bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frost resistance of reproductive tissues during various stages of development in high mountain plants
Authors: Neuner Gilbert , Erler Agnes , Ladinig Ursula , Hacker Jürgen , Wagner Johanna
Published: March 2012

Frost resistance of reproductive vs aboveground vegetative structures was determined for six common European high alpine plant species that can be exposed to frosts throughout their whole reproductive cycle. Freezing tests were carried out in the bud, anthesis and fruit stage. Stigma and style, ovary, placenta, ovule, flower stalk/peduncle and, in Ranunculus glacialis, the receptacle were separately investigated. In all species, the vegetative organs tolerated on an average 2–5 K lower freezing temperatures than the most frost‐susceptible reproductive structures that differed in their frost resistance. In almost all species, stigma, style and the flower stalk/peduncle were the most frost‐susceptible reproductive structures. Initial frost damage (LT10) to the most susceptible reproductive structure usually occurred between −2 and −4°C independent of the reproductive stage. The median LT50 across species for stigma and style ranged between −3.4 and −3.7°C and matched the mean ice nucleation temperature (−3.7 ± 1.4°C). In R. glacialis, the flower stalk was the most frost‐susceptible structure (−5.4°C), and was in contrast to the other species ice‐tolerant. The ovule and the placenta were usually the most frost‐resistant structures. During reproductive development, frost resistance (LT50) of single reproductive structures mostly showed no significant change. However, significant increases or decreases were also observed (2.1 ± 1.2 K).

Reproductive tissues of nival species generally tolerated lower temperatures than species occurring in the alpine zone. The low frost resistance of reproductive structures before, during and shortly after anthesis increases the probability of frost damage and thus, may restrict successful sexual plant reproduction with increasing altitude.
A randomized pilot study of psychotherapy and quetiapine for the acute treatment of bipolar II depression
Authors: Swartz Holly A , Frank Ellen , Cheng Yu
Published: March 2012

Swartz HA, Frank E, Cheng Y. A randomized pilot study of psychotherapy and quetiapine for the acute treatment of bipolar II depression. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 211–216. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  The differential roles of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in the management of bipolar (BP) II depression are unknown. As a first step toward exploring this issue, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of comparing a BP‐specific psychotherapy [Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)] to quetiapine as treatments for BP‐II depression.

Methods:  Unmedicated individuals (n = 25) meeting DSM‐IV criteria for BP‐II disorder, currently depressed, were randomly assigned to weekly sessions of IPSRT (n = 14) or quetiapine (n = 11), flexibly dosed from 25–300 mg. Participants were assessed with weekly measures of mood and followed for 12 weeks. Treatment preference was queried prior to randomization.

Results:  Using mixed effects models, both groups showed significant declines in the 25‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [F(1,21) = 44, p < 0.0001] and Young Mania Rating Scale [F(1,21) = 20, p = 0.0002] scores over time but no group‐by‐time interactions. Dropout rates were 21% (n = 3) and 27% (n = 3) in the IPSRT and quetiapine groups, respectively. Overall response rates (defined as ≥ 50% reduction in depression scores without an increase in mania scores) were 29% (n = 4) in the IPSRT group and 27% (n = 3) in the quetiapine group. Measures of treatment satisfaction were high in both groups. Treatment preference was not associated with outcomes.

Conclusions:  Outcomes in participants with BP‐II depression assigned to IPSRT monotherapy or quetiapine did not differ over 12 weeks in this small study. Follow‐up trials should examine characteristics that predict differential response to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Facilitated Integrated Mood Management for adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Miklowitz David J , Price Jonathan , Holmes Emily A , Rendell Jennifer , Bell Sarah , Budge Katie , Christensen Jean , Wallace Joshua , Simon Judit , Armstrong Neil M , McPeake Lily , Goodwin Guy M , Geddes John R
Published: March 2012

Miklowitz DJ, Price J, Holmes EA, Rendell J, Bell S, Budge K, Christensen J, Wallace J, Simon J, Armstrong NM, McPeake L, Goodwin GM, Geddes JR. Facilitated Integrated Mood Management for adults with bipolar disorder.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 185–197. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  We describe the development of a five‐session psychoeducational treatment, Facilitated Integrated Mood Management (FIMM), which contains many of the core elements of longer evidence‐based psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder. FIMM incorporated a novel mood monitoring program based on mobile phone technology.

Methods:  Adult patients with bipolar I and II disorders (N = 19) received six sessions (Pilot I: n = 14) or five sessions (Pilot II: n = 5) of FIMM with pharmacotherapy. Treatment facilitators were novice counselors who were trained in a three‐day workshop and supervised for six months. FIMM sessions focused on identifying early signs of recurrence, maintaining regular daily and nightly routines, rehearsing mood management strategies, maintaining adherence to medications, and education about substance abuse. Patients sent daily text messages or e‐mails containing ratings of their mood and sleep, and weekly messages containing self‐ratings on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) and the Altman Self Rating Mania Scale (ASRM). Patients also completed a weekly mood management strategies questionnaire.

