
Published: March 2012

The endurance fatigue strength of structural steel S355 was investigated in fatigue tests according to the method of increasing stress amplitude. The so‐called ‘load increasing test’ is based on the direct correlation between the fatigue limit and the temperature changes caused by local plastic deformation ahead of the tip of a micro crack, which was initiated as a result of cyclic loading. In the present work the fatigue limit for testing temperatures 40°C and −20°C was estimated not only from the temperature measurements but also from the electrical potential measurements. Further, the obtained results were validated in standard fatigue tests with constant stress amplitude and a very good agreement was found.
Mechanism‐based life model for out‐of‐phase thermomechanical fatigue in single crystal Ni‐base superalloys
Authors: AMARO R. L. , ANTOLOVICH S. D. , NEU R. W.
Published: March 2012

This paper describes an enhanced physics‐inspired model to predict the life of the second‐generation single crystal superalloy PWA 1484 experiencing out‐of‐phase (OP) thermomechanical fatigue (TMF). Degradation due to either pure fatigue or a coupling between fatigue and environmental attack are the primary concerns under this loading. The life model incorporates the effects of material anisotropy by utilizing the inelastic shear strain on the slip system having the highest Schmid factor while accounting for the effects of temperature‐dependent slip spacing and stress‐assisted γ′ depletion. Both conventional TMF and special bithermal fatigue (BiF) experiments were conducted to isolate and therefore better understand the interactions between these degradation mechanisms. The influences of crystallographic orientation, applied mechanical strain range, cycle maximum temperature and high temperature hold times were assessed. The resulting physics‐inspired life estimation model for OP TMF and OP BiF predicts the number of cycles to crack initiation as a function of crystal orientation, applied strain amplitude and stresses, temperature, cycle time (including dwells), and surface roughness within a factor of 2.
A study of size effects and length scales in fracture and fatigue of metals by second gradient modelling*
Authors: STAMOULIS K. , GIANNAKOPOULOS A. E.
Published: March 2012

As the dimensions of structures are scaled down to the micro‐ and nano‐domains, the mechanical behaviour becomes size dependent and thus, we cannot expect the classical elasticity solutions to hold. In particular, recent experimental investigations of fatigue strength of metals show pronounced strengthening due to the influences of small geometrical dimensions. Based on second gradient elasticity framework as particularized on beams, closed form solutions to idealized problems of elastic cantilever bending, elastic three‐point bending and elasto‐plastic torsion have been found, showing considerable stiffening, toughening and hardening, respectively, compared to the classical theory predictions. In these models, the intrinsic material length scale was taken to be constant. Furthermore, we describe a gradient solid with a characteristic length which is not a fixed material parameter but depends on the amount of plastic effective strain amplitude, as obtained from cyclic strain hardening. A respective evolution law is suggested and discussed.
Consideration of concurrent transverse cracking and induced delamination propagation using a generalized micro‐meso approach and experimental validation
Authors: HOSSEINI‐TOUDESHKY H. , FARROKHABADI A. , MOHAMMADI B.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability and more verification of recently developed new micro‐meso approach by the authors. Defining the damage evolution law in traditional classic mesomechanics approaches needs multifarious standard and non‐standard lay‐up tests. By combining the micromechanics and mesomechanics approaches, a relatively new micro‐meso model is proposed to overcome the major disadvantage of traditional meso‐scale modelling. In this study, standard tests are firstly performed to obtain the stress‐strain behaviour of various laminates and then the effects of transverse cracking and induced delamination on laminates responses are examined under uniaxial loading. Furthermore, the recently developed new micro‐meso approach is employed to predict the damage growth and stress‐strain response of examined composite specimens in the experimental study. The experimental results are used to verify this micro‐meso approach and discuss the differences. It is shown that the predicted stress‐strain behaviours using the developed method are in good agreement with the experimental results for various laminates with different lay‐up configurations.
Triphasic ratcheting strain prediction of materials over stress cycles
Authors: AHMADZADEH G. R. , VARVANI‐FARAHANI A.
Published: March 2012

This study intends to formulate ratcheting strain evolution in steel alloys of 42CrMo, 20CS, SA333 Gr. 6 C‐Mn and OFHC copper over uniaxial stress cycles. Stages of ratcheting deformation were related to stress cycles, lifespan, mechanical properties and amplitude and mean stress components by means of linear and nonlinear functions. Terms of mechanical properties in the ratcheting formulation enabled to characterize ratcheting response of various materials over life cycles. These terms were further employed to interpret the influence of softening/hardening response of materials on ratcheting deformation. Ratcheting data for 42CrMo, 20CS, SA333 steels and OFHC copper reported in the literature were employed to evaluate the proposed ratcheting formulation. The predicted ratcheting strain values based on the proposed equation were found in good agreements as compared with the experimental data.
Structure and mechanism of diet specialisation: testing models of individual variation in resource use with sea otters
Authors: Tim Tinker M. , Guimarães Paulo R. , Novak Mark , Marquitti Flavia Maria Darcie , Bodkin James L. , Staedler Michelle , Bentall Gena , Estes James A.
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 475–483

