bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Going it alone on climate change A new challenge to WTO subsidies disciplines: are subsidies in support of emissions reductions schemes permissible under the WTO
Authors: HENSCHKE LAUREN 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper examines the specific ways in which the provision of emissions permits by governments in carbon trading schemes, interacts with, and challenges, the disciplines on subsidies in the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. It will argue that the case of emissions permits gives rise to two key challenges. First, it highlights the need for a resolution on the issue of the characterization of intangible goods under the SCM Agreement, and the importance this has for the calculation of benefit and hence the correct application of SCM disciplines. Secondly, when applied to emissions permits, the SCM Agreement produces a result that heavily favours the complaining Member at the expense of ‘distributive justice’. This is compounded by the current lack of directly applicable exceptions for subsidies directed at legitimate public policy goals. Fundamentally, this will affect the potential cost and continuing viability of national emissions trading schemes and further challenge the environmental credentials of the WTO.
THE MYSTERY OF ERNELINDE
Authors: McGinnis Reginald 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTFrançois-André Danican Philidor's Ernelinde was one of the most famous French operas of the late eighteenth century. A subject of great controversy when it was first performed in 1767, the history of its reception has been obscured by judgments rooted more in the politics of the French literary world than in the work itself. The opera is shown in a new light by reconsidering Philidor's librettist, Antoine-Henri Poinsinet.
‘The moral background of the work of art’: ‘character’ in German musical aesthetics, 1780–1850
Authors: Pritchard Matthew 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe terms ‘character’ and ‘characteristic’ in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries have usually been thought of as having had rather limited significance, often being restricted in application to ‘picturesque’ or ‘realistic’ genres such as the romantic ‘character piece’ or ‘characteristic symphony’. Through a re-examination of Christian Gottfried Körner's 1795 essay ‘On the Representation of Character in Music’ and other contemporary texts, I argue that, on the contrary, these terms are conceptually fundamental to the classical German idealist project of defending music's dignity as a true and morally beneficial fine art. Although persistently misread during the twentieth century as a disguise for concerns with stylistic or thematic unity, the metaphor of ‘character’ was in fact a sophisticated hermeneutic tool and a means of equal discursive engagement for performers, composers and critics. It was only the rise of politically oriented criticism and Wagnerian polemics that undermined the legitimacy of the ‘characteristic’ – a concept that may have a better claim than ‘absolute music’ to be considered the leading idea of the classical and romantic eras in music aesthetics.
1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances fast‐myosin heavy chain expression in differentiated C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Okuno Hiroshi , Kishimoto Koshi N. , Hatori Masahito , Itoi Eiji 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe investigated the effect of VD3 (1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3) on the proliferating, differentiating and differentiated phases of C2C12 myoblasts, a mouse skeletal muscle cell line. VD3 treatment in 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum) inhibited the proliferation and viability of the cells in a dose‐dependent manner. It also dose‐dependently increased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase as shown by flow cytometry. In the differentiating phase, VD3 treatment inhibited the formation of myotubes and the expression of total myosin heavy chain at both the mRNA and protein levels. In the differentiated phase, treatment had no significant effect on the amount of total myosin heavy chain, as Western blot analysis with MF20 antibody [DSHB (Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank)] showed. However, significantly greater expression of fast myosin heavy chain in 1 nM VD3 was found by Western blot analysis with MY‐32 (Sigma). Thus VD3 inhibited the proliferation of myoblasts during proliferating and differentiating phases, whereas it increased the expression of the fast myosin heavy chain isoform in the differentiated phase. The data indicate that an adequate concentration of VD3 might have an anabolic effect on differentiated skeletal muscle.
Size effects of metal nanoparticles embedded in a buffer layer of organic photovoltaics on plasmonic absorption enhancement
Authors: Kim Inho , Lee Taek Seong , Jeong Doo Seok , Lee Wook Seong , Lee Kyeong-Seok 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The effects of Au or Ag nanoparticles on optical absorption enhancement of organic photovoltaics based on blended poly(3-hexylthiophene) : phyenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT : PCBM) were investigated using a finite-difference-time-domain method. The spherical metal nanoparticles were embedded in a buffer layer of thickness 20 nm and their size was varied from 10 to 50 nm. The metal nanoparticles with diameter 10–20 nm offered negligible absorption enhancement in the active layer. Unlike those short metal nanoparticles, the incorporation of metal nanoparticles taller than the buffer layer led to a significant absorption enhancement by plasmonic resonance especially in the case of Ag nanoparticles. Ag nanoparticles gave broader and stronger absorption enhancement in the active layer than Au nanoparticles. An enhancement of 34% in the optical absorption of the active layer was observed with Ag nanoparticles of 50 nm diameter at 10% coverage. The electric field distributions around metal nanoparticles, their self-absorption and the active layer thickness dependence on the absorption enhancement were studied.
