bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human disturbance of Bewick's Swans is reflected in giving‐up net energy intake rate, but not in giving‐up food density
Authors: Gyimesi Abel , Franken Marycha S. , Feige Nicole , Nolet Bart A.
Published: July 2012

Measuring the food left in experimental trays when study organisms cease feeding on them [so‐called giving‐up densities (GUDs)] is an accepted technique for assessing predation risk and disturbance. However, in natural settings, accessibility and energetic harvest costs may vary spatially, and GUDs may be confounded. In this study, we assessed whether at a heterogeneous site, non‐experimental GUDs could reveal the effect of disturbance. We measured initial and GUDs of tubers of Fennel Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus, which form here the exclusive food source of Bewick's Swans Cygnus columbianus bewickii during their migratory stopover. We calculated giving‐up net energy intake rates (GUNs) by correcting for biomass accessibility and foraging costs. The study area was a shallow lake consisting of nine creeks, three of which were open to the public (i.e. disturbed). GUDs in creeks open or closed to the public were not significantly different. In contrast, GUNs were generally higher in creeks open to the public, after correcting for initial net energy intake rate. The results suggest that natural GUDs may not reflect the effects of disturbance in heterogeneous habitats. When environmental differences are large within a site, GUNs may be a useful alternative as a behavioural indicator.
Sex‐ and age‐biased mortality in wildGreyPartridgePerdix perdixpopulations
Authors: Rymešová Dana , Šmilauer Petr , Šálek Miroslav
Published: July 2012

Differing reproductive effort, individual qualities and local environmental conditions can lead to uneven mortality risk among individuals within populations and may result in survival differences according to age and sex. Identification of factors contributing to unequal operational sex ratios has been important for understanding population dynamics and conservation management. In this study, sex‐ and age‐specific mortality was estimated in three wildGreyPartridge populations from analysis of year‐round radiotracking data from 168 individuals. Survival days were counted in three periods defined individually for each bird: the pairing period (covey break‐up to laying of the first egg); the nesting period (between clutch initiation date and failure of the last nesting attempt, or the date when chicks were 14 days old); and the covey period (the end of the nesting period or joining a group until covey break‐up). Predation was the main cause of mortality. A significant effect of age on survival was found during the pairing period, when older individuals paired off faster and survived better. The highest mortality risk overall was found during the nesting period. Furthermore, significantly higher mortality of females was recorded during the nesting period, suggesting that greater investments in reproduction, behaviour at the nest or the quality of nesting habitats can decrease survival of females and cause a male‐skewed sex ratio. No significant effect of age or sex was found during the covey period, or for the year as a whole, but there was a significant difference in annual mortality rates between the three study populations. Our results confirm age‐ and sex‐specific variation of adult mortality in a ground‐nesting bird with biparental care during the annual cycle, documenting differing sensitivities of various population cohorts to predation.
The land of the Goths and Vandals: the visual presentation of Gothicism at the Swedish Court, 1550–1700
Authors: NEVILLE KRISTOFFER
Published: July 2012

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Swedish court militantly promoted its claim to descent from the Gothic tribes described by ancient authors. Although fully entwined in many aspects of court life and well known in the literature, it is familiar as an essentially textual project. The court was fully aware of the importance of visual modes of representation – from portraiture to architecture – and went to great trouble to attract skilled artists to Stockholm, but any perceptible trace of the Gothic claims seems to be absent from their works, which instead meet a fairly standardized international expectation for royal representation. Rather, the visual representation of the Gothic nature of the kingdom is to be found in the representation of northern nature in paintings, prints, and other media. Many official works include a remarkable emphasis on the natural world that was central to the literature, much of which presents the land as formative for the Gothic people. This allowed the court and its monarchs to present themselves within European‐wide conventions of representation and simultaneously to frame it within the landscape from which its Gothic heritage arose.
Medication Overuse Headache in School‐Aged Children: More Common Than Expected?
Authors: Piazza Fausta , Chiappedi Matteo , Maffioletti Erika , Galli Federica , Balottin Umberto
Published: July 2012

Objective.— To investigate the prevalence of medication overuse headache (MOH) in a group of children and adolescents seen for headache in a third‐level center in Italy.

Background.— Epidemiological studies indicate a prevalence of MOH in children and adolescents between 0.3 and 0.5%; no data are available for the Italian population.

Methods.— We studied a group of first‐seen children and adolescents (118 patients, 43.2% male and 56.8% female, mean age: 11.9 years). A detailed history was taken, using criteria defined by Olesen et al to assess the presence of MOH. Statistical correlations between demographic and diagnostic variables were assessed.

Results.— Eleven (9.3%) of our patients presented MOH; in the group with chronic daily headache, the prevalence raised to 20.8%. At follow up, after introduction of a more rationale treatment, most patients improved, but 2 of them reported a worsening of their headache.