Studies of consumer‐resource interactions suggest that individual diet specialisation is empirically widespread and theoretically important to the organisation and dynamics of populations and communities. We used weighted networks to analyze the resource use by sea otters, testing three alternative models for how individual diet specialisation may arise. As expected, individual specialisation was absent when otter density was low, but increased at high‐otter density. A high‐density emergence of nested resource‐use networks was consistent with the model assuming individuals share preference ranks. However, a density‐dependent emergence of a non‐nested modular network for ‘core’ resources was more consistent with the ‘competitive refuge’ model. Individuals from different diet modules showed predictable variation in rank‐order prey preferences and handling times of core resources, further supporting the competitive refuge model. Our findings support a hierarchical organisation of diet specialisation and suggest individual use of core and marginal resources may be driven by different selective pressures.
Use of a balloon catheter in management of the pelvic space following laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision
Authors: Bulut O. , Rasmussen H. B. , Jess P.
Published: March 2012

Aim  Management of the pelvic space following laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision remains controversial. We describe a simple technique for obliteration of the pelvic space after laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision.

Method  Pneumoperitoneum was re‐established after completion of the operative procedure and a Foley catheter Ch. 24 was inserted through the right lower port under direct vision. The balloon of the catheter, placed in the presacral space, was filled with 50 ml of sterile saline and connected to passive drainage. The catheter was removed 10 days postoperatively.

Results  This technique was used in 15 patients with the median age of 74 years (range 63–86). Eleven patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 5–11). Two patients (13.3%) treated with chemoradiotherapy developed a superficial perineal wound infection and four patients (26.6%) had a deep pelvic abscess, which required surgical drainage. The median time of perineal wound healing was 3 months (range 2–8). The median follow‐up time was 36 months (range18–60). None of the patients developed perineal hernia or intestinal obstruction in the follow‐up period. One patient underwent small bowel resection due to stenosis caused by radiation enteritis. There was no local recurrence, but two patients developed distant metastases after 12 months.

Conclusion  Our results suggest that filling the pelvic cavity with a balloon catheter for 10 days results in the creation of a thin, fibrotic peritoneal layer which keeps the small intestine out of the pelvis and prevents loops of intestine adhering in the pelvic cavity.
Causes of diminished renal function in the affected kidney after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Tatsugami Katsunori , Tanaka Shingo , Ohtsubo Satoshi , Inokuchi Junichi , Yokomizo Akira , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Song Yoo Hyun , Naito Seiji
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

When partial nephrectomy is performed, renal vessels are clamped to avoid bleeding during tumour resection. Renal cooling during renal vessel clamping has the advantage of avoiding renal damage. We consider that the open approach is a choice for avoiding renal damage in patients with a solitary kidney or a risk of chronic kidney disease, if renal cooling cannot be performed in laparoscopic surgery.

The results obtained in the present study suggest that cold ischaemia has the advantage of the recovery of postoperative affected renal function. However, further evaluation for a long period after surgery is needed to evaluate the recovery of affected renal function.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cause of diminished renal function in the affected kidney after partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal tumour, we analyzed the relationship between operative data and postoperative recovery with respect to renal function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From May 2005 to December 2010, pre‐ and postoperative (1 week and 3 months after the procedure) renal function was evaluated by 99mTc‐ mercaptoacetyltriglycine clearance in 51 patients treated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN; n= 24) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN; n= 27).

LPN was performed via retroperitoneal (RPLPN; n= 14) or transperitoneal (TPLPN; n= 13) routes.

Renal cooling was performed after renal hilar clamping in OPN and RPLPN, although not in TPLPN.

RESULTS

There were 10 patients (two in OPN, six in TPLPN, two in RPLPN) who had diminished renal function in the affected kidney from 1 week to 3 months after PN.

Warm ischaemia (versus cold ischaemia; P= 0.017) during renal hilar clamping resulted in diminished renal function.

Using multivariate analysis, renal cooling influenced postoperative diminished renal function (P= 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful preservation of renal function after PN depends on renal cooling during renal hilar clamping.

Cold ischaemia for avoiding renal damage is recommended if renal hilar clamping is necessary for tumour extraction.
The prevalence and natural history of urinary symptoms among recreational ketamine users
Authors: Winstock Adam R. , Mitcheson Luke , Gillatt David A. , Cottrell Angela M.
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Case series have described lower urinary tract symptoms associated with ketamine use including severe pain, frequency, haematuria and dysuria. Little is known regarding the frequency of symptoms, relationship of symptoms with dose and frequency of use and natural history of symptoms once the ketamine user has stopped.

