bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porosity determination of deep‐fat‐fried coatings using pycnometer (Fried batter porosity determination by pycnometer)
Authors: Adedeji Akinbode A. , Ngadi Michael
Published: May 2011

The effect of processing conditions such as frying time and temperature, and batter formulation on pore development in deep‐fat fried chicken nuggets coatings were studied using helium pycnometer method. Chicken nuggets with preformed and laboratory prepared batter coatings were fried at temperatures between 170 and 190 °C for a time range between 0 and 240 s. There was significant (P < 0.05) effect of frying temperature and batter formulation on porosity. Porosity increased with frying time and temperature, and ranged between 2.15 and 47.92% for the preformed batter and 9.96 and 54.76% for the formulated batters. Apparent and bulk densities of the preformed batters increased and decreased with frying time, respectively, but both declined gradually with increasing frying temperature. As the level of rice flour in the formulation increased, apparent and bulk densities also increased. Batter formulation and frying temperature significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the variation in moisture and fat content of the fried batter. Porosity demonstrated positive and negative correlation with fat uptake and moisture loss, respectively, for all the batter coatings.
Isolation by oceanographic distance explains genetic structure for Macrocystis pyrifera in the Santa Barbara Channel
Authors: ALBERTO FILIPE , RAIMONDI PETER T. , REED DANIEL C. , WATSON JAMES R. , SIEGEL DAVID A. , MITARAI SATOSHI , COELHO NELSON , SERRÃO ESTER A.
Published: May 2011

Ocean currents are expected to be the predominant environmental factor influencing the dispersal of planktonic larvae or spores; yet, their characterization as predictors of marine connectivity has been hindered by a lack of understanding of how best to use oceanographic data. We used a high‐resolution oceanographic model output and Lagrangian particle simulations to derive oceanographic distances (hereafter called transport times) between sites studied for Macrocystis pyrifera genetic differentiation. We build upon the classical isolation‐by‐distance regression model by asking how much additional variability in genetic differentiation is explained when adding transport time as predictor. We explored the extent to which gene flow is dependent upon seasonal changes in ocean circulation. Because oceanographic transport between two sites is inherently asymmetric, we also compare the explanatory power of models using the minimum or the mean transport times. Finally, we compare the direction of connectivity as estimated by the oceanographic model and genetic assignment tests. We show that the minimum transport time had higher explanatory power than the mean transport time, revealing the importance of considering asymmetry in ocean currents when modelling gene flow. Genetic assignment tests were much less effective in determining asymmetry in gene flow. Summer‐derived transport times, in particular for the month of June, which had the strongest current speed, greatest asymmetry and highest spore production, resulted in the best‐fit model explaining twice the variability in genetic differentiation relative to models that use geographic distance or habitat continuity. The best overall model also included habitat continuity and explained 65% of the variation in genetic differentiation among sites.
Rhinovirus‐induced bronchiolitis and asthma development
Authors: Jartti Tuomas , Korppi Matti
Published: May 2011

To cite this article: Jartti T, Korppi M. Rhinovirus‐induced bronchiolitis and asthma development. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 350–355.

Human rhinovirus (HRV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are commonly associated with bronchiolitis. The breaking point in the dominance is approximately 12 months – rhinovirus dominates in the older children. Predisposition may markedly increase the prevalence of HRV bronchiolitis. Especially, low interferon responses and atopy‐related factors have been associated with HRV bronchiolitis. The former has been considered as a sign of poor antiviral defense, and the latter could be associated with atopic airway inflammation in wheezing children. Although recurrent wheezing is common after both RSV and HRV bronchiolitis, HRV bronchiolitis carries a markedly higher risk of persistent wheezing until 6 years of age and for childhood asthma. This association has been independent from atopy at 7.2 (median) years of age. The increased risk of asthma in adulthood after non‐RSV bronchiolitis vs. RSV bronchiolitis in infancy (at the time when PCR was not available for HRV diagnosis) offers indirect evidence for the association between HRV bronchiolitis and chronic asthma.
A re‐evaluation of the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV prevented by the exclusion of men who have sex with men from blood donation in England and Wales, 2005–2007
Authors: Davison K. L. , Brant L. J. , Presanis A. M. , Soldan K.
Published: May 2011

Background and Objectives  One component of the rationale for lifetime exclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM) from blood donation in the UK is the probable reduction in the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV; this exclusion has recently been questioned.

Materials and Methods  Data about HIV in blood donors and MSM were analysed to estimate the risk of infectious donations entering the blood supply under different scenarios of donor selection criteria (and donor compliance) for MSM and a heterosexual group with increased risk of HIV.

Results  In 2005–2007, a change from lifetime exclusion of MSM to 5‐year deferral or no deferral increased the point estimate of HIV risk by between 0·4% and 7·4% depending on compliance with the deferral (range −4% to 15%) and 26·5% (range 18% to 43%) respectively. A change from a 12‐month deferral of the high‐risk heterosexual group to lifetime exclusion reduced the estimated risk by about 7·2% (range 6% to 9%). Each point estimate was within the probable range of risk under the current criteria.