Conclusions.— We believe that a strong warning regarding medication overuse in headache therapy is essential for pediatricians and neuropsychiatrists.
Age‐ and Ethanol Concentration‐Dependent Effects of Acute Binge Drinking in the HIV‐1 Transgenic Rat
Authors: Sarkar Sraboni , Mao Xin , Liu Chuang , Chang Sulie L.
Published: July 2012

Background

Binge drinking is common in young people. Alcoholic beverages vary significantly in their ethanol (EtOH) concentration (alcohol by volume). We previously showed EtOH concentration‐dependent activation of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus. In the HIV‐infected population, incidence of alcohol abuse is close to 50%. We found age‐dependent expression of HIV‐1 viral proteins in the HIV‐1 transgenic (HIV‐1Tg) rat. Thus, we hypothesized that there are age‐ and EtOH concentration‐dependent effects of binge drinking in HIV‐1‐positive individuals.

Methods

Blood ethanol concentration was measured in adult F344 rats after gavage (i.g.) administration of water, 20% EtOH, or 52% EtOH. We also compared expression of the HIV‐1 viral protein Tat in the brain, spleen, and liver of adult and adolescent HIV‐1Tg rats following binge i.g. administration of water, 20% EtOH, or 52% EtOH for 3 days (4.8 g/kg/d) using absolute quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. In a parallel study, we assessed age‐dependent motor function in the HIV‐1Tg rats 1 day after exposure to 20% EtOH using the open‐field test.

Results

Blood ethanol concentration was significantly higher in the 52% EtOH‐treated F344 rats compared to the 20% EtOH animals at 90 minutes posttreatment. In the adult HIV‐1Tg rats, HIV‐1 Tat expression (copies per microgram of total RNA) was significantly increased in the brain, liver, and spleen of the 52% EtOH group, but not in the 20% EtOH group. However, in the adolescent animals, HIV‐1 Tat expression in the 52% EtOH group was increased in the brain and liver, but not in the spleen. A significant reduction in locomotor activity occurred in 20% EtOH‐treated adult HIV‐1Tg rats compared to the water control, although no difference was observed in the adolescent HIV‐1Tg animals.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that binge alcohol drinking can have age‐ and EtOH concentration‐dependent effects in the presence of HIV‐1 infection.
Continuous Objective Monitoring of Alcohol Use: Twenty‐First Century Measurement Using Transdermal Sensors
Authors: Leffingwell Thad R. , Cooney Nathaniel J. , Murphy James G. , Luczak Susan , Rosen Gary , Dougherty Donald M. , Barnett Nancy P.
Published: July 2012

Transdermal alcohol sensors continuously collect reliable and valid data on alcohol consumption in vivo over the course of hours to weeks. Transdermal alcohol readings are highly correlated with breath alcohol measurements, but transdermal alcohol levels lag behind breath alcohol levels by one or more hours owing to the longer time required for alcohol to be expelled through perspiration. By providing objective information about alcohol consumption, transdermal alcohol sensors can validate self‐report and provide important information not previously available. In this article, we describe the development and evaluation of currently available transdermal alcohol sensors, present the strengths and limitations of the technology, and give examples of recent research using the sensors.
Measurement of Femoral and Tibial Joint Reference Angles and Pelvic Limb Alignment in Cats
Authors: Swanson Elizabeth A. , Tomlinson James L. , Dismukes David I. , Fox Derek B.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To report pelvic limb joint reference angles, limb alignment, and mechanical axis deviation for the feline pelvic limb.

Study Design

Cadaveric radiographic anatomic study.

Animals

Skeletally mature, mixed breed cats (n = 50).

Methods

Extended pelvic limb radiography was performed and images analyzed to determine femoral anatomic joint reference angles, femoral and tibial mechanical joint reference angles, tibiofemoral angle, metatarsotibial angle, mechanical axis‐femur and mechanical axis‐metatarsus angles, and mechanical axis deviation of the stifle and tarsus. Mean ±SDand 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated.

Results

Mean ±SDangles and 95%CIwere: anatomic lateral proximal femoral (103.9° ± 3.8°; 103.1° − 104.6°), anatomic lateral distal femoral (93.8° ± 2.5°; 93.3° − 94.3°), mechanical lateral proximal femoral (100.5° ± 3.7°; 99.8° − 101.2°), mechanical lateral distal femoral (97.2° ± 2.2°; 96.7° − 97.6°), mechanical medial proximal tibial (88.0° ± 3.2°; 87.3° − 88.6°), mechanical medial distal tibial (107.6° ± 4.8°; 106.6° − 108.5°), mechanical tibiofemoral (7.4° varus ± 2.5°; 6.9° − 7.9°), mechanical metatarsotibial (6.0° valgus ± 3.5°; 5.3° − 6.7°); mechanical axis‐femur (3.2° ± 1.4°; 2.9° − 3.5°) and mechanical axis‐metatarsus (2.4° ± 2.0°; 1.7° − 2.1°). Mechanical axis deviation of the stifle and of the tarsus were 2.0% ± 0.9% (95%CI: 1.9–2.2) and 0.8% ± 1.0% (95%CI: 0.7–1.0), respectively.