This study describes the prevalence of ketamine use in a population of recreational drug users in a dance music setting. It shows a dose–frequency relationship with ketamine use. It shows that urinary symptoms associated with recreational ketamine use may lead to a considerable demand on health resources in the primary‐, secondary‐ and emergency‐care settings. It shows that symptoms may improve once ketamine use is decreased.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and natural history of urinary symptoms in a cohort of recreational ketamine users.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A purposeful sampling technique was used.

Between November 2009 and January 2010 participants were invited to undertake an on‐line questionnaire promoted by a national dance music magazine and website.

Data regarding demographics and illicit drug‐use were collected.

Among respondents reporting recent ketamine use, additional information detailing their ketamine use, experience of urinary symptoms and use of related healthcare services was obtained.

RESULTS

In all, 3806 surveys were completed, of which 1285 (33.8%) participants reported ketamine use within the last year.

Of the ketamine users, 17% were found to be dependent on the drug; 26.6% (340) of recent ketamine users reported experiencing urinary symptoms.

Urinary symptoms were significantly related to both dose of ketamine used and frequency of ketamine use.

Of 251 users reporting their experience of symptoms over time in relationship to their use of ketamine, 51% reported improvement in urinary symptoms upon cessation of use with only eight (3.8%) reporting deterioration after stopping use.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary tract symptoms are reported in over a quarter of regular ketamine users.

A dose and frequency response relationship has been shown between ketamine use and urinary symptoms.

Both users and primary‐care providers need to be educated about urinary symptoms that may arise in ketamine users. A multi‐disciplinary approach promoting harm reduction, cessation and early referral is needed to manage individuals with ketamine‐associated urinary tract symptoms to avoid progression to severe and irreversible urological pathologies.
Costs of paediatric diabetes care in Germany: current situation and comparison with the year 2000
Authors: Bächle C. C. , Holl R. W. , Straßburger K. , Molz E. , Chernyak N. , Beyer P. , Schimmel U. , Rütschle H. , Seidel J. , Lepler R. , Holder M. , Rosenbauer J. , Icks A. ,   for the DPV Initiative and the German BMBF Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1327–1334 (2012)

Aims  To estimate direct costs of paediatric Type 1 diabetes care and associated factors in Germany for the year 2007 and to compare results with the costs for the year 2000.

Methods  Our study includes clinical data and charges for any diabetes‐related health care service of 14 185 continually treated subjects with paediatric diabetes aged < 20 years [52.5% male, mean age (SD) 12.1 (4.2) years], derived from a nationwide prospective patient documentation system (DPV). Health‐care utilization was valued in monetary terms by using inpatient and outpatient medical fees and retail prices (perspective of the statutory health insurance). Associations between average total diabetes‐related costs or various single cost categories per patient and age, sex, migration background, diabetes duration, and metabolic control were analysed by multiple regression procedures and by a two‐part model for hospitalization costs. Total direct costs in the whole paediatric diabetes population in Germany were estimated. Mean costs per patient as well as total costs in the German paediatric diabetes population in 2007 were compared to 2000 costs (inflated to the year 2007).

Results  Mean direct diabetes‐associated costs per subject were €3524 (inter‐quartile range: 1831–4743). Main cost categories were hospitalization (32%), glucose self‐monitoring (29%), insulin pump therapy (18%), and insulin (15%). Based on the present estimation, the total costs of paediatric diabetes care in Germany exceeded €110 million in 2007. Compared with estimates of the year 2000, average costs per patient had increased by 20% and total costs for German paediatric diabetes care by 47%.

Conclusions  Direct costs for paediatric Type 1 diabetes care increased between 2000 and 2007, probably partly because of new therapeutic strategies and an increase in diabetes prevalence.
Contemporary rates of severe hypoglycaemia in youth with Type 1 diabetes: variability by insulin regimen
Authors: Katz M. L. , Volkening L. K. , Anderson B. J. , Laffel L. M.
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 926–932 (2012)

Aims  To determine incidence rates of severe hypoglycaemia and compare incidence rates by insulin regimen in a diverse sample of youth with Type 1 diabetes from two sites.