Conclusion  If prevalence is the only factor affected by a reduced deferral, then the increased risk of HIV is probably negligible. However, the impact of a change depends on compliance; if this stays the same or worsens, the risk is expected to increase because of more incident infections in MSM who donate blood. The risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV could probably be reduced further by improving compliance with any exclusion, particularly after recent risk behaviours.
The safety of blood donation by elderly blood donors
Authors: Zeiler T. , Lander‐Kox J. , Eichler H. , Alt T. , Bux J.
Published: May 2011

Background  Due to the ageing population, blood donation by the elderly is necessary to maintain blood supply. We initiated a prospective study, to assess whether there is an increased risk of donor reactions in elderly donors.

Study Design and Methods  In this prospective study, regular donors aged from 66 to 68 and 69 to 71 years were invited to continue blood donation on mobile collection sites of the German Red Cross Blood Service West. A control group (50–52 years) was established. Admission of donors in all groups followed the German national guidelines for blood donation. Donor deferrals and all kinds of donor reactions during donation (on‐site) and in the 48 h following donation (off‐site) were monitored.

Results  A total of 64 260 valid cases were entered in the study. Donor deferrals increased with age from 1·12% in the control group up to 8·74 in female donors aged 69–71 years. Adverse reactions to blood donation were rare with an overall reaction rate of 0·63% (0·05% on‐site; 0·58% off‐site). Off‐site reactions significantly decreased with increasing age. The relative risk (RR) for adverse reactions in elderly donors compared to the control group (50–52 years) was slightly increased for on‐site reactions in the 69‐ to 71‐year‐old donors (RR 1·0309; 95% CI 1·0292–1·0325). In all other comparisons, the RR for adverse reactions was distinctively lower in elderly donors (RR 0·3785 – 0·7778).

Conclusions  Our data confirm that elderly regular blood donors may safely continue blood donation at least to the age of 71. Based on these data, we increased the upper age limit.
Pure alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterine corpus
Authors: Fukunaga Masaharu
Published: May 2011

Herein is presented a very rare case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in the uterine corpus of a 72‐year‐old woman. The wall of the uterine corpus was replaced by multiple whitish–yellow, friable nodules, measuring up to 6 cm. Microscopically, the tumor was predominantly composed of round to polygonal cells arranged in an alveolar, papillary or nest pattern intermingled with multinuclear giant cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Extensive sampling failed to show epithelial elements. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for striated muscle markers such as myoglobin, myoD1 and myogenin. Metastatic lesions were found in the retroperitoneum and pelvic lymph nodes. The patient was treated by postoperative chemotherapy, but she died of systemic metastases 12 months after surgery.
Maternal mental disorders and pregnancy outcomes: A clinical study in a Japanese population
Authors: Hironaka Masae , Kotani Tomomi , Sumigama Seiji , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Mano Yukio , Hayakawa Hiromi , Tanaka Satoshi , Ozaki Norio , Tamakoshi Koji , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with mental disorders in Japan.

Material and Methods:  We conducted this retrospective cohort study to examine the patients who delivered at Nagoya University Hospital (2005–2009). Thereafter, the patients without any complications other than mental disorders and with several sources of psychiatric information were included in the present series, and the maternal and neonatal outcomes between patients with or without maternal mental disorders were compared. The psychiatric outcomes and the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs were also examined.

Results:  A total of 1649 women delivered during this period, and 63 of them were complicated by maternal mental disorders. After the selection of patients for comparison purposes, women with mental disorders (n = 51) had a slightly but significantly shorter gestational age (39.2 ± 0.2 vs 39.8 ± 0.1 weeks, P = 0.003) and smaller birth weight (2993.0 ± 56.7 vs 3152.4 ± 23.6 g, P = 0.010) compared with the control group (n = 278). Intervention by psychiatrists was required for only 10 patients, and no patients required termination of pregnancy due to exacerbation of mental disorders. In schizophrenia patients who were taking atypical antipsychotics and benzodiazepine, a significant increase in maternal gestational weight gain, and a significant shorter gestational age were detected, respectively, compared with patients who were not receiving any drug treatments.

Conclusion:  A trend towards a lower birth weight and shorter gestational age was observed in Japanese women with well‐controlled mental disorders, but the effect of well‐controlled mental disorders on the perinatal outcome was minimal.
Contralateral ovarian pregnancy after single tubal recanalisation
Authors: Goswami Deepti , Zutshi Vijay , Khurana Nita , Tyagi Shakun , Batra Swaraj
Published: May 2011

Ovarian pregnancy accounts for less than 3% of all ectopic pregnancies. A 30‐year‐old who had undergone right tubal reanastomosis seven months prior presented with pain abdomen and spotting. Her last menstrual period was 30 days prior. Examination revealed stable vitals, tenderness and shifting dullness per abdomen, fullness in the pouch of Douglas, a tender left adnexal mass and normal size uterus. Urine pregnancy test was positive. Culdocentesis revealed blood. A heteroechoic 3 × 3.2 × 3.1 cm left adnexal mass and free fluid were detected on ultrasound. There was no intrauterine gestational sac. On laparotomy 800 mL of hemoperitoneum was present. There was no evidence of tubal pregnancy. Left ovary had a 3 × 5 cm hemorrhagic mass. Partial ovariectomy was done and histopathology revealed ovarian pregnancy. This is the first reported case of an ovarian pregnancy occurring after tubal recanalisation. After successful tubal recanalisation procedure, altered motility of the reconstructed tube may cause expulsion of fertilized ovum into the peritoneal cavity and contralateral ovarian implantation.
The role of locus coeruleus in the antiepileptic activity induced by vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Fornai Francesco , Ruffoli Riccardo , Giorgi Filippo S. , Paparelli Antonio
Published: May 2011

