bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fighting City Hall: Entry Deterrence and Technology Upgrades in Cable TV Markets
Authors: Seamans Robert C. 
Published: October 2011

This article investigates how private firms respond to potential entry from public firms. This paper uses a data set of over 3,000 U.S. cable TV systems to present evidence consistent with entry deterrence. Incumbent cable TV firms upgrade faster when located in markets with a potential municipal entrant. However, the same systems are then slower to offer new products enabled by the upgrade, suggesting upgrades in these markets occur for strategic reasons. Incumbent cable systems also upgrade faster in response to municipal entry threats than to private entry threats. Understanding how private firms respond to potential entry from public firms is especially important in light of recent U.S. government entry into several industries. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Optimal Forecasting Groups
Authors: Lamberson P. J. , Page Scott E. 
Published: October 2011

This paper characterizes the optimal composition of a group for making a combined forecast. In the model, individual forecasters have types defined according to a statistical criterion we call type coherence. Members of the same type have identical expected accuracy, and forecasters within a type have higher covariance than forecasters of different types. We derive the optimal group composition as a function of predictive accuracy, between- and within-type covariance, and group size. Group size plays a critical role in determining the optimal group: in small groups the most accurate type should be in the majority, whereas in large groups the type with the least within-type covariance should dominate. This paper was accepted by Peter Wakker, decision analysis.
On Evaluation Costs in Strategic Factor Markets: The Implications for Competition and Organizational Design
Authors: Ross David Gaddis 
Published: October 2011

This paper uses a formal model to study how evaluation costs affect competition for resources in strategic factor markets. It finds that relative scarcity may not always benefit resource sellers. Rather, when competition among resource investors passes a certain threshold intensity, miscoordination among investors increases to the point that sellers' expected profits decline. This paper extends the model to consider how investors organize to overcome managerial agency in resource evaluation. Two organizational designs are considered: (a) incentivization, wherein a lower-level manager is motivated by an incentive contract to evaluate resources for an investor, and (b) supervision, wherein evaluation is either handled directly or closely monitored by headquarters. The model suggests that competition among investors will be associated with a greater use of supervision and that investors using supervision will tend to make lower offers. This paper also finds that supervision will be more common when valuable resources are rare. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Die HEp-2-Zelle als Target für multiparametrische Autoantikörperanalytik – Automatisierung und Standardisierung/The HEp-2 cell as target for multiparametric autoantibody analyses: automation and standardisation
Authors: Hiemann Rico , Roggenbuck Dirk , Sack Ulrich , Anderer Ursula , Conrad Karsten 
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung
Trotz Einführung von Multiplex-Assays ist die Bestimmung von Autoantikörpern (AAK) mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz (IIF) nach wie vor ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Autoimmundiagnostik. Das Screening auf nichtorganspezifische AAK wird in der Routinediagnostik von autoimmunen rheumatischen Erkrankungen mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz an HEp-2-Zellen durchgeführt. Leider differieren die mit diesem Test erhaltenen Befunde z. T. recht erheblich auf Grund von objektiven (z. B. HEp-2-Zellfixierung) und subjektiven (z. B. Erfahrungswerte) Faktoren. Die Intra- und Interlaborvarianzen sind daher relativ hoch. Erste Ergebnisse von Evaluierungsstudien eines neu entwickelten Systems zur automatischen Bildanalyse (AKLIDES®) zeigen einen Weg in Richtung Standardisierung (bzw. Harmonisierung) des HEp-2-Zell-Assays auf, in dem zunächst subjektive Fehlinterpretationen vermieden werden können. Eine weitere Harmonisierung erfordert die Weiterentwicklung der Software-Algorithmen zur Mustererkennung sowie neue Kalibrationssysteme.
Wie verlässlich ist die Bestimmung von Procalcitonin als Entzündungsmarker auf Intensivstation?/How reliable is procalcitonin as an inflammatory marker?
Authors: Biller Katharina , Fae Peter , Germann Reinhard , Walli Autar K. , Fraunberger Peter 
Published: October 2011