Conclusions

Mean pelvic limb joint reference and limb alignment angles can be used for diagnosing angular limb deformities of the feline pelvic limb and for planning corrective osteotomies in affected cats.
Living Behind Dikes: Mimicking Flooding Experiences
Authors: Zaalberg Ruud , Midden Cees J. H.
Published: July 2012

Delta areas like the Netherlands are threatened by global climate change. Awareness is, however, rather low. Our research objective was to investigate whether coping responses to flooding risks could be enhanced in a virtual environment (VE). A laboratory experiment was conducted in which participants were exposed to a simulated dike breach and consequent flooding of their virtual residence. We tested the hypothesis that an interactive 3D flood simulation facilitates coping responses compared to noninteractive film and slide simulations. Our results showed that information search, the motivation to evacuate, and the motivation to buy flood insurance increased after exposure to the 3D flood simulation compared to the film and slide simulations. Mediation analyses revealed that some of these presentation mode effects were mediated by a greater sense of being present in the VE. Implications to use high‐end flood simulations in a VE to communicate real‐world flooding risks and coping responses to threatened residents will be discussed.
Modeling Extreme Risks in Ecology
Authors: Burgman Mark , Franklin James , Hayes Keith R. , Hosack Geoffrey R. , Peters Gareth W. , Sisson Scott A.
Published: July 2012

Extreme risks in ecology are typified by circumstances in which data are sporadic or unavailable, understanding is poor, and decisions are urgently needed. Expert judgments are pervasive and disagreements among experts are commonplace. We outline approaches to evaluating extreme risks in ecology that rely on stochastic simulation, with a particular focus on methods to evaluate the likelihood of extinction and quasi‐extinction of threatened species, and the likelihood of establishment and spread of invasive pests. We evaluate the importance of assumptions in these assessments and the potential of some new approaches to account for these uncertainties, including hierarchical estimation procedures and generalized extreme value distributions. We conclude by examining the treatment of consequences in extreme risk analysis in ecology and how expert judgment may better be harnessed to evaluate extreme risks.
Rare Disasters and Risk Attitudes: International Differences and Implications for Integrated Assessment Modeling
Authors: Ding P. , Gerst M. D. , Bernstein A. , Howarth R. B. , Borsuk M. E.
Published: July 2012

Evaluation of public policies with uncertain economic outcomes should consider society's preferences regarding risk. However, the preference models used in most integrated assessment models, including those commonly used to inform climate policy, do not adequately characterize the risk attitudes revealed by typical investment decisions. Here, we adopt an empirical approach to risk preference description using international historical data on investment returns and the occurrence of rare economic disasters. We improve on earlier analyses by employing a hierarchical Bayesian inference procedure that allows for nation‐specific estimates of both disaster probabilities and preference parameters. This provides a stronger test of the underlying investment model than provided by previous calibrations and generates some compelling hypotheses for further study. Specifically, results suggest that society is substantially more averse to risk than typically assumed in integrated assessment models. In addition, there appear to be systematic differences in risk preferences among nations. These results are likely to have important implications for policy recommendations: higher aversion to risk increases the precautionary value of taking action to avoid low‐probability, high‐impact outcomes. However, geographically variable attitudes toward risk indicate that this precautionary value could vary widely across nations, thereby potentially complicating the negotiation of transboundary agreements focused on risk reduction.
Consistency of the Automatic Algorithm in Detecting Complex Fractionated Electrograms using an Electroanatomical Navigation System
Authors: TSAI WEN‐CHIN , WANG JI‐HUNG , LIN YENN‐JIANG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , HU YU‐FENG , CHANG CHIEN‐JUNG , TANG WEI‐HUA , HUANG SHIH‐YU , SUENARI KAZUYOSHI , TUAN TA‐CHUN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: July 2012

Background:

The different settings of the automatic algorithm in the Carto system (Carto XP, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) used for detecting complex fractionated electrograms (CFEs) during atrial fibrillation (AF) may influence the identification of the fragmented electrograms.

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the impact of the different parameters on the detection of CFEs and the efficacy of the substrate modification after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods:

A total of 1,159 electrograms were analyzed from 11 consecutive patients (age = 56 ± 12 years). The effect of the different algorithm factors, such as the high‐voltage thresholds (0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 20 mV), detection algorithms (average complex interval [ACI] vs interval confidence level), and recording duration (2.5 seconds vs 5 seconds), on the disparities of the CFEs was investigated.

Results:

The proportion of the different grades of CFEs depended on the detection algorithm and recording duration. The high‐voltage threshold would not affect the consistency of the CFEs irrespective of the different settings of the detection algorithm or recording duration. High‐grade CFEs were most consistent with an ACI algorithm and recording duration of 5 seconds (Cronbach's alpha = 0.952). Ablation consisting of a PVI and high‐grade CFE sites converted AF directly to sinus rhythm in eight of 11 patients or into atrial tachycardia in one of 11.

Conclusions:

The distribution and consistency of the CFE detection depended on the detection algorithm and recording duration, but not on the high‐voltage threshold. Under the ACI algorithm and a recording duration of 5 seconds, high‐grade CFE sites remained highest consistency. (PACE 2012; 35:980–989)
Functional Atrial Undersensing Associated with Switching to a Tracking Mode of Pacing
Authors: BAROLD S. SERGE , Van HEUVERSWYN FREDERIC , TIMMERS LIESBETH , STROOBANDT ROLAND X.
Published: July 2012

We have previously demonstrated that contemporary St. Jude devices (pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators [ICDs]; St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) are designed to generate an extended postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) of 475 ms at the termination of conventional automatic mode switching (AMS) in response to atrial tachyarrhythmias
. This response may cause functional atrial undersensing
. A similar PVARP response unrelated to conventional AMS was found in four St. Jude devices (three ICDs and one pacemaker) whenever a nontracking pacing mode switched to a tracking DDD(R) mode. PVARP extension and functional atrial undersensing were observed when the VOO, VVI, and the DDI(R) modes (unrelated to conventional AMS) switched to the DDD(R) mode
. In one patient the switch from the OOO mode (in the programmed noise reversion mode) to the DDD mode occurred after cessation of electromagnetic interference disturbing the ventricular channel. In this case PVARP extension was seen only in the corresponding markers because no P waves occurred coincidentally with the extended PVARP. The PVARP extension caused by a mode switch to the tracking function was designed to prevent sensing of a retrograde P wave on the first cycle of the reestablished tracking mode. The observed functional atrial undersensing is a normal manifestation of device function and must not be misinterpreted as a true atrial undersensing problem. (PACE 2012; 35:1188–1193)
Is Ablation of Atrial Flutter Always Safe?
Authors: BREMBILLA‐PERROT BEATRICE , FILALI MOURAD LEMDERSI , ZINZIUS PIERRE‐YVES , SELLAL JEAN‐MARC , BEURRIER D. , SCHWARTZ JEROME , DE CHILLOU CHRISTIAN , CISMARU GABRIEL , PAURIAH MAHESH
Published: July 2012

Background: Radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter is largely used and is considered as safe. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the causes of severe adverse event (AE) following atrial flutter ablation.

Methods: Ablation of typical flutter was performed by conventional method with an 8‐mm‐tip electrode catheter, a maximum power of 70 W, and a maximum target temperature of 70° for 60 seconds in 883 patients, (685 males and 198 females aged from 18 to 93 years [64 ± 11.5]; 664 had heart disease [HD]).

Results: AE occurred in 44 patients (5%). AE was life threatening in 14 patients: poorly tolerated bradycardia (transient complete atrioventricular block [AVB] or sinus bradycardia [SB] <40 beats per minute) associated with cardiac shock and acute renal failure in five patients, tamponade (n = 1), bleeding leading to death (n = 1), various AE‐related deaths (n = 2), ventricular tachycardia‐related death (n = 1), definitive complete AVB (n = 3), and right coronary artery occlusion‐related complete AVB (n = 1). Less serious AE occurred in 30 patients: transitory major SB or second‐ or third‐degree AVB (n = 23), bleeding (n = 4), transient ischemic attack (n = 1), and various AE (n = 2). Most of the bradycardia was related to β‐blockers or other antiarrhythmic drugs used to slow atrial flutter. Factors of AE were female gender (36% vs 22%, P < 0.02) and the presence of ischemic (P < 0.03) or valvular HD (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: AE following atrial flutter ablation occurred in 5% of patients. Most of them are avoidable by control of anticoagulants and arrest of rate‐control drugs used to slow the rate of atrial flutter. (PACE 2012; 35:1061–1066)
Significant Reduction of Fluoroscopy in Pediatric Catheter Ablation Procedures: Long‐Term Experience from a Single Center
Authors: TUZCU VOLKAN
Published: July 2012

Background: Traditionally fluoroscopy has been used for navigation of catheters during electrophysiological procedures. Recent advances in electroanatomic mapping technologies resulted in a decrease and even in elimination of fluoroscopy exposure during these procedures.

Methods: Electrophysiological procedures were performed with the use EnSite NavX™ or Velocity™ (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) systems. Following construction of the right atrial geometry, other relevant geometries were formed (right ventricle, coronary sinus, or left atrium). Fluoroscopy was used in patients with complex congenital heart disease, in younger children, and during transseptal punctures. Cryoablation or radiofrequency was used for catheter ablation.

Results: A total of 305 patients underwent catheter ablation for various supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmia substrates using EnSite system guidance. No fluoroscopy was used in 191 (63%) of these cases. The mean fluoroscopy time in the rest of the procedures was 13.9 ± 11.6 minutes (0.2–60 minutes). The mean procedure time was 184 ± 71 minutes. No complications were noted except for temporary diaphragmatic paralysis in one patient and temporary AV block in another patient following cryoablation. Acute success rate in achieving complete elimination of arrhythmia substrates was 95% (290/305). The recurrence rate was (31/271) 11.4% at a mean follow‐up time of 42 ± 23 months.

Conclusions: Fluoroscopy can be significantly decreased or even eliminated in the majority of catheter ablation procedures. Long‐term results demonstrate that this can be done efficiently and safely. (PACE 2012; 35:1067–1073)
Preprocedural Ventricular Rate Predicts Subsequent Sick Sinus Syndrome after Ablation for Long‐Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MASUDA MASAHARU , INOUE KOICHI , IWAKURA KATSUOMI , OKAMURA ATSUNORI , KOYAMA YASUSHI , KIMURA RYUSUKE , TOYOSHIMA YUKO , DOI ATSUSHI , SOTOMI YOHEI , KOMURO ISSEI , FUJII KENSHI
Published: July 2012

Background: Concealed sick sinus syndrome may become manifest after restoration of sinus rhythm by ablation in patients with long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the preprocedural ventricular rate during AF and sinus node function in patients with long‐standing persistent AF.

Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 102) who underwent ablation for long‐standing persistent AF were enrolled. We measured the ventricular rate during AF before ablation in the absence of antiarrhythmic drugs. Sinus node function was assessed by electrophysiological study and serial Holter recordings after ablation.

Results: Patients in the lowest quartile of ventricular rate during AF had longer corrected sinus node recovery time (1.06 ± 1.39 seconds) than those in the other quartiles (0.54 ± 0.31 seconds; P = 0.006) and lower mean heart rate on 24‐hour Holter recording 3 months after ablation (68 ± 9 beats/min vs 75 ± 10 beats/min, P = 0.01). During a mean follow‐up of 23 ± 10 months, sick sinus syndrome necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation developed in five (5%) patients, and multivariate analysis revealed that a low ventricular rate during AF rate was an independent risk factor for sick sinus syndrome (odds ratio = 0.90 for a 1 beat/min increase in AF rate, P = 0.04).

Conclusions: A low preprocedural ventricular rate during AF indicates the existence of sinus node dysfunction after restoration of sinus rhythm by ablation in patients with long‐standing persistent AF. (PACE 2012; 35:1074–1080)
Enhancement of Peak Effect in Y–Ba–Cu–O Bulk Materials by the Addition of Nano‐Sized Sm2O3
Authors: Chen Po Wei , Chen Shih Yun , Chen In Gann , Wu Maw Kuen
Published: July 2012

Recently, the significant peak effect was observed in the CeO2 doped Y–Ba–Cu–O (YBCO) bulk materials grown using the infiltration growth (IG) method. The peak effect was attributed to the compositional fluctuations in the matrix, (Y,Sm)BCO. However, it was found that the peak effect was strongly spatially dependent. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) results show that the concentration of Sm ranges from 5.8 × 10−2 to 7.0 × 10−3 wt% within the bulk. Notably, the peak effect is only observed in specimens where the concentration of Sm is higher than 1.5 × 10−2 wt%. The spatial distribution of Sm dissolved from the SmBCO seed is the result of the way in which the liquid (BaCuO2 and CuO) flows during the melting process of the IG technique. To suppress the variation in the composition, nano‐sized Sm2O3 particles are added to the precursor powders in this study. Microstructural analysis demonstrates that with the addition of nano‐sized Sm2O3, the concentration of Sm can be enhanced to be higher than 1.5 × 10−2 wt% within the bulk. Therefore, the peak effect can be observed throughout the bulk material. Besides, more symmetrical trapped magnetic field profiles can be obtained.
Resistance factors in pepper inhibit larval development of thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
Authors: Maharijaya Awang , Vosman Ben , Verstappen Francel , Steenhuis‐Broers Greet , Mumm Roland , Purwito Agus , Visser Richard G.F. , Voorrips Roeland E.
Published: July 2012

The western flower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] is a major pest in pepper cultivation. Therefore, host plant resistance to thrips is a desirable trait. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of resistance on the development of thrips and to identify metabolite compounds related to the resistance. Three highly resistant, three medium resistant, and three susceptible pepper accessions were used in this study. Adult and pre‐adult survival, developmental time, and oviposition rate were assessed. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to identify compounds that correlate with the level of resistance to thrips. Our results show that resistance of pepper accessions has a significant effect on oviposition rate and larval mortality. Seven compounds were identified that correlate with resistance to thrips and six compounds were identified that correlate with susceptibility to thrips. Some of these compounds, such as tocopherols, were previously shown to have an effect on insects in general. Also, some specific secondary metabolites (alkanes) seem to be more abundant in susceptible accessions and were induced by thrips infestation.
Repeatability of gingival crevicular fluid collection and quantification, as determined through its alkaline phosphatase activity: implications for diagnostic use
Authors: Perinetti G. , Di Leonardo B. , Di Lenarda R. , Contardo L.
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  In spite of four decades of studies on gingival crevicular fluid, no data have been reported on the repeatability of gingival crevicular fluid collection and the subsequent quantification procedures. The present study reports, for the first time, on the repeatability and method error of gingival crevicular fluid collection and quantification, as determined through its alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Diagnostic considerations are then explored.

Material and Methods:  Twenty‐seven healthy subjects (17 women and 10 men; mean age ± SD, 21.2 ± 4.8 years) with optimal periodontal status were enrolled according to a blind prospective design. The gingival crevicular fluid was collected at baseline, and after 1 d, 1 wk and 3 mo. At each clinical session, two consecutive rounds of gingival crevicular fluid collection were made from each of the four maxillary incisors, allowing the recovery of resting and flow gingival crevicular fluid. The total ALP activities were determined spectrophotometrically, and repeatability and method errors for the resting, flow and overall (resting + flow) gingival crevicular fluid ALP activities were calculated, relative to the corresponding baseline levels.

Results:  No significant differences were seen over time, although the flow gingival crevicular fluid ALP activity was generally lower than that for the resting gingival crevicular fluid. The method errors ranged from 40 to 58%, with the flow and overall gingival crevicular fluid activities showing the highest and lowest errors, respectively.

Conclusion:  Reliable use of the gingival crevicular fluid ALP collection and quantification, both in research and diagnosis on an individual basis, should take into account relevant errors, and variations are to be considered as true only above relevant thresholds.
Obese children suffer more often from migraine
Authors: Verrotti Alberto , Di Fonzo Alessia , Agostinelli Sergio , Coppola Giangennaro , Margiotta Milena , Parisi Pasquale
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To determine a possible relationship between migraine and body mass index.

Methods:  Migraine shows a wide spectrum of comorbidities, including cardiocerebral, vascular, psychiatric, metabolic, neurological as well as other pathologies. Recent researches suggest that obesity was significantly correlated with migraine frequency and disability in children, as well as in adult population studies. We reviewed data from the literature to clarify this possible relationship.

Results:  Translational and basic science research shows multiple areas of overlap between migraine pathophysiology and the central and peripheral pathways regulating feeding. Specifically, neurotransmittors such as serotonin, peptides such as orexin, and adipocytokines such as adiponectin and leptin have been suggested to have roles in both feeding and migraine. A relationship between migraine and body mass index exists, and therefore, interventions to modify body mass index may provide a useful treatment model for investigating whether modest weight loss reduces headache frequency and severity in obese migraineurs.

Conclusion:  The effect of obesity and weight change on headache outcomes may have important implications for clinical care.
Population Dynamics of the Andean Lizard Anolis heterodermus: Fast‐slow Demographic Strategies in Fragmented Scrubland Landscapes
Authors: Moreno‐Arias Rafael A. , Urbina‐Cardona J. Nicolás
Published: July 2012

Habitat fragmentation and loss affect population stability and demographic processes, increasing the extinction risk of species. We studied
Anolis heterodermus populations inhabiting large and small Andean scrubland patches in three fragmented landscapes in the Sabana de Bogotá (Colombia) to determine the effect of habitat fragmentation and loss on population dynamics. We used the capture‐mark‐recapture method and multistate models to estimate vital rates for each population. We estimated growth population rate and the most important processes that affect λ by elasticity analysis of vital rates. We tested the effects of habitat fragmentation and loss on vital rates of lizard populations. All six isolated populations showed a positive or an equilibrium growth rate (λ = 1), and the most important demographic process affecting λ was the growth to first reproduction. Populations from landscapes with less scrubland natural cover showed higher stasis of young adults. Populations in highly fragmented landscapes showed highest juvenile survival and growth population rates. Independent of the landscape's habitat configuration and connectivity, populations from larger scrubland patches showed low adult survivorship, but high transition rates. Populations varied from a slow strategy with low growth and delayed maturation in smaller patches to a fast strategy with high growth and early maturation in large patches. This variation was congruent with the fast‐slow continuum hypothesis and has serious implications for Andean lizard conservation and management strategies. We suggest that more stable lizard populations will be maintained if different management strategies are adopted according to patch area and habitat structure.
Female‐borne cues affecting Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) male behavior during courtship and mating
Authors: Canale Angelo , Benelli Giovanni , Lucchi Andrea
Published: July 2012

Knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate courtship and mating behavior in Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti)–a koinobiont endophagous solitary parasitoid of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), and of other fruit flies–is essential to its mass rearing and management. Augmentative releases of P. concolor for olive fruit fly control started in the Mediterranean areas in the 1950s and still continue with limited success. We determined the influence of visual and chemical cues on courtship and mating behavior of this braconid and the possible effect of the mating status of males and females in the perception of these cues. Our results suggest that integration of visual and chemical stimuli are fundamental for mate location and courtship. Indeed, the optimal response of the male was achieved when physical and chemical cues were simultaneously presented and vision and olfaction worked synergistically.
Can success lead to happiness? the moderators between career success and happiness
Authors: Pan Jingzhou , Zhou Wenxia
Published: July 2012

The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between career success and happiness using specific moderators during the process. Data was collected onMBAclasses inChina and 994 employees participated in the study. Regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Results showed two things: first thatcareer success value(internal satisfaction) does in fact moderate the salary–happiness relationship, and second, thatcareer commitmentdoes moderate the career satisfaction–happiness relationship. This paper makes a valuable contribution to both happiness and career success literature by being one of the first to examine the moderating effects ofcareer success valueandcareer commitmentand the relationships between these important career concepts.
Endocrine, metabolic, and immunologic components of HIV infection
Authors: Norbiato Guido
Published: July 2012

It is generally accepted that the progression of HIV infection is the consequence of increased HIV virus load and defective CD4+ T cell–mediated immunity. Previous studies have shown that T helper–directed cellular immunity is suppressed in hypercortisolemic HIV patients, while it is activated in cortisol‐resistant HIV patients. This is suggestive of a cytokine system intimately linked with cortisol and its receptors. Highly active antiretroviral therapy is an important advance in the treatment of HIV infection, but the suppression of viral replication is not associated with reconstitution of the immune function. This would account for reduced control of inflammation and the activation of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1(11β‐HSD1) and increases in glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production in peripheral tissues. Such hormonal activation may cause insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications. Therapeutic approaches with 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, type 1 angiotensin receptor blockers, or renin inhibitors are suggested.
Autoimmune diseases and infections as risk factors for schizophrenia
Authors: Benros Michael E. , Mortensen Preben B. , Eaton William W.
Published: July 2012

Immunological hypotheses have become increasingly prominent when studying the etiology of schizophrenia. Autoimmune diseases, and especially the number of infections requiring hospitalization, have been identified as significant risk factors for schizophrenia in a dose–response relationship, which seem compatible with an immunological hypothesis for subgroups of patients with schizophrenia. Inflammation and infections may affect the brain through many different pathways that are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can possibly increase the risk of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals. However, the findings could also be an epiphenomenon and not causal, due to, for instance, common genetic vulnerability, which could be supported by the observations of an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and infections in parents of patients with schizophrenia. Nevertheless, autoimmune diseases and infections should be considered in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia symptoms, and further research is needed of the immune system's possible contributing pathogenic factors in the etiology of schizophrenia.
What Is TemperamentNow? Assessing Progress in Temperament Research on the Twenty‐Fifth Anniversary of Goldsmith et al. ()
Authors: Shiner Rebecca L. , Buss Kristin A. , McClowry Sandee G. , Putnam Samuel P. , Saudino Kimberly J. , Zentner Marcel
Published: July 2012

The now‐classic article “What Is Temperament? Four Approaches” by H. H. Goldsmith et al. (1987) brought together originators of four prominent temperament theories—Rothbart, Thomas and Chess, Buss and Plomin, and Goldsmith—to address foundational questions about the nature of temperament. This article reviews what has been learned about the nature of temperament in the intervening 25 years, It begins with an updating of the 1987 consensus definition of temperament that integrates more complex current findings. Next, 4 “progeny” trained in the original temperament traditions assess contributions of their respective approaches. The article then poses essential questions for the next generation of research on the fundamentals of temperament, including its structure, links with personality traits, interaction with context, and change and continuity over time.
“Organizing Creativity: Enabling Creative Output, Process, and Organizing Practices”
Authors: Chen Katherine K.
Published: July 2012

How individuals can exercise creativity in collectivities is unclear. We thus need to more thoroughly investigate the ‘black box’ of organizational creativity. Future research should consider creativity in a variety of organizations, rather than just those that are known for creative outputs or practices. In addition, we need to examine what I call everyday, relational, and proto‐institutional forms of organizational creativity. Intra‐ and inter‐organizational aspects can enhance or depress such organizational creativity: (1) within the organization’s boundary: internal interactions among organizational members and (2) outside the organization’s boundary: the surrounding organizational environment or field, which include competing or supporting organizations, other organizational actors, and the state. These two aspects pose dilemmas about how to organize that can constrain or enhance organizational creativity. In addressing these dilemmas, organizations must mediate between under‐ and over‐organizing extremes. Organizations can enable creativity by incorporating changing interests and conditions. Organizations can eschew convention, increase rank‐and‐file involvement with corresponding authority, tolerate ambiguity and deviance, encourage improvisation, and support members’ diverse experiences and perspectives.
Marriage Promotion Policy and Family Inequality
Authors: Randles Jennifer M.
Published: July 2012

In 1996, Congress overhauled welfare policy to promote marriage and work as ways to lift American families out of poverty. Almost all of the funding for governmental marriage promotion has been devoted to relationship skills programs intended to help couples strengthen their relationships, encourage them to marry, and thereby prevent poverty. Marriage promotion policy has sparked intense debate, especially over the connection between marriage and family inequality. While advocates of the policy argue the government should promote marriage because it fosters social and economic well‐being, critics challenge the assumption that marriage itself causes these benefits or will help lift poor families out of poverty. Recent sociological research on why poor and low‐income couples marry less finds that they tend not to marry if they cannot meet a specific economic threshold. This suggests that rather than promoting the view that relationship skills en route to marriage can help prevent poverty, marriage promotion policy could likely better serve disadvantaged families by acknowledging and addressing the socioeconomic roots of family inequality.
Elements of a Sociological Contribution to Happiness Studies
Authors: Bartram David
Published: July 2012

A significant body of social‐science research on happiness has accrued in recent decades, produced mainly by economists and psychologists. Sociologists, however, have made more limited contributions to “happiness studies”. This paper provides an overview of concepts, methods and findings and suggests some questions about happiness that ought to be of substantial interest to sociology. Many sociologists are clearly interested in the well‐being of the people they study (sometimes suggesting “policy implications” emerging from their empirical findings); happiness is a presumptively important form of well‐being, and an engagement with happiness studies might constitute a way to develop more systematic connections between well‐being and academic research. Building on existing findings, sociologists would be well‐placed to consider the social context of happiness (as against an individualist orientation more common in other disciplines) as well as the unintended consequences of policy initiatives and happiness discourses.
Reference values for within‐breath pulmonary impedance parameters in asymptomatic elderly
Authors: Aarli Bernt Bøgvald , Eagan Tomas Mikal Lind , Ellingsen Ivar , Bakke Per Sigvald , Hardie Jon Andrew
Published: July 2012

Introduction

A new application for the forced oscillation technique (FOT) has been described by Dellaca et al. using sinusoidal pressure variations at 5 Hz to detect expiratory flow limitation by measuring the within‐breath reactance [termed difference between inspiratory and expiratory X5 (DX5)]. Few studies have been performed on respiratory phase differences in the elderly.