Stimulation of the vagus nerve produces antiepileptic effects. This is used clinically to treat drug‐refractory epilepsies. The mechanisms responsible for these effects depend on the activation of vagal afferents reaching the nucleus of the solitary tract. This review focuses on the neuroanatomy of the nucleus of the solitary tract and its relation with the nucleus locus coeruleus as a preferential anatomical substrate in producing antiepileptic effects. In fact, following the transient or permanent inactivation of locus coeruleus neurons, some antiepileptic effects of vagus nerve stimulation are lost. The activation of locus coeruleus per se is known to limit the spread of a seizure and the duration of a variety of seizure types. This is due to the fine chemical neuroanatomy of norepinephrine pathways that arise from the locus coeruleus, which produce widespread changes in cortical areas. These changes may be sustained by norepinephrine alone, or in combination with its co‐transmitters. In addition, vagus nerve stimulation may prevent seizures by activating the serotonin‐containing dorsal raphe neurons.
Tips and tricks to facilitate ultrasound‐guided placement of peripheral nerve catheters in children
Authors: De José María Belén , Banús Ester , Navarro‐Egea Montse , Banchs Richard J.
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To describe an approach to facilitate ultrasound (US)‐guided placement of peripheral nerve catheters in children.

Background:  Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) provide excellent surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, catheters can be difficult to place, especially in children.

Methods:  Ten US‐guided peripheral nerve catheters were placed and placement difficulties encountered were recorded. Four series of 15 consecutive US‐guided CPNB were then performed, adding in each series one possible solution to each of the troubles previously encountered. Finally, all maneuvers were employed in the placement of 15 US‐guided CPNB in children 3–10 years old and then followed clinically.

Results:  Initial difficulties encountered were as follows: (i) introducing the catheter, (ii) catheter tip visualization, (iii) length of catheter to be introduced, and (iv) catheter fixation and appropriate long‐lasting dressing. The proposed facilitating procedure that addresses each of these difficulties is as follows: (i) three‐hand technique: an assistant’s hand holds the US transducer, the proceduralist anesthetist slightly withdraws and rotates the needle tip with one hand and advances the catheter with the other, (ii) needle visualization in long axis (LAX) whenever possible with catheter placed inside the needle and US guidance of spread of local anesthetic (LA) through the catheter, (iii) catheter advanced until resistance is found or up to a maximum of 5 cm, and (iv) subcutaneous tunneling of the catheter, Dermabond glue, and careful transparent dressing. All catheters in the last series were 100% effective during surgery and provided complete analgesia for ≥3 days without complications.

Conclusions:  Continuous peripheral nerve blocks in children should be placed under US guidance in LAX whenever possible, with a three‐hand technique and slightly withdrawing or rotating the needle tip to introduce the catheter, administering LA through the catheter, and performing subcutaneous tunneling and careful dressing.
Embedding Economic Relationships through Social Learning? The Limits of Patient and Public Involvement in Healthcare Governance in England
Authors: Vincent‐Jones Peter
Published: May 2011

The strategy for NHS modernization in England is privileging individual choice over collective voice in the governance of healthcare. This paper explores the tension between economic and democratic strands in the current reform agenda, drawing on sociological conceptions of embeddedness and on theories of reflexive governance. Building on a Polanyian account of the disembedding effects of the increasing commercialization of health services, we consider the prospects for re‐embedding economic relationships in this field. An analysis is provided of the limits of the present legal and regulatory framework of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in establishing the democratic and pragmatist conditions of social learning necessary for effective embedding. We show how the attainment of reflexive governance in the public interest is dependent on such conditions, and on the capacities of patients and the public to contribute to debate and deliberation in decision making, including on fundamental policy questions such as how services are provided and by whom.
Police Cooperation across the Irish Border: Familiarity Breeding Contempt for Transparency and Accountability
Authors: Walsh Dermot P.J.
Published: May 2011

This article critically examines the practice, methods, and regulation of cross‐border police cooperation between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Despite legal and political divisions, police cooperation has survived and flourished in recent years especially among police officers on the ground. By comparison, the development of transparent regulatory and accountability structures and processes has been disappointing. While there have been domestic initiatives at the intergovernmental and legislative levels, these have tended to emphasize the centrality of direct engagement between the police chiefs and senior civil servants at the expense of formal transparent procedures. EU instruments have been marginalized as the police forces and their administrations prefer informal networks and force‐to‐force agreements which, it is argued, shield cross‐border police cooperation from standards of transparency, oversight, and accountability which are essential to its legitimacy. They also highlight the limitations of the current EU legislative approach to cross‐border police cooperation.
Extending Backward Polygon Beam Tracing to Glossy Scattering Surfaces
Authors: Duvenhage B. , Bouatouch K. , Kourie D. G.
Published: May 2011