Results:  Of the 19 patients, 17 (89.5%) completed FIMM in an average of 9.2 ± 3.4 weeks (Pilot I) and 7.6 ± 0.9 weeks (Pilot II). Patients reported stable moods on the QIDS and ASRM over a 120‐day period, and on average responded to 81% of the daily message prompts and 88% of the weekly QIDS and ASRM prompts. Facilitators maintained high levels of fidelity to the FIMM manual. Patients’ knowledge of mood management strategies increased significantly between the first and last weeks of treatment.

Conclusions:  Patients with bipolar disorder can be engaged in a short program of facilitated mood management. The effects of FIMM on the course of bipolar disorder await evaluation in randomized trials. The program may be a useful adjunct to pharmacotherapy in community centers that cannot routinely administer full courses of psychosocial treatment.
Application of the ADVIA cerebrospinal fluid assay to count residual red blood cells in blood components
Authors: Culibrk B. , Stone E. , Levin E. , Weiss S. , Serrano K. , Devine D. V.
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives  There is no automated, accurate assay for the enumeration of residual red blood cells (rRBCs) in non‐RBC components for transfusion, despite the potential risk of allo‐immunization when mismatched components are transfused.

Materials and Methods  The automated ADVIA 120 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay, which is approved to count RBCs and WBCs in CSF samples, was optimized and tested to measure rRBC in platelet concentrate (PC) and plasma components.

Results  Sample dilution, incubation time and reagent volume were optimized for use with non‐RBC blood products. The assay was linear (R2 = 0·99), even at low rRBCs counts. Intra‐ and inter‐assay variation gave coefficients of variance (CV) between 2·2 and 9·4% and 2·6 and 14·9%, respectively, depending on rRBC levels. Good correlation (r = 0·995) was found between the automated assay and manual counting, which is considered the gold standard. Using the automated assay, the range of rRBCs (count/unit) in buffy‐coat platelet concentrate (PCs) was 27–5505 × 106 and in apheresis PCs was 1–361 × 106.

Conclusion  The ADVIA CSF assay is a sensitive, precise and accurate means to assess rRBC counts in non‐RBC components.
Genotypic Differences in Root Hair Deformation and Subsequent Nodulation for Red Clover under Different Additions of Starter N Fertilization
Authors: Thilakarathna R. M. M. S. , Papadopoulos Y. A. , Fillmore S. A. E. , Prithiviraj B.
Published: March 2012

Red clover cultivars, including diploid and tetraploid, are commonly used in legume‐based pasture mixtures. However, information on nodulation under different starter N regimens is limited. We hypothesized that there is genetic variability among different red clover cultivars for nodulation. A root hair deformation assay was conducted using three diploid (AC Christie, Tapani and CRS15) and three tetraploid (Tempus, CRS18 and CRS39) red clover cultivars by inoculating them with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii. Nodulation and morphological characteristics of two selected red clover cultivars, AC Christie and Tempus, were determined under five starter N concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg per plant). Inoculation with rhizobia increased root hair deformation with significant interaction across cultivars. Nodulation was delayed under high starter N concentrations, and genotypic differences were evident for days‐to‐nodule initiation. There was a positive quadratic response to starter N for AC Christie and a negative quadratic response for Tempus for nodulation. Tempus had more active nodules (92 %) than AC Christie (73 %). The genetic variability of red clover cultivars should be considered in N fixation studies and their response to availability of initial N.
Functional analysis of inter‐individual transcriptome differential expression in pig longissimus muscle
Authors: Zhao S. , Hulsegge B. , Harders F.L. , Bossers R. , Keuning E. , Hoekman A.J.W. , Hoving‐Bolink R. , te Pas M.F.W.
Published: March 2012

Selection of pigs for increased meat production or improved meat quality changes muscle mass and muscle composition. This will be related to transcriptome expression profile changes in muscle tissue, generating inter‐individual differences. This study investigated the differentially expressed genes in the transcriptome profiles of the longissimus muscle of 75 Large White–Duroc cross sows and castrates. The use of a common reference design enabled to investigate the inter‐individual transcriptome expression profile differences between the animals as compared with the means of all animals. The aim of the study was to identify the biological processes related to these inter‐individual differences. It was expected that these processes underlie the selection effects. In total, 908 transcripts were differentially expressed. Among them, 762 were mainly downregulated and 146 were mainly upregulated. Gene Ontology and Pathways analyses indicated that the differentially expressed genes belong to three groups of processes involved in protein synthesis and amino acid–protein metabolism, energy metabolism and muscle‐specific structure and activity processes. Comparing the functional biological analysis results with previously reported data suggested that the protein synthesis, energy metabolism and muscle‐specific structure would contribute to meat production and the meat quality.
Rainforest and savanna landscape dynamics in New Caledonia: Towards a mosaic of stable rainforest and savanna states?
Authors: IBANEZ THOMAS , BORGNIET LAURENT , MANGEAS MORGAN , GAUCHEREL CEDRIC , GÉRAUX HUBERT , HÉLY CHRISTELLE
Published: March 2012

