bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐Retirement Financial Strategies: Forecasts and Valuation
Authors: Sharpe William F.
Published: March 2012

This paper uses a discrete‐time, discrete‐state Monte Carlo simulation model to evaluate representative strategies for investing and spending a fixed sum designed to fund consumption during the period after retirement. Two assets are considered – one providing a riskless real return, the other a market portfolio of bonds and stocks. A stochastic process for the returns from the market portfolio is proposed. Then a set of Arrow‐Debreu state prices is obtained on the assumption that the market portfolio is an efficient investment strategy. The model is used to forecast ranges of consumption and ranges of the ratios of year‐to‐year consumption, and also to estimate the values of components of future consumption.
Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Misra U. K. , Kalita J. , Chandra S. , Kumar B. , Bansal V.
Published: March 2012

Background:  There is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). In this RCT, we have evaluated the efficacy and safety of LMWH versus UFH in CVST.

Methods:  Consecutive patients with CVST diagnosed on the basis of MR venography (MRV) who was free of bleeding diathesis, malignancy, hepatic or renal failure were prospectively enrolled. History, clinical findings and risk factors were evaluated. MRI and MRV findings were recorded. The patients were randomized to LMWH and UFH groups for 14 days followed by oral anticoagulant. The hospital mortality and 3 months outcome as assessed by Barthel index (BI) score were noted.

Results:  32 patients received UFH and 34 received LMWH. The baseline demographic, clinical and radiological parameters were similar in both the groups. Six patients died and all were in UFH group (P = 0.01). At 3 months, insignificantly higher number of patients recovered completely in LMWH compared to UFH group (30 vs. 20). There was no serious side effect needing withdrawal of drugs except one was withdrawn from UFH because of heparin‐induced thrombosis.

Conclusion:  Low molecular weight heparin resulted in significantly lower hospital mortality in CVST compared to UFH.
Life between predators and a small space: substrate selection of an interstitial space‐dwelling stream salamander
Authors: Martin S. D. , Harris B. A. , Collums J. R. , Bonett R. M.
Published: March 2012

Physical space is a fundamental habitat constraint for interstitial space‐dwelling organisms; however, few studies have examined how physical space variation structures predator/prey interactions within such communities. Streambeds in the western Ozark Plateau are composed of Silurian/Ordovician chert gravel and contain a rich assemblage of interstitial space‐dwelling species, including macroinvertebrates, fishes and aquatic salamanders. Here, we used field and lab experiments to examine interstitial space size preference and structure of an Ozark streambed community, with emphasis on the Oklahoma salamander, Eurycea tynerensis, and its predators (crayfish) and prey (isopods and amphipods). In the field, we implemented a three by six grid of enclosures containing three distinct size classes of well‐sorted substrate (small, medium and large) that represented three categories of interstitial space size. Isopods and amphipods were the most abundant macroinvertebrates at the site, and the average size of isopods increased with substrate size. Salamanders were significantly more abundant in medium‐sized substrate enclosures, whereas isopods of consumable size and amphipods were more abundant in small and medium substrate, and crayfish were found exclusively in large substrate enclosures. Pairwise choice experiments in the lab showed that salamanders always preferred the largest gravel size (i.e. large or medium to small, and large to medium). A subsequent experiment performed with uniformly large gravel demonstrated that salamanders avoided positions near and adjacent to crayfish. We suggest that the finite interstitial space distribution of Oklahoma salamanders is limited by physical constraints of small, prey‐rich spaces, and avoidance of predators and prey scarcity in the interstitial spaces among large substrates. This study demonstrates the strong influence of interstitial space size on community structure and predator/prey interactions in chert‐bottomed Ozark streams.
A bibliometric analysis of the clinical development of drugs in Norway for the year 2000
Authors: Hole Ola P. , Winther Finn O. , Cederkvist Henrik R. , Nitter‐Hauge Sigurd
Published: March 2012

Purpose:  Bibliometric analysis of publications was used to investigate the research output relating to the development of drugs in Norway and to evaluate the impact of Norwegian involvement in this research.

