bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and morphological properties of pericytes in suburothelial venules of the mouse bladder
Authors: Hashitani Hikaru , Mitsui Retsu , Shimizu Yuki , Higashi Ryuhei , Nakamura Keiichiro
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

In suburothelial venules of rat bladder, pericytes (perivascular cells) develop spontaneous Ca2+ transients, which may drive the smooth muscle wall to generate spontaneous venular constrictions. We aimed to further explore the morphological and functional characteristics of pericytes in the mouse bladder.

Experimental Approach

The morphological features of pericytes were investigated by electron microscopy and fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Changes in diameters of suburothelial venules were measured using video microscopy, while intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were visualized using Fluo‐4 fluorescence Ca2+ imaging.

Key Results

A network of α‐smooth muscle actin immunoreactive pericytes surrounded venules in the mouse bladder suburothelium. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that this network of stellate‐shaped pericytes covered the venules, while transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the venular wall consisted of endothelium and adjacent pericytes, lacking an intermediate smooth muscle layer. Pericytes exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ transients, which were accompanied by phasic venular constrictions. Nicardipine (1 μM) disrupted the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes and reduced their associated constrictions. Residual asynchronous Ca2+ transients were suppressed by cyclopiazonic acid (10 μM), 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (10 μM), U‐73122 (1 μM), oligomycin (1 μM) and SKF96365 (10 μM), but unaffected by ryanodine (100 μM) or YM‐244769 (1 μM), suggesting that pericyte Ca2+ transients rely on Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via the InsP3 receptor and also require Ca2+ influx through store‐operated Ca2+ channels.

Conclusions and Implications

The pericytes in mouse bladder can generate spontaneous Ca2+ transients and contractions, and thus have a fundamental role in promoting spontaneous constrictions of suburothelial venules.
Chlamydia trachomatis in fallopian tubes of women undergoing laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Casikar Ishwari , Reid Shannon , Roy Bronwen , Branley James , Mongelli Max , Condous George
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To study whether Chlamydia trachomatis is absent or persists in a latent state in the fallopian tube at the time of laparoscopic salpingectomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

We examined tissue of the fallopian tubes for the presence of C. trachomatis from women who underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy for EP. Presence or absence of C. trachomatis was assessed using both Probe Tec ET (define Tec and ET please) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Ausdiagnositic STD 6 assays) DNA amplification.

Results

Fresh tubal tissue from 17 women with histological confirmation of EP was examined in a hospital setting for the presence of C. trachomatis. The presence of C. trachomatis DNA was confirmed by PCR using a commercial test (BD ProbeTec™ ET System), and a real‐time enhanced PCR able to detect few copies of the organism. Chlamydia DNA was detected in 0/16 tubal specimens, and in one case, the PCR analysis was not possible for presence of inhibitors.

Conclusions

We did not find any evidence of latent infection of C. trachomatis in the fallopian tube at the time of laparoscopic salpingectomy for EP in our study. Although the numbers are small, our results suggest that EP can be considered a late complication of the tubal damage resulted from a previous acute Chlamydia infection and that EP may not be related to a latent persistence of Chlamydia in the fallopian tube.
Post‐mortem sperm retrieval in Australasia
Authors: Kroon Benjamin , Kroon Frederick , Holt Saul , Wong Brittany , Yazdani Anusch
Published: August 2012

Post‐mortem Sperm Retrieval (PMSR) is seldom requested in Australasia. The retrieval of sperm is permitted only by prior written consent or by order of the court. Sperm should be retrieved within 24 h following death; however, collection within 36 h may still be successful. The clinical response to such a request must be mindful of complex ethical and legal considerations. Clear, accessible and consistent law in this area would benefit medical, legal and societal stakeholders.
Effect of a Restorative Model of Posthospital Home Care on Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Tinetti Mary E. , Charpentier Peter , Gottschalk Margaret , Baker Dorothy I.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To compare readmissions of Medicare recipients of usual home care and a matched group of recipients of a restorative model of home care.

Design

Quasiexperimental; matched and unmatched.

Setting

Community, home care.

Participants

Seven hundred seventy individuals receiving care from a large home care agency after hospitalization.

Intervention

A restorative care model based on principles adapted from geriatric medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, goal attainment, chronic care management, and behavioral change theory.

Measurements

Hospital readmission, length of home care episode.

Results

Among the matched pairs, 13.2% of participants who received restorative care were readmitted to an acute hospital during the episode of home care, versus 17.6% of those who received usual care. Individuals receiving the restorative model of home care were 32% less likely to be readmitted than those receiving usual care (conditional odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–1.08). The mean length of home care episodes was 20.3 ± 14.8 days in the restorative care group and 29.1 ± 31.7 days in the usual care group (P < .001). Results were similar in unmatched analyses.