Workfunction tuning of zinc oxide films by argon sputtering and oxygen plasma: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Kuo Fang-Ling , Li Yun , Solomon Marvin , Du Jincheng , Shepherd Nigel D 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) films were grown by radio frequency magnetron sputter deposition and the changes to its surface composition and workfunction induced by argon sputter cleaning and oxygen plasma treatments were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory modelling. Compared with a workfunction of 3.74 eV for the as-deposited ZnO films, a workfunction of 3.95 eV was obtained after Ar sputter cleaning and 4.21 eV after exposure to oxygen plasma. The data indicate that oxygen plasma treatment leads to a more negative ZnO surface. The dipole induced by this charge redistribution reinforces the original surface dipole, which results in an increase in the surface dipole moment and an increase in workfunction. The reverse is true for hydrocarbon contamination of ZnO surfaces. Excellent qualitative agreement between the experimental results and computational modelling was obtained. The results suggest that specific surface functionalization may be a viable method of controlling the workfunction of ZnO for use as the transparent conducting oxide in optoelectronic applications such as solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes.
Microscopic mechanism for unipolar resistive switching behaviour of nickel oxides
Authors: Chen Y S , Kang J F , Chen B , Gao B , Liu L F , Liu X Y , Wang Y Y , Wu L , Yu H Y , Wang J Y , Chen Q , Wang E G 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A microscopic mechanism for the unipolar resistive switching phenomenon in nickel oxides is proposed based on the thermal decomposition of oxygen ions from oxygen-rich clusters and their recombination with electron-depleted vacancies induced by local electric field in conductive filaments. The proposed physical feature is confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electrical measurements in the as-deposited NiO
x
samples. The deduced formulae under reasonable approximations directly demonstrate the relationships of switching parameters that were widely observed and questioned in different material systems, indicating the universal validity of the proposed mechanism.
Cutaneous dendritic cells in allergic inflammation
Authors: Gros E. , Novak N. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe skin represents a physical barrier, which is capable of protecting the body from damaging invaders. Moreover, the skin operates as an active immunological organ, harbouring a complex network of dendritic cells (DCs), which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Equipped with specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), DCs are able to capture, process and present antigens to naïve T cells in the skin draining lymph nodes, thereby inducing adaptive antigen‐specific immunity. However, the outcome of the immune response is shaped by numerous factors including the DC subtype, maturation state of DCs, composition of PRRs expressed by DCs, type of pathogen as well as factors in the microenvironment. Thus, cutaneous DC subtypes are known to contribute to both, peripheral tolerance and the generation of allergic skin inflammation. Identifying the underlying mechanisms is a challenging task in understanding DC biology. Based on their functional diversity, cutaneous DCs might represent promising therapeutic targets, with the potential of down‐modulating pro‐inflammatory immune responses and inducing tolerogenic pathways, thereby ensuring the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and restoring the balance of dysregulated immune reactions in the context of allergic skin diseases. In this review, we summarize the versatile character of DC subtypes in human skin and highlight their phenotypic characteristics and role in allergic skin inflammation. In addition, we discuss current therapeutic approaches for the management of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis with the main focus on strategies targeting DCs. We point towards potential challenges, benefits, risks and limitations for the treatment of patients.
Low testosterone levels as an independent predictor of mortality in men with chronic liver disease
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Hoermann Rudolf , Gani Linsey , Chan Irene , Cheung Ada , Gow Paul J , Li Angela , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Angus Peter 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the prevalence and prognostic implications of low serum testosterone levels in men with chronic liver disease.DesignWe conducted an observational study at a tertiary referral centre.Patients and measurementsBaseline serum testosterone was measured in 171 men presenting to the Victorian Liver Transplant Unit for liver transplant evaluation. Patients were followed up to liver transplant or death.ResultsSixty‐one per cent of men had a low total testosterone level (TT, <10 nm), and 90% of men had a low calculated free testosterone level (cFT, <230 pm). During the available observation time (median 8 months, interquartile range 4–14 months), 56 men (33%) died and 63 (37%) received a liver transplant. Fifty‐two (30%) survived without a transplant. Median time to death was 8 months (range 2–13) and to liver transplant was 8 months (4–14). Baseline low TT and cFT levels both (P < 0·0001) predicted mortality. Moreover, in a Cox proportional hazard model, both low total (P = 0·02) and free testosterone (P = 0·007) levels remained predictive of death independently of established prognostic factors, such as the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score and serum sodium levels. A decrease in TT by 1 nm and in cFT by 10 pm was associated with an 8% increase in mortality.ConclusionsLow testosterone levels are common in men with severe liver disease and predict mortality independent of MELD, the standard score used to prioritize the allocation of liver transplants.