Material and methods:  One hundred and nine articles published between 2002 and 2008 were analysed. Bibliometric methods used were as follows: information on peer review, impact factor (IF), the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the representation of Norwegians in the list of authors.

Results:  All publications were in journals with peer review or in publications with corresponding evaluation. Industrial support, international research cooperation and drug development in phases I, II and III seem to promote publication in journals with high IF and a high SCI. In 63% of the international project articles, the Norwegian contributors were not represented in the list of authors.

Conclusion:  In addition to a scientific standard secured by referees, three probably independent factors – industrial support, international cooperation and early phases of the research (phases I, II and III) – seem to promote publications in journals with high IF and a high SCI. A more active Norwegian contribution to the research should be encouraged.
Taxonomy, morphology and phylogeny of Late Cretaceous spirulid coleoids (Cephalopoda) from Greenland and Canada
Authors: FUCHS DIRK , KEUPP HELMUT , TRASK PAT , TANABE KAZUSHIGE
Published: March 2012

Abstract: Groenlandibelus rosenkrantzifrom the Maastrichtian of Greenland has long been thought to constitute an early representative of spirulid coleoids. This study shows that this view must be reassessed, at least in part. A re‐investigation of the types and of material recorded subsequently has revealed that none of these specimens is conspecific with the holotype ofG. rosenkrantzi.Cyrtobelus birkelundaegen. nov, sp. nov. differs from the type ofG. rosenkrantziin having lower chambers and in lacking an apically elongated sheath. The longiconic phragmocone ofG. rosenkrantzihas more features in common with the presumed spirulid genusNaefia. A specimen described in detail by J. A. Jeletzky in the mid 1960s as ‘G. rosenkrantzi’ is designated holotype ofC. birkelundaesp. nov., which means that internal phragmocone features are still unknown inG. rosenkrantzi. Cyrtobelus hornbyensegen. nov, sp. nov. from the Campanian of western Canada constitutes the first record of early spirulids from the northeast Pacific, being based on seventeen extraordinarily well‐preserved phragmocones. This species differs fromC. birkelundaesp. nov. only in the width of the siphuncular tube. The presence of a caecum, a nacre‐less conotheca that represents the continuation of the protoconch conotheca, conothecal flaps that anchor the mural parts of the septa, and a thin investment‐like sheath are characters shared only with RecentSpirula.In particular, the unusual protoconch architecture ofCyrtobelusgen. nov. challenges a phylogenetic origin within bactritoid‐like coleoids.
Scutelluid trilobites from the Silurian of New South Wales
Authors: HOLLOWAY D. J. , LANE P. D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: Twenty‐six species (nineteen of them formally named) of scutelluid trilobites belonging to eight genera are described from limestones of the lower Wenlock to Ludlow Mirrabooka Formation and its stratigraphical equivalents in the Orange district of New South Wales. Two genera,BorenoriaandMirrabooka, are new.Japonoscutellum, previously employed mainly for several species from Japan, is a globally widely distributed genus in rocks of middle Llandovery to Ludlow age and includes a number of species previously assigned toKosovopeltis.Japonoscutellumis remarkably diverse in the faunas from Orange where it is represented by eleven species, one of them known also from Kazakhstan.FlexiscutellumandTosacephalusare regarded as junior synonyms ofDecoroscutellumandKosovopeltis, respectively. The homology of various scutelluid cephalic structures is discussed, in particular the cephalic borders and border furrows that have routinely been misidentified; the term ‘bolus’ is introduced for the variably developed swelling that is enclosed by S1 on the glabella of most scutelluids. New species areAustraloscutellum iota,A. microps,A. pulex,A.trica,Borenoria cirrita,Decoroscutellum planes,Eoscutellum annosum,Illaenoscutellum tryo,Japonoscutellum borenorense,J. crassum,J. diascetum,J. gephyricum,J.guttulatum,J. serangicum,J. strabo,Kosovopeltis trepida,K. xynonandMirrabooka harryi. Some of these trilobites show strong affinity with species from the Kurosegawa Terrane of south‐western Japan and the Chu‐Ili Terrane of Kazakhstan, as previously reported also for the effaced Illaenina from the same limestones.AustraloscutellumandMirrabookaare presently known only from eastern Australia. The new genusSecurifronsis proposed for several species previously assigned toKosovopeltisorEokosovopeltisfrom the Sandbian or Katian to Llandovery of North Greenland, Canada, Scotland, South China and New South Wales.
Double vertical compression sutures: A novel conservative approach to managing post‐partum haemorrhage due to placenta praevia and atonic bleeding
Authors: Makino Shintaro , Tanaka Toshitaka , Yorifuji Takashi , Koshiishi Taro , Sugimura Motoi , Takeda Satoru
Published: March 2012

