bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfusion reactions: a comparative observational study of blood components produced before and after implementation of semiautomated production from whole blood
Authors: Semple Elisabeth , Bowes‐Schmidt Audrey , Yi Qi‐Long , Shimla Susan , Devine Dana V.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: A semiautomated method of component production from whole blood was implemented at Canadian Blood Services. To assess safety of the new components, the frequency of adverse transfusion events (ATEs) to platelet components (PCs) and red blood cell (RBCs) produced before and after implementation of the new method was surveyed and compared.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational, noninferiority study was conducted in 12 sentinel hospitals across Canada. The control group received RBCs in additive solution‐3 (AS‐3) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP)‐produced platelets (PLTs) for 3 to 11 months before implementation of semiautomated production, and the study group received RBCs in saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) and buffy coat (BC)‐produced PLTs for 3 to 11 months after implementation. ATE definitions at each hospital and standard practice for reporting did not change between control and study periods. Data for analysis were obtained from databases and original report forms.

RESULTS: The pooled risk ratio of a reaction to SAGM versus AS‐3 RBCs was 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66‐0.90), suggesting that SAGM products had significantly lower reaction rates than AS‐3 products (p < 0.01). Reported allergic reactions to RBCs decreased from 0.07% (AS‐3) to 0.04% (SAGM). For PLTs, the difference in reaction rates between BC and PRP was not significant (p = 0.37), and the pooled risk ratio of BC versus PRP was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.86‐1.50).

CONCLUSION: The change in manufacturing method was associated with lower reaction rates to SAGM RBCs than to AS‐3 RBCs. Pooled BC PLTs were noninferior to random‐donor PRP PLTs with respect to ATEs.
Heterogeneity of F cells in β‐thalassemia
Authors: Prus Eugenia , Fibach Eitan
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which is largely replaced after birth by the adult Hb, is concentrated in a few “F cells.” Their number significantly increases in certain physiologic and clinical situations, including in β‐thalassemia (β‐thal). Their quantification is used to detect fetal–maternal hemorrhage (FMH), where fetal cells enter the maternal circulation. We were confronted with a pregnant woman with β‐thal who was suspected to have FMH. To establish the usefulness of a flow cytometric procedure to differentiate between fetal cells and the maternal F cells, we screened adult β‐thal patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples were simultaneously stained with fluorescent antibodies to HbF and to carbonic anhydrase (CA) isotype II, which is specific to adult red blood cells (RBCs).

RESULTS: A heterogeneous distribution of RBCs with respect to HbF and CA expression was observed: adult non‐F cells (CA+HbF–) and F cells (CA+HbF+/HbF++) as well as F cells with characteristics of fetal cells (CA–HbF++).

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CA–HbF++ RBCs in nonpregnant women, and even men, with thal indicates that the CA/HbF method is inappropriate for detection of FMH. The coexistence of F cells carrying fetal or adult markers suggests that they originate from two types of stem cell, adult and fetal, lineages. Normally, the fetal lineage is insignificant, but in β‐thal, as HbF‐containing RBCs have a selective advantage, the “fetal” lineage gains significance.
Risk Taking and Performance of Public Insurers: An International Comparison
Authors: Fields L. Paige , Gupta Manu , Prakash Puneet
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We investigate how investor protection, government quality, and contract enforcement affect risk taking and performance of insurance companies from around the world. We find that better investor protection results in less risk taking, as do higher quality government and greater contract enforceability. However, we find only limited evidence that these factors influence firm performance. We conclude that better overall operating environments result in less risk taking by insurers without the concomitant decline in performance. These results imply that better investor protection environments benefit policyholders and outside stockholders by preventing corporate insiders from expropriating wealth from policyholders and outside stockholders.
A Helping Hand? The Moderating Role of Leaders' Conflict Management Behavior on the Conflict–Stress Relationship of Employees
Authors: Römer Moritz , Rispens Sonja , Giebels Ellen , Euwema Martin C.
Published: June 2012

Interpersonal conflict between colleagues within organizations negatively affects employee well‐being (e.g., stress). It is unclear how leaders' third‐party conflict management behaviors influence the relationship between employee conflict and well‐being. In this study, we examine the effects of leaders' perceived conflict management behaviors on the relationship between relationship, task, and process conflicts and the conflict‐related stress (as a measure of well‐being) that employees experience. We tested our expectations using a survey of 145 employees of an insurance company in the Netherlands. The results confirmed our expectations that the perception that leaders engaged in third‐party forcing behavior and avoiding behavior amplified the effects of conflict on conflict‐related stress. Furthermore, we found that leaders' third‐party problem‐solving behavior had a buffering effect on the association between relationship conflict and conflict‐related stress. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Cultivating Dialogue: From Fragmentation to Relationality in Conflict Interaction
Authors: Kuttner Ran
Published: June 2012