Conclusion

Although statistical significance was marginal, results suggest that the restorative care model offers an effective approach to reducing the occurrence of avoidable readmissions. It was previously shown that the restorative model of home care was associated with better functional recovery, fewer emergency department visits, and shorter episodes of home care. This model could be incorporated into usual home care practices and care delivery redesign.
Self‐Reported Dietary Intake of Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium and Risk of Dementia in the Japanese: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Ozawa Mio , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Doi Yasufumi , Hata Jun , Uchida Kazuhiro , Shirota Tomoko , Kitazono Takanari , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To investigate whether higher intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium reduces the risk of incident dementia.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Hisayama Study, in Japan.

Participants

One thousand eighty‐one community‐dwelling Japanese individuals without dementia aged 60 and older.

Measurements

A 70‐item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the development of all‐cause dementia and its subtypes were estimated using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

During a 17‐year follow‐up, 303 participants experienced all‐cause dementia; of these, 98 had vascular dementia (VaD), and 166 had Alzheimer's disease (AD). The multivariable‐adjusted HRs for the development of all‐cause dementia were 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30–0.91), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.41–1.00), and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.40–1.01) for the highest quartiles of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake, respectively, compared with the corresponding lowest quartiles. Similarly, the HRs for the development of VaD were 0.20 (95% CI = 0.07–0.56), 0.24 (95% CI = 0.11–0.53), and 0.26 (95% CI = 0.11–0.61) for the highest quartiles of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake, respectively. There was no evidence of a linear association between these mineral intakes and the risk of AD.

Conclusion

Higher self‐reported dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium reduce the risk of all‐cause dementia, especially VaD, in the general Japanese population.
Accuracy of Premium Calculation Models for CAT Bonds—An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Galeotti Marcello , Gürtler Marc , Winkelvos Christine
Published: July 2012

Abstract

CAT bonds are of significant importance in the field of alternative risk transfer. Because the market of CAT bonds is not complete, the application of an appropriate pricing model is of high relevance. We apply different premium calculation models to compare them with regard to their predictive power. Without taking the financial crisis into account, a version of the Wang transformation model and the linear model are the most accurate ones. In contrast, under consideration of the financial crisis, all analyzed models are approximately equivalent. Furthermore, we find that CAT bond specific information does not improve out‐of‐sample results.
The Reformer's Spirit: How Public Administrators Fuel Training in the Skills of Good Governance
Authors: Witesman Eva M. , Wise Charles R.
Published: August 2012

The public administration literature has long identified public administrators as key players in achieving government reform. Public managers may be motivated to provide employee access to training in governance skills by several factors, including the need to fulfill the current functions of government, to expand employee responsibilities, or to reform administrative processes and/or programs. The authors examine the impact of public managers on the availability of governance skills training by observing how the desire to achieve reform influences their training decisions in light of other motivating factors. They find that training in citizen input, client relations, and performance indicators are significantly and substantively more prevalent in organizations when public managers believe that such training is necessary for reform, and that the more “democratic” a skill, the more likely a reform motivation will outweigh other factors.
Does Government Investment in Local Public Goods Spur Gentrification? Evidence from Beijing
Authors: Zheng Siqi , Kahn Matthew E.
Published: July 2012

In Beijing, the metropolitan government has made enormous place‐based investments to increase green space and to improve public transit. We examine the gentrification consequences of such public investments. Using unique geocoded real estate, new restaurant count data and demographic data by neighborhood, we document that the construction of the Olympic Village and two recent major subway systems have led to increased new housing supply in the vicinity of these areas, higher local prices and an increased quantity of nearby private chain restaurants. Recent time trends in local resident income and human capital attainment support the claim that these investments have caused local gentrification.
Buy High, Sell Low: Corporate Investors in the Office Market
Authors: Wiley Jonathan A.
Published: July 2012

Commercial real estate transactions by corporations are matched with transactions of comparable assets by noninstitutional investors to evaluate outcomes resulting from corporate investment policy. Corporations invest in long‐term assets at a significant premium estimated relative to fundamental values. Divestiture is at a significant discount. Differences in operating performance fail to explain this outcome. Instead, corporate investors value commercial property differently than noninstitutional investors. Valuation differences contribute to overpayment during periods of expansion and liquidation during contraction. Corporate sellers also exhibit a high degree of impatience with significantly reduced marketing periods.
Parachute Tricuspid Valve in a Patient with Atrial Septal Defect Detected by Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Demirkol Sait , Balta Sevket , Unlu Murat , Bozlar Ugur , Arslan Zekeriya , Karaman Bulent
Published: August 2012

Atrioventricular valve parachute deformity was generally seen in the mitral position, which is called parachute mitral valve. Parachute deformity is also seen in the tricuspid position, but this has rarely been reported as sporadic cases. All of these cases were associated with other congenital defects, such as double outlet right ventricle, left to right shunt. We herein present two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiographic features of a parachute tricuspid valve in a patient with atrial septal defect and prominent eustachian valve.
Are new patterns of low‐income distribution emerging in Canadian metropolitan areas?
Authors: Ades Josefina , Apparicio Philippe , Séguin Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2012