Compression has been regarded as the main haemostatic mechanism of compression sutures; however, we suggest that reduced uterine blood flow may be another important action. We suggest that our ‘double vertical compression sutures’ may have dual actions: haemostatic compression of the bleeding surface and reduced uterine blood flow.
Chronology of glaciation and deglaciation during the Loch Lomond (Younger Dryas) Stade in the Scottish Highlands: implications of recalibrated 10Be exposure ages
Authors: Ballantyne Colin K.
Published: March 2012

Considerable uncertainty surrounds the timing of glacier advance and retreat during the Younger Dryas or Loch Lomond Stade (LLS) in the Scottish Highlands. Some studies favour ice advance until near the end of the stade (c. 11.7 ka), whereas others support the culmination of glacier advance in mid‐stade (c. 12.6–12.4 ka). Most published 10
Be exposure ages reported for boulders on moraines or deglacial sites post‐date the end of the LLS, and thus appear to favour the former view, but recalibration of 33 10
Be ages using a locally derived 10
Be production rate and assuming rock surface erosion rates of zero to 1 mm ka−1 produces exposure ages 130–980 years older than those originally reported. The recalibrated ages are filtered to exclude anomalous data, and then employed to generate aggregate probability density distributions for the timing of moraine deposition and deglaciation. The results suggest that the most probable age for the timing of the deposition of the sampled outermost moraines lies in the interval 12.4–12.1 ka or earlier. Deglacial ages obtained for sites inside Loch Lomond Stadial glacier limits imply that glaciers at some or all of the sampled sites were retreating prior to 12.1 ka. Use of aggregated data does not exclude the possibility of asynchronous glacier behaviour at different sites, but confirms that some glaciers reached their maximum limits and began to retreat several centuries before the rapid warming that terminated the LLS at 11.7–11.6 ka, consistent with the retrodictions of recent numerical modelling experiments and with geomorphological evidence for gradual oscillatory ice‐margin retreat under stadial conditions.
Acrodynia and Hypertension in a Young Girl Secondary to Elemental Mercury Toxicity Acquired in the Home
Authors: Mercer Jessica J. , Bercovitch Lionel , Muglia Jennie J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Acrodynia, also known as pink disease, erythredema polyneuropathy, Feer syndrome, and raw‐beef hands and feet, is thought to be a toxic reaction to elemental mercury and less commonly to organic and inorganic forms. Occurring commonly in the early 20th century, acrodynia is now a seemingly extinct disease in the modern world because of regulations to eliminate mercury from personal care products, household items, medications, and vaccinations. We present a case of a 3‐year‐old girl with acrodynia secondary to toxic exposure to elemental mercury in the home environment.
Is Cognitive Empathy More Important than Affective Empathy? A Response to “Who Helps Natural‐Disaster Victims?”
Authors: Einolf Christopher J.
Published: March 2012