Backward polygon beam tracing methods, that is beam tracing from the light source (L), are well suited to gather path coherency from specular (S) scattering surfaces. These methods are useful for modelling and efficiently simulating caustics on diffuse (D) surfaces; an effect due to LS+D transport paths. This paper generalizes backward polygon beam tracing to include a glossy (G) scattering surface. To this end the details of a beam tracing lumped model and implementation of L(S | G)D transport paths are presented. Although we limit the discussion to short transport paths, we show that backward beam tracing is faster than photon mapping by an order of magnitude for rendering caustics from glossy and specular surfaces.
Power at the Centre: is the National Economic Council a Model for a New Way of Organising Things?
Authors: CORRY DAN
Published: May 2011

The centre of power in the UK lies in No 10 Downing Street and is surprisingly weak in terms of numbers. This article, written by a former insider, looks at how power is exercised in a variety of ways, some formal, through cabinet and its committees some informal, through the force of personality of the Prime Minister and his team especially his policy unit. It goes on to examine the creation and functioning of the National Economic Council, set up by Gordon Brown in response to the financial and economic crisis of 2007–8. It argues that this was a successful innovation towards a more structured approach that delivered faster policy formation and delivery and created a sense of unity. While it is probably a model that works best in crisis moments, it could be taken forward in other ways.
One Body of Evidence, Three Different Policies: Bovine Tuberculosis Policy in Britain
Authors: Spencer Adam
Published: May 2011

Bovine tuberculosis is an intractable policy problem characterised by conflict. Devolution offers the possibility of significant policy variation within Great Britain and bovine tuberculosis has seen this. In Great Britain three distinct policies developed on the back of the same substantial evidence base. Science has not provided the answer and the law has ensured that it remains a difficult issue for the Welsh and Westminster governments. The low incidence of bovine tuberculosis in Scotland has allowed a sustainable policy to develop in that nation.
Cost Effectiveness and Target Group Influence in Norwegian Climate Policy
Authors: Gullberg Anne Therese , Skodvin Tora
Published: May 2011

Cost effectiveness is a key principle of climate policies in industrialised countries, yet there are significant political barriers against its implementation. The Norwegian case demonstrates that differences in the climate policy instruments targeting different sectors cannot be explained by the sectors' relative significance in the national economy. Whereas the economically insignificant energy‐intensive industries (EIIs) successfully resisted mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations until 2008, the offshore petroleum industry (the most important sector for Norway's gross domestic product) has paid NOK 300 per tonne of CO2since 1991. What explains why some sectors successfully resist GHG regulations while others do not? This analysis indicates that a key determinant is interdependence between target groups and decision makers in winning coalitions. EIIs were capable of issuing relevant and credible threats to shut down and relocate if costly GHG policies were imposed. In contrast, decision makers did not perceive as credible the offshore petroleum industry's claim that a CO2tax would undermine its competitiveness. Moreover, when target groups can issue effective threats, private information becomes more relevant and reinforces decision makers' dependence on target group cooperation.
The Representative Roles of MPs: A Citizen Perspective
Authors: Bengtsson Åsa , Wass Hanna
Published: May 2011

From the normative point of view, there is a general agreement that representatives should act in line with the interests of those being represented. The knowledge about citizens' preferences for representation is very limited, however. This study examines MP's representative roles from the perspective of the citizens. It utilises a task definition approach in the Finnish institutional setting, which substantially differs from the context of earlier investigations in terms of open‐list electoral systems with mandatory preferential voting. Based on the 2007 Finnish National Election Study (n = 1,422), voters' preferences concerning four different representational roles are analysed: as representatives pursuing the interests of their electoral district, party, individual voters or being independent actors. Next, voters' preferences are accounted for by the factors related to each type of representation: citizens' regional electoral context, party attachment and electoral supply, political engagement and political competence, respectively. The results show that citizens living in electoral districts located far away from the political centre or in constituencies where it is more difficult for small parties to win political representation are most prone to prefer regional representation. Similarly, voters who have closer ties with political parties prefer party‐centred representation while those who feel less politically efficient favour close ties with their MPs. Education in turn increases the support for a political representative to act independently from the electorate or the party.
DYNAMIC WELFARE COST OF STAGNATION: AN ALTERNATIVE MEASURE TO THE LUCAS–OBSTFELD MODEL
Authors: MIYAKOSHI TATSUYOSHI , OKUBO MASAKATSU , SHIMADA JUNJI
Published: May 2011

The present paper proposes an alternative measure to the Lucas–Obstfeld model to analyze the welfare costs of stagnation, and provides a practical illustration of both the Lucas–Obstfeld model and the alternative model. Compared with the Lucas–Obstfeld model, the alternative model can evaluate: (i) whether policy was implemented in a timely fashion; (ii) whether the policy cost was expensive compared with the cost of stagnation; and (iii) whether the policy implemented was effective or whether an additional policy is required.
IS CORRUPTION REALLY PERSISTENT?
Authors: SELDADYO HARRY , DE HAAN JAKOB
Published: May 2011