This article builds on the tendency in recent decades in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to analyze conflict and its transformation from a relational perspective. It surveys developments in twentieth‐century philosophy that support the ongoing quest to explore the self in ADR from a relational perspective. It then shows how the concept of dialogue provides a framework for understanding conflict transformation from a relational perspective, by exploring the relational foundations of dialogue. It also draws a connection between the growing use of mindfulness practices in conflict settings and the practice of dialogue, suggesting that Buddhist philosophy and practices can help cultivate relational awareness and dialogue. The article therefore suggests that incorporating dialogue and exploring its relational characteristics can assist ADR scholars and practitioners to develop further practices that can promote collaboration by shifting disputants from adversarial and fragmented orientations to more relational mindsets.
Teaching Negotiation through Paradox
Authors: de Carlo Laurence
Published: June 2012

How to teach negotiation cannot be effectively summed up in a few ready‐to‐be‐applied principles. In this article, I define a paradoxical professorial stance that I believe can be useful for helping students learn negotiation concepts and methods, and will also help them reflect on their own practice. The paradoxes are the following: caring for the students while deliberately exposing them to frustration; nurturing a lively, interactive course while respecting those students who prefer to remain silent; helping the students to be more autonomous while simultaneously manipulating them; accepting their vulnerability while nurturing their creativity; and finally, maintaining both professorial distance and closeness. My adoption of such a paradoxical stance as a professor has encouraged greater creativity in my students, and by the end of the course, they are better able to create value in a negotiation simulation.
Surface contamination of dental implants assessed by gene expression analysis in a whole‐blood in vitro assay. A preliminary study
Authors: Harder Sönke , Quabius Elgar S. , Ossenkop Lars , Mehl Christian , Kern Matthias
Published: June 2012

Aim

We aimed at evaluating pyrogen contamination of dental implants made of titanium and zirconia by using gene expression analysis in a whole‐blood in vitro assay.

Material and Methods

Titanium and zirconia implants (five each) were incubated in human whole blood. Samples were assayed for gene expression levels of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR9, interleukin (IL)‐1β, nuclear factor ‘kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer’ of activated B‐cells (NF‐kB), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD) as indicators of surface contamination resulting in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐stimulated TLR‐ or TNF‐mediated immune responses. Gene expression was assayed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Non‐stimulated blood from the same donor served as a negative control, and blood stimulated with LPS served as a positive control. After dry‐heat treatment with dry heat, all implants were re‐analysed as described above.

Results

Both implant systems contained surface contaminants evoking a pro‐inflammatory response similar to that induced by LPS. After dry‐heat treatment, gene expression was significantly decreased to levels similar to those of negative control samples.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated LPS‐like surface‐bound contaminants in both tested implant systems. Depyrogenation with dry heat seems to be an effective means of reducing such contamination in dental implants.
Cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 oppositely regulate epidermal permeability barrier status and differentiation
Authors: Roelandt Truus , Heughebaert Carol , Bredif Stephanie , Giddelo Christina , Baudouin Caroline , Msika Philippe , Roseeuw Diane , Uchida Yoshikazu , Elias Peter M. , Hachem Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2012

Cannabinoid receptors (CBR) 1 and 2 have been implicated in keratinocyte differentiation/proliferation. How CB receptors affect epidermal permeability barrier and stratum corneum structure and function remains unclear. Permeability barrier abrogation was induced by sequential tape‐stripping of the SC and assessed in both CB1R and CB2R knockout (−/−) mice in comparison with wild‐type (+/+) littermates. Absence of CB1R delays permeability barrier recovery, while the latter was found to be accelerated in CB2R −/− mice. While increased lamellar body (LB) secretion is observed in CB2R −/− mice accounting for the enhanced recovery, CB1R −/− animals display strong alterations in lipid bilayer structures. Markers for epidermal differentiation (i.e. filaggrin, loricrin and involucrin) and terminal differentiation (i.e. TUNEL assay and caspase‐14 activation) were respectively decreased and increased in CB1R and CB2R −/− mice. Surprisingly, CB1R agonist treatment of human cultured keratinocytes increases mRNA of p21 and cytokeratin 1 and 10 and decreases cyclin D1 but protein levels remained unchanged. Such paradox could partially be explained by the increase in non‐phosphorylated‐4E‐BP1, an inhibitor of mRNA translation, following CB1R agonist treatment. Altogether, these observations put forward the importance and the complexity of cannabinoid signalling for the regulation of permeability barrier and epidermal differentiation.
N‐acetyl‐S‐farnesyl‐l‐cysteine suppresses chemokine production by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Adhami Katayun , Lee Jason , Levin Laura , Moquete Rachel , Stohl Lori L. , Ding Wanhong , Wong Jason , Schierl Michael , Zhou Xi K. , Gordon Joel S. , Perez Eduardo , Stock Maxwell B. , Granstein Richard D.
Published: June 2012