Methods  In this observational study, 255 youth (51% female) aged 9–15 years receiving varied insulin regimens provided data prospectively for a median of 1.2 years. Reported episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, defined as episodes requiring help from another person for oral treatment or episodes resulting in seizure/coma, and current insulin regimens were collected systematically. Incidence rates were calculated and compared according to insulin regimen in bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results  At first encounter, participants had a median age of 12.2 years (range 9.0–15.0), median diabetes duration of 4.4 years (range 1.0–13.0) and mean HbA1c of 67 ± 12 mmol/mol (8.3 ± 1.1%). The incidence rate was 37.6/100 patient‐years for all severe hypoglycaemia and 9.6/100 patient‐years for seizure/coma. The incidence rate for severe hypoglycaemia was 31.8/100 patient‐years on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (pump therapy), 34.4/100 patient‐years on basal–bolus injections and 46.1/100 patient‐years on NPH (NPH vs. pump therapy: P = 0.04). The incidence rate for seizure/coma was 4.5/100 patient‐years on pump therapy, 11.1/100 patient‐years on basal–bolus injections and 14.4/100 patients‐years on NPH (NPH vs. pump therapy: P = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, the rate of seizure/coma was significantly higher for those on NPH vs. pump therapy (rate ratio 2.9, P = 0.03).

Conclusions  Rates of severe hypoglycaemia in youth with Type 1 diabetes remain high. Pump therapy was associated with lower rates of all severe hypoglycaemia and seizure/coma in comparison with NPH.
A lifestyle intervention to reduce Type 2 diabetes risk in Dutch primary care: 2.5‐year results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vermunt P. W. A. , Milder I. E. J. , Wielaard F. , de Vries J. H. M. , Baan C. A. , van Oers J. A. M. , Westert G. P.
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e223–e231 (2012)

Aims  To determine the effectiveness of a 2.5‐year lifestyle intervention for Type 2 diabetes prevention in Dutch general practice compared with usual care.

Methods  A randomized controlled trial of 925 individuals at high risk for Type 2 diabetes (FINDRISC‐score ≥ 13) in 14 general practices in the Netherlands. Intervention consisted of lifestyle counselling from the nurse practitioner and the general practitioner. Usual care consisted of oral and written information at the start of the study. Study groups were compared over 2.5 years regarding changes in clinical and lifestyle measures.

Results  Both groups showed modest changes in body weight, glucose concentrations, physical activity and dietary intake [weight: intervention group, −0.8 (5.1) kg, usual care group, −0.4 (4.7) kg, (P = 0.69); fasting plasma glucose: intervention group, −0.17 (0.4) mmol/l, usual care group, −0.10 (0.5) mmol/l, (P = 0.10)]. Differences between groups were significant only for total physical activity and fibre intake. In the intervention group, self‐efficacy was significantly higher in individuals successful at losing weight compared with unsuccessful individuals. No significant differences in participant weight loss were found between general practitioners and nurse practitioners with different levels of motivation or self‐efficacy.

Conclusions  Diabetes risk factors could significantly be reduced by lifestyle counselling in Dutch primary care. However, intervention effects above the effects attributable to usual care were modest. Higher participant self‐efficacy seemed to facilitate weight loss. Lack of motivation or self‐efficacy of professionals did not negatively influence participant guidance.
The Effects of Public Venture Capital Investments on Corporate Governance: Evidence From IPO Firms in Emerging Markets
Authors: CHEN JENGFANG , LIAO WOODY M. , LU CHIACHI
Published: March 2012

This study examines the impact of public venture capital (hereafter PVC) investments on corporate governance of initial public offering (hereafter IPO) firms in emerging markets. Using data collected from Taiwan PVC investments during 1996–2005, we analyse three corporate governance features in IPO firms: earnings management, board characteristics, and excess control by controlling shareholders. We find that PVC‐backed firms use fewer accounting accruals in their IPO financial statements than non‐PVC‐backed firms. This result suggests that PVC‐backed IPO firms engage in less earnings management than non‐PVC‐backed IPO firms. We also find PVC‐backed firms tend to set up their boards with fewer non‐independent directors and supervisors at IPO. This result indicates that PVC‐backed IPO firms have better board structures than non‐PVC‐backed IPO firms. Finally, we find that controlling shareholders are less likely to exert excess control in PVC‐backed firms than in non‐PVC‐backed firms. Overall, our results indicate that PVC investments add value to new IPO firms not only in financing their capital needs but also in creating better corporate governance structures in emerging markets.
INTER‐REGIONAL MIXED OLIGOPOLY WITH A VERTICAL STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT	*
Authors: TOMARU YOSHIHIRO , NAKAMURA YASUHIKO
Published: March 2012

This paper incorporates the vertical structure of governments into a mixed oligopoly model by considering the public firms owned by different government levels, namely, a state‐owned public firm and a local public firm. As in the existing literature, a state‐owned public firm is assumed to maximise the welfare of an entire country comprising two regions. On the other hand, a local public firm is assumed to maximise the welfare of only one region. In such a setting, we find that when the central and local governments independently consider whether to privatise their respective public firms, only the state‐owned public firm should be privatised. Furthermore, we show that for the welfare of a country, a mixed oligopoly with a vertical structure of government can be more desirable than a mixed oligopoly without it.
Experimental “Microcultures” in Young Children: Identifying Biographic, Cognitive, and Social Predictors of Information Transmission
Authors: Flynn Emma , Whiten Andrew
Published: March 2012