Some social science research pays more attention to affective than cognitive empathy and much of the practitioner literature advises fundraisers to privilege emotion over reason when appealing to donors. “Who Helps Natural‐Disaster Victims” (Marjanovic, Struthers, & Greenglass, 2011. Who helps natural‐disaster victims? Assessment of trait and situational predictors. Analyses of Social and Public Policy, on‐line access.) challenges the assumption that emotions are most important and finds that cognitive empathy or perspective taking is more important than affective empathy in predicting actual helping behaviors after natural disasters. This comment argues that cognitive empathy is important because it helps potential donors avoid blaming the victim in human‐caused disasters. It suggests that nonprofits can use cognitive empathy to construct fundraising appeals using arguments based on reason and justice, which may be more effective with educated donors than emotion‐based appeals.
In Good Company: Why Social Capital Matters for Women during Disaster Recovery
Authors: Ganapati N. Emel
Published: March 2012

Although social capital has made inroads into the public administration literature, little is known about the gender dimensions of social capital in the context of a disaster. This article examines what kind of benefits, if any, social capital offers for women who are affected by disasters. Studying this question is important because it would help public administrators overcome the unique vulnerabilities of women and strengthen their capabilities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. This case study of the city of Gölcük, Turkey, suggests that social capital offers benefits for women affected by disasters because it is therapeutic in nature and helps women gain empowerment and avoid the stigma of public assistance. The article offers lessons on how public administrators could build social capital in disaster‐stricken communities by enabling face‐to‐face interaction, initiating leadership programs, and putting in place institutions and policies that are conducive to collective action.
Men and Women Lobbyists in theAmerican States
Authors: Lucas Jennifer C. , Hyde Mark S.
Published: March 2012

Objective

This study compares men and women lobbyists who work in theAmerican states in 1995 and 2005, arguing in contrast to previous research that there is a consistent pattern of sex differences that cannot be explained by differential patterns of experience.

Methods

Men and women are contrasted across three dimensions using original survey data from lobbyists in all 50 states. First, we examine lobbyists' background and experience, such as having previously held political office and years of experience lobbying. Second, differences between tactics employed by men and women are investigated. Third, the article draws a distinction between the attitudes of male and female lobbyists toward their profession.

Results

Differences between men and women within the three dimensions are found in both sets of data, with changes generally smaller in 2005.

Conclusion

Unlike previous studies, we find differences among male and female lobbyists in their background, strategies, and attitudes, but the gap between them is moderate and in some cases has decreased.
Comparison of Three‐Year Clinical Outcomes with Nonextended Versus Extended Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Between First‐ and Second‐Generation Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Data from the Infarct Prognosis Study Registry
Authors: KANG KI‐WOON , KIM BYEONG‐KEUK , JANG JI‐YONG , LEE HYE SUN , KIM JUNG‐SUN , KO YOUNG‐GUK , HA JONGWON , CHOI DONGHOON , HONG MYEONG‐KI , JANG YANGSOO
Published: March 2012

Background:
 The difference of the clinical outcomes between nonextended (≤12 months) and extended (>12 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) remains unclear in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) implanted by different generations of drug‐eluting stent (DES).

Methods:
 We identified 790 consecutive patients with AMI who were free from major adverse cardiac events for 12 months after first‐generation (n = 537) or second‐generation DES (n = 253) implantation; each DES generation group was further divided into nonextended and extended DAPT.

Results:
 During follow‐up (median: 40 months), nonextended DAPT in the first‐generation DES group showed a higher rate of cardiac death or MI than was observed in the extended DAPT group (14% vs 2%, P < 0.001). However, in the second‐generation DES group, there was no difference in the occurrence of cardiac death and MI between the extended and nonextended groups (4% vs 3%, P = 0.809). Nonextended DAPT was the most significant predictor of cardiac death and MI for first‐generation DES implantation [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.53–19.59, P = 0.009] but not for second‐generation DES implantation [HR = 3.21, 95% CI = 0.21–50.65, P = 0.401].