Isoprenylcysteine (IPC) molecules modulate G‐protein‐coupled receptor signalling. The archetype of this class is N‐acetyl‐S‐farnesyl‐l‐cysteine (AFC). Topical application of AFC locally inhibits skin inflammation and elicitation of contact hypersensitivity in vivo. However, the mechanism of these anti‐inflammatory effects is not well understood. Dermal microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) are involved in inflammation, in part, by secreting cytokines that recruit inflammatory cells. We have previously shown that the sympathetic nerve cotransmitter adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine‐5′‐O‐(3‐thio) triphosphate (ATPγS), an ATP analogue that is resistant to hydrolysis, increase secretion of the chemokines CXCL8 (interleukin‐8), CCL2 (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1) and CXCL1 (growth‐regulated oncogene α) by dermal microvascular ECs. Production of these chemokines can also be induced by the exposure to the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. We have now demonstrated that AFC dose‐dependently inhibits ATP‐, ATPγS‐ and TNFα‐induced production of CXCL1, CXCL8 and CCL2 by a human dermal microvascular EC line (HMEC‐1) in vitro under conditions that do not affect cell viability. Inhibition of ATPγS‐ or TNFα‐stimulated release of these chemokines was associated with reduced mRNA levels. N‐acetyl‐S‐geranyl‐l‐cysteine, an IPC analogue that is inactive in inhibiting G‐protein‐coupled signalling, had greatly reduced ability to suppress stimulated chemokine production. AFC may exert its anti‐inflammatory effects through the inhibition of chemokine production by stimulated ECs.
Multifractal growth in periphyton communities
Authors: Saravia Leonardo Ariel , Giorgi Adonis , Momo Fernando
Published: June 2012

Periphyton is an aquatic community composed by algae, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can develop a complex architecture comparable to tropical forests. We analyzed the spatial pattern of a periphyton community along a succession developed in experimental tanks. Our aim was to identify regularities that may help us to explain the patchiness of this community. Therefore, we estimated the spatial pattern of periphyton biomass using a non‐destructive image analysis technique to obtain a temporal series of the spatial distribution. These were analyzed using multifractal techniques. Multifractals are analogous to fractals but they look at the geometry of quantities instead of the geometry of pattern. To use these techniques the object of study must show scale invariance and then can be characterized by a spectra of fractal dimensions. Self‐organization describes the evolution of complex structures that emerge spontaneously driven internally by variations of the system itself. The spatial distribution of biomass showed scale invariance at all stages of succession and as the periphyton developed in a homogeneous landscape, in a demonstration of self‐organized behavior. Self‐organization to a critical state (SOC) is presented in the complex systems literature as a general explanation for scale invariance in nature. SOC requires a mechanism where the history of past events in a place influence the actual dynamics, this was termed ecological memory. The scale invariance was found from the very beginning of the succession thus self‐organized criticality is a very improbable explanation for the pattern because there would be not enough time for the build‐up of ecological memory. Positive interactions between algae and bacteria, and the existence of different spatial scales of colonization and growth are the likely causes of this pattern. Our work is a demonstration of how large scale patterns emerge from local biotic interactions.
The academic jungle: ecosystem modelling reveals why women are driven out of research
Authors: O’Brien Katherine R. , Hapgood Karen P.
Published: June 2012

The number of women studying science and engineering at undergraduate and postgraduate levels has increased markedly in recent decades. However females have lower retention rates than males in these fields, and perform worse on average than men in terms of promotion and common research metrics. Two key differences between men and women are the larger role that women play in childcare and house work in most families, and the narrower window for female fertility. Here we explore how these two factors affect research output by applying a common ecological model to research performance, incorporating part‐time work and the duration of career prior to the onset of part‐time work. The model parameterizes the positive feedback between historical research output (i.e. track record) and current output, and the minimum threshold below which research output declines. We use the model to provide insight into how women (and men) can pursue a career in academia while working part‐time and devoting substantial time to their family. The model suggests that researchers entering a tenure track (teaching and research) role part‐time without an established track record in research will spend longer in the early career phase compared to full‐time academics, researchers without teaching commitments, and those who were beyond the early career phase prior to working part‐time. The results explain some of the mechanisms behind the observed difference between male and female performance in common metrics and the higher participation of women in teaching‐focussed roles. Based on this analysis, we provide strategies for researchers (particularly women) who want to devote substantial time to raising their families while still remaining engaged with their profession. We also identify how university leaders can enable part‐time academics to flourish rather than flounder. In particular, we demonstrate that careless application of metrics is likely to further reduce female participation in research, and so reduce the pool of talent available.
More than herbivory: levels of silica‐based defences in grasses vary with plant species, genotype and location
Authors: Soininen Eeva M. , Bråthen Kari Anne , Jusdado Juan German Herranz , Reidinger Stefan , Hartley Susan E.
Published: June 2012

Silica defences in grasses have recently been suggested to be a potential driver of vole population dynamics. However, the ability of grasses to induce silica in response to herbivory has not been tested in northern ecosystems where small rodents are important herbivores.