Stable forested environments can be converted to savanna in response to changes in environmental disturbances. New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot; significant ecological and economic resources would be lost if forests were turned into savanna by anthropogenic environmental changes. On the landscape scale, systems that have undergone shifts of this kind are characterized by sharp forest–savanna boundaries and mosaic‐like distributions of savanna and forest. Understanding the locations and the dynamics of such boundaries is a challenge for ecologists and is critical for landscape management and biodiversity conservation. Using a time series of aerial photographs (1955–2000) and a forest habitat suitability map, we tested the hypothesis that topography and spatial processes, especially those relating to fire spread and seed dispersal, are the main determinants of the spatial distribution of rainforest and savanna in a New Caledonian landscape covering 24 km2. Within the studied landscape, the overall forest coverage decreased by 24% between 1976 and 2000. This was primarily due to the contraction of forests on west‐facing slopes, which accounted for about 90% of the total loss. Conversely, the east‐facing forests seemed to have contracted extensively prior to the studied period, and were confined to refuges. A habitat suitability index calculated from the landscape's topographical features using generalized additive models accurately predicted both the presence of forests and the probability of forest expansion/contraction. We also provide evidence that spatial processes such as fire spread and seed dispersal limit the expansion and contraction of forests. Our results suggest that rainforests on west‐facing slopes in New Caledonia will be progressively destroyed by fire until they are restricted to refuges along thalwegs and creeks, as appears to have already happened for their east‐facing counterparts.
The Political Art of Patience: Adivasi Resistance in India
Authors: Johnston Caleb
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This article documents the emergence of the Denotified Rights Action Group (DNG‐RAG), a national social movement orchestrated to assert the citizenship rights of adivasi (indigenous) populations in India. It assesses the movement's efforts to engage the central Indian government in meaningful dialogue to accommodate the inclusion of marginalized adivasis in the democratic politics of the nation. In doing so, the DNT‐RAG reasserts the primacy of the Indian state as the principal engine driving the project of nation building, and as such, the site that activists target to further an agenda of equitable development and democratic rights for those known as India's Denotified Tribes.
Effects of Works Councils on Firm‐Provided Further Training in Germany
Authors: Stegmaier Jens
Published: March 2012

Unions are an important indicator of various measures of firm performance in Anglo‐Saxon countries. The same is true for the German analogue of the workplace union, the works council. Using German establishment data, I examine the impact of works councils on further training. I employ pooled logit and count‐data models to analyse the further training activity and intensity of German firms. Because the treatment variable may suffer from endogeneity, I also adopt linear and nonlinear instrumental variable techniques. The analysis reveals a positive impact of works councils on firm‐provided training and provides slightly weaker evidence for firm‐size differentials in workplace representation. I conclude that enhanced management–employee relations foster the training efforts of firms.
The Views of Members towards Workplace Union Organization in Banking between 1999 and 2008
Authors: Waddington Jeremy
Published: March 2012

In tracing the changing perceptions of members in banking of trade union workplace organization between 1999 and 2008, this article illustrates a pattern of decline in terms of the coverage and performance of workplace organization. Contrary to the claims made by proponents of partnership arrangements, merger involvement and organizing, these strategies were not sufficient to arrest the decline in workplace organization. In consequence, members remained reliant on trade union full‐time officers for support.
Vignettes and Health Systems Responsiveness in Cross-Country Comparative Analyses
Authors: Rice Nigel , Robone Silvana , Smith Peter C.
Published: March 2012

The paper explores the use of anchoring vignettes as a means to adjust survey reports of health system performance for differential reporting behaviour by using data contained within the World Health Survey. Survey respondents are asked to rate their experiences of health systems across a number of domains on a five-point categorical scale. Using data provided through a set of vignettes we investigate variations in reporting of interactions with health services across both sociodemographic groups and countries. We show how the method of anchoring vignettes can be used to enhance cross-country comparability of performance. Our results show large changes in the rankings of country performance once adjustment for systematic country level reporting behaviour has been undertaken compared with a ranking based on raw unadjusted data.
Quantifying the Weight of Evidence from a Forensic Fingerprint Comparison: A New Paradigm
Authors: Neumann C. , Evett I. W. , Skerrett J.
Published: March 2012

The fingerprint has, with considerable justification, come to be regarded as the acme of forensic identification. Over the last century, millions of cases have been resolved world wide because of marks left at crime scenes. The comparison methodology has not evolved greatly during its history and it is universal practice to present fingerprint evidence to a court as a categoric opinion of identification or exclusion, or to classify the evidence as inconclusive and not to report it. There has been a growing movement to supplement the fingerprint examination process by one that has a statistical model, supported by appropriate databases for calculating numerical measures of weight of evidence. The movement calls for the establishment of a logical framework for informing conclusions, based on explicit assumptions and data and open to revision and improvement. The aim is to enable the numerical evaluation of evidence that would currently be reported as a categorical identification and also of evidence that would currently be classified as inconclusive. The paper presents the results of a project carried out by the Forensic Science Service that aims to attain this goal. After a historical review, we describe a formal model for assigning numerical values to configurations of minutiae in fingerprints. We describe how the parameters of the model have been optimized to take account of interoperator variability and distortion of the finger pad, and we present the results of a substantial validation experiment that was based on searches that have been carried out on the US national fingerprint database of approximately 600 million fingerprints.
Color vision: a study of essential tremor cases versus normal controls
Authors: Louis E. D. , Gerbin M. , Viner A. S.
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose:  Patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) may exhibit overlapping clinical features. Also, a growing number of non‐motor features are being documented in ET. Color vision abnormalities, although well known to occur in PD, have not been studied extensively in ET. We assessed color vision in ET cases and controls. We furthermore assessed subgroups of ET cases with clinical features that might link them to PD (i.e., ET cases with a family history of PD, and ET cases with rest tremor) to determine whether these cases had greater color vision abnormalities than ET cases without those features.