In one of the first open diffusion experiments with young children, a tool‐use task that afforded multiple methods to extract an enclosed reward and a child model habitually using one of these methods were introduced into different playgroups. Eighty‐eight children, ranging in age from 2 years 8 months to 4 years 5 months, participated. Measures were taken of how alternative methods and success in extracting rewards spread across the different groups. Additionally, the biographic, social, cognitive, and temperamental predictors of social learning were investigated. Variations in social learning were related to age, popularity, dominance, impulsivity, and shyness, while other factors such as sex, theory of mind, verbal ability, and even imitativeness showed little association with variance in children’s information acquisition.
On Strong Attitudes and Group Deliberation: Relationships, Structure, Changes, and Effects
Authors: Wojcieszak Magdalena E.
Published: March 2012

Drawing on quasi‐experimental data from participants in structured and moderated deliberations on sexual minority rights in Poland, this study tests the relationship between attitude importance, certainty, intensity, and extremity. This study also examines the antecedents of these attributes and their consequences for several democratically important outcomes (i.e., perceived disagreement, negative affect, attitude polarization, self‐reported polarization, argument repertoire, and political participation). This study further asks whether these attributes exert different effects than a composite attitude strength index. Although factor analysis suggests that these attributes represent one construct, they are differently affected by deliberation and exert differential effects. The analyses further reveal that relying on the composite index obscures substantial information and inaccurately represents strength‐related processes and functions. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.
The Electoral Impact of the UK 2009 MPs' Expenses Scandal
Authors: Pattie Charles , Johnston Ron
Published: March 2012

The 2009 scandal over British MPs' expenses claims unleashed a powerful and highly vocal tide of public anger with elected politicians. It claimed some political careers: some of the MPs most heavily implicated in the scandal decided (or were forced) to stand down at the 2010 election rather than face the voters' wrath. Others struggled to deal with the consequences and the party leaderships felt they had to be seen to be responsive to public outrage. But the scandal hit a year before the UK general election, a contest dominated by anxieties over a deep global recession, looming public sector cuts and antipathies towards a deeply unpopular prime minister. In this environment, no-one could be sure of the scandal's wider electoral fallout. Would the departure of the most notably guilty MPs assuage public anger, or would the effects be more extensive, taking in either implicated MPs seeking re-election, or even all MPs standing again, irrespective of their involvement? The article examines the scandal's electoral implications.
Between Feminine Singular and Neuter Plural: Re‐Analysis Patterns
Authors: Rovai Francesco
Published: March 2012

Starting from the investigation of some neuter o stems that attest either masculine or feminine doublets in Latin, this paper discusses the development of the thematic neuter and its status within the Latin gender system. Thematic neuters may be regarded as one of the latest innovations in the Indo‐European family, and most of them developed independently within the individual languages. Latin evidence shows in fact that some neuter o stems were created at a historical stage from ancient masculines of the same inflectional class. Particular attention is paid here to a set of nouns exhibiting fluctuations between a second‐declension neuter o stem and a first‐declension feminine ā stem. These gender variations throw light on a progressive change of gender, and a detailed chronological examination actually reveals that all these forms are originally feminine nouns re‐analysed as thematic neuters – an evolutionary pattern that is the opposite of what is currently assumed. This gender change can be related to the diachronic development of a number of morpho‐syntactic patterns, which may have favoured such a re‐analysis and which might have led to the genesis of these thematic neuters as a pure inner‐Latin phenomenon.
Conditional variance estimation in regression models with long memory
Authors: Kulik Rafal , Wichelhaus Cornelia
Published: March 2012

In this article we study asymptotic properties of a non‐parametric kernel estimator of the conditional variance in a random design model with parametric mean and heteroscedastic errors, for a class of long‐memory errors and predictors. We establish small and large bandwidths asymptotics, which show a different behaviour compared with that of kernel estimators of the conditional mean. We distinguish between an oracle case (i.e. where the errors are directly observed) and a non‐oracle case (where the errors are replaced with residuals) and show non‐equivalence between the oracle and non‐oracle case. We also discuss a practical problem of bandwidth choice. Theoretical results are justified by simulation studies. We apply our theory to DJA and FTSE indices.
Time‐series clustering via quasi U‐statistics
Authors: Valk Marcio , Pinheiro Aluísio
Published: March 2012