Conclusion:
 This study suggested that the clinical outcomes between nonextended and extended DAPT might be different depending on the generation of implanted DESs in patients with AMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:245–252)
Contribution of Diffused Er3+ Ions to Refractive Index of LiNbO3 Crystal and Relation of Li Out‐Diffusion to Er3+‐Diffusion Condition
Authors: Wang Zhen , Hua Ping‐Rang , Han Fang , Yu Dao‐Yin , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun , Zhang De‐Long
Published: March 2012

Contribution of diffused Er3+ ions to refractive index of LiNbO3 crystal and relation of Li out‐diffusion to Er3+‐diffusion condition have been studied. Three X‐cut and three Z‐cut congruent LiNbO3 plates locally coated with 10, 15, or 20 nm thick Er metal films were annealed at 1100°C or 1130°C for 60 or 100 h under different atmospheres of surrounding air, wet O2 or wet Ar. After the anneal, the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices at Er3+‐doped and Er‐free parts of crystal surface were characterized at the 633, 1311, and 1553 nm wavelengths by measurement of critical angle. The difference of surface index values at the Er3+‐doped and Er‐free parts enables to identify the Er3+‐doping effect on substrate index. From the known birefringence, the surface Li2O contents at the Er3+‐doped and Er‐free parts were evaluated. A comparison with the Li2O content data before the anneal treatment allows to obtain the anneal‐induced Li2O loss and hence identify the anneal condition effect on the Li out‐diffusion. The results show that the contribution of Er3+‐doping to the ordinary index is within the measurement error of 1 × 10−3 and that to the extraordinary index is within ± 1.7 × 10−3, which is just slightly out of the measurement error. The diffusion temperature is while the diffusion environment is not the key factor responsible for the Li2O out‐diffusion.
Synthesis of 0.65Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.35PbTiO3 by Controlled Agglomeration of Precursor Particles
Authors: Trefalt Gregor , Malič Barbara , Holc Janez , Uršič Hana , Kosec Marija
Published: March 2012

0.65Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.35PbTiO3 powder was prepared by a single‐step, solid‐state synthesis at 850°C. This was enabled by the controlled agglomeration of precursor particles by the change of pH in water suspensions. With the design of the contacts between the particles in the agglomerates, a phase‐pure perovskite powder was synthesized from a suspension with a pH = 12.5. At the inherent pH = 11.4, the agglomerates that promote the pyrochlore formation were formed, resulting in a mixture of perovskite and pyrochlore phases after the calcination. The ceramics prepared from the suspension with pH = 12.5 were sintered to 96% of theoretical density at only 950°C, and exhibited electrical properties comparable to ceramics prepared by the columbite method, sintered at much higher temperatures. In contrast, the properties of the ceramics from the pH = 11.4 suspension were heavily deteriorated due to the presence of the pyrochlore phase and the high degree of porosity.
The relative effect of surface strontium chemistry and super‐hydrophilicity on the early osseointegration of moderately rough titanium surface in the rabbit femur
Authors: Park Jin‐Woo , Kwon Tae‐Geon , Suh Jo‐Young
Published: March 2012

Objective

It is unclear whether surface bioactive chemistry or hydrophilicity plays a more dominant role in the osseointegration of micro‐structured titanium implants having the same surface topography at the micrometer and submicrometer scales. To understand their comparative effect on enhancing the early osseointegration of micro‐rough‐surfaced implants, this study compared the bone healing‐promoting effect of surface strontium (Sr) chemistry that has been shown in numerous studies to super‐hydrophilicity in the early osseointegration of moderately rough‐surfaced clinical oral implants (SLA® implant) in rabbit cancellous bone.

Material and methods

Hydrothermal treatment was performed to incorporate Sr ions into the surface of clinical SLA implants (SLA/Sr implant). The surface characteristics were evaluated by using field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical profilometry. Twenty screw implants (10 control and 10 experimental) were placed in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. The early osseointegration of the SLA/Sr implant was compared with a chemically modified super‐hydrophilic SLA implant (SLActive® implant) by histomorphometric and resonance frequency analysis after 2 weeks of implantation.