Objective

Our aim was to present reference values for within‐breath impedance measurements and to examine how the earlier mentioned method performs in a study population of asymptomatic elderly.

Methods

An age‐ and sex‐stratified random sample was drawn from the elderly population of Bergen, Norway. Among the healthy non‐smoking responders from a postal questionnaire study, 148 were selected to perform FOT measurements using an impulse oscillometry system (IOS). Seventy five of these participants had a normal spirometry and were able to perform at least two valid FOT measurements. Predictive equations for men and women were created for FOT parameters by linear multiple regression analysis. DX5 was calculated from the within‐breath variation of reactance at 5 Hz.

Results/Conclusion

This study presents reference values for whole‐breath and within‐breath impedance parameters in asymptomatic elderly aged >70 years using the IOS method. We found higher resistance measurements than what is reported in previous studies and significantly larger frequency dependence.
Determinants of asthma control and quality of life in stable asthma: evaluation of two new cough provocation tests
Authors: Purokivi Minna , Koskela Heikki , Kontra Kirsi
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Asthma control and quality of life are poorly associated with traditional asthma biomarkers.

Objectives

In the present study, we evaluated two new cough provocation tests in this respect.

Methods

Asthma Control Questionnaire and Leicester Cough Questionnaire were completed by 36 stable asthmatics. Cough provocation tests with hypertonic saline and isocapnic hyperpnoea of dry air were performed, as well as spirometry, ambulatory peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement.

Results

Leicester Cough Questionnaire score correlated closely with cough responsiveness to hypertonic saline and isocapnic hyperpnoea (R = −0.66, P < 0.001 and R = −0.49, P = 0.002, respectively). Asthma Control Questionnaire score also correlated with the cough responsiveness to these tests (R = 0.52, P = 0.001 and R = 0.43, P = 0.008, respectively). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%predicted), diurnal PEF variation and eNO did not correlate with cough‐related quality of life but showed some association with asthma control. There was a significant correlation between Leicester Cough Questionnaire and Asthma Control Questionnaire (R = −0.54, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Asthma control and cough‐related quality of life are more closely associated with cough responsiveness to the investigated cough provocation tests than to eNO and traditional indices of bronchial obstruction. Cough is a major contributor to poor asthma control.
Anatomical studies on selected species of Viola (Violaceae)
Authors: Yousefi Narjes , Mehrvarz Shahryar Saeidi , Marcussen Thomas
Published: July 2012

Cross‐sections of roots, stems, petioles and peduncles were investigated in 12 species of Viola distributed mainly in northern Iran: V. kitaibeliana, V. arvensis, V. occulta, V. tricolor (sect. Melanium), V. somchetica (sect. Plagiostigma), V. spathulata (sect. Spathulidium ined.), V. alba, V. odorata, V. sintenisii (sect. Viola subsect. Viola), V. caspia, V. reichenbachiana and V. rupestris (sect. Viola subsect. Rostratae). General anatomical features of Viola species are discussed. The following characters were found to be taxonomically informative: cross‐section shapes of the aerial stem, petiole and peduncle as well as the number of vascular bundles in the aerial stem. In taxa of sect. Melanium, stem cross‐sections are elliptic with two wings, but they are semi‐circular with two wings in taxa of sect. Viola subsect. Rostratae. Within the latter subsection, the number of vascular bundles in the stem can be used to delimit the species V. caspia, V. reichenbachiana and V. rupestris. Calcium oxalate crystals were observed in all vegetative organs of taxa belonging to sect. Viola. All examined taxa had a secondary structure with the exception of V. somchetica. Our results show that anatomical characters are useful for delimiting species, subsections, and sections within Viola.
The Limits of Kinship Mobilizations and the (A)politics of Human Rights inArgentina
Authors: Gandsman Ari
Published: July 2012

Resúmen

Organismos de derechos humanos como Las Madres y Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo constituyen modelos importantes de activismo ciudadanía en América Latina. Como revelan sus nombres, son modelos particulares de activismo organizado en categorías de parentesco y en gran medida biológicamente definido con lazos afectivos. En lugar de ver a estas organizaciones como la politización de lo que convencionalmente se entiende como el terreno apolítico de la maternidad, en este artículo muestro que lo contrario también puede ocurrir. Movimientos que enfatizan los lazos biológicos y las identidades adquiridas también tienen efectos de despolitización. Porque se percibe que sus actividades radican fuera de la política. Privilegiar las relaciones afectivas como un modo de organización – un evento necesario en la evolución de estos grupos durante la dictadura – ha dado lugar a una paradoja en el desarrollo de estos grupos, los cuales por un lado evitan ser percibidos como participantes de la actividad política, a pesar de desarrollar explícitamente una actividad política.