Recent studies on urban poverty in Canadian cities suggest a growing spatial concentration of poor populations within metropolitan regions. This article assesses trends in the intra‐urban distribution of the poor population from 1986 to 2006 in eight of Canada's largest cities. We consider five well‐known dimensions of segregation, as identified by Massey and Denton (1988), in order to examine changes in the spatial distribution of poor populations within metropolitan areas: evenness, exposure, concentration, clustering, and centralization. These indices were calculated for low‐income populations at the census tract level using data from five Canadian censuses. Although each metropolitan area has distinctive characteristics, we were able to identify some general trends. The results suggest that, in 2006 compared to 1986, low‐income populations lived in more spatially concentrated areas, which were, at the same time, socioeconomically more homogeneous and more dispersed throughout the metropolitan area. In addition, we observed that over the last twenty years areas of poverty have been located, for the most part, in neighbourhoods adjacent to downtown cores. Nevertheless, we found that poverty has mostly increased in suburban areas located outside inner‐city neighbourhoods. Growing socioeconomic homogeneity and dispersion of low income areas in metropolitan areas reveal new spatial patterns of urban poverty distribution. These findings should be cause for concern as social isolation in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods could affect the life chances and opportunities for the residents of those areas.
Impacts of Market Liberalization on Regulatory Network: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Swiss Telecommunications Sector
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Ingold Karin , Sciarini Pascal , Varone Frédéric
Published: August 2012

This article looks at the reconfiguration of the regulatory actors' network, as induced by the liberalization and reregulation processes in utility sectors. It investigates the changes in governance structures and patterns of collaborative ties between actors resulting from these processes. Applying stochastic actor‐oriented modeling (SAOM) to data on the liberalization of the Swiss telecommunications sector over two decades, we test whether and to what extent structural changes driven by liberalization and reregulation express themselves through network effects, that is, through changing patterns of interactions between political authorities, regulators, regulatees, and interest groups. Our empirical tests highlight a rearrangement of the regulatory network and a reorganization of relational patterns around new actors, such as the sector‐specific regulatory agency, coregulators, and new operators.
Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of a New Eu3+‐Doped Li1+x (Ta1−zNbz)1−xTixO3 Red Phosphor
Authors: Nakano Hiromi , Ozono Keita , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: August 2012

A new red phosphor based on the Li1+x (Ta1−zNbz)1−xTixO3 (LTNT, 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.625) solid solution as a host material has been synthesized. This host material is known as an M‐phase and has a superstructure similar to that of the Li1+x−yNb1−x−3yTix+4yO3 (LNT) solid solution. An Eu3+‐doped LTNT has been prepared by sintering at 1413 K–1433 K for 24 h in a conventional electric furnace; the optimal sintering temperature for obtaining higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity was found to be 1423 K. Interestingly, bright red emission due to the hypersensitive 5D0‐7F2 transition in Eu3+ was observed under direct excitation of the 4f electron at 541 (7F0‐5D1) or 398 nm (7F0‐5L6). The PL intensity of the LTNT phosphor was found to be dependent on the concentration of Eu3+, Ti4+, Nb5+, and Ta5+ ions. The PL intensity upon excitation at 541 nm was higher than that at 398 nm with decreasing Nb2O5 content in the LTNT host material. The highest PL intensity was achieved for the composition Li1.11Ta0.89Ti0.11O3 doped with 2.5 wt% of Eu2O3.
Sales location among semi‐subsistence cassava farmers in Benin: a heteroskedastic double selection model
Authors: Takeshima Hiroyuki , Winter‐Nelson Alex
Published: July 2012

In much of rural Africa, high transaction costs limit farmers’ market participation and thus their potential for income growth. Transaction costs can affect not only whether a farmer sells product but also whether sales occur at the farm gate or at a market. If production behavior is related to a chosen sales location, then analysis of interventions can be improved by explicit consideration of the decision of where to sell. This article develops a double‐selection model that explains consumption and production decisions by semi‐subsistence farmers who first decide whether to be a seller and then whether to sell at the farm gate or at an off‐farm location before deciding on production and consumption. The study tests the validity of this dual‐criteria model against a single‐criterion model in which a grower first decides to be a seller and then decides production, consumption, and sales location simultaneously. The results suggest that the dual‐criteria model provides more information than the single‐criterion model using a sample of cassava producer in Benin.
Cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and structure is regulated by degree and duration of mechanical load variation
Authors: Ibrahim Michael , Kukadia Punam , Siedlecka Urszula , Cartledge James E. , Navaratnarajah Manoraj , Tokar Sergiy , Van Doorn Carin , Tsang Victor T. , Gorelik Julia , Yacoub Magdi H. , Terracciano Cesare M.
Published: August 2012