Results

The SLA/Sr and SLActive implants exhibited an identical surface topography and average Ra values at the micron and submicron scales. The SLA/Sr implant displayed a high amount of surface Sr content (15.6 at.%). There was no significant difference in the implant stability quotient (ISQ) values between the two groups. However, histomorphometric analysis revealed a significantly higher bone‐to‐implant contact percentage in the SLA/Sr implants compared with the SLActive implants in rabbit cancellous bone (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results indicate that the surface Sr chemistry surpasses the effect of super‐hydrophilicity in promoting the early bone apposition of moderately rough Ti surface in cancellous bone.
Modelling niche and neutral dynamics: on the ecological interpretation of variation partitioning results
Authors: Tuomisto Hanna , Ruokolainen Lasse , Ruokolainen Kalle
Published: March 2012

Many studies have attempted to disentangle the effects of neutral and niche‐mediated processes on community composition using partial Mantel tests and variance partitioning on dissimilarity matrices. Recently, doubts about the reliability of these methods have emerged. Here we explore how the results are affected by three confounding factors that may affect ecological data to different degrees: spatial autocorrelation of the environmental variables, length of the compositional gradient, and sampling noise. We document that the statistical hypotheses tested in these methods may or may not correspond to the ecological hypotheses of interest. A major discrepancy emerges if a large proportion of sampling units in the analysed dataset share no species, in which case compositional dissimilarities saturate to a fixed maximum value although explanatory dissimilarities do not. With increasing dissimilarity saturation, the explanatory power of regression models decrease, which may lead to the erroneous conclusion that the ecological processes represented by the explanatory variables are not operating. A survey of recent literature suggests that there is a general lack of awareness of this problem, although it appears to affect > 10% of relevant studies. Our simulations show that if dissimilarity saturation is due to a long ecological gradient, extended dissimilarities essentially solve the problem for any degree of saturation. Using distances from a hybrid multidimensional scaling alleviates the saturation problem when the degree of saturation is < 60%. However, neither correction method can provide a solution to problems caused by insufficient sampling. How the presence of multiple explanatory gradients in combination with sampling noise affects overall analysis performance remains to be clarified.
Biotic interactions affect the elevational ranges of high‐latitude plant species
Authors: Roux Peter C. le , Virtanen Risto , Heikkinen Risto K. , Luoto Miska
Published: March 2012

Ecological theory suggests that positive plant–plant interactions can extend species distributions into areas that would otherwise be unfavourable. However, few studies have tested this hypothesis, and none have explicitly examined the associated prediction that inter‐specific interactions between plants may broaden species altitudinal distributions. Here we test this prediction, using fine‐scale species distribution data for 156 bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants spanning a 900 m elevational gradient in north‐western Finland and Norway, analysed with a niche modelling approach. Species altitudinal ranges of all three groups of plants were more accurately predicted when including the cover of any of the 24 most wide‐spread and abundant species (‘dominants’) than when using abiotic variables alone, emphasizing the importance of including relevant biotic predictors in species distribution models. Half of the models showed that species had very low probabilities of occurrence under high cover of dominants, suggesting a strong negative impact of dominant species. Similarly, for species that are predicted to occur irrespective of dominant species cover, 62% of models showed narrower species altitudinal distributions when occurring under high dominant cover, with contractions of species’ lower and upper elevational limits being common. Nonetheless, high cover of dominant species was associated with upslope range extension in 43 species, and a net range expansion in nearly 10% of all models. Species distributional responses to dominants were only weakly related to species traits, with larger range contractions associated with arctic‐alpine dominants. Therefore, dominant species appear to exert a strong influence on the elevational distribution of other species in high latitude environments.
Understanding the long‐term spatial dynamics of a semiarid grass‐shrub steppe through inverse parameterization for simulation models
Authors: Cipriotti Pablo A. , Aguiar Martín R. , Wiegand Thorsten , Paruelo José M.
Published: March 2012