The problem of time‐series discrimination and classification is discussed. We propose a novel clustering algorithm based on a class of quasi U‐statistics and subgroup decomposition tests. The decomposition may be applied to any concave time‐series distance. The resulting test statistics are proven to be asymptotically normal for either i.i.d. or non‐identically distributed groups of time‐series under mild conditions. We illustrate its empirical performance on a simulation study and a real data analysis. The simulation setup includes stationary vs. stationary and stationary vs. non‐stationary cases. The performance of the proposed method is favourably compared with some of the most common clustering measures available.
Why Does Poor Performance Get So Much Attention in Public Policy?
Authors: Johnsen ÅGe
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This article explores why information on poor performance often gets most of the attention in public policy. In order to illustrate the discussion this paper analyses the case of educational policy for secondary schools in Norway, and in particular the policy of participating in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which measures educational outcomes for 15‐year old pupils regarding reading, mathematics and science. Governments, researchers, interest groups and the media await the regular release of the PISA results every third year with great interest, and participate in the strategy of ‘naming and blaming’ based on the relative national performances. The practice of identifying poor performance and the subsequent public discourses has become an institution. Despite the negativity‐bias the strategic use of information associated with these processes may have positive impacts on decision making, policy innovation and democratic accountability.
Capital Structure Determinants for Tax‐Exempt Organisations: Evidence from the UK
Authors: Smith Geoffrey Peter
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This study looks into the determinants of capital structure in the absence of tax incentives. I find that attributes normally associated with debt use for taxable corporations are likewise correlated with debt use in the tax‐exempt sector. These include the organisation's age, asset tangibility, governance structure, industry grouping, liquidity, profitability, and size. Tax‐exempt sector‐specific findings indicate that debt use is also related to the size of the organisation's endowment and the amount of voluntary income. This study also demonstrates the portability of the theory of capital structure by extending the findings in Smith (2010) beyond the United States.
Institutional Logics and Responses to Performance Measurement Systems
Authors: Rautiainen Antti , Järvenpää Marko
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This comparative study analyzes institutional logics and categorizes organizational responses to performance measurement systems (PMSs) in two Finnish cities. We refine the typology of organizational responses and suggest how the choice of response depends on the institutionalized logic in the public sector accounting context (cf. Oliver, 1991). Further, we discuss and refine the types of successful co‐operation under competing institutional logics (cf. Reay and Hinings, 2009). Our study also sheds light on practice variation in public sector accounting such as how and why PMS use materializes in different forms in units with different institutional logics.
Engagement Research in Public Sector Accounting
Authors: Ball Amanda , Soare Vernon , Brewis Joanna
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper argues for the value of engagement research in order to encourage public sector accounting academics to take such an approach. Given that there is little evidence about the practice or value of engagement research, however, we set out to explore, evaluate and establish the lessons learned from a specific episode of engagement research. In outlining a project carried out between 2003 and 2005 by Amanda Ball and Vernon Soare, which sought to promote sustainability reporting in public service organisations, we argue that this form of research may positively impact government, public policy, professional accounting institutions and others involved in regulating or otherwise standardising public sector accounting practice.
Jurisdictional Competition Between Private and Public Sector Auditors:The Case of the Danish Certified Public Sector Auditor Qualification
Authors: Jeppesen Kim K.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper explores the apparent paradox that while public sector auditors have become more powerful by claiming performance auditing expertise and linking this to New Public Management reforms, the same reforms have provided an opening for competition between private and public sector auditors. In Denmark, the competitive relation has led to a jurisdictional dispute between public and private sector auditors in which the former have developed a special qualification for public sector auditors. The paper analyses the development of this qualification using Abbott's (1988) theory of the system of professions, thus focusing on how the involved groups have attempted to build networks of support for their competing jurisdictional claims of expertise. The case contributes to knowledge about the potential for development of a distinct public sector auditor identity. The case suggests that to develop such an identity and gain professional recognition, public sector auditors need to convince parliaments, standard‐setting bodies and universities that a public sector auditing qualification serves as a solution to some of their problems, too.
No increased risk of hepatotoxicity in long‐term use of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Van Welzen BJ , Mudrikova T , Arends JE , Hoepelman AIM
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of hepatotoxicity in patients who had used nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) for at least 3 years.