Cardiac transverse (t)‐tubules are altered during disease and may be regulated by stretch‐sensitive molecules. The relationship between variations in the degree and duration of load and t‐tubule structure remains unknown, as well as its implications for local Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR). Rat hearts were studied after 4 or 8 weeks of moderate mechanical unloading [using heterotopic abdominal heart–lung transplantation (HAHLT)] and 6 or 10 weeks of pressure overloading using thoracic aortic constriction. CICR, cell and t‐tubule structure were assessed using confocal‐microscopy, patch‐clamping and scanning ion conductance microscopy. Moderate unloading was compared with severe unloading [using heart‐only transplantation (HAHT)]. Mechanical unloading reduced cardiomyocyte volume in a time‐dependent manner. Ca2+ release synchronicity was reduced at 8 weeks moderate unloading only. Ca2+ sparks increased in frequency and duration at 8 weeks of moderate unloading, which also induced t‐tubule disorganization. Overloading increased cardiomyocyte volume and disrupted t‐tubule morphology at 10 weeks but not 6 weeks. Moderate mechanical unloading for 4 weeks had milder effects compared with severe mechanical unloading (37% reduction in cell volume at 4 weeks compared to 56% reduction after severe mechanical unloading) and did not cause depression and delay of the Ca2+ transient, increased Ca2+ spark frequency or impaired t‐tubule and cell surface structure. These data suggest that variations in chronic mechanical load influence local CICR and t‐tubule structure in a time‐ and degree‐dependent manner, and that physiological states of increased and reduced cell size, without pathological changes are possible.
The MIGCLIM R package – seamless integration of dispersal constraints into projections of species distribution models
Authors: Engler Robin , Hordijk Wim , Guisan Antoine
Published: August 2012

The MIGCLIM R package is a function library for the open source R software that enables the implementation of species‐specific dispersal constraints into projections of species distribution models under environmental change and/or landscape fragmentation scenarios. The model is based on a cellular automaton and the basic modeling unit is a cell that is inhabited or not. Model parameters include dispersal distance and kernel, long distance dispersal, barriers to dispersal, propagule production potential and habitat invasibility. The MIGCLIM R package has been designed to be highly flexible in the parameter values it accepts, and to offer good compatibility with existing species distribution modeling software. Possible applications include the projection of future species distributions under environmental change conditions and modeling the spread of invasive species.
The role of gape‐limitation in intraguild predation between endangered Mohave tui chub and non‐native western mosquitofish
Authors: Henkanaththegedara Sujan M. , Stockwell Craig A.
Published: August 2012

Intraguild predation (IGP) is a mechanism that may facilitate the co‐existence of native species with non‐native invasive species. We conducted laboratory predation trials to assess the role of predator gape‐limitation in the context of IGP between the endangered Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis) and invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Larval tui chubs had significantly lower (χ2 = 74.74; P < 0.001) survival in the presence of female mosquitofish (10.0%) than in the presence of male mosquitofish (73.3%). Reciprocally, adult tui chubs preyed upon adult mosquitofish, causing a significantly lower (χ2 = 11.33; P < 0.001) survival for male mosquitofish (60%) compared to female mosquitofish survival (96.7%). Vulnerability modelling revealed that mosquitofish with a body depth < 4.6 mm and a larval tui chub with a body depth < 1.2 mm were completely vulnerable to predation by adult Mohave tui chub and adult mosquitofish, respectively. IGP in this study system is size‐structured based on gape‐size limitation and may have some conservation implications for the recovery of endangered Mohave tui chub. Our findings also provide an important caveat to the dogmatic view of mosquitofish as a threat whenever they invade. It is important to note that many previous studies that reported negative impacts of mosquitofish involved native species with relatively small body sizes, often the same size as mosquitofish.
Die‐Off Ratio Correlates with IncreasedTNF‐α:IL‐10 Ratio and DecreasedIVFSuccess Rates Correctable withHumira
Authors: Winger Edward E. , Reed Jane L. , Ashoush Sherif , El‐Toukhy Tarek , Taranissi Mohamed
Published: July 2012

Background

Human embryos develop at varying rates in culture, with only a fraction of the eggs retrieved developing to ‘transfer quality’ embryos. We investigated whether the ratios between the number of eggs retrieved or the number of pro‐nucleate embryos formed and the number of Day 3 embryos with ≥5 cells [oocyte ‘die‐off ratios’ (DOR)] were correlated with the chance ofIVFsuccess, independent of other factors such as embryo grade score and patient's age. We also investigated what factors may be correlated with this ratio.