Caller self‐care decisions following teletriage advice
Authors: Williams Bev , Warren Sharon , McKim Robert , Janzen Wonita 
Published: January 2012

Aim.  To examine caller self‐care decisions following teletriage advice provided by nurses.Background.  The use of teletriage is gaining popularity as one way of enhancing capacity for self‐care. Research from several countries suggests that teletriage reduces the use of other healthcare services without compromising safety. However, there is little or no research related to how often self‐care advice is provided and whether or not callers follow the advice.Design.  A descriptive survey design was used with a random sample of 312 callers who were advised by a teletriage nurse to engage in self‐care.Method.  Callers were randomly selected from all calls to a teletriage service each day of the month for nine months. Data were collected using a researcher‐developed interview guide and analysed using a variety of inferential statistics for forced choice questions and content analysis for open‐ended questions.Results.  The majority of callers who were advised to engage in self‐care reported doing so. Callers with greater self‐efficacy and satisfaction with the nurse interaction were more likely to follow advice to self‐care. All callers would call the teletriage service again for the same or a different issue.Conclusion.  Teletriage callers were confident in the advice provided and were willing to continue to use the service.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study indicates that teletriage programmes are a cost‐effective way of addressing self‐care needs of individuals who might otherwise visit an emergency department.
Effect of progesterone on colonic motility and fecal output in mice with diarrhea
Authors: Li C. P. , Ling C. , Biancani P. , Behar J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Patients with diarrhea and slow transit constipation (STC) have high 5‐HT levels. In STC, the high 5‐HT levels have been difficult to explain, as 5‐HT stimulates peristalsis. Over expression of progesterone (P4) receptors in epithelial and muscle cells of the colon may reconcile this contradiction because P4 decreases SERT and increases 5‐HT levels, but their effects are rendered ineffective because of the impaired muscle contraction.Aims  We examined whether P4 treatment could reduce the stool output in two mouse diarrheal models because of higher 5‐HT levels, the SERT knock‐out (KO), and the fluoxetine‐treated mice.Methods  Contractility of colon circular muscle strips from wild mice was studied. Fecal water and dry fecal output were measured daily over a 4‐day period in wild and SERT‐KO mice and in fluoxetine‐treated mice treated with IM saline or P4. 5‐HT levels were measured using ELISA.Key Results  Progesterone blocked the spontaneous and stimulated phasic contractions. Fecal water output measured in two consecutive 4‐day periods was not different in wild and SERT‐KO mice. The fecal output in the SERT‐KO mice was higher than in wild mice. P4 treatment reduced the 4‐day fecal output in both groups compared with saline treatment. Oral fluoxetine treatment increased 5‐HT levels in wild mice and increased the 4‐day fecal output compared with oral saline. P4 treatment caused a decrease in the fecal output in both groups.Conclusions & Inferences  Progesterone decreased the contractility of circular muscle strips, and reduced the fecal output in two diarrheal models, the SERT‐KO and fluoxetine‐treated mice.
Antimicrobial activity of two techniques for arm skin disinfection of blood donors in Brazil
Authors: Celere M. S. , Ferreira O. , Ubiali E. M. A. , Julião F. C. , Fernandes A. F. T. , de Andrade D. , Segura‐Muñoz S. I. 
Published: January 2012

Objective: Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of skin disinfection techniques is essential to avoid the transmission of infectious agents during blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of two methods of arm skin disinfection used in blood donors at a Hemotherapy Center in Brazil that represents an important centre for distributing haemocomponents to many cities in the country.Methods: Two skin disinfection techniques in 50 blood donors were evaluated. For the first arm, 10% povidone–iodine/two‐stage technique was used. On the opposite arm, 0·5% chlorhexidine digluconate alcohol solution/one‐stage technique was used. The swabs were seeded on three culture media: blood agar, mannitol salt agar and Mac Conkey agar. Automated bacterial classification based on biochemical tests/specific substrates was performed. Donor characteristics were collected using the computerised system of the Hemotherapy Center.Results: We found that microbial reduction was significantly higher for 10% povidone–iodine technique (98·57–98·87%) when compared with 0·5% chlorhexidine technique (94·38–95·06%). The species Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Staphylococcus hominis showed resistance to both disinfection techniques. We did not find statistically significant relationships between donor characteristics and microbial reduction.Conclusions: Arm skin disinfection with 10% povidone–iodine produced better antimicrobial activity. We must acknowledge that 10% povidone–iodine technique has the limitation of being a two‐stage method. However, prevention of adverse events due to bacterial contamination and transfusion reactions should be prioritised. Production of hypoallergenic and stronger antiseptics that allowed a safe one‐stage disinfection technique should be encouraged in health systems, not only in Brazil but also around the world.