Methods:  Participants were enrolled in a case–control study at Columbia University Medical Center. Color discrimination testing was performed using the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 Hue test. The total error score (TES) for the hue test was determined.

Results:  The TES was similar in 55 ET cases and 55 controls (144.6 ± 91.8 vs. 145.6 ± 96.6, P = 0.96). ET cases with rest tremor (n = 8) were similar to ET cases without rest tremor (n = 47) with respect to the TES (117.0 ± 73.4 vs. 149.3 ± 94.4, P = 0.36), as were ET cases with a family history of PD (n = 9) versus without (n = 46) (144.4 ± 57.0 vs. 144.6 ± 97.6, P = 0.996).

Conclusions:  Although a number of links exist between ET and PD, and non‐motor features have been described in both, a color vision abnormality does not seem to be a feature of ET.
The mid‐M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery is a cutoff clot location for good outcome in intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Saarinen J. T. , Sillanpää N. , Rusanen H. , Hakomäki J. , Huhtala H. , Lähteelä A. , Dastidar P. , Soimakallio S. , Elovaara I.
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose:  We studied the impact of the location of the thrombus (internal carotid artery, proximal M1 segment, distal M1 segment, M2 segment, and M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery) in predicting the clinical outcome of patients treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy (<3 h) in a retrospective cohort.

Methods:  Anterior circulation thrombus was detected with computed tomography angiography in 105 patients. Baseline clinical and radiological information was collected and entered into logistic regression analysis to predict favorable clinical outcome (3‐month modified Rankin Scale from 0 to 2 was a primary outcome measure).

Results:  Three months after stroke, there was a significant increase in mortality (32% vs. 3%, P < 0.001) and functional dependency (82% vs. 29%, P < 0.001) in patients with internal carotid artery or proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery thrombus compared to a more distal occlusion. In the regression analysis, after adjusting for National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, age, sex, and onset‐to‐treatment time, the clot location was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (P = 0.001) and exhibited dose‐response type behavior when moving from a proximal vessel position to a more distal one. When the location was dichotomized, a cutoff between the proximal and the distal M1 segments best differentiated between good and poor clinical outcome (OR = 16.0, 95% CI 3.9–66.2).

Conclusions:  The outcome of acute internal carotid artery or proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery occlusion is generally poor even if treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Alternative revascularization strategies should be considered. Vascular imaging at the admission is required to guide this decision.
Use of ring recoveries to predict habitat suitability in small passerines
Authors: Tellería José Luis , Santos Tomás , Refoyo Pablo , Muñoz Jesús
Published: March 2012

Aim  Abundance of small passerines may be distributed over large wintering areas according to geographical patterns that are difficult to detect. This may prevent the identification and conservation of the most suitable sectors, or the detection of local and regional features affecting the species during winter. In this paper, we explore the usefulness of ring recoveries to predict bird distribution in wintering grounds by using Maxent, one of the presence‐only techniques available for modelling species distributions. We test whether suitability indices obtained in 2.5 × 2.5 km UTM squares from ring recoveries were positively correlated with the actual abundance of robins (Erithacus rubecula) and blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) inside the squares.

Location  Spain.

Methods  We used 686 and 1139 localities across the country in which blackcap and robin ring recoveries were recorded by the Spanish Office of Migratory Species to generate the suitability maps. In addition, we sampled bird abundance inside 70 control squares independent of ring recovery localities along a belt crossing mountains, highlands and lowlands of the Iberian Peninsula during January from 2006 to 2011.

Results  Suitability indices predicted by Maxent were positively correlated with robin (r = 0.42, n = 70, P < 0.001) and blackcap (r = 0.52, n = 70, P < 0.001) abundances in the 70 control squares along the belt crossing the Iberian Peninsula.

Main conclusions  These results suggest that the use of distribution models with ring recoveries may be used to describe the habitat suitability of the winter ranges of small, common passerines. This also means that the huge number of ring recoveries stored in national and transnational data banks could be used to explore the factors shaping bird ranges and to forecast the geographical distribution of suitable wintering areas of migratory birds in large, poorly known regions. This may be useful in biogeography and conservation.
Impaired memory and executive function associated with decreased medial temporal and prefrontal blood flow in Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5 status: the Osaki‐Tajiri project
Authors: INOUE Kentaro , MEGURO Kenichi , AKANUMA Kyoko , MEGURO Mitsue , YAMAGUCHI Satoshi , FUKUDA Hiroshi
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) is an assessment of dementia severity based on observations of activities of daily living, and a CDR of 0.5 (CDR 0.5) represents questionable dementia. A combination of the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and the Trail Making Test (TMT) scores discriminated CDR 0.5 subjects from healthy participants with a high degree of accuracy. We investigated the neurological background of CDR 0.5 subjects by correlating CASI and TMT scores with regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods:  From a community‐based cohort, 22 CDR 0.5 participants were recruited. CASI and TMT scores, rCBF measure using [123I]‐N‐isopropyl‐p‐iodoamphetamine and SPECT were obtained. We evaluated the relationships between the CASI domain scores, between TMT scores and rCBF in a regions‐of‐interest‐based analysis, and voxel‐based analysis using Statistical Parametric Mapping 5 software.

Results:  We found that lower rCBF in the left medial temporal cortex correlated with a decreased CASI domain recent memory score both in the regions‐of‐interest and statistical parametric mapping analysis. In both the regions‐of‐interest and statistical parametric mapping analysis, the rCBF in the left prefrontal cortex correlated with CASI domain remote memory and mental manipulation and concentration.

Conclusions:  Our results indicate that some CDR 0.5 subjects have functional impairments in the medial temporal lobe as well as in the prefrontal cortex, as reflected in the cognitive decline measured by CASI and TMT.
Evaluation of dementia‐prevention classes for community‐dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: ITO Yasuyo , URAKAMI Katsuya
Published: March 2012

Aim:  The number of elderly people with dementia in Japan is likely to increase as the population ages. In some areas in Tottori Prefecture, dementia‐prevention classes have been conducted for several years. In the present study, we evaluated dementia‐prevention classes in nine districts of Tottori Prefecture in terms of cognitive function, assessment by the leader and subjective evaluation by participants.

Methods:  The study's subjects included 112 community‐dwelling elderly residents who were selected after a two‐step screening. Data were collected according to the following four factors: (i) evaluation of cognitive function at the beginning and end of classes; (ii) the content of the classes; (iii) observations regarding the state of subjects; and (iv) participants' subjective evaluation obtained via a questionnaire distributed at the final class.

Results:  In terms of cognitive function among all subjects, scores significantly improved after the dementia‐prevention classes. However, there were no significant cognitive improvements in the districts where programmes were biased towards a single category (e.g. systemic exercise, creative activities). Based on class leaders' assessments, subjects showed improved appearance and facial expression in later classes. Participants became more involved in the programmes, and their interests in others increased. In terms of their daily lives, subjects became more involved with others and more active after participating in the classes.

Conclusions:  Dementia‐prevention classes improved not only cognitive function but also other aspects of daily life, as well. We thought it was important to evaluate both objective and subjective factors related to the classes.
Acute Alcohol Effects on Contextual Memory BOLD Response: Differences Based on Fragmentary Blackout History
Authors: Wetherill Reagan R. , Schnyer David M. , Fromme Kim
Published: March 2012

Background

Contextual memory, or memory for source details, is an important aspect of episodic memory and has been implicated in alcohol‐induced fragmentary blackouts (FBs). Little is known, however, about how neural functioning during contextual memory processes may differ between individuals with and without a history of FB. This study examined whether neural activation during a contextual memory task differed by history of FB and acute alcohol consumption.

Methods

Twenty‐four matched individuals with (FB+; n = 12) and without (FB−; n = 12) a history of FBs were recruited from a longitudinal study of alcohol use and behavioral risks and completed a laboratory beverage challenge followed by 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions under no alcohol and alcohol (breath alcohol concentration = 0.08%) conditions. Task performance and brain hemodynamic activity during a block design contextual memory task were examined across 48 fMRI sessions.

Results

Groups demonstrated no differences in performance on the contextual memory task, yet exhibited different brain response patterns after alcohol intoxication. A significant FB group by beverage interaction emerged in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex with FB− individuals showing greater blood oxygenation level‐dependent response after alcohol exposure (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Alcohol had differential effects on neural activity for FB+ and FB− individuals during recollection of contextual information, perhaps suggesting a neurobiological mechanism associated with alcohol‐induced FB.
Human herpesvirus 8 transfusion transmission in Ghana, an endemic region of West Africa
Authors: Gobbini Francesca , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Marcelin Anne‐Geneviève , Candotti Daniel , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) seroprevalence ranges between less than 5% in Europe and North America and 50% to 70% in sub‐Saharan Africa. Evidence of HHV‐8 transfusion transmission is only indirect. We conducted a serologic (anti‐HHV‐8) and molecular (HHV‐8 DNA) study of samples from paired donor‐immunocompetent recipients transfused with whole blood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from 252 donor‐recipient pairs were tested. Immunoglobulin G to HHV‐8 was detected with enzyme immunoassays and confirmed with an in‐house immunofluorescence assay. The cellular fraction from seroreactive donors and their recipients was tested for HHV‐8 DNA.

RESULTS: Anti‐HHV‐8 was positive (reactive in two or more assays) in 28 (11%) patients and 16 (6%) donors. Of 12 seronegative recipients (at risk of transmission) receiving seropositive blood, one very likely transmission was identified (8.3% confidence interval, 0%‐23%). The donor blood contained HHV‐8 DNA and his and four other donors' sequences clustered separately from recorded genotypes with a 97% bootstrap constituting a distinct genotype.

CONCLUSIONS: HHV‐8 is transmitted in Ghana but does not carry clinical consequences since most patients are immunocompetent. The clinical risk will increase with the availability of immunosuppressive drugs in sub‐Saharan Africa. We propose that a new genotype (HHV‐8‐G for Ghana) be added to the current nomenclature.
The impact of beta‐blocker therapy on anemia after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Glass Nina E. , Kaltenbach Lisa A. , Fleming Sloan B. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Cotton Bryan A.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: An increase in endogenous catecholamine levels after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well described. Animal studies suggest that postinjury anemia is exacerbated by a persistent hyperadrenergic state. This study aims to determine if beta‐blocker (BB) exposure affects anemia after TBI.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed a Level I trauma registry for patients with TBI, examining markers of anemia between patients who received BB with those who did not.

RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were exposed to BB (BB+) and 245 were not exposed (BB−). The mean age in the BB+ group was 50 years (vs. 36 years in BB− group, p < 0.001). The mean injury severity score was 33.6 for the BB+ group (vs. 30.8 for BB− group, p = 0.01). While BB+ patients were more likely to receive a transfusion (60.9% vs. 35.1%, p < 0.001), BB+ patients reached their nadir hemoglobin (Hb) at a later day of hospitalization and their rate of decrease in Hb was significantly slower (both p < 0.001). Choosing Hb cutoffs for anemia of both 7 and 10 g/dL, Kaplan‐Meier demonstrated a significant delay in time to anemia.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests beta‐blockade delays anemia after TBI. Elaboration of this effect may demonstrate an additional benefit of beta‐blockade after head injury.
Results of Early Efforts to Build a Research Agenda to Guide Advances in Practice in the Profession of New Products Management
Authors: Hustad Thomas P.
Published: March 2012

Research in the field of new products management has advanced considerably since the first issue of JPIM was published in 1984. It may be helpful at this point in our profession's development to consider modest steps toward creating a research agenda that, at least in part, will strive to inform choices of topics that will help us continue to advance professional practices. This article is based on prior presentations to the Product Development and Management Association in 2008 and extended for PDMA's Inaugural Doctor Consortium, sponsored by the University of Illinois at Chicago and held in 2011. The topics herein help to establish a foundation for the latest efforts developed during the Consortium.
A New Temperature Stable Microwave Dielectric Material Mg0.5Zn0.5TiNb2O8
Authors: Liao Qingwei , Li Lingxia , Ding Xiang , Ren Xiang
Published: March 2012

A new temperature stable, low‐loss, low sintering temperature microwave dielectric material Mg0.5Zn0.5TiNb2O8 was investigated for the first time. Single phase Mg0.5Zn0.5TiNb2O8 was obtained, and it showed Columbite structure which was tri‐ixiolite structure. The variation trend of dielectric constant was in accordance with variation trend of relative density. When the sintering temperature was lower than 1120°C, the Qf value increased with the increasing of relative density. When the sintering temperature was higher than 1120°C, the Qf value decreased with the increasing of the unit cell volume. With the decrease of bond strength, the τf increased. The typical values of ε = 30.74, Qf = 66 900 GHz, τf = −4.01 × 10−6/°C were obtained for Mg0.5Zn0.5TiNb2O8 sintered at 1120°C for 6 h.
Low‐Temperature Superplasticity in Nanocrystalline Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (TZP)
Authors: Yoshida Hidehiro , Matsui Koji , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: March 2012

Nanocrystalline tetragonal ZrO2 polycrystals (TZP) have been fabricated by the pressureless sintering of recently developed tetragonal ZrO2 powder containing 5.69 mol% YO1.5 and 0.60 mol% AlO1.5. The average grain sizes were 160 nm in the TZP sintered at 1150°C for 10 h and 150 nm in the 0.25 mol% GeO2‐doped TZP sintered at 1100°C for 100 h. The TZP and Ge4+‐doped TZP‐sintered bodies were essentially single‐phase materials, and neither the amorphous layer nor the second‐phase particle was observed along the grain boundary faces. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and nanoprobe energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS) measurements revealed that the Y3+, Al3+ and Ge4+ cations tend to segregate in the vicinity of the grain boundaries in the TZP‐sintered bodies. The TZP and Ge4+‐doped TZP exhibited an elongation to failure of more than 100% in the temperature range of 1150°C–1300°C and initial strain rate range of 1.4 × 10−5 s−1 to 1.0 × 10−2 s−1. For instance, an elongation to failure in the Ge‐doped TZP reached about 200% at 1150°C and 1.4 × 10−5 s−1. The nanocrystallization reduced the lower limit of the superplastic temperature of conventional, submicron‐grain TZP materials by 150°C. The improved ductility of the TZP at low temperatures was essentially attributed to the reduced grain size.
Actitudes laborales y bienestar de los trabajadores temporales de Europa e Israel
Authors: GRACIA Francisco J. , RAMOS José , PEIRÓ José María , CABALLER Amparo , SORA Beatriz
Published: March 2012

Valiéndose de una tipología novedosa, los autores analizan empíricamente cuatro tipos de trabajadores temporales y los comparan con un grupo de trabajadores fijos. En la muestra, que comprende 1.300 personas de seis países, hallan diferencias significativas en numerosas variables —como características demográficas y del puesto de trabajo, actitudes e inseguridad laboral—, pero no en la satisfacción vital y el bienestar. Es erróneo considerar que los trabajadores eventuales son personas poco cualificadas incapaces de encontrar un empleo fijo; ahora bien, conviene afinar las investigaciones al respecto para perfeccionar las políticas de «flexiseguridad».
Exorcising the Exocyst Complex
Authors: Heider Margaret R. , Munson Mary
Published: March 2012

The exocyst complex is an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit protein complex implicated in tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. Originally identified two decades ago in budding yeast, investigations using several different eukaryotic systems have since made great progress toward determination of the overall structure and organization of the eight exocyst subunits. Studies point to a critical role for the complex as a spatiotemporal regulator through the numerous protein and lipid interactions of its subunits, although a molecular understanding of exocyst function has been challenging to elucidate. Recent progress demonstrates that the exocyst is also important for additional trafficking steps and cellular processes beyond exocytosis, with links to development and disease. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of exocyst architecture, assembly, regulation and its roles in a variety of cellular trafficking pathways.
Studies of H3K4me3 demethylation by KDM5B/Jarid1B/PLU1 reveals strong substrate recognition in vitro and identifies 2,4‐pyridine‐dicarboxylic acid as an in vitro and in cell inhibitor
Authors: Kristensen Line H. , Nielsen Anders L. , Helgstrand Charlotte , Lees Michael , Cloos Paul , Kastrup Jette S. , Helin Kristian , Olsen Lars , Gajhede Michael
Published: March 2012

Dynamic methylations and demethylations of histone lysine residues are important for gene regulation and are facilitated by histone methyltransferases and histone demethylases (HDMs). KDM5B/Jarid1B/PLU1 is an H3K4me3/me2‐specific lysine demethylase belonging to the JmjC domain‐containing family of histone demethylases (JHDMs). Several studies have linked KDM5B to breast, prostate and skin cancer, highlighting its potential as a drug target. However, most inhibitor studies have focused on other JHDMs, and inhibitors for KDM5B remain to be explored. Here, we report the expression, purification and characterization of the catalytic core of recombinant KDM5B (ccKDM5B, residues 1‐769). We show that ccKDM5B, recombinantly expressed in insect cells, demethylates H3K4me3 and H3K4me2 in vitro. The kinetic characterization showed that ccKDM5B has an apparent Michaelis constant (Kmapp) value of 0.5 μm for its trimethylated substrate H3(1‐15)K4me3, a considerably increased apparent substrate affinity than reported for related HDMs. Despite the presence of a PHD domain, the catalytic activity was not affected by additional methylation at the H3K9 position, suggesting that in vitro chromatin cross‐talk between H3K4 and H3K9 does not occur for ccKDM5B. Inhibition studies of ccKDM5B showed both in vitro and in cell inhibition of ccKDM5B by 2,4‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,4‐PDCA) with a potency similar to that reported for the HDM KDM4C. Structure‐guided sequence alignment indicated that the binding mode of 2,4‐PDCA is conserved between KDM4A/C and KDM5B.
Improvement of Mullite and Magnesia‐Based Refractory Castables Through Addition of Nano‐Spinel Powder
Authors: Khalil Nagy M. , Wahsh Mohamed M. S. , Ewais Emad M. M. , Hassan Mohamed B. , Mehrez S. M.
Published: March 2012

Two different commercial refractory castables based on mullite or magnesia aggregates have been improved through addition of 0–25 wt.% nano‐magnesium aluminate spinel (MA) powder. Physico‐mechanical and refractory properties were tested at different firing temperatures. The phase composition, thermal analysis, and microstructure of these refractory castables were detected using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM) attached with energy dispersive X‐ray unit, respectively. The castable sample mix containing 10 wt.% nano‐MA spinel powder was chosen as an optimum composition according to its good sintering, mechanical as well as refractory properties.
Charting the strategic trajectory of the Australian HR professional
Authors: Sheehan Cathy , De Cieri Helen
Published: March 2012

Over the past five decades, the nature and role of the Australian HR function has changed dramatically, mirroring developments in the United States and in Britain.The most significant change for the HR profession has been the shift from a reactive to a strategic focus. While the strategic importance of HR has increasingly been recognised, challenges remain. Within the discussion of the strategic trajectory of the HR function we analyse changes to the HR role over the last five decades. We also provide an update on perceptions of the HR function using comments from interviews with both senior HR practitioners and top management team executives about how the HR function currently gains influence to perform its strategic role within Australian organisations. We conclude with a discussion of directions for the Australian HR professional.
Reformen der Finanzierung der Krankenversicherungssysteme in den Niederlanden, in Deutschland und in Frankreich: Auswirkungen auf die Abdeckung und Umverteilung
Authors: Turquet Pascale
Published: March 2012

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Seit mehreren Jahren bemühen sich die Krankenversicherungssysteme in Deutschland, Frankreich und den Niederlanden, ihre Ausgaben zu drosseln und ihre Einnahmequellen, ursprünglich vor allem Sozialabgaben, zu diversifizieren. Diese Diversifizierung kann in einer erweiterten Finanzierung aus öffentlicher Hand bestehen oder auch, indem stärker auf private Ressourcen oder Anbieter zurückgegriffen wird. In Deutschland und den Niederlanden gehen die Reformen mit der Entwicklung einer Konkurrenzsituation zwischen den Versicherern einher. In Frankreich sind private Zusatzversicherungen unverzichtbar geworden, um eine ausreichende medizinische Versorgung zu gewährleisten. Diese unterschiedlichen Maßnahmen haben außerdem Konsequenzen auf die Umverteilung, gegen die mit sozialen Hilfsmaßnahmen kaum anzukommen ist.
Teilweise an Bedingungen gebundene Bargeldtransfers in Form von Familienzulagen für Kinder und Heranwachsende aus dem informellen Sektor in Argentinien
Authors: Bertranou Fabio , Maurizio Roxana
Published: March 2012