Methods

608IVFfresh cycles in subfertile women were retrospectively evaluated. For each cycle, an oocyteDORnumber was calculated as follows: Number of eggs retrieved divided by the number of Day 3 embryos with ≥5 cells. This number was correlated with the subsequent success rates for the index cycles. A ‘post‐fertilization’ or ‘embryo’ die‐off ratio (EDOR; the number of pro‐nucleate embryos/the number of day 3 embryos ≥5 cells) was also calculated.

Results

The oocyteDORshowed a reverse linear correlation withIVFlive birth rate. Live birth rate = (−5.75;DOR) +71.6 (withDOR > 1;P ≤ 0.005;R = −0.87). In addition, the oocyteDORcontinued to show an inverse correlation with success rates even when embryo quality and patient's age were held constant. The post‐fertilization orEDORalso continued to show a statistically significant negative correlation with live birth rate (R = −0.91;P ≤ 0.01). The preconceptionTNF‐α:IL‐10 ratio, an immmunologic marker (drawn 3.3 ± 2.6 months preconception), was more strongly correlated with high oocyteDORthan either age or number of eggs retrieved (P = 0.04, 0.14, 0.72, respectively). When anti‐TNF‐α therapy (Humira) was given preconception, the oocyteDOR's negative effect on live birth rate was nearly eliminated (correlation coefficient between oocyteDORand live birth rate: cycles using noHumira,R = −0.90,P ≤ 0.006; cycles usingHumira,R = 0.25,P ≤ 0.55).

Conclusions

In subfertile women undergoingIVF, the oocyteDORmay help predictIVFsuccess rates. This factor may offer an additional tool to help improve implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and live birth rate per embryo transferred for an upcomingIVFcycle. Although many mechanisms may contribute to the oocyteDOR's negative effect onIVFsuccess rates, its correlation with elevated preconceptionTNF‐α:IL‐10 ratio and correction withHumira suggests a strong immunologic component that may be treatable.
Candida albicans adherence to an acrylic resin modified by experimental photopolymerised coatings: an in vitro study
Authors: Lazarin Andrea Azevedo , Zamperini Camila Andrade , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Wady Amanda Fucci , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Machado Ana Lucia
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study evaluated whether photopolymerised coatings containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers would reduce the adhesion of Candida albicans to an acrylic resin.

Materials and methods

Disc‐shaped samples (n = 468) were fabricated with rough or smooth surfaces. The samples did not receive any surface treatment (control) or were coated with one of the following experimental coatings (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate – HE; 3‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate – HP; and 2‐trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride – T; and sulfobetaine methacrylate – S). The concentrations of the constituent monomers were 25, 30 or 35%. The water contact angles of the samples were measured, and half of the samples were exposed to saliva. The adherent yeast cells were counted after crystal violet staining.

Results

For the smooth samples, the groups S35, HP35 and HE35 showed significantly lower number of adhered Candida than control, in the absence of saliva. There were no significant differences among the experimental and control groups for the rough samples, but the saliva decreased the cell numbers for groups S25, S30 and HP30. The photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the changes in the chemical compositions of the experimental samples.

Conclusions

The experimental photopolymerised coatings changed the chemical composition and decreased C. albicans adhesion in the groups S35, HP35 and HE35, suggesting that they should be further investigated.
Conclusions via unique predictions obtained despite unidentifiability – new definitions and a general method
Authors: Cedersund Gunnar
Published: July 2012

It is often predicted that model‐based data analysis will revolutionize biology, just as it has physics and engineering. A widely used tool within such analysis is hypothesis testing, which focuses on model rejections. However, the fact that a systems biology model is non‐rejected is often a relatively weak statement, as such models usually are highly over‐parametrized with respect to the available data, and both parameters and predictions may therefore be arbitrarily uncertain. For this reason, we formally define and analyse the concept of a core prediction. A core prediction is a uniquely identified property that must be fulfilled if the given model structure is to explain the data, even if the individual parameters are non‐uniquely identified. It is shown that such a prediction is as strong a conclusion as a rejection. Furthermore, a new method for core prediction analysis is introduced, which is beneficial for the uncertainty of specific model properties, as the method only characterizes the space of acceptable parameters in the relevant directions. This avoids the curse of dimensionality associated with the generic characterizations used by previously proposed methods. Analysis on examples shows that the new method is comparable to profile likelihood with regard to practical identifiability, and thus generalizes profile likelihood to the more general problem of observability. If used, the concepts and methods presented herein make it possible to distinguish between a conclusion and a mere suggestion, which hopefully will contribute to a more justified confidence in systems biology analyses.
Terson's syndrome: Subarachnoid haemorrhage presenting as sudden visual loss
Authors: Moynihan Gerard , Robinson Kent
Published: August 2012

Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a condition that usually presents with headache and altered mental state. We report the case of a 50‐year‐old man with subarachnoid haemorrhage who presented with Terson's syndrome. This is a condition where there is retinal or vitreous haemorrhage secondary to subarachnoid or subdural haemorrhage.
Vascular hyperpermeability in pulmonary decompression illness: ‘The chokes’
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Shiohira Shinya , Kamizato Kota , Teruya Koji , Fuchigami Tatsuya , Kakinohana Manabu , Kukita Ichiro
Published: August 2012