Zusammenfassung
Die Rolle von Procalcitonin (PCT)-Plasmaspiegel bei kritisch kranken Patienten wurde in den vergangenen Jahren intensiv untersucht. Insbesondere zur Erkennung von Infektionen erwiesen sich PCT-Plasmaspiegel in vielen Fällen anderen klinischen und biochemischen Markern überlegen. Neuere Untersuchungen zeigen, dass mit Hilfe der PCT-Spiegel bei bestimmten Erkrankungen die antibiotische Therapie gesteuert und damit der Antibiotika-Verbrauches reduziert werden kann. Für die Beurteilung der Prognose von kritisch kranken Intensivpatienten scheint der Parameter jedoch nur eingeschränkt verwertbar zu sein. Darüber hinaus können in seltenen Fällen falsch positive und falsch negative Werte auftreten. Trotz dieser Einschränkungen werden heutzutage PCT-Plasmaspiegel bereits vielfältig auf Intensivstationen eingesetzt. Die möglichen klinischen Anwendungen dieses Labormarkers als diagnostisches Werkzeug zur Beurteilung kritisch kranker Patienten sollen im Folgenden dargestellt werden.
An Application of Laser Speckle-Based Coating Thickness Measurement
Authors: Lettner J. , Zagar Bernhard 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
A non-contacting method based on laser speckles for determining thin liquid layers on optically rough surfaces is presented. The optical system allows large stand-off distances between the specimen and the sensor so the system can also be used in harsh environments and industrial applications. The thickness of organic residues or polar liquids to be measured can be in the typical range of about the same as the roughness of the surface. The distribution of the oil on the rough surface is dependent on the adhesion and cohesion forces, the temperature and mainly of the surface topography itself. The speckle generating effect is thus dependent on the surface roughness as well as the film thickness (and also its optical properties).These two effects change the structure of the so-called laser speckles due to laser light illumination on any dielectric coating on metallic surfaces. The speckle patterns viewed at by a video camera are evaluated and their rather strong dependence on liquid film properties are presented in this paper.
Characterization and statistical modeling of the precipitation kinetics in the commercial aluminum alloy AA5182
Authors: Liu Zhenshan , Mohles Volker , Engler Olaf , Gottstein Günter 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTPrecipitation kinetics in the wrought alloy AA5182 during homogenization was investigated by various experimental methods. The constituents generated during casting were identified with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Their volume fraction was measured with optical microscopy. The size evolution of dispersoids during the heat treatment was studied in TEM. The EDS analysis shows that the dispersoids were mainly Al6Mn and α-Al(MnFe)Si. The dispersoids number was counted from a large number of electron back scatter images to yield good statistics. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed to study precipitation indirectly via the solute content. With the above experimental information, the thermodynamics based precipitation model ClaNG was calibrated for the alloy AA5182. Unknown parameters like interface energies of precipitates were adjusted accordingly. ClaNG is capable of describing the simultaneous nucleation, growth and coarsening of all important precipitates in multi-component systems for arbitrary heat treatments. After the unknown parameters were determined, the model was able to predict the volume and size distribution of dispersoids and the matrix composition for varied heat treatments. The predictions were used to design and optimize the heating process with respect to the microstructure of the homogenized ingot.
Origin of Passerine Migratory Waves: Evidence from the Blackcap at a Stopover Site
Authors: Shneor Ophir , Perlman Gidon , Balaban Amir , Yom-Tov Yoram 
Published: October 2011