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2009 führte Argentinien ein neues Bargeldtransferprogramm für Kinder und Heranwachsende unter 18 Jahren (universelle Kinderzulage) ein, womit die Deckung durch das beitragspflichtige Familienzulagensystem auch auf Familien ausgeweitet wurde, deren Eltern arbeitslos oder in der informellen Wirtschaft tätig sind. Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt dieses innovative Programm und vergleicht es mit ähnlichen Programmen in Lateinamerika. Zudem werden Auswirkungen auf die Deckung und mögliche Folgen für das Wohlergehen der Bevölkerung beleuchtet. Wie die Ergebnisse zeigen, verkleinert die Ausweitung des Zugangs zu solchen Leistungen die Deckungslücke für die Armen und Bedürftigen beträchtlich und hat zur Konsolidierung der verschiedenen, schlecht koordinierten Transferprogramme beigetragen.
Alte Theorien in neuer Umgebung auf die Probe stellen: Der Zeitpunkt für erste Gesetze der sozialen Sicherheit in Afrika
Authors: Kangas Olli E.
Published: March 2012

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Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht den Zeitpunkt der Einführung von vier wichtigen Komponenten der sozialen Sicherheit — Arbeitsunfallversicherung, Krankengeld, Renten und Familienbeihilfen — in 43 afrikanischen Ländern. Er geht des Weiteren auf die Frage ein, ob die Gesetzgebungsstruktur, die vorherrschende Religion oder die koloniale Vergangenheit des jeweiligen Landes von Bedeutung sind, wenn wir das Jahr der Unabhängigkeit, den Wohlstand, den Grad der Demokratie, die Regierungsstabilität, die Industrialisierung sowie Größe und ethnische Homogenität der Bevölkerung auf ihren jeweiligen Einfluss hin überprüfen. Auf der Grundlage des Regressionsmodells von Cox kann geschlossen werden, dass industrialisierte, homogene und recht bevölkerungsreiche Länder, die unter französischer Herrschaft gestanden haben, bei der Gesetzgebung zur sozialen Sicherheit in Afrika im Allgemeinen Vorreiter sind.
Asignaciones familiares como transferencias semicondicionadas a niños y adolescentes en la economía informal en la Argentina
Authors: Bertranou Fabio , Maurizio Roxana
Published: March 2012

En 2009 la Argentina estableció un nuevo programa de transferencia para niños y adolescentes (Asignación Universal por Hijo) que extiende el programa de asignaciones familiares contributivas a las familias de la economía informal y a los desempleados. Este artículo describe dicho programa, realiza comparaciones con otros similares en América Latina y analiza el impacto en la cobertura y sus posibles efectos sobre el bienestar de la población. Los resultados muestran que la expansión de este tipo de beneficios permitirá cerrar sustancialmente la brecha de cobertura de prestaciones en los pobres e indigentes y consolidar varios programas de transferencias que funcionaban con escasa coordinación.
Poner a prueba antiguas teorías en nuevos entornos: el momento de la introducción de las primeras leyes sobre seguridad social en África
Authors: Kangas Olli E.
Published: March 2012

En este artículo se examina los distintos momentos elegidos para introducir cuatro grandes programas de seguridad social —el seguro de accidentes del trabajo, las prestaciones por enfermedad, las pensiones y las asignaciones familiares— en cuarenta y tres países africanos. Además, se analiza si la estructura legislativa, la religión dominante o el pasado colonial del país hasta el año de su independencia tienen importancia a la hora de ponderar la prosperidad, el grado de democracia, la estabilidad gubernamental, su industrialización, la demografía y la homogeneidad étnica de la población. A partir del modelo de regresión de Cox de riesgos proporcionales se concluye que la tendencia muestra que los países industrializados, homogéneos y más bien populosos que estuvieron bajo dominio francés son pioneros en materia de legislación sobre seguridad social.
Oral characteristics of a patient with Ekman‐Westborg‐Julin trait: a case history
Authors: Komatsu Tomoko , Kurihara Tae , Ito Yumi , Lee Masaichi‐Chang‐il , Miyagi Atsushi , Ikeda Masakazu
Published: March 2012

This article presents the case of a Japanese woman who had Ekman‐Westborg‐Julin trait. She had general macrodontia with multituberculism, evagination of the premolar, single conical roots, shovel‐shaped incisors, enamel hypoplasia, impacted tooth, dental crowding, and an open bite. The oral and general characteristics of this patient are described and include the histological and radiographic findings of the mandibular third molars. We suggest that the distinctive oral features with macrodontia of the permanent teeth, multituberculism, evagination, single conical roots, and impaction of the tooth could be defined as the Ekman‐Westborg‐Julin trait.