Decompression illness (DCI) develops during or after diving. Pulmonary decompression illness (‘Chokes’) is rarely seen because the affected individual usually dies in the water. We encountered a rare and interesting case. A 60‐year‐old man complained of leg pain after diving. Despite rapid transfer to a nearby hospital, advanced respiratory failure and shock had set in. He was then transferred to our hospital for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). On account of his poor general condition, we initially treated him in the intensive care unit without HBOT, where he showed extreme hyperpermeability and a high level of serum procalcitonin (PCT; 20.24 ng/mL). Despite large‐volume fluid therapy, severe intravascular dehydration and shock status remained. We assume that the injured endothelial cells induced vascular hyperpermeability and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines leading to the high serum PCT level. PCT might be a useful stress marker of endothelial damage and severity in DCI, including Chokes.
Acute paraspinal compartment syndrome as an unusual cause of severe low back pain
Authors: Allerton Claire , Gawthrope Ian C
Published: August 2012

This report describes a case of acute paraspinal compartment syndrome in a 25‐year‐old man. The diagnosis was significantly delayed, perhaps to some extent because of the rarity of the condition. The patient was managed with forced diuresis, analgesia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The discussion addresses an unusual site for compartment syndrome and a diagnosis not commonly considered in the differential of low back pain. Treatment options are discussed and we review previous published case reports.
A Matter of Context: A Meta‐Analytic Investigation of the Relative Validity of Contextualized and Noncontextualized Personality Measures
Authors: Shaffer Jonathan A. , Postlethwaite Bennett E.
Published: August 2012

The empirical evidence that has accumulated in support of the notion that personality is a valid predictor of employee performance is vast, yet debate on the matter continues. This study investigates frame‐of‐reference effects as they relate to the validity of self‐report measures of personality. Specifically, we compare the validities of general, noncontextualized personality measures and work‐specific, contextualized measures. The findings suggest that personality measures are a more valid predictor of performance when the scale items or instructions are framed specifically so as to reference work‐specific behaviors. We found that the validities for noncontextualized measures of personality ranged from .02 to .22, with a mean validity of .11. The validities for contextualized measures ranged from .14 to .30, with a mean of .24. Additional moderator analyses were conducted in an effort to examine several alternate explanations for these validity differences. Specifically, we examined differences between the developmental purpose (general use vs. workplace use) and reliabilities of each type of personality measure. We also compared the validities from published studies to those from unpublished studies. Results suggest that these moderators did not have an impact on the validity differences between noncontextualized and contextualized measures.
Ground beetle species (Carabidae, Coleoptera) activity and richness in relation to crop type, fertility management and crop protection in a farm management comparison trial
Authors: Eyre M.D. , Luff M.L. , Atlihan R. , Leifert C.
Published: August 2012

Ground beetle activity and species richness was monitored using pitfall traps in a plot trial system on a farm in northern England where the effects of organic and conventional fertility and crop protection management were separated within different crop types between 2005 and 2008. As well as analyses on species activity the beetles were split into small, medium‐sized and large groups, and into groups of herbivores and specific Collembola feeders. Crop type had significant effects on the activity of the 20 most abundant species and all groups, generally with most in beans and winter barley and least in vegetables and spring barley. Most significant reactions to crop protection and fertility management were in cereals and grass/clover. Activity of small species was highest in conventionally crop‐protected cereals but not in vegetables, with more medium‐sized and herbivorous species in organic plots, but there was little influence of crop protection management on large and Collembola feeding species. However, large species were significantly more active in organically fertilised cereals and grass/clover, but not in vegetables, and there were more Collembola feeders in conventional cereals but not in grass/clover. Small species were more abundant in conventionally fertilised grass/clover but there were more in organic cereals and vegetables. These inconsistent activity reactions to management were also observed with individual species but most preferred organically managed plots. There were few significant crop protection : fertility management interactions. Species richness was also significantly affected by crop type and where management had an influence, more species were found in organically managed plots. Constrained ordination emphasised that ground beetle activity was influenced more by crops than by management. Given the diverse nature of organic crop rotations, crop type should be considered a major influence in any environmental manipulation aimed at increasing ground beetle activity for provision of ecosystem services.
Effectiveness of Mistletoe Seed Dispersal by Tyrant Flycatchers in a Mixed Andean Landscape
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia A.
Published: August 2012