Desertification threatens 70% of all dry lands worldwide by diminishing the provision of economic and ecosystem services. However, since long‐term vegetation dynamics of semiarid ecosystems are difficult to study, the opportunities to evaluate desertification and degradation properly are limited. In this study, we tailored, calibrated and tested a spatially‐explicit simulation model (DINVEG) to describe the long‐term dynamics of dominant grass and shrub species in the semiarid Patagonian steppe. We used inverse techniques to identify parameterizations that yield model outputs in agreement with detailed field data, and we performed sensitivity analyses to reveal the main drivers of long‐term vegetation dynamics. Whereas many parameterizations (10–45%) matched single field observations (e.g. grass and shrub cover, species‐specific density, aboveground net primary production [ANPP]), only a few parameterizations (0.05%) yielded simultaneous match of all field observations. Sensitivity analysis pointed to demographic constraints for shrubs and grasses in the emergence and recruitment phase, respectively, which contributed to balanced shrub‐grass abundances in the long run. Vegetation dynamics of simulations that matched all field observations were characterized by a stochastic equilibrium. The soil water content in the top layer (0–10 cm) during the emergence period was the strongest predictor of shrub densities and population growth rates and of growth rates of grasses. Grasses controlled the shrub demography because of the resource overlap of grasses with juvenile shrubs (i.e. water content in the top layer). In agreement with field observations, ecosystem function buffered the strong variability in precipitation (a simulated CV in ANPP of 16% vs CV in precipitation of 33%). Our results show that seedling emergence and recruitment are critical processes for long‐term vegetation dynamics in this steppe. The methods presented here could be widely applied when data for direct parameterization of individual‐based models are lacking, but data corresponding to model outputs are available. Our modeling methodology can reduce the need for long‐term data sets when answering questions regarding community dynamics.
Effect of weave, structural parameters and ultraviolet absorbers onin vitroprotection factor of bleached cotton woven fabrics
Authors: Majumdar Abhijit , Kothari Vijay Kumar , Mondal Achintya Kumar , Hatua Piyali
Published: March 2012

Introduction

The weave, fabric cover, areal density and ultraviolet (UV) absorbers are some of the factors which influence the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of cotton fabrics. It will be of interest to know whether fabric cover or fabric areal density is a better predictor of cotton fabricUPF. It will also be of interest to know whether theUVabsorbers are equally effective for all kinds of cotton fabric.

Objectives

To understand the role of weave, fabric cover, areal density andUVabsorbers on theUPFof cotton fabrics. To establish quantitative relationships between the fabric cover, areal density andUPFfor cotton fabrics.

Methods

Sixty‐four woven fabrics were manufactured using different weaves, cotton yarn count and picks per centimetre values. Nonlinear regression models were developed to relate the fabric cover and areal density with theUPF. The role ofUVabsorbers at different levels of cover has been analysed.

Results

In case of bleached cotton fabrics woven with 40Newarp yarn count, 40 ends per cm, different weft yarn count (20–40Ne) and picks per centimetre (15–27), weave does not have a statistically significant effect on theUPF. Fabric areal density is a better predictor ofUPFthan the fabric cover. TheUVabsorbers are more effective when the fabric cover is high.

Conclusions

The developed equations relating fabric cover andUPFcan be used as a primary guideline while selecting fabrics forUVprotection.
Perspectives on improvement of reproduction in cattle during heat stress in a future Japan
Authors: KADOKAWA Hiroya , SAKATANI Miki , HANSEN Peter J.
Published: March 2012