Theoretical and empirical research on corruption generally concludes that corruption is persistent. However, using International Country Risk Guide data for the period 1984–2008 for 101 countries, we find strong evidence that corruption changes over time. In the present study, corruption levels of many countries decline, whereas those of other countries rise over the same period. We find that this convergence process is not continuous: there is an improvement in world corruption in the first part of our sample period, but a worsening in the second half.
The Scope of Conversion: Property and Contract
Authors: Douglas Simon
Published: May 2011

The article asks whether the tort of conversion should be expanded so as to protect contractual rights. The suggestion, found in recent case law and academic texts, that conversion should protect contractual rights because such rights belong to the law of property is rejected. It is argued that this approach is purely semantic and ignores the fact that contractual rights have different characteristics to other kinds of rights that we typically class as ‘property rights’. The better approach, it is argued, is to ask whether it is actually possible to protect contractual rights through the tort of conversion. The article attempts to show that the absence of certain features from contractual rights, in particular the fact that such rights do not relate to a physical object and are not exigible against the world, makes the expansion of conversion extremely difficult.
What Did the Lawyers Do During the ‘War’? Neutrality, Conflict and the Culture of Quietism
Authors: McEvoy Kieran
Published: May 2011

Using Northern Ireland as a case study, this paper explores how lawyers responded to the challenges of entrenched discrimination, sustained political violence and an emerging peace process. Drawing upon the literature of the sociology of lawyering, it examines whether lawyers can or should be more than ‘paid technicians’ in such circumstances. It focuses in particular upon a number of ‘critical junctures’ in the legal history of the jurisdiction and uncouples key elements of the local legal culture which contributed to an ethos of quietism. The paper argues that the version of legal professionalism that emerged in Northern Ireland was contingent and socially constructed and, with notable exceptions, obfuscated a collective failure of moral courage. It concludes that facing the truth concerning past silence is fundamental to a properly embedded rule of law and a more grounded notion of what it means to be a lawyer in a conflict.
Extending the Confusion About Bayes
Authors: Robertson Bernard , Vignaux G. A. , Berger Charles E. H.
Published: May 2011

In R v T [2010] EWCA Crim 2439, [2011] 1 Cr App Rep 85, the Court of Appeal indicated that ‘mathematical formulae’, such as likelihood ratios, should not be used by forensic scientists to analyse data where firm statistical evidence did not exist. Unfortunately, when considering the forensic scientist's evidence, the judgment consistently commits a basic logical error, the ‘transposition of the conditional’ which indicates that the Bayesian argument has not been understood and extends the confusion surrounding it. The judgment also fails to distinguish between the validity of the relationships in a formula and the precision of the data. We explain why the Bayesian method is the correct logical method for analysing forensic scientific evidence, how it works and why ‘mathematical formulae’ can be useful even where firm statistical data is lacking.
Pre‐ and Post‐Migration Determinants of Socio‐Cultural Integration of African Immigrants in Italy and Spain
Authors: Fokkema Tineke , de Haas Hein
Published: May 2011

Using a unique dataset (N=2,014), we examine the pre‐ and post‐migration determinants of socio‐cultural integration among first‐generation immigrant groups in southern Europe: Moroccan and Senegalese migrants in Spain, and Egyptian and Ghanaian migrants in Italy. The results of the pooled and immigrant‐group specific regression analyses partly highlight the dominance of pre‐migration factors. Immigrants who were well‐educated and well‐informed prior to migrating and who migrate at a young age, achieve higher levels of socio‐cultural integration. Going against some hypotheses found in the literature, female gender and North African origin have a positive effect on socio‐cultural integration as opposed to male gender and sub‐Saharan origin. With regard to post‐migration factors, occupational status is the main economic determinant of socio‐cultural integration. Interestingly, being employed as such has no significant effect on socio‐cultural integration. This suggests that labour market segmentation and discrimination negatively impact upon socio‐cultural integration. The results also suggest that policies allowing immigrants to benefit from the human capital they carry across borders and achieve upward socio‐economic mobility are likely to enhance their socio‐cultural integration.
Landscape partitioning by nocturnal rodent assemblages in the Llanos de Ojuelos, in Mexico’s Central High Plateau
Authors: Riojas‐López Mónica E. , Mellink Eric , Raoul Francis , Luévano Jaime , Vaniscotte Amélie , Giraudoux Patrick
Published: May 2011

Aim  The Llanos de Ojuelos in Mexico’s Central High Plateau supports unique Opuntia scrublands and the southernmost Chihuahuan grasslands. Although human activities have modified strongly its landscape and impacted its biodiversity at an unknown scale, such impacts are poorly known. We aimed at understanding how nocturnal rodent species distributed across the landscape and formed assemblages and on the role and integration of the different habitats at the landscape level.

Location  The study was carried out at 43 sites in a study area of approximately 3350 km2 in the Llanos de Ojuelos.