The dependence of mistletoes on few dispersers and the directed dispersal they provide is well known, yet no recent work has quantified either the effectiveness of these ‘legitimate’ dispersers, or the extent of redundancy among them. Here, I use the seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) framework to analyze how birds (Mionectes striaticollis and Zimmerius bolivianus) contribute to mistletoe (Struthanthus acuminatus and Phthirusa retroflexa) infection in traditional mixed plantations within a humid montane forest in Bolivia. I calculated SDE for each bird–mistletoe pair and for the disperser assemblage, by estimating both the quantity and the quality of dispersal. The quantity of dispersal was measured as: (1) disperser abundance; (2) frequency of visits; and (3) number of seeds dispersed per visit, and the quality of dispersal was measured as: (1) germination percentage and speed of germination of seeds regurgitated by birds; and (2) the concordance of deposited seeds and seedling distribution patterns with adult mistletoe distribution at three scales (habitat, host, and microhabitat). Dispersers were not redundant: the more generalist species M. striaticollis dispersed more seeds, but provided lower quality seed dispersal, whereas the mistletoe specialist Z. bolivianus provided low‐quantity and high‐quality seed dispersal. Whereas S. acuminatus benefited more from the SDE of Z. bolivianus, P. retroflexa benefited from the complementary seed dispersal provided by both birds. These results demonstrate how sympatric mistletoes that share the same disperser assemblage may develop different relationships with specific vectors, and describe how the services provided by two different dispersers (one that provides high‐quality and one that provides high‐quantity dispersal) interact to shape spatial patterns of plants.
Role of arthropod communities in bioenergy crop litter decomposition†
Authors: Zangerl Arthur R. , Miresmailli Saber , Nabity Paul , Lawrance Allen , Yanahan Alan , Mitchell Corey A. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , David Mark B. , Berenbaum May R. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: August 2012

The extensive land use conversion expected to occur to meet demands for bioenergy feedstock production will likely have widespread impacts on agroecosystem biodiversity and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. Although arthropod detritivores are known to contribute to litter decomposition and thus energy flow and nutrient cycling in many plant communities, their importance in bioenergy feedstock communities has not yet been assessed. We undertook an experimental study quantifying rates of litter mass loss and nutrient cycling in the presence and absence of these organisms in three bioenergy feedstock crops—miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and a planted prairie community. Overall arthropod abundance and litter decomposition rates were similar in all three communities. Despite effective reduction of arthropods in experimental plots via insecticide application, litter decomposition rates, inorganic nitrogen leaching, and carbon–nitrogen ratios did not differ significantly between control (with arthropods) and treatment (without arthropods) plots in any of the three community types. Our findings suggest that changes in arthropod faunal composition associated with widespread adoption of bioenergy feedstock crops may not be associated with profoundly altered arthropod‐mediated litter decomposition and nutrient release.
The Role of Economics for Animal Health Policymakers  Le rôle de la science économique pour les décideurs de l’action publique en matière de santé animale  Die Rolle der Ökonomie für die Gestaltung der Tiergesundheitspolitik
Authors: Schwabenbauer Karin
Published: August 2012

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The Role of Economics for Animal Health Policymakers

Animal disease prevention and control is a critical aspect of a competitive livestock sector. Within this sector, decisions on animal disease interventions are made in the context of the state of the general economy and at all levels, from farms to governments. Therefore, socio‐economic analysis needs to be part of animal health policy development. Such analysis needs to understand the motivation of people engaged at the different points along the livestock value chains in order to identify critical intervention points and develop flexible approaches to disease control. Examples are presented that show a rigid ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work and that more awareness of the socio‐economic context of disease control is required for greater disease control success. At the moment, adoption of a more flexible approach is not common, but the present financial realities, the Common Agricultural Policy reforms in 2013 and an increasing scepticism towards state intervention will force change, and encourage people to use socio‐economic analysis in animal health policy development. The earlier this step is taken, the better it will be for the livestock sector in Europe.
Responses to Risk – The Role of Policy and Compensation Schemes  Les réponses au risque – Le rôle des politiques et des systèmes d’indemnisation  Reaktionen auf das Risiko – die Rolle von Politik und Entschädigungsprogrammen
Authors: Antón Jesús
Published: August 2012

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Responses to Risk – The Role of Policy and Compensation Schemes

Livestock diseases can spread quickly and cause very high losses, which has prompted public policy response, including the use of compensation. There is no generic and optimal system of compensation, but the scope and modalities of these policies and the implications for public expenditure and private incentives deserve public, economic and scientific scrutiny. The rationale for government intervention is to internalise the externalities of prevention and control activities. But ‘more is not always better’ and the types of measures employed and the total cost, matter. This article provides some insights from five countries based on a recent OECD report. Compensation schemes can be purely public, such as in Canada, or based on a private–public scheme with some formal representation of the industry to facilitate the engagement of the sector. The costs covered by the compensation schemes included the full market value of destroyed animals in most countries. Cost‐sharing arrangements are an important component of compensation schemes in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. Expenditure on compensation can be extremely onerous and needs to be disciplined, while at the same time, engaging stakeholders. International comparisons of experiences and knowledge about the costs and benefits of past outbreaks can be very helpful in designing more efficient policy responses.
Evaluating the Role of Surveillance in National Policies for Animal Health  Évaluer le rôle de la surveillance dans les politiques nationales de santé animale  Evaluation der Bedeutung der Kontrolle staatlicher Politikmaßnahmen zur Sicherung der Tiergesundheit
Authors: Häsler Barbara , Howe Keith
Published: August 2012

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Evaluating the Role of Surveillance in National Policies for Animal Health

Surveillance is an increasingly important component of policies aimed at mitigating the effects of animal disease, and as a focus for evaluation of its economic worth. This article results from a project commissioned by the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office to develop a practical, generic tool for the economic evaluation of animal disease surveillance programmes. The first task was to define surveillance, and to consider its role in relation to intervention, the other component of mitigation. Surveillance cannot be properly evaluated without reference to intervention, because it guides the nature and scope of intervention resource use. In economic terms, surveillance and intervention are usually substitutes, though the relationship between them varies according to the stage of mitigation. Mitigation objectives are commonly presented in terms of a reduction in disease prevalence or incidence, both technical measures of disease occurrence, but it is the value of losses avoided relative to the costs of surveillance and intervention that matters for animal health policy. Though cost‐effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses are the main economic evaluation techniques currently used, the research agenda to underpin animal health policy should extend to estimation of disease‐specific technical relationships between losses avoided, surveillance, and intervention, founded on close integration of economics and veterinary epidemiology.
Evaluating Animal Health Investments  Évaluer les investissements dans la santé animale  Investitionen in Tiergesundheit evaluieren
Authors: Rushton Jonathan , Raboisson Didier , Velthuis Annet , Bergevoet Ron
Published: August 2012

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Evaluating Animal Health Investments

Economic evaluation of livestock diseases can either estimate their impact in terms of disease losses and treatment costs or it can examine the value of investments in coordinated disease control or eradication programmes. The latter evaluations can be ex ante and ex post and are useful in determining future strategy and learning lessons from past programmes. The paper discusses how to approach economic evaluations of livestock disease and the applications to different disease situations in Europe. An ex ante evaluation of options to control foot‐and‐mouth disease in the Netherlands is presented to examine the use of vaccination and culling methods with results that are dependent on the context of the disease epidemic. An evaluation of French animal health delivery systems is presented that emphasises the need to understand the economic, social and legal relationships between people caring for animals. Finally an ex ante analysis of blue tongue in the Netherlands is presented that demonstrates different levels of cost effectiveness of vaccination and other control measures. Economic analysis improves our understanding of the trade‐offs we need to make when prioritising diseases to be controlled, and on what methods to employ in controlling the prioritised disease.
Silent Brain Infarction – A Review of Recent Observations
Authors: Kovács Katalin Réka , Czuriga Dániel , Bereczki Dániel , Bornstein Natan M. , Csiba László
Published: August 2012

Silent brain infarction is a cerebral ischaemic event evident on brain imaging without any clinical symptom. Silent brain infarction is often detected in apparently healthy, elderly people and in different selected patient groups as well. Lately, several studies were carried out in order to identify the clinical conditions leading to silent brain infarction. A large number of clinical and paraclinical parameters were found to increase silent brain infarction prevalence, and the continuously growing list of risk factors revealed that the majority of them are similar to those related to stroke. Accordingly, some consider silent brain infarction the preclinical stage of clinically overt stroke. This point of view emphasizes the early recognition and management of silent brain infarction-related risk factors, and a great need for comparative studies, which could elicit the most sensitive indicators of the increased silent brain infarction risk, especially the ones that could be cost-effectively screened in the large populations as well.
Investigation into scatter radiation dose levels received by a restrainer in small animal radiography
Authors: Barber J. , McNulty J. P.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To measure the intensity and distribution of scatter radiation received by a restrainer in veterinary radiography including the intensity of scatter radiation passing through lead protective devices at pre‐defined positions.

Methods

Anthropomorphic phantoms and a Labrador dog cadaver were used to simulate a restrainer and patient. Scatter dose measurements were recorded at the position of the restraining hands, thyroid, breast and gonads with and without appropriate lead protection. This was repeated for the eight most common projections as identified in an initial retrospective survey.

Results

Manual restraint of an animal for a radiographic procedure will result in a scatter radiation dose to the restrainer. The level of radiation dose varies between body regions and between projections. The use of appropriate lead protection resulted in statistically significant dose reductions to all body regions with maximum scatter dose reductions between 93 and 100%.

Clinical Significance

While the doses recorded were small (μGy) in terms of associated risk, they are nonetheless cumulative which can result in a more significant dose. Therefore manual restraint should be avoided and forms of immobilisation should be used such as mechanical means, sedation or general anaesthesia. However, if completely necessary both principles of distance and adequate lead protection should be employed.