Hundreds of millions birds migrate through Israel every spring, usually in several waves during which a large number of birds are seen flying over Israel for several days, followed by periods in which only a small number are spotted. The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether the spring migration of the blackcap demonstrates a wave pattern, (2) determine the effect of weather conditions en route on the number of blackcaps arriving and forming each wave, and (3) use morphological characteristics and stable isotope composition of the feathers to examine the hypothesis that early arriving blackcaps represent populations breeding in low latitudes while later ones represent northern populations.We found that (1) our first hypothesis was fully supported, and blackcaps arrive to Israel in "waves"; (2) weather conditions, and in particular wind speed and direction, were significantly related to the number of blackcaps captured; and (3) our morphological and δ C-13 data suggest that birds from the early season originated from more southern latitudes and/or more western longitudes within the breeding range of blackcaps.
Treatment Results at 10, 15, and 18 Years of Age in Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: An Intercenter Comparison
Authors: Lisson Jörg A. , Heib Natalie , Von Moeller Sonja , Spitzer Wolfgang J. , Ludwig Björn 
Published: October 2011

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the skeletal treatment outcome in patients aged 18 years with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate who received their complete treatment until early adulthood in two centers with different treatment protocols. Design Twenty-two patients (13 from center 1, nine from center 2) with complete primary bilateral cleft lip alveolus and palate were included. Lateral cephalograms were studied at the ages of 10 (T1), 15 (T2), and 18 (T3) years. Sagittal, vertical, and dental parameters were measured and compared. Statistics included tests for normal distribution, a three-way analysis of variance, and bilateral t tests for associated and nonassociated random samples with the significance level p < .05. Results Data from center 1 showed a significant decrease in ANB, WITs appraisal, and NL-NSL and an increase in Ui/NL. Data from center 2 showed a significant increase in SNB; a decrease in ANB, WITs appraisal, and ML-NSL; and an increase in Ui/NL. The intercenter comparison of means at the end of treatment (T3) revealed no significant differences for any parameter, despite few significant differences at T1 and T2. Conclusion The different treatment concepts did not yield significant differences in treatment outcome at early adulthood. All final skeletal parameters were comparable to those of patients without a cleft. These results indicate treatment execution may be more important than the treatment protocol.
Diversity of Release Patterns for Jail Detainees: Implications for Public Health Interventions
Authors: Spaulding Anne C. , Perez Sebastian D. , Seals Ryan M. , Hallman Madhura A. , Kavasery Ravi , Weiss Paul S. 
Published: October 2011

Objectives. We sought to develop a detailed description of the variety of jail release patterns and to learn what factors affect the length of stay (LOS). Methods. The main data set for the study came from a biennial Bureau of Justice Statistics survey on felony defendants in large urban counties. Results. The median LOS for the felony defendants was 7 days. One quarter of the jails had a median LOS of less than 2 days; median LOS for 75% of the jails was less than 15 days. Median regression showed that male gender, previous arrests, and violent charges were predictive of longer LOS. Conclusions. The diversity in release patterns among jails has not been previously described. A public health intervention feasible in one jail may not be feasible in another because of the heterogeneity of release patterns. Individual inmate characteristics could predict a slower rate of release.
Risk of Poor Outcomes with Novel and Traditional Biomarkers at Clinical AKI Diagnosis
Authors: Hall Isaac E. , Coca Steven G. , Perazella Mark A. , Eko Umo U. , Luciano Randy L. , Peter Patricia R. , Han Won K. , Parikh Chirag R. 
Published: October 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Studies have evaluated acute kidney injury (AKI) using biomarkers in various settings, but their prognostic utility within current practice is unclear. Thus, we sought to determine the prognostic utility of newer biomarkers or traditional markers (fractional excretion of sodium [FeNa] and urea [FeUrea] and microscopy) over clinical assessment alone.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This is a prospective cohort study of adults on the first day of meeting AKI criteria. We measured urine concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and IL-18 and determined FeNa, FeUrea, and microscopy score for casts and tubular cells. Primary outcome was worsened AKI stage from enrollment to peak serum creatinine or in-hospital death.