Heat stress (HS) causes hyperthermia, and at its most severe form, can lead to death. More commonly, HS reduces feed intake, milk yield, growth rate and reproductive function in many mammals and birds, including the important cattle breeds in Japan. Rectal temperatures greater than 39.0°C and respiration rates greater than 60/min indicate cows are undergoing HS sufficient to affect milk yield and fertility. HS compromises oocyte quality and embryonic development, reduces expression of estrus and changes secretion of several reproductive hormones. One of the most effective ways to reduce the magnitude of HS is embryo transfer, which bypasses the inhibitory effects of HS on the oocyte and early embryo. It may also be possible to select for genetic resistance to HS. Cooling can also improve reproductive performance in cows and heifers, and probably, the most effective cooling systems currently in use are those that couple evaporative cooling with tunnel ventilation or cross ventilation. Its effect on improving reproductive performance in Japan remains to be evaluated.
Contemporary Philosophical Aesthetics in China: The Relation between Subject and Object
Authors: Man Eva Kit‐wah
Published: March 2012

This article presents a historical account and philosophical analysis of the development of philosophical aesthetics in China in its Marxist regime, focusing on the relation between subject and object. It enters into the picture of the search for new philosophical aesthetics in Marxist China and engages the related debates and reforms. The representing four schools of aesthetics in the early decades of the new China are introduced, which were led by Gao Ertai, Cai Yi, Zhu Guangqin and Li Zehou. Each of them presents a different relationship between the subject and the object in the aesthetics process and initiates debates and controversies among themselves. In the 1990s aestheticians of the younger generation suggested a modern aesthetics system in which a new aesthetics notion was reconstructed. The article analyzes the nature and the structure of this notion “ganxing”, and demonstrated the struggles in its search for a balance and merge integration among traditional Chinese aesthetics, Contemporary Western philosophies and Marxist aesthetics. Finally, this article also points out the Deweyan influences on the notion which is popular in PRC, and demonstrates that Chinese aesthetics in the contemporary scene has more concerns to add on, which is the application of its new aesthetical thoughts to the rapidly developing art scenes and social changes in contemporary China.
The Doctrine of Double Effect: Intention and Permissibility
Authors: FitzPatrick William J.
Published: March 2012

The Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) is an influential non‐consequentialist principle positing a role for intention in affecting the moral permissibility of some actions. In particular, the DDE focuses on the intend/foresee distinction, the core claim being that it is sometimes permissible to bring about as a foreseen but unintended side‐effect of one’s action some harm it would have been impermissible to aim at as a means or as an end, all else being equal. This article explores the meaning and application of the DDE along with current debates over the nature of the intend/foresee distinction and its moral significance. How is the line between intended effects and merely foreseen but unintended side‐effects to be drawn, and how are problem cases best handled? What is an appropriate methodology for debating the tenability of the DDE? How might the DDE interact with other non‐consequentialist principles, and how might it be modified to capture other related factors (resulting perhaps in a Doctrine of Triple Effect) or to avoid certain problem cases? Does the DDE make permissibility turn on the actual intentions of particular agents, as critics such as Thomson and Scanlon assume, or is the role of intention more abstract?
Putative early manifestations of bipolar II disorder emerge later in the initial prodrome than manifestations hypothesized to be unrelated: an exploratory study
Authors: Skjelstad Dag V. , Holte Arne , Malt Ulrik F.
Published: March 2012

Aim: Symptom instances characterized as episodic or chronic, and as exaggerated responses to life events or inexplicable (e.g. mood swings, irritability/aggressiveness), may be the most likely early manifestations of the first episode of bipolar II disorder (BD‐II). Assuming that symptoms that emerge late in the prodrome, to a larger extent, are early manifestations of the disorder itself, we explore the time of onset and the duration of instances classified as ‘likely’, ‘possible’ and ‘unlikely’ early manifestations.

Methods: Retrospective interviews of 15 BD‐II patients and 22 family members.

Results: ‘Likely’ early manifestations do, to a larger extent than other symptom instances, emerge late in the prodrome. The mean time interval between symptom onset and the first episode is shorter for the ‘likely’ than for the ‘unlikely’ early manifestations but is similar to the ‘possible’ ones.

Conclusions: Symptom instances classified as ‘likely’ early manifestations may be the most useful to prospectively predict BD‐II.
Sickle cