bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macroeconomic impact of pandemic influenza and associated policies in Thailand, South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Smith Richard D. , Keogh‐Brown Marcus R. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundResearch has shown the value of conducting a macroeconomic analysis of the impact of influenza pandemics. However, previous modelling applications focus on high‐income countries, and there is a lack of evidence concerning the potential impact of an influenza pandemic on lower‐ and middle‐income countries.ObjectivesTo estimate the macroeconomic impact of pandemic influenza in Thailand, South Africa and Uganda with particular reference to pandemic (H1N1) 2009.MethodsA single‐country whole‐economy Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model was set up for each of the three countries in question and used to estimate the economic impact of declines in labour attributable to morbidity, mortality and school closure.ResultsOverall GDP impacts were less than 1% of GDP for all countries and scenarios. Uganda's losses were proportionally larger than those of Thailand and South Africa. Labour‐intensive sectors suffer the largest losses.ConclusionThe economic cost of unavoidable absence in the event of an influenza pandemic could be proportionally larger for low‐income countries. The cost of mild pandemics, such as pandemic (H1N1) 2009, appears to be small, but could increase for more severe pandemics and/or pandemics with greater behavioural change and avoidable absence.
Assessing key model parameters for economic evaluation of pandemic influenza interventions: the data source matters
Authors: Praditsitthikorn Naiyana , Kotirum Surachai , Mohara Adun , Dumrongprat Kuntika , Velasco Román Pérez , Teerawattananon Yot 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundIn our previous systematic review of economic evaluations of pandemic influenza interventions, five model parameters, namely probability of pandemic, duration of pandemic, severity, attack rate, and intervention efficacy, were not only consistently used in all studies but also considered important by authors.ObjectivesBecause these parameters originated from sources of varying quality ranging from experimental studies to expert opinion, this study aims to analyze the variation in values used according to sources of information across studies.MethodsAn analysis of estimated values of key parameters for economic modeling was performed against their different data sources, following the standard hierarchy of evidence.ResultsA lack of good‐quality evidence to estimate pandemic duration, pandemic probability, and mortality reduction from antiviral treatment results in a large variation of values used in economic evaluations. Although there are variations in quality of evidence used for attack rate, basic reproduction number, and reduction in hospitalizations from antiviral treatment, the estimated values do not vary significantly. The use of higher‐quality evidence results in better precision of estimated values compared to lower‐quality sources.ConclusionHierarchies of evidence are a necessary tool to identify appropriate model parameters to populate economic evaluations and should be included in methodological guidelines. Knowledge gaps in some key parameters should be addressed, because if good‐quality evidence is available, future economic evaluations will be more reliable. Some gaps may not be fulfilled by research but consensus among experts to ensure consistency in the use of these assumptions.
The Influence of ZrO2 Additions on Al2O3 Evaporation and AlN Crystal Growth by Thermal Nitridation of Al2O3–ZrO2 Pellets
Authors: You Yu , Kato Mikako , Ohtsuka Makoto , Fukuyama Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2013

The effects of ZrO2 additions to Al2O3 were investigated to improve the evaporation rate of Al2O3 for bulk AlN crystal growth. The evaporation rate of Al2O3 increased concomitantly with increasing ZrO2 concentration under a nitrogen gas stream at 2223 K. The ZrO2 was predominantly nitrided. The nitridation of ZrO2 kept the local oxygen partial pressure high at the pellet surface, which suppressed the nitridation of Al2O3. The nitridation of ZrO2 caused the outward diffusion of ZrO2 (Zr4+ and O2−) in the pellet, which was accelerated further by the presence of Al2O3–ZrO2 liquid phase in grain boundaries, leading to the prompt formation of ZrN porous layer on the pellet surface. The suppressed nitridation of Al2O3 and the formation of porous ZrN layer were the reasons for the enhanced evaporation of Al2O3, leading to enhanced bulk AlN growth.
Fabrication of Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6 Nanocrystallite‐Precipitated Transparent Phosphate Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Masai Hirokazu , Shirai Ryota , Miyazaki Takamichi , Yoshida Kazuki , Fujiwara Takumi , Tokuda Yomei , Yoko Toshinobu 
Published: August 2013

Transparent (Sr0.5Ba0.5)Nb2O6 (SBN50) nanocrystallite‐precipitated phosphate glass‐ceramics were prepared by a conventional glass‐ceramic process. x(SrO–BaO–2Nb2O5) − (100–4x)P2O5 (xSBNP) glasses with a refractive index of 1.9–2.0 exhibited high water resistance owing to the presence of Q0 and Q1 phosphate units. Both bulk and surface crystallization of the SBN50 phase were observed in 20SBNP and 21SBNP glass‐ceramics. Although the nominal content of SBN50 crystals in the 21SBNP glass was larger than that in the 20SBNP glass, the latter exhibited better crystallinity of SBN50 and a higher number density of precipitated SBN nanocrystallites. By tuning the two‐step heat‐treatment and the chemical composition, transparent SBN50‐precipitated glass‐ceramics were successfully obtained. Given that no remarkable increase of the relative dielectric constants was observed after crystallization of the SBN50 nanocrystallites, it is postulated that the relative dielectric constant of the bulk is mainly governed by the amorphous phosphate region, and that the contribution of precipitation of the SBN50 nanocrystallites to the dielectric constant is not very significant in this system.
Present trans‐Pacific disjunct distribution of Aristolochia subgenus Isotrema (Aristolochiaceae) was shaped by dispersal, vicariance and extinction
Authors: González Favio , Wagner Sarah T. , Salomo Karsten , Symmank Lars , Samain Marie‐Stéphanie , Isnard Sandrine , Rowe Nick P. , Neinhuis Christoph , Wanke Stefan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimIsotrema is a monophyletic subgenus of Aristolochia with species in East Asia and North/Central America. Earlier studies, based on limited sampling, suggested that the Asian and American species do not form two reciprocal sister clades. We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within Isotrema to infer the biogeographical events that have shaped its present‐day distribution.LocationEastern Asia, North America, Mexico, Central America.MethodsWe performed parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of 54 accessions using three chloroplast regions. The temporal origins were traced with relaxed phylogenetics and penalized likelihood using fossil calibrations; these methods were combined with ancestral area reconstructions in a comparative approach using statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA) and dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis (DEC) analyses.ResultsThe ancestors of the herbaceous eastern North American species and the woody species probably diverged during the Oligocene. The woody species form a Neotropical and a North American/Eastern Asian clade. Diversification in the Neotropical and North American/Eastern Asian clades occurred mostly in the Miocene. In the latter clade, two further intercontinental splits are reconstructed: between the exclusively western North American Aristolochia californica and most of the Asian taxa, and between A. manshuriensis and A. tomentosa.Main conclusionsThe present distribution of Isotrema developed via a number of dispersal, vicariance and extinction events. The disjunct distributions observed may be the result mainly of non‐synchronous events (e.g. a decrease of mean annual temperature in the Oligocene and the development of unfavourable conditions across the Bering land bridge) that were responsible for the fragmentation of the mesophytic forests. Later diversifications may be correlated with events such as the orogeny of the Western Cordillera and Appalachian Mountains, the development of extensive grasslands in North America, and the mainland extension of Central America southwards to western and central Panama.
The tRNA 3′‐end Processing Enzyme tRNase Z2 Contributes to Chloroplast Biogenesis in Rice
Authors: Long Tuan , Guo Dong , He Dong , Shen Wenjie , Li Xianghua 
Published: August 2013

AbstracttRNase Z (TRZ) is a ubiquitous endonuclease that removes the 3′‐trailer from precursor tRNAs during maturation. In yeast and animals, TRZ regulates the cell cycle via its (t)RNA processing activity; however, its physiological function in higher plants has not been well characterized. This study describes the identification of a rice (Oryza sativa) TRZ2 mutant; plants homozygous for the osatrz2 mutation were albinos with deficient chlorophyll content. A microscopic analysis of the mutant plants revealed that the transition of proplastids to chloroplasts was arrested at an early stage, and the number and size of the plastids in callus cells was substantially decreased. A genetic complementation test and an RNA interference analysis confirmed that disruption of OsaTRZ2 was responsible for the mutant phenotype. OsaTRZ2 is expressed in all rice tissues, but is preferentially expressed in leaves, sheathes, and calli. OsaTRZ2 was subcellularly localized in chloroplasts, and displayed tRNA 3′‐end processing activity in both in vitro and in vivo assays. In the osatrz2 mutants, transcription of plastid‐encoded and nucleus‐encoded RNA polymerases was severely reduced and moderately increased, respectively. These results suggest that the tRNA 3′ processing activity of OsaTRZ2 contributes to chloroplast biogenesis.
Engendering Independence While Living With Purpose: Women's Lives After Leaving Abusive Intimate Partners
Authors: McDonald Penelope W. , Dickerson Suzanne 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the common meanings a history of violence has for women out of abusive and violent relationships with an intimate male partner for 5 or more years.Specific AimsTo describe the common meanings and shared practices of women who left violent and abusive heterosexual intimate relationships 5 or more years ago, the challenges they face in their current lives, and the resources they use to meet those challenges. An additional aim is to elucidate practical advice they have for others who want to be supportive of the efforts of women recovering from intimate partner violence.MethodsAn interpretive phenomenological approach using Heideggerian hermeneutics was utilized. Approval of the University Social Sciences Institutional Review Board was obtained. Participants were recruited by means of fliers distributed through a domestic violence listserv and through postings in health clinics in western New York. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A hermeneutic team approach was used for analysis and interpretation of texts.ResultsTwenty‐one women of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, who self‐identified as being out of abusive relationships for 5 or more years, were interviewed. Six themes were identified: developing and maintaining self reliance; negotiating relationships; creating a safe and supportive environment; challenging societal roles and expectations; nurturing the self; and protecting the children. Engendering independence while living with purpose was the constitutive pattern that unified the themes.ConclusionsWomen can successfully establish productive, meaningful lives after violence and will fiercely protect and maintain their independence as they negotiate relationships and developmental challenges throughout their lives. A need for control of their lives and difficulty trusting others remain a lasting legacy of living with a history of violence.Clinical RelevanceThis is the first study that examines women's lives 5 or more years after leaving violent and abusive relationships. Findings indicate that women can successfully leave violent and abusive relationships, and challenge the widely accepted notion that women do not leave.
FINANCING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE: KNOWNS, UNKNOWNS, AND A WAY FORWARD
Authors: Alm James 
Published: August 2013

AbstractImproved urban infrastructure is widely believed to be essential in facilitating economic growth and in improving the lives of urban dwellers, both in developed and in developing countries. This paper focuses on several dimensions of urban infrastructure finance: finance for major infrastructure improvements in major economic centers, finance for expansion of basic municipal services in secondary cities and towns, and intergovernmental systems for financing investments with impacts beyond jurisdictional limits. It reviews what is “known” about current practices in these areas, using international evidence and case studies and summarizing international best practices. It also indicates areas in which knowledge gaps remain. Despite these “unknowns,” there are avenues by which our understanding of infrastructure schemes can be enhanced, and some suggestions for a research agenda on financing urban infrastructure are offered in the concluding section.
Development and validation of the Burdens in Oral Surgery Questionnaire (BiOS‐Q)
Authors: Reissmann D. R. , Semmusch J. , Farhan D. , Smeets R. , Heiland M. , Heydecke G. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPatients’ perspective is increasingly re‐cognised as an important outcome measure in oral surgery. However, how patients perceive the surgical treatment cannot be assessed currently. This would be an important indicator for process‐related quality of care. It was the aim to develop and to validate an instrument for the assessment of patient‐based measures of process‐related quality of care in oral surgery. The new Burdens in Oral Surgery Questionnaire (BiOS‐Q) was developed in two steps in patients undergoing oral surgery. First, an item pool was created using semi‐structured interviews in 90 patients. Second, a preliminary version was applied in 297 consecutively recruited patients to assess redundancy, completion rates, face validity, difficulty and distribution. Psychometric properties of the final version of the questionnaire were evaluated. The BiOS‐Q consists of 16 items and showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0·84) and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0·90). The questionnaire's mean score was significantly correlated with dentists’ burdens (r = 0·44) and patients’ overall satisfaction (r = 0·39) indicating sufficient validity. The BiOS‐Q is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of patient‐based process‐related quality of care in oral surgery.
What can Social Psychologists Learn from Architecture? The Asylum as Example
Authors: Foster Juliet L.H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this paper I argue for a stronger consideration of the possible relationship between social psychology and architecture and architectural history. After a brief review of some of the ways in which other social psychologists have sought to develop links between social psychology and history, I consider the utility of architecture in more depth, especially to the social psychologist interested in the development of knowledge and understanding. I argue that, especially when knowledge is institutionalised, the design and use of buildings might have a particular contribution to make to the way we can understand how phenomena have been understood and approached in the past. Although many examples are relevant, I consider the case of the psychiatric hospital (or “asylum”) in more detail.
Why Aesthetic Patterns Matter: Art and a “Qualitative” Social Theory
Authors: de la Fuente Eduardo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis paper argues that an explanation of the role of aesthetic patterning in human action needs to be part of any “qualitative” social theory. It urges the social sciences to move beyond contextualism and to see art as visual, acoustic and other media that lead to heightened sensory perception and the coordination of feelings through symbols. The article surveys the argument that art provides a basic model of how the self learns to interact with external environments; and the complementary thesis that art could be seen as integral to the emergence of systems of human knowledge, communication and economy. Ornamentation and stylization are advanced as two concrete devices through which human attention is captured and experience is ordered through aesthetic patterns. The conclusion is drawn that art offers the social sciences a meaningful account of the perceptual or “qualitative” dimensions of social interactions; and that this is much needed today.
Sensory Perception of Rye Bran Particles of Varying Size and Concentration in a Viscous Phase
Authors: Petersson Karin , Eliasson Ann‐Charlotte , Tornberg Eva , Bergenståhl Björn 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSensory evaluation was performed to investigate how size and concentration of small rye bran particles in a continuous phase with varying viscosity influence the sensory perception of grittiness. The threshold for the sensation of grittiness of rye bran particles in a starch gel, evaluated by triangular sensory tests, was very low. The particles were discerned at a concentration of 0.1–0.3%, despite the fact that they were very small (20–180 μm). The sensory panel was able to detect the increase in particle concentration in a ranking test, but the ability to detect the increase in concentration was not influenced by particle size. The rheological properties of the medium did not influence the detection threshold.Practical ApplicationsDue to health benefits, addition of dietary fiber in food products is popular. Rye bran is a by‐product, which is very high in dietary fiber, and for which new applications are requested. Rye bran consists mainly of insoluble dietary fiber and the rye bran particles are hard and irregular in shape. To understand the oral sensitivity of these kinds of particles is important to avoid the negative sensation of grittiness of dietary fiber fortified products. Since it was shown that even the size fraction of 20 μm was perceived as gritty at very low concentrations (0.2–0.3%), the milling technique is probably not the solution to reduce the grittiness. Preferably a way of making the particles softer, with less sharp edges should be sought, at least if the rye bran is going to be added to a smooth food matrix of a starch gel.
Resilience against exotic species invasion in a tropical montane forest
Authors: Tweiten Michael A. , Hotchkiss Sara C. , Vitousek Peter M. , Kellner James R. , Chadwick Oliver A. , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractQuestionHow do canopy disturbance and soil properties structure vascular plant community species composition and resilience to encroachment by exotic species in a tropical montane wet forest?LocationHawai'i Experimental Tropical Forest (HETF), a tropical montane wet forest, on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i Island, Hawai'i, USA.MethodsPrevious studies employing airborne LiDAR were used to define three zones across an elevation gradient from 900 to 1500 m. Within each zone, a ~1000‐m block transect was selected to cross two different volcanic substrates: one derived from surface lava and one derived from thick ash deposits. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) scores of vegetation data were related to independently‐derived environmental NMS scores and spatial location with generalized additive models (GAM).ResultsVascular plant species composition in all elevation zones consists of three NMS axes, which are best modelled by one of three possible environmental NMS axes or by location. The first NMS axis of species composition in the lowest elevation zone (40% variance explained (VE)) is a function of location on volcanic substrates (61% deviance explained (DE)). The second lowest elevation axis (27% VE) is a function of unexplained spatial heterogeneity (31% DE). The third lowest elevation NMS axis (24% VE) is a function of the spatial mosaic of canopy disturbance (16% DE). In the middle elevation zone, species composition most strongly relates to the interaction between volcanic substrate and the condition of the soil surface for all three NMS axes (41%, 27%, 24% VE; 70%, 16%, 24% DE). The primary axis of species composition in the highest elevation zone (41% VE) corresponds with substrate and soil condition (55% DE) but the second and third axes of species composition (27% and 25% VE) relate to canopy dieback disturbance (36%, 14% DE). Counts of exotic species and 0–2 m height class native tree species respond to the type of volcanic substrate and soil surface condition in all three elevation zones. Lava‐derived substrates have a higher incidence of exotic species and less native tree regeneration; whereas ash‐derived substrates have higher numbers of native tree species regenerating and many fewer exotic species.DiscussionThe tropical montane forests on Mauna Kea reflect a native‐dominated plant community response to disturbance on both lava‐ and ash‐derived volcanic substrates, and a higher propensity for exotic species to occur on the lava‐derived substrate. Native plant communities on ash‐derived soils may have higher resilience to exotic invasion than communities on lava‐derived substrates. Our results indicate resource managers should explicitly account for variation in soils and substrate type when prioritizing, implementing and monitoring management interventions to foster native plant assemblages and control the spread of exotic and invasive species.
Are mineralization anomalies in common dolphin teeth associated with life‐history events and/or the exposure to anthropogenic pollutants?
Authors: Luque P. L. , Pierce G. J. , Learmonth J. A. , Ieno E. , Santos B. , López A. , Reid R. J. , Rogan E. , Boon J. , Lockyer C. H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe tooth histology of a total 22 and 95 short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Scottish (UK) and Galician (Spain) waters, respectively, was examined to determine whether the incidence of mineralization anomalies could be related to certain stressful conditions linked with life‐history events or to exposure to anthropogenic pollutants (i.e. Polychlorinated biphenyls and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes). Overall, the incidence of five categories of mineralization anomalies increased with age. Model results indicated that the presence of cemental disturbance increased with age, body length and sexual maturity in common dolphin from both areas. In addition, incidence of dentinal resorption and accessory lines increased with age and body length in Galician animals. The time course of appearance of dentinal resorption and cemental disturbance was similar to the time course of maturation suggesting a link between anomaly occurrence and the age at which the animals become sexually mature. There were two age ranges at which marker lines tended to appear: 1–2 and 6–8 years old, which coincided with the beginning of weaning and/or the age at sexual maturation, respectively, suggesting an association with these two major life‐history events. Pulp stones were recorded in teeth of a few mature Galician dolphins (n = 4). No evidence was found that the presence of mineralization anomalies in dolphin teeth was significantly related to persistent organic pollutant concentrations in the blubber. Our results provide evidence that certain tooth mineralization anomalies could be interpreted as time markers associated with life‐history events, potentially representing a powerful tool for long‐term monitoring and modelling.