Methods  During the Spring of 2008, we surveyed nocturnal rodents, through live‐trapping. We redefined habitat classes based on log‐linear multinomial regressions of rodent captures. Species rarefaction curves and true alpha, beta and gamma diversities were calculated for the different habitat classes. A map of the different habitats was constructed based on Landsat imagery.

Results  We captured 458 individuals of 20 rodent species. Multinomial regressions caused the merger of 11 a priori defined habitat classes into 7. Leguminous scrub and mixed nopaleras, both secondary habitats, had the highest alpha and gamma diversity values. Closed arboreal nopaleras and grasslands had the highest within‐habitat variability (1Dβ) and the lowest area coverage. Within‐habitat 1Dβ was larger than landscape 1Dβ, because of the great overlap in rodent assemblage composition between the habitats.

Main conclusions  There are no ‘typical’ rodent assemblages per habitat class, but they are organized loosely and have fuzzy borders. Rodent community organization was highly species‐centred. At the landscape level, secondary habitats have a profound effect on rodent diversity and should be included in management schemes for biological conservation. The most endangered habitats seem to be the closed arboreal nopaleras and grasslands. Any conservation efforts must consider their conservation and an increase in the size of remaining patches.
Conservation biogeography of the US–Mexico border: a transcontinental risk assessment of barriers to animal dispersal
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Jetz Walter , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: May 2011

Aim Humans have dramatically transformed landscapes along the US–Mexico border. We aim to assess the risk of barriers that may significantly impede animal migrations within this ecologically sensitive region.

Location United States and Mexico.

Methods We examined the intersection of current and possible future barriers along the border with the geographic ranges of 313 amphibian, reptile and non‐volant mammal species. We considered the areas of intensive human land use and ∼ 600 km of pedestrian fence as current barriers along the border. We evaluated the impacts of two scenarios of dispersal barriers – continuation of existing and construction of new barriers – and identified species vulnerable to global and local extinction.

Results Among the species most at risk from current barriers are four species listed as threatened globally or by both nations, 23 species for which the larger of their two national subranges is < 105 km2and 29 species whose ranges cross the border only marginally. Three border regions, California, Madrean archipelago and Gulf coast, emerge as being of particular concern. These regions are characterized by high overall species richness and high richness of species at risk from existing barriers and from construction of potential new barriers.

Main conclusions New barriers along the border would increase the number of species at risk, especially in the three identified regions, which should be prioritized for mitigation of the impacts of current barriers. The species we identified as being potentially at risk merit further study to determine impacts of border dispersal barriers.
Spatially explicit estimation of occupancy, detection probability and survey effort needed to inform conservation planning
Authors: Olea Pedro P. , Mateo‐Tomás Patricia
Published: May 2011

Aim  It is increasingly recognized the importance of accounting for imperfect detection in species distribution modelling and conservation planning. However, the integration of detectability into a spatially explicit frame has received little attention. We aim (1) to show how to develop distribution maps of both detection probability and survey effort required to reliably determine a species presence/absence and (2) to increase awareness of the spatial variation of detection error inherent in studies of species occurrence.

Location  North‐western Spain.

Methods  We registered the presence/absence of the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in 213 surveys performed in 40 of 104 territories once known to be occupied. We model simultaneously both detection probability and occurrence, using site occupancy modelling. With the resulting regression equations, we developed distribution maps of both detection probability and required sampling effort throughout the area.

Results  Of the studied territories, 72.5% were detected as occupied, but after accounting for imperfect detection, the proportion of sites truly occupied was 79%. Detectability decreased in territories with higher topographical irregularity and increased with both the time of day of the survey and the progress of the season. Spatial distribution of detectability showed a mainly north–south gradient following the distribution of slope in the area. The likelihood of occupancy increased with rockier, less forested surface and less topographical irregularity within the territory. A minimum of five surveys, on average, are needed to assess, with 95% probability, the occupancy status of a site, ranging from ≤ 3 to > 24 visits/territory depending on survey‐ and site‐specific features.

Main conclusions  Accounting for detectability and its sources of variation allows us to elaborate distribution maps of detectability‐based survey effort. These maps are useful tools to reliably assess (e.g. with 95% probability) occupancy status throughout a landscape and provide guidance for species conservation planning.
Growth hormone receptor (ghr) RNAi decreases proliferation and enhances apoptosis in CMT‐U27 canine mammary carcinoma cell line
Authors: Pawłowski K. M. , Popielarz D. , Szyszko K. , Gajewska M. , Motyl T. , Król M.
Published: May 2011