Methods

The study group consisted of HIV‐infected patients under follow‐up at our clinic, who had continuously used an NNRTI‐containing regimen (efavirenz or nevirapine) for at least 3 years. Patients who had used protease inhibitors (PIs) for the same time span constituted a control group. Hepatotoxicity was graded according to the modified AIDS Clinical Trial Group grading system, using alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as a marker.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐two patients on an NNRTI regimen and 54 PI‐using patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow‐up time was nearly 6 years. Eighteen NNRTI‐using patients (14.8%) developed a clinically relevant (≥ grade II) event of hepatotoxicity during treatment; five of them (4.1%) developed severe hepatotoxicity (≥ grade III). No significant difference in the hepatotoxicity rate was seen between NNRTI‐ and PI‐using patients (14.8 vs. 18.5%, respectively; P = 0.52) or between patients using efavirenz and nevirapine (13.8% vs. 16.7%, respectively; P = 0.51). A hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection was associated with an increased risk of the development of hepatotoxicity during NNRTI therapy [odds ratio (OR) 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–4.24; P < 0.01]. Finally, we observed that more hepatotoxic events occurred during the first year of NNRTI therapy compared with the entire period after 1 year (6.6 vs. 2.8 events, respectively, per 100 person‐years of treatment; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Long‐term NNRTI use was not associated with a higher risk of clinically significant liver toxicity in patients who had been treated with NNRTI for at least 3 years.
Blood Epstein–Barr virus DNA load and risk of progression to AIDS‐related systemic B lymphoma
Authors: Leruez‐Ville M , Seng R , Morand P , Boufassa F , Boue F , Deveau C , Rouzioux C , Goujard C , Seigneurin JM , Meyer L
Published: March 2012

Background

AIDS‐related lymphoma (ARL) remains the main cause of AIDS‐related deaths in the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. Although most ARLs are associated with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), whether patients with high EBV burden are more at risk of developing ARL is unknown. This study investigated the relationship between high blood EBV DNA loads and subsequent progression to ARL.

Methods

We identified 43 cases of ARL diagnosed between 1988 and 2007 within two cohorts (ANRS SEROCO/HEMOCO and PRIMO) and for which stored serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were available within 3 years before ARL diagnosis. For each case, two controls matched for the cohort and CD4 cell count in the year of ARL diagnosis were selected. EBV DNA was measured in PBMCs and serum samples with a commercial kit.

Results

High levels of EBV DNA in PBMCs collected a median of 10 months before diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of developing systemic B lymphoma (adjusted odds ratio 2.47; 95% confidence interval 1.15; 5.32 for each 1 log copies/106 PBMC increase in EBV load) but not with primary brain lymphoma.

Conclusion

In this study, HIV‐infected patients with undetectable EBV DNA in PBMCs did not develop ARL in the following 3 years, while high levels of EBV DNA in PBMCs predicted subsequent progression to systemic B lymphoma. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of developing systemic B lymphoma in HIV‐infected patients with a high blood EBV DNA load.
The Role of Rhetoric in a Dialogical Approach to Thinking
Authors: LARRAÍN ANTONIA , HAYE ANDRÉS
Published: March 2012

The central idea of the paper is that human thinking consists in a movement through which a person socially interacts with herself. Consequently, thinking does not offer the experience of a private refuge in the intimacy of the individual thinker's self‐knowing, but a field where multiple points of view interact by contesting, distancing, approaching, agreeing or disagreeing, one to another. Classical (Isocrates, 1929/1968) and contemporary (Billig, 1987) rhetorical approaches to thinking stress that both “inner” and “social” discourse are addressed to someone else, are determined by the anticipation of this audience, and both are interested in persuading it. In doing so, the discursive, rhetoric, and dialogic aspects of thinking become tied to argumentation. The paper tries to show, following the dialogical notion of discourse of Bakhtin (1986) and Vološinov (1929/1986) that, since every act of thinking consists in the raising of a point of view addressing another one and oriented by a particular interest, every stream of thought involves a rhetorical activity. A distinction between rhetoric and argumentation is proposed. On this basis, the rhetorical nature of thinking is discussed beyond argumentative discourse. Overall, this discussion contributes to a rhetorical approach to dialogism.
Neuromuscular failure is unlikely to explain the early exercise cessation in hot ambient conditions
Authors: Racinais Sébastien , Girard Olivier
Published: March 2012

Baseline, postexercise (20 min cycling) and postexhaustion (incremental test) neuromuscular function was assessed in control (24°C) and hot (40°C) conditions. Heat affects the plantar flexors and knee extensors differently, but most of the effects of heat (e.g., M‐wave decrement) and fatigue (e.g., voluntary activation and H‐reflex decrement) were independent of each other. However, peripheral fatigue of the knee extensors was lower at exhaustion in hot than neutral environment (peak twitch decrement from baseline to exhaustion: −19% vs. −33%, p < .05). In addition, heat had no negative effect on transcranial magnetic stimulation responses during cycling, and neuromuscular failure is unlikely to explain the early exercise cessation in the heat (13 min 50 s vs. 17 min 9 s) that occurred when participants reached maximal perceived exertion (19.2 vs. 19.1, ns) with higher core temperature (38.7°C vs. 38.2°C, p < .05) and heart rate (184 bpm vs. 179 bpm, p < .05).
Forced expiratory volume is associated with cardiovascular and cortisol reactions to acute psychological stress
Authors: Carroll Douglas , Bibbey Adam , Roseboom Tessa J. , Phillips Anna C. , Ginty Annie T. , De Rooij Susanne R.
Published: March 2012