We conducted a large‐scale field experiment in subarctic tundra using three river catchments differing in herbivore densities, and examined the effects of small rodent and/or reindeer exclusion on leaf silica levels in five grass species (Avenella flexuosa, Anthoxanthum nipponicum, Calamagrostis phragmitoides, Deschampsia cespitosa and Phleum alpinum). We also conducted a greenhouse experiment using three of these species (A. flexuosa, A. nipponicum and D. cespitosa) and Festuca ovina to determine whether intraspecific genotypic variation affects baseline silica concentrations and the capacity to induce silica in response to simulated grazing. Baseline leaf silica concentrations and silica induction varied with plant species in both experiments, with catchment in the field experiment and with genotype in the greenhouse experiment. These findings show that the allocation to silica defences in grasses is highly variable, and suggest that the combined effects of grazing pressure, plant species and intraspecific genotypic differences are likely to determine the circumstances under which silica induction may be an optimal defence strategy. A better understanding of the interplay between grazing and other factors influencing silica induction is necessary to interpret the role of silica in plant–herbivore interactions.
Anterior and posterior neck muscle activation during a variety of biting tasks
Authors: Hellmann Daniel , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos N. , Schmitter Marc , Lenz Jürgen , Schindler Hans J.
Published: June 2012

Bruxism may be involved in the aetiology of myofascial neck pain. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that anterior and posterior neck muscles co‐contract during jaw clenching. Ten test subjects developed different feedback‐controlled submaximum bite forces in a variety of bite‐force directions by means of bite‐force transducers. The electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid and supra/infrahyoidal muscles, and of the semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and multifidi muscles was recorded by use of surface electrodes and intramuscular wire electrodes, respectively. For normalization of electromyography data, maximum voluntary contraction tasks of the neck muscles were conducted in eight different loading directions. The results confirmed co‐contraction of the neck muscles in the range of 2–14% of the maximum voluntary contraction at a bite force ranging from 50 to 300 N. Significant activity differences were observed as a result of the different force levels and force directions exerted by the jaw muscles. Long‐lasting tonic activation of specific neck muscles triggered by the jaw‐clenching tasks was also detected. These findings support the assumption of a relationship between jaw clenching and the activity of the neck muscles investigated. The low level of co‐contraction activity, however, requires further study to elucidate possible pathophysiological interactions at the level of single motor units.
Effect of resistance training on body composition, self‐efficacy, depression, and activity in postpartum women
Authors: LeCheminant J. D. , Hinman T. , Pratt K. B. , Earl N. , Bailey B. W. , Thackeray R. , Tucker L. A.
Published: June 2012

This study assessed the effect of resistance training (RT) in 60 healthy postpartum women. Participants were randomized to 18 weeks of RT or an active comparison group (flexibility training). RT and flexibility training (FT) exercises were completed twice‐weekly based on the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. Study outcomes included muscular strength, body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry), exercise self‐efficacy, depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D)], and physical activity (accelerometery). For completers (n = 44), the RT group showed greater strength gains than the FT group, respectively (bench press: +36% vs +8%, P < 0.001; leg press: +31% vs +7%, P < 0.01; abdominal curl‐ups: +228% vs +43%, P < 0.01); however, body composition changes were not different. There was a significant group × time interaction for exercise self‐efficacy (F = 5.33, P = 0.026). For CES‐D score, the RT group decreased (F = 4.61, P = 0.016), while the FT group did not; however, the group × time interaction in CES‐D score was not significant (F = 1.33, P = 0.255). Sedentary time decreased (F = 5.27, P = 0.027) and light‐intensity activity time increased (F = 5.55, P = 0.023) more in the RT than FT group. Intent‐to‐treat analyses did not alter the results. Twice‐weekly RT increases strength and may be associated with better exercise self‐efficacy and improved physical activity outcomes compared with FT in postpartum women.
Immunophenotypic characterization and distribution of dendritic cells in odontogenic cystic lesions
Authors: Matos FTC , Rizo VHT , Almeida LY , Tirapelli C , Silva‐Sousa YTC , Almeida OP , León JE
Published: June 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 19, 85–91

Objective:  To analyze the expression and distribution patterns of mature dendritic cells (mDCs) and immature DCs (imDCs) in radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DtCs), and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs).

Materials and methods:  Forty‐nine odontogenic cystic lesions (OCLs) (RCs, n = 20; DtCs, n = 15; KCOTs, n = 14) were assessed using the following markers: S100, CD1a and CD207 for imDCs; and CD83 for mDCs.

Results:  Almost all cases were S100, CD1a, and CD207 positive, whereas 63% were CD83 positive. RCs presented greater number of immunostained cells, followed by DtCs, and KCOTs. The number of S100+ cells was greater than both CD1a+ and CD207+ cells (P < 0.001), which showed approximately similar amounts, followed by lower number of CD83+ cells (P < 0.001) in each OCL type. Different from S100+ cells, both CD1a+ and CD207+ cells on the epithelium (P < 0.05) and CD83+ cells on the capsule (P < 0.05) were preferentially observed. In RCs, significant correlation was found between the thickness epithelium with S100+ and CD1a+ cells, and between the degree of inflammation with CD83+ cells.