Canine mammary gland has been identified as a major site of the extrapituitary growth hormone (GH) production. This finding is linked to its role in tumourigenesis of the mammary gland. Our previous studies indicated the role of GH and GH receptor (GHR) in regulation of proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, we have optimized the ghr RNA interference method in canine mammary carcinoma cell line CMT‐U27. We have analysed the effect of GHR reduction on the intracellular signalling and the cell cycle and apoptosis. The results showed that GHR reduction decreased the p‐ERK1/2 expression and caused increase of apoptosis and decrease in number of cells at S and G2M phases. This study indicates that GHR besides proliferative effect promotes growth by increasing cell survival. It can tilt the balance between proliferation and death in cancer cells.
Evaluation of effects of nutrition intervention on healing of pressure ulcers and nutritional states (randomized controlled trial)
Authors: Ohura Takehiko , Nakajo Toshio , Okada Shingo , Omura Kenji , Adachi Kayoko
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutrition intervention on nutritional states and healing of pressure ulcers by standardizing or unified factors including nursing, care and treatment in a multicenter open randomized trial. Tube‐fed patients with Stage III–IV pressure ulcers were selected. The control group (30 patients) received the same nutrition management as before participating in this trial, whereas the intervention group (30 patients) was given calories in the range of Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE) × 1.1 × 1.3 to 1.5. The intervention period was 12 weeks. The efficacy and safety were evaluated based on the nutritional states and the sizes of ulcers (length × width), and on the incidence of adverse events related to the study, respectively. The calories administered to the control and intervention groups were 29.1±4.9 and 37.9±6.5 kcal/kg/day, respectively. Significant interactions between the presence or absence of the intervention and the intervention period were noted for nutritional states (p<0.001 for body weight, p<0.05 for prealbumin). Similarly, the size of ulcers differed significantly between subjects in the intervention group and in the control group (p<0.001). The results suggest that nutrition intervention could directly enhance the healing process in pressure ulcer patients.
Statistical approach for avoiding pseudoreplication and increasing power in wound‐healing studies
Authors: Haag William G. , Abril‐Hörpel Obsidiana , Becquerelle Sophie D. , Mertz Patricia M. , Davis Stephen C.
Published: May 2011

Many animal wound‐healing models measure the progression of healing over time, resulting in counts of fully healed wounds from different treatments at several time points. Data from these models are usually analyzed using contingency table methods. However, pooling data from multiple animals without appropriate correction for animal‐to‐animal variability results in pseudoreplication. Kaiser and colleagues, overcame pseudoreplication by adjusting the estimate of healing variation to account for the interanimal covariance. This solution nevertheless is limited by the ability to accurately estimate the adjustment factor due to the small number of animals used. An improved method is described that both overcomes pseudoreplication and increases power. It involves estimating the time for half of the wounds within each animal to be completely healed (TCH50), rather than a pooled estimate for all animals (HT50). Subsequent ANOVA testing of the individual TCH50 values, using a model with fixed treatments and random animals, generates unbiased estimates of treatment means and differences between means, and accurate p‐values for these differences and for the overall model. This method has sufficient power to detect treatment differences with fewer animals. Furthermore, it is fully applicable to analyses of results from human trials having similar data organization.
Vaccination Competence of Public Health Nurses
Authors: Nikula Anne , Nohynek Hanna , Puukka Pauli , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the vaccination competence of Finnish public health nurses.

Design and Sample: A survey design was used. Participants (n=405) were public health nurses working in health centers in Finland.

Measures: The data were collected using a structured instrument and were analyzed by SAS.

Results: The mean of self‐assessment was 8.3 and the proportion percentage of correct answers in the knowledge test was 83 %. According to the self‐assessment, public health nurses felt they were most competent in achieving the desired outcomes of vaccination implementation and poorest in their qualities as vaccinators. In the knowledge test, the public health nurses were familiar with vaccination recommendations and common contraindications, but showed room for improvement in managing an anaphylactic reaction, aseptic practices, and knowing the names of vaccines. There was a statistically significant link between the results on the self‐assessment and the knowledge test.

Conclusions: Further training should be organized in the areas where knowledge was lacking. It would be useful to further investigate differences in competence between public health nurses working different sectors. These results could be utilized in education, clinical nursing practice, administration and research. This study demons2 trated that vaccination competence can be measured by means of the structured instrument.
In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of Dynamic Compression Plates with a Rough Contact Surface and a Polished Contact Surface for Fixation of Osteotomized Equine Third Metacarpal Bones
Authors: Sod Gary A. , Riggs Laura M. , Mitchell Colin F. , Martin George S. , Gill Marjorie S.
Published: May 2011

Objectives: To compare the number of cycles to failure of 4.5 mm broad dynamic compression plates (DCP), 4.5 mm broad limited‐contact dynamic compression plates (4.5‐LC‐DCP), and 5.5 mm broad limited‐contact dynamic compression plates (5.5‐LC‐DCP) having a rough (denoted by a prefix R‐) versus a standard smooth contact surface for the fixation of osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones.

Study Design: Experimental.

Animal Population: Fifteen pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones.

Methods: Fifteen pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (5 pairs each) for comparison of (1) R‐DCP fixation with DCP fixation, (2) R‐4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation with 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation, and (3) R‐5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation with 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation to repair osteotomized equine MC3 bones under palmarodorsal 4‐point bending cyclic fatigue testing. For each group an 8‐hole plate with rough contact surface was applied to the dorsal surface of one randomly selected bone from each pair and a corresponding 8‐hole plate with smooth contact surface was applied dorsally to the contralateral bone from each pair. All plates and screws were applied using standard ASIF techniques. All MC3 bones had mid‐diaphyseal osteotomies. Mean number of cycles to failure for each method were compared using a paired t‐test within each group. Significance was set at P<.05.

Results: Mean cycles to failure ± standard deviation was significantly greater for the R‐DCP fixation (230,025 ± 23,129) compared with the DCP fixation (103,451 ± 14,556), for the R‐4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation (99,237 ± 14,390) compared with the 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation (46,464 ± 6325) and for the R‐5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation (65,113 ± 7796) compared with the 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation (34,224 ± 3835).

Conclusion: For the fixation of osteotomized MC3 bones, the constructs with plates having rough contact surface were superior to the corresponding constructs with plates having standard smooth contact surfaces in resisting cyclic fatigue under palmarodorsal 4‐point bending.
Analysis of Suture Anchor Eyelet Position on Suture Failure Load
Authors: Aktay Sevima A. , Kowaleski Michael P.
Published: May 2011

Objective:To compare mechanical performance of 2 orientations of the 5 mm Corkscrew®suture anchor with #5 Fiberwire®.

Study Design:In vitro biomechanical study.

Sample Population:Suture anchor–suture constructs (n=40).

Methods:Acute and cyclic tensile loads were applied to suture threaded through eyelets of 40 anchors perpendicular to the long axis of the anchor. Eyelets were positioned so that the suture pull was in line with (anchor rotation angle of 0° [ARA 0]) or 90° (ARA 90) to the eyelet plane. Load at failure, stiffness, and cycles to failure were determined.

Results:All constructs failed by suture breakage at the eyelet. Mean load at failure was significantly higher in the ARA 90 group (634±93 N) compared with the ARA 0 group (495±52 N;P=.0015). No significant difference was found between groups for mean number of cycles to failure (270±177 versus 178±109;P=.2166) and stiffness (50±4 versus 48±5 N/mm;P=.3141).

Conclusions:The Corkscrew®5 mm suture anchor with Fiberwire®suture fails via suture breakage at the eyelet under higher acute loads if the suture is loaded at an angle of 90° compared with 0° with respect to the plane of the eyelet.
(Co, Nb, Sm)‐Doped Tin Dioxide Varistor Ceramics Sintered Using Nanopowders Prepared by Coprecipitation Method
Authors: Bastami Hajieh , Taheri‐Nassaj Ehsan , Smet Philippe F. , Korthout Katleen , Poelman Dirk
Published: May 2011

(Co, Nb, Sm)‐doped SnO2‐based ceramic with varistor characteristics was successfully fabricated by a conventional sintering of nanosized (Co, Nb, Sm)‐doped SnO2 powders prepared by coprecipitation method. Values of α∼38 and EB=1430 V/mm were obtained for the varistor doped with 0.05 mol % Sm2O3, sintered at 1200°C for 1 h. Microstructure development was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. The mean grain size of the SnO2‐based varistor was 1.75 μm. No other phase besides SnO2 was observed in the varistor doped with 0.05 mol % Sm2O3. The presence of Nb, Co, and Sm inside the SnO2 grains confirmed the formation of solid solution. No segregation of Nb was observed and Nb atoms were homogeneously distributed. The excess amounts of Co were segregated at triple‐junctions between SnO2 grains. A Sm‐rich region with a typical thickness of 65 nm was observed at the grain boundary of the varistor.
Self‐Bias Response of Lead‐Free (1−x)[0.948 K0.5Na0.5NbO3–0.052 LiSbO3]–xNi0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4–Nickel Magnetoelectric Laminate Composites
Authors: Yang Su‐Chul , Ahn Cheol‐Woo , Cho Kyung‐Hoon , Priya Shashank
Published: May 2011

This study reports the magnetoelectric (ME) response of lead‐free particulate composites given as (1−x)[0.948 K0.5Na0.5NbO3–0.052 LiSbO3]–xNi0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (KNNLS–NZF) and bimorph laminates given as KNNLS–NZF/Ni/KNNLS–NZF. The particulate ME composites were found to exhibit island–matrix microstructure as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping. Detailed investigations were conducted on optimization of the magnitude of magnetic and piezoelectric properties by varying the sintering condition and NZF mole fraction. It was found that longitudinal piezoelectric strain coefficient d33 and electromechanical coupling factor kp decreased with increasing NZF concentration. On the other hand, the magnitude of saturation magnetization Ms, remnant magnetization Mr, magnetic permeability μ, and magnetostriction λ was found to increase with increasing NZF fraction. The composition 0.7 KNNLS–0.3 NZF sintered at 1060°C was found to exhibit d33 of 73 pC/N, Ms of 19 emu/g, and maximum ME coefficient αE of 20.14 mV/cm·Oe under Hac=1 Oe at 1 kHz. The bimorph laminates were fabricated by embedding Ni plate between (1−x)KNNLS–xNZF disks with varying electrical connections to achieve radial and bending modes. The radial mode laminates were found to exhibit typical ME response without any self‐bias effect with maximum αE of 261.3 mV/cm·Oe and high DC magnetic field sensitivity of 1 μT at 1 kHz. The bending mode laminates were found to exhibit self‐biased ME response whose magnitude and shape was dependent upon the NZF concentration.