It has been argued that blunted cardiovascular and cortisol reactions to acute psychological stress reflect a dysregulation of the neural system that supports motivation. We examined the association between forced expiratory volume in 1 s, an effort (hence motivation) dependent measure of lung function measured by spirometry, and cardiovascular and cortisol reactions to a battery of standard psychological stress tasks, assessed 7 years later. Irrespective of how it was expressed, low forced expiratory volume was associated with blunted heart rate and cortisol stress reactivity. The association survived adjustment for smoking, a range of anthropometric and sociodemographic covariates, and commitment to the stress tasks, as well as cognitive ability.
Response‐related negativities following correct and incorrect responses: Evidence from a temporospatial principal component analysis
Authors: Endrass Tanja , Klawohn Julia , Gruetzmann Rosa , Ischebeck Moritz , Kathmann Norbert
Published: March 2012

Two ERP components have been observed following correct and incorrect responses, the error‐related negativity (ERN/Ne) and the correct‐related negativity (CRN). The function of these components is still under debate. We used a visual size discrimination task at three difficulty levels and utilized a temporospatial principal component analysis (PCA) to examine whether ERN/Ne and CRN could be explained by one or more factors. While ERN/Ne decreased with higher task difficulty, amplitudes increased for correct responses at parietal electrodes. PCA revealed two temporospatial factors: a centrally distributed factor differing between correct and incorrect responses and a more frontoparietally distributed factor contributing to both ERN/Ne and CRN. These data support the notion that ERN/Ne and CRN might reflect a combination of two underlying processes: an error‐sensitive and an outcome‐independent aspect of response monitoring.
Migration and the accentuated ambivalence of motherhood: the role of ICTs in Filipino transnational families
Authors: MADIANOU MIRCA
Published: March 2012

This article is concerned with the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on Filipina transnational mothers' experience of motherhood, their practices of mothering and, ultimately, their identities as mothers. Drawing on ethnographic research with Filipina migrants in the UK as part of a wider study of Filipino transnational families, this article observes that, despite the digital divide and other structural inequalities, new communication technologies, such as the internet and mobile phones, allow for an empowered experience of distant mothering. Apart from a change in the practice and intensity of mothering at a distance, ICTs also have consequences for women's maternal identities and the ways in which they negotiate their ambivalence towards work and family life. In this sense, ICTs can also be seen as solutions (even though difficult ones) to the cultural contradictions of migration and motherhood and the ‘accentuated ambivalence’ they engender. This, in turn, has consequences for the whole experience of migration, sometimes even affecting decisions about settlement and return.
Transnational activities and aspirations of irregular migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: VAN MEETEREN MASJA
Published: March 2012

The literature on immigrant transnationalism and on irregular immigration suggests irregular migrants engage relatively little in transnational activities because of the obstacles associated with their legal and economic statuses. Drawing on participant observation and in‐depth interviews with a diverse population of irregular migrants in Belgium and the Netherlands, however, I shall demonstrate in this article that irregular migrants do indeed engage in various transnational activities. Moreover, I argue that a focus on aspirations helps to understand why irregular migrants either do or do not engage in specific transnational activities. Distinguishing between investment, settlement and legalization aspirations, I analyse whether and for what reasons irregular migrants carry out economic, social and political transnational activities. I conclude that future research on transnationalism and on the incorporation of irregular and regular migrants alike could benefit from contextualizing the agency of migrants by taking their aspirations into account.
Renal recipients’ educational experiences in the early post‐operative phase – a qualitative study
Authors: Urstad Kristin H. , Wahl Astrid K. , Andersen Marit H. , Øyen Ole , Fagermoen May Solveig
Published: March 2012

Renal recipients need to acquire significant amount of knowledge for their life post‐transplantation. More knowledge on kidney recipients’ experiences after transplantation with regard to the patient education provided is needed. Sixteen renal recipients were interviewed 4–6 weeks post‐transplantation about content and methods in the patient education programme. Data were analysed in the hermeneutic tradition. The patients experienced barriers towards learning in the early post‐operative phase. Kidney transplantation was expressed as a ‘turning point in life’, causing learning difficulties because of both physical and mental stress. Survival knowledge was the label for topics concerning medication and rejection as they were experienced as essential for life. Situational knowledge, that is, knowledge related to recipients’ individual life situations, requires further details in the main topics provided. The difference between knowing and practising what was taught was experienced as troublesome. The recipients expressed that a supportive learning atmosphere characterized by patience, respect, continuity and active participation was essential. This study revealed new knowledge about renal recipients’ need for individual application of the educational content, as well as cognitive difficulties, and other factors impacting on learning in the early post‐operative phase. The patients’ perspective is an important and useful aid in creating effective interventions in this field.