Conclusions:  Dendritic cell populations in OCLs can be phenotypically heterogeneous, and it could represent distinct lineages and/or functional stages. It is suggested that besides DC‐mediated immune cell interactions, DC‐mediated tissue differentiation and maintenance in OCLs should also be considered.
A Note on Three Statistical Tests in the Logistic Regression DIF Procedure
Authors: Paek Insu
Published: June 2012

Although logistic regression became one of the well‐known methods in detecting differential item functioning (DIF), its three statistical tests, the Wald, likelihood ratio (LR), and score tests, which are readily available under the maximum likelihood, do not seem to be consistently distinguished in DIF literature. This paper provides a clarifying note on those three tests when logistic regression is applied for DIF detection.
Detecting Local Item Dependence in Polytomous Adaptive Data
Authors: Mislevy Jessica L. , Rupp André A. , Harring Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2012

A rapidly expanding arena for item response theory (IRT) is in attitudinal and health‐outcomes survey applications, often with polytomous items. In particular, there is interest in computer adaptive testing (CAT). Meeting model assumptions is necessary to realize the benefits of IRT in this setting, however. Although initial investigations of local item dependence have been studied both for polytomous items in fixed‐form settings and for dichotomous items in CAT settings, there have been no publications applying local item dependence detection methodology to polytomous items in CAT despite its central importance to these applications. The current research uses a simulation study to investigate the extension of widely used pairwise statistics, Yen's Q3 Statistic and Pearson's Statistic X2, in this context. The simulation design and results are contextualized throughout with a real item bank of this type from the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).
The Accuracy and Consistency of a Series of IRT True Score Equatings
Authors: Li Deping , Jiang Yanlin , von Davier Alina A.
Published: June 2012

This study investigates a sequence of item response theory (IRT) true score equatings based on various scale transformation approaches and evaluates equating accuracy and consistency over time. The results show that the biases and sample variances for the IRT true score equating (both direct and indirect) are quite small (except for the mean/sigma method). The biases and sample variances for the equating functions based on the characteristic curve methods and concurrent calibrations for adjacent forms are smaller than the biases and variances for the equating functions based on the moment methods. In addition, the IRT true score equating is also compared to the chained equipercentile equating, and we observe that the sample variances for the chained equipercentile equating are much smaller than the variances for the IRT true score equating with an exception at the low scores.
Standard Error of Linear Observed‐Score Equating for the NEAT Design With Nonnormally Distributed Data
Authors: Zu Jiyun , Yuan Ke‐Hai
Published: June 2012

In the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design, the standard error of linear observed‐score equating is commonly estimated by an estimator derived assuming multivariate normality. However, real data are seldom normally distributed, causing this normal estimator to be inconsistent. A general estimator, which does not rely on the normality assumption, would be preferred, because it is asymptotically accurate regardless of the distribution of the data. In this article, an analytical formula for the standard error of linear observed‐score equating, which characterizes the effect of nonnormality, is obtained under elliptical distributions. Using three large‐scale real data sets as the populations, resampling studies are conducted to empirically evaluate the normal and general estimators of the standard error of linear observed‐score equating. The effect of sample size (50, 100, 250, or 500) and equating method (chained linear, Tucker, or Levine observed‐score equating) are examined. Results suggest that the general estimator has smaller bias than the normal estimator in all 36 conditions; it has larger standard error when the sample size is at least 100; and it has smaller root mean squared error in all but one condition. An R program is also provided to facilitate the use of the general estimator.
COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVENESS OF ADAPTIVE NEURO‐FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEM AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR ESTIMATION OF LINEAR CREEP AND RECOVERY PROPERTIES OF MODEL MEAT EMULSIONS
Authors: YILMAZ MUSTAFA TAHSIN
Published: June 2012

In meat emulsion systems, it is impossible to interpret the results from the molecular perspective due to their complexity. Therefore, it is very difficult to perform mathematical modeling of structure of the emulsion systems due to their ill‐defined viscoelastic (creep and recovery) nature. Therefore, an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to accurately model the effect of creep test time, temperature and oil levels on the compliance (J), creep and recovery phase parameters. In this respect, ANFIS with different types of input membership functions (MFs) was developed. MF “trimf” performed better than others. The ANFIS model was compared with artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The estimation by ANFIS was superior to those obtained by ANN and MLR models. The ANFIS model resulted in a good fit with the observed data, especially for the creep phase data in the checking period.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In literature, no study has appeared to model the effect of creep test time, temperature and oil levels on the compliance (J), creep and recovery phase parameters of O/W model system meat emulsions using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), artificial neural network and multiple linear regression techniques. In this study, the ANFIS model resulted in a good fit with the observed data, indicating that the creep and recovery properties of the O/W model system meat emulsions can be estimated using the ANFIS model. As a result, among the models used, ANFIS was found to be the best model that can be efficiently used to estimate unmeasured or untested interval values of creep and recovery properties. This might be quite significant for meat industry that will benefit from estimating texture of such products previously before producing them at a large scale, thus enabling them to save time.
WHY COARSE TOASTED RUSK ROLLS ARE CRISPIER THAN FINE ONES
Authors: CASTRO‐PRADA E.M. , MEINDERS M.B.J. , PRIMO‐MARTIN C. , HAMER R.J. , VAN VLIET T.
Published: June 2012

Toasted rusk rolls with a coarser structure are sensed crispier than those with a fine structure, at the same water activity (aw). The present paper shows that this difference in crispness perception is related to differences in fracture behavior and accompanying acoustic emission. Both sensory and instrumentally determined crispness decreased gradually with increasing aw in roughly the same manner for both coarse and fine products. Nevertheless, the coarse rusk roll was perceived as being crispier than the fine one. Typically, in the coarse structure the measured “Number of Force Drops” of a relatively large size and the “Number of Sound Events per cross section area” of relatively large intensity were more numerous than in the fine one. Our data show that relatively large force drops and sound events are related to the more intense crispness perception and stronger sound sensation for the coarse structure toasted rusk roll. We propose the “Total Sound Energy per cross section area” and the “Mean Sound Event Intensity” to be primarily responsible for the higher crispness perception of the coarse rusk over the whole aw range.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Coarse structured toasted rusk rolls are sensed crispier than fine structured ones (same aw). Difference in crispness is related to fracture behavior and accompanying acoustic emission. Crispness decreased gradually with increasing aw similarly for coarse and fine products. Sound energy cq. Intensity seems primarily responsible for the higher crispness perception.
The Dynamics of Repeat Migration: A Markov Chain Analysis
Authors: Constant Amelie F. , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: June 2012

This article studies repeat or circular migration between the host and home countries using panel data for Germany, distinguishing between factors generating single moves, circular migration, and absorption. Migrants are more likely to leave early after their first arrival in Germany, and when they have social and familial bonds in the home country, but less likely when they have a job in Germany and speak the language well. Once out-migrated, the return probability is mainly affected by remittances and family considerations. Circular migration is fostered by vocational training in the host country and older age. Whereas male migrants are 9 percent more likely to return to their home country than female migrants, gender is not significant for predicting the return to move back to Germany.
Chinese Immigrants in the U.S. Labor Market: Effects of Post-Tiananmen Immigration Policy
Authors: Orrenius Pia , Zavodny Madeline , Kerr Emily
Published: June 2012

The Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 and ensuing government crackdown affected Chinese nationals not only at home but also around the world. The U.S. government responded to the events in China by enacting multiple measures to protect Chinese nationals present in the United States. It first suspended all forced departures among Chinese nationals present in the country as of June 1989 and later gave them authorization to work legally. The Chinese Student Protection Act, passed in October 1992, made those Chinese nationals eligible for lawful permanent resident status. These actions applied to about 80,000 Chinese nationals residing in the United States on student or other temporary visas or illegally. Receiving permission to work legally and then a green card is likely to have affected recipients’ labor market outcomes. This study uses 1990 and 2000 census data to examine employment and earnings among Chinese immigrants who were likely beneficiaries of the U.S. government's actions. Relative to immigrants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea – countries not covered by the post-Tiananmen immigration policy measures – highly educated immigrants from mainland China experienced significant employment and earnings gains during the 1990s. Chinese immigrants who arrived in the U.S in time to benefit from the measures also had higher relative earnings in 2000 than Chinese immigrants who arrived too late to benefit. The results suggest that getting legal work status and then a green card has a significant positive effect on skilled migrants’ labor market outcomes.
Functional coordination of the spread of vasodilations through skeletal muscle microvasculature: implications for blood flow control
Authors: Twynstra J. , Ruiz D. A. , Murrant C. L.
Published: June 2012

Aim

We sought to understand the integrated vascular response to muscle contraction by determining how different branch orders of the terminal microvascular network respond to stimulation using a KATP channel opener pinacidil (PIN) as a muscle contraction mimetic.

Methods

Using the blood perfused, hamster cremaster preparation in situ, we locally micropipette‐applied 10−5 m PIN on the capillaries, Branch arteriole (third order, two branch orders up from the capillaries) and transverse arterioles (TA) (second order, three branch orders up from the capillaries) and observed different branch orders of the microvasculature to determine where the localized vasodilation spread throughout the terminal microvascular network.

Results

We observed that PIN stimulation of capillaries caused associated upstream vasodilation of the module inflow arteriole (MI) (fourth order, the terminal arteriole) (2.1 ± 0.4 μm), the associate Branch (1.4 ± 0.5 μm) and in the upstream direction on the TA (2.1 ± 0.5 μm). Vasodilation did not occur in all MIs (−0.2 ± 0.2 μm) from the vasodilated branch and did not go downstream on the TA (0.7 ± 0.4 μm). Branch stimulation caused upstream TA (3.3 ± 1.0 μm) and upstream Branch (1.7 ± 0.3 μm) vasodilation but not downstream TA (1.5 ± 0.6 μm) or downstream Branch (0.2 ± 0.3 μm) vasodilation. TA stimulation caused conducted responses in both directions and into all associated arteriolar Branches and MIs.

Conclusions

The spread of the conducted response is dependent on the vascular branch order stimulated: capillary stimulation was most specific in its direction and TA stimulation was the least specific. Our data indicate that vascular branch order is important in determining the vascular response needed to direct blood flow to contracting skeletal muscle cells.
Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of metformin extended‐release oral antidiabetic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: An observational trial in Asia
Authors: Kim Chul‐Hee , Han Kyung‐Ah , Oh Han‐Jin , Tan Kevin Eng‐Kiat , Sothiratnam Radhakrishna , Tjokroprawiro Askandar , Klein Marcus
Published: June 2012

Background:  The aim of the present prospective observational study was to assess the tolerability and antihyperglycemic efficacy of metformin extended‐release (MXR) in the routine treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from six Asian countries.

Methods:  Data from 3556 patients treated with once‐daily MXR for 12 weeks, or until discontinuation, were analyzed.

Results:  Treatment with MXR was well tolerated, with 97.4% of patients completing 12 weeks of treatment. Only 3.3% of patients experienced one or more gastrointestinal (GI) side‐effects and only 0.7% of patients discontinued for this reason (primary endpoint). The incidence of GI side‐effects and related discontinuations appeared to be considerably lower during short‐term MXR therapy than during previous treatment (mean 2.71 years’ duration), most commonly with immediate‐release metformin. A 12‐week course of MXR therapy also reduced HbA1c and fasting glucose levels from baseline.

Conclusions:  The present study provides new insights into the incidence of GI side‐effects with MXR in Asian patients with T2DM and on the tolerability of MXR in non‐Caucasian populations. Specifically, these data indicate that once‐daily MXR not only improves measures of glycemic control in Asian patients with T2DM, but also has a favorable GI tolerability profile that may help promote enhanced adherence to oral antidiabetic therapy.
Motivational functionalism and urban conservation stewardship: implications for volunteer involvement
Authors: Asah Stanley T. , Blahna Dale J.
Published: June 2012

Conservation in urban areas faces growing financial challenges and inadequate stakeholder involvement. Conservation psychology can mitigate these challenges in many ways. One way is through conservation volunteerism, if we attend to and capitalize on volunteers’ motivations. Conservation volunteerism significantly contributes to ecological knowledge acquisition, and public education and awareness of conservation issues. In this study, we explored volunteers’ motivations and how those motivations influence frequency of participation in urban conservation activities. We found that volunteers’ frequency of participation is most motivated by personal and social benefits rather than by environment‐related reasons. Environmental motivations, otherwise marginally significant, were more salient predictors of participation to the extent that personal and social motivations were met. We discuss how ecologically focused strategies are likely to be less effective for motivating more frequent participation than motivationally based appeals to personal and social motivations of urban conservation. We discuss implications for urban conservation stewardship initiatives and suggest ways that decision makers can harness volunteers’ personal and social motivations to meet urban conservation practice and policy goals.
Allium purpureoviride sp. nov. (Alliaceae) from east Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Genç İ. , Özhatay N. , Koyuncu M.
Published: June 2012

Allium purpureoviride M. Koyuncu & İ. Genç (sect. Melanocrommyum) is described as a new species from east Anatolia, Turkey. The new species is closely related to A. rothii Zucc. from Israel and some characters of the new taxon show similarity with A. cyrilli Ten. and A. asclepiadeum Bornm. The morphological characters of the related taxa are discussed and the distribution of the taxa is mapped. The diploid chromosome number is 2n = 16.
Systematics and conservation genetics of Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. elatior (Orchidaceae) on Gotland
Authors: Hedrén Mikael , Nordström Sofie , Pedersen Henrik Æ. , Ståhlberg David
Published: June 2012

A tall allotetraploid member of the Dactylorhiza incarnata/maculata complex with unspotted leaves and large pinkish flowers from the island of Gotland in the Baltic was examined for molecular variation patterns at five nuclear microsatellite loci, nuclear ITS and in plastid haplotypes. The allotetraploid was well separated from allopatric allotetraploids of similar appearance, including the western European D. majalis ssp. integrata (syn. D. praetermissa) and forms of D. majalis ssp. lapponica from mainland Sweden. It also differed from other allotetraploids distributed in the Baltic Sea region, including D. majalis ssp. baltica and D. majalis ssp. lapponica. It is here recognized as D. majalis ssp. elatior (Fr.) Hedrén & H. A. Pedersen. Dactylorhiza osiliensis Pikner, described from Saaremaa (Estonia) is regarded as a synonym. The distribution covers Gotland, Saaremaa and possibly Hiiumaa. Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. elatior may have one or several recent origins within its present distribution area, and it contains no other molecular markers than those found in the parental D. incarnata var. incarnata and D. maculata ssp. fuchsii in the same area. It appears to have weak barriers towards secondary hybridization with its parental lineages. The situation is reminiscent to that of other young allotetraploids in the D. majalis s.l. complex, suggesting that introgression may be an underestimated process explaining the accumulation of genetic diversity in evolving allopolyploid plants.
Effects of On‐Call Work on Well‐Being: Results of a Daily Survey1
Authors: Bamberg Eva , Dettmers Jan , Funck Hannah , Krähe Birgit , Vahle‐Hinz Tim
Published: June 2012

Background: Flexible work schedules and on‐call work are becoming more and more common in working life. However, little is known about the effects of on‐call work on health. Methods: Using a daily survey method, 31 employees from an Information Technology Service Organisation filled out a questionnaire four times a week while they were on call and another four times a week while they were not on call. An evaluation of cortisol levels was included. Multilevel analyses were used to evaluate the data. Results: Results showed increases in irritation and negative mood and decreases in social activities, household activities, and low‐effort activities. No effects were found concerning the secretion of cortisol. There were no significant differences between those employees who were actually called in to work during the on‐call period and those who were not. Conclusions: Flexible work schedules like on‐call work have effects on well‐being. The mere possibility of being disturbed by calls shows negative consequences, regardless of whether the employees are actually called in or not.
Applying SDAC 2009 to the OECD Integration Scenario for Disability Employment
Authors: Long Brendan
Published: June 2012

The paper analyses Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURF) data from the 2009 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Ageing, Disability and Carers (SDAC) to estimate the proportion of Australians with disability and an employment restriction who are not in the labour force and who want to work. This result was 24–26 per cent depending on the treatment of various survey responses. This represents a pool of 200,000 persons not in the labour force with disability who state they can work. This work intention rate is higher than the EU average overall, but tends to be lower than the EU average for older men and higher for younger women with disability outside of the labour market. The OECD integration model for persons with disability has relied upon the EU average work intention rate. This analysis applies the SDAC work intention rate to the OECD model. The SDAC data combined with updated population and labour force projections validate the previous conclusion of the OECD model: that in Australia allowing people with disability who want to work to enter find employment would reduce the fiscal gap caused by the ageing of the population by roughly a quarter.
Immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in different areas of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Suarez‐Roa ML , Asbun‐Bojalil J , Ruiz‐Godoy LM , Meneses‐García AA
Published: June 2012

Background:  Several studies have shown the participation of MMPs in oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. The expression of some MMPs correlates with a more aggressive biological behaviour. The objective of this study was to determine which MMPs and TIMPs were expressed in both neoplastic and peritumoural stromal cells in different histopathology areas.

Methods:  Patients who underwent primary tumour neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma were included. Immunoexpression of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7, ‐9, ‐11, ‐13, and TIMP‐1 and ‐2 in different areas of pathologic specimens (in situ carcinoma, primary tumour, invasive front, distant invasion carcinoma, and lymph node metastasis) was evaluated. Enzyme expression on mucosa adjacent to tumour served as control.

Results:  Thirty cases were included. Only 6 MMPs and 1 TIMP were expressed in the studied areas. Statistically significant differences in the number of cases with positive MMPs or TIMP expression, in both neoplastic and peritumoural cells, between control and the rest of the areas were observed. MMP‐2 expression was constant in the areas with a more aggressive biological behaviour.

Conclusions:  MMP‐2 expression may represent a dynamic interaction between host and tumour that favours the establishment of neoplastic cells at distant sites.
Early Pottery at 20,000 Years Ago in Xianrendong Cave, China
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Zhang Chi , Goldberg Paul , Cohen David , Pan Yan , Arpin Trina , Bar-Yosef Ofer
Published: June 2012

Pots and Crocks

The invention of pottery allowed for more secure storage of food than was provided by baskets or hide pouches, and the vessels could also be used in cooking. The earliest pottery has been thought to have appeared in China and Japan ∼18,000 years ago, several thousands of years before the advent of agriculture.

Wu
et al.

(p.
1696
); see the Perspective by

Shelach

) have now dated broken pieces of pottery from a cave in China, the earliest of which date to ∼20,000 years ago, the time of the Last Glacial Maximum. Scorch marks on many pieces imply that the pottery was used in cooking.
The Development of C
4
Rice: Current Progress and Future Challenges
Authors: von Caemmerer Susanne , Quick W. Paul , Furbank Robert T.
Published: June 2012

Another “green revolution” is needed for crop yields to meet demands for food. The international C
4
Rice Consortium is working toward introducing a higher-capacity photosynthetic mechanism—the C
4
pathway—into rice to increase yield. The goal is to identify the genes necessary to install C
4
photosynthesis in rice through different approaches, including genomic and transcriptional sequence comparisons and mutant screening.