Results
In 249 recipients, 57% were ≥65 years old, 48% were from intensive care, and mean baseline GFR was 69 ± 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. AKI was considered prerenal in 164 (66%), acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in 51 (20%), and “other” in 34 (14%). All mean protein biomarker concentrations, FeNa, FeUrea, and microscopy scores were statistically different between prerenal and ATN. Seventy-two patients (29%) developed the primary outcome. There was an approximate three-fold increase in adjusted risk for the outcome for upper versus lower values of NGAL, KIM-1, IL-18, and microscopy score (P values <0.05). Net reclassification improved after adding these to baseline clinical assessment. FeNa and FeUrea were not useful.

Conclusions
On the first day of AKI, urine protein biomarkers and microscopy significantly improve upon clinical determination of prognosis, indicating their potential utility in current practice.
Overview of the cestode fauna of European shrews of the genus Sorex with comments on the fauna in Neomys and Crocidura and an exploration of historical processes in post-glacial Europe
Authors: Binkienė R. , Kontrimavichus V. , Hoberg E. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The cestode fauna in shrews of the genus Sorex from the European region consists of seventeen species. Twelve cestode species have broad Palearctic distributions, three belong to the Western-Asian-European faunistic complex, and only two are endemic to the European zone. Postglacial expansion into the European territory resulted in geographic colonization by sixteen species. The large number of cestode species with transpalearctic ranges, as well as paleontological data indicating a nearly complete faunal turnover for species of Sorex in the Pleistocene, suggests that these parasites are more ancient than the assemblage of contemporary hosts in which they now occur, and thus represent ecological relicts. We suggest that origins of the cestode fauna pre-date those of the modern fauna of its hosts, and that initial formation and radiation occurred not later than the Pliocene. In the current review, we outline testable hypotheses to explore the structure, history and development of this fauna which appears limited to species of Sorex.
Range‐wide genetic structure and diversity of the endemic tree line species Polylepis australis (Rosaceae) in Argentina
Authors: Hensen Isabell , Teich Ingrid , Hirsch Heidi , von Wehrden Henrik , Renison Daniel 
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Knowledge on the range‐wide distribution of genetic structure and diversity is required to facilitate the understanding of historical tree migration and for predicting responses to current climate change. With respect to post‐glacial migration patterns known from the northern hemisphere, we tested the prediction that the southernmost populations of a subtropical tree line species have lower within‐population genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation than the central and northernmost populations.• Methods: We used AFLP to assess the genetic structure of 18 populations of the wind‐pollinated Polylepis australis (Rosaceae) sampled over its entire distributional range in three Argentinean high mountain regions. Genetic diversity was calculated as a percentage of polymorphic bands (P) and Nei's expected heterozygosity (He); genetic differentiation was assessed using AMOVA, ΦST – statistics, and Bayesian cluster analysis.• Key results: Contrary to our expectations, the northernmost Polylepis australis stands had lower within‐population genetic diversity and higher genetic differentiation than the central and southernmost stands. Populations grouped into two major clusters, the first containing the southern populations and four central populations and the second containing the northern and one central population.• Conclusions: Patterns of Polylepis australis genetic structure and diversity differ from historical migration scenarios observed for the northern hemisphere. The decline in genetic diversity toward the north may point to an equatorward migration following past climatic changes. Populations within the south and central part appear to be connected by effective long‐distance pollination while gene flow in the northern part is probably hampered by geographic isolation.
Karatophyllum bromelioides L.D. Gómez revisited: A probable fossil CAM bromeliad
Authors: Baresch Andres , Smith J. Andrew C. , Winter Klaus , Valerio Ana Lucía , Jaramillo Carlos 
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: The fossil leaf Karatophyllum bromelioides L. D. Gómez found in Costa Rica was proposed by Gómez (1972) to belong to the Bromeliaceae and to date from the middle Tertiary. If the age and affinity of this specimen were proven to be correct, it would constitute the oldest record of this large and ecologically diverse monocotyledonous family.• Key results: Morphological features of the fossil (leaf dimensions, marginal spines, cuticular traces) indicate a close affinity with the extant bromeliad Aechmea magdalenae (André) André ex Baker. Leaf thickness (1.6 mm at maximum) suggests that K. bromelioides L. D. Gómez performed CAM photosynthesis. The geological information does not corroborate the estimated age and location of the specimen; the fossil is suggested to be of more recent origin.• Conclusions: The affinity of this fossil to Bromeliaceae was confirmed, but the uncertainties surrounding its age and collection locality mitigate against its use in inferences concerning the evolutionary history of the family.
Pegylated Interferon-α2A plus Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in a Real-Life Setting: The Hepatys French Cohort (2003–2007)
Authors: Bourlière Marc , Ouzan Denis , Rosenheim Michel , Doffoël Michel , Marcellin Patrick , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Salomon Laurence , Fagnani Francis , Rouanet Stéphanie , Pinta Alexandrina , Vray Muriel 
Published: October 2011

Background The aim of this study was to document in real life the characteristics and management of hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon-α2a and ribavirin, and the efficacy of treatment (sustained virological response [SVR]). Methods This observational study enrolled hepatitis C patients initiating pegylated interferon-α2a and ribavirin treatment. Results A total of 2,066 patients were included, of which 70% were treatment-naive, 53% had genotype (G) 1 and 38% G2 or G3 infection, and 35% had an F3–F4 Metavir score. In total, 18% of patients treated for 24 weeks and 39% of patients treated for 48 weeks prematurely stopped treatment, mainly because of side effects. The SVR rate (intent-to-treat population) was 39%: 43% in naive patients and 31% in treatment-failure patients. In the complete case analysis population, this was 49%: 54% in naive patients and 37% in treatment-failure patients. Among naive patients, the SVR rate was 42% in G1 carriers and 69% in G2 or G3 carriers. The SVR rate was 69% in naive G1 patients without fibrosis (F0; versus 44% in F1–F2 versus 31% in F3–F4; P<0.001). In naive patients, G2 or G3, low viral load (<800,000 IU/ml) and age ≤40 years were predictive factors for SVR. In treatment-failure patients, low viral load, no or low fibrosis stage (F0–F1) and no treatment modification were predictive factors of SVR. Conclusions In patients treated in a real-life setting, adherence to therapy, SVR rates, predictive factors of SVR and safety results were close to those observed in randomized trials. A high SVR in G1 naive patients with no fibrosis warrants further study and might suggest earlier treatment.
Production of Jaadi using Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) and determination of its physcio-chemical and sensory properties
Authors: Lakshmi WGI , Prassanna PHP , Edirisinghe U 
Published: October 2011

Consumption of Tilapia is restricted due to its muddy flavour and colour. This study was aimed to develop jaadi, a fermented fish product, using Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to determine suitable salt and goraka (Garcinia gambodiea) combination for its preparation. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. First experiment was aimed at determining the suitable salt content for jaadi. There were four treatments having salt contents of 200 g, 300 g, 400 g and 500 g per 1 kg of deskined fish without head while keeping goraka (G. gambodiea) content at 100 g. The most suitable salt content was determined according to sensory evaluation results, which in turn was used for second experiment, for the determination of suitable goraka (G. gambodiea) content, the goraka (G. gambodiea) content was changed as 100 g, 150 g, 200 g and 250 g per 1 kg of fish keeping the salt content constant. Results for the first experiment indicated that the highest preference for sensory attributes was from combination of 500 g of salt with constant goraka (G. gambodiea) per 1 kg of fish. Results of second experiment indicated that there was a higher preference for the combination of 100 g of garcenia (G. gambodiea) with 500 g salt per 1 kg of fish compared to other treatments. The study clearly revealed that 500 g of goraka (G. gambodiea) and 100 g of salt with 1 kg of deskined Tilapia (O. niloticus) fish without head can effectively used to produce jaadi. Key words: Tilapia; Goraka; Salt; Storage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v9i1.3734 Sabaramuwa University Journal, Volume 9 Number 1; December 2010, pp 57-63