Colorectal cancer incidence and trend in UK South Asians: a 20‐year study
Authors: Hebbar S. , Fuggle W. J. , Nevill A. M. , Veitch A. M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAims South Asians comprise 13.6% of the Wolverhampton population. We aimed to compare the incidence and trend of colorectal cancer in this subgroup with the non South Asian population over a 20‐year period.Method Patients of South Asian origin diagnosed with colorectal cancer from 1989 to 2008 were identified from the hospital histopathology database and compared with those of non South Asian origin. 1991 and 2001 census data were used to standardize for differing age and sex distributions in the two study populations.Results The median unadjusted incidence of colorectal cancer from 1989 to 2008 was 6.17 per 100 000 per year in South Asians compared with 71.70 per 100 000 per year in non South Asians (77.79% white British). The age and sex adjusted odds ratio for colorectal cancer in South Asians was 0.2 (P < 0.001). There was an equal increased trend in the incidence in both the South Asians and non South Asians over the study period (0.8% per year). In patients < 50 years, the gender difference in the incidence of cancer was not significant, but as age increased this rose significantly (males > females).Conclusion There was a markedly lower incidence of colorectal cancer in South Asians compared with non South Asians, maintained over 20 years. Colorectal cancer incidence increased by a small and similar amount over the period in both groups. There was a male preponderance of colorectal cancer in both populations over 50 years.
The operative safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy for T3 renal cell cancer
Authors: Stewart Grant D. , Ang W. Jensen , Laird Alexander , Tolley David A. , Riddick Antony C. P. , McNeill S. Alan 
Published: January 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is a well established treatment for localized RCC, where nephron‐sparing approaches are not appropriate. As surgeon and departmental experience grow more extensive tumours will be tackled laparoscopically. However, little is known about the operative safety and oncological outcomes of the laparoscopic approach for locally advanced RCC.The present study describes the largest reported cohort of patients receiving laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for locally advanced RCC. In the context of suitably experienced personnel in an established centre, we have established that this approach is safe from operative, postoperative and oncological standpoints, with comparable data to existing open series.OBJECTIVE
To determine the operative, postoperative and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for locally advanced renal cell cancer (RCC), which, as surgeon and departmental experience increases, is being performed more often.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In total, 94 consecutive patients receiving LRN for pathologically confirmed T3 or T4 RCC at a tertiary referral centre between March 2002 and May 2010 were analyzed.
Preoperative, operative, tumour and postoperative characteristics were evaluated together with recurrence and outcome data.
Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox's proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 77 patients had LRN with curative intent and 17 patients had LRN with cytoreductive intent.
There were six LRNs (6.4%) that were converted to open procedures.
Overall, there were two (2.1%) Clavien grade IIIa complications, one (1.1%) grade IVa complication and one (1.1%) postoperative death.
Overall median follow‐up was 17.4 months. In total, 22 (28.6%) patients receiving curative LRN developed a recurrence after a median of 13.9 months; 12 (54.5%) patients developed distant metastases, five (22.7%) patients had local recurrences and three (13.6%) patients had transcoelomic spread. Median predicted progression free survival was 48.4 months in patients undergoing LRN with curative intent. Median predicted overall survival was 65.6 months after curative LRN and 15.7 months after cytoreductive LRN.
Multivariate analysis did not reveal any variables influencing recurrence or survival.
CONCLUSIONS
In the context of suitably experienced personnel in an established centre, LRN for locally advanced RCC is safe from an operative and oncological standpoint.
Patients clinically staged as T3 RCC must still be selected carefully for LRN in a multidisciplinary setting.
When Transparency Goes Against Efficiency: Fiscal Equalization in a Context of Firm and Household Mobility
Authors: DURAN‐VIGNERON PASCALE 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how the mobility of households and firms affects economic efficiency and whether a transparent system of equalization payments can be efficiency‐enhancing. When local governments choose their fiscal policy taking into account the impact the policy will have on migration, the decentralized equilibrium does not result in a socially efficient allocation: central government intervention is required. However, assuming the transparency of fiscal equalization—that is local governments know the transfer formulas as advocated by the Council of Europe—no system of equalization transfers is able to ensure economic efficiency. The system has to combine a transparent transfer with a grant the formula of which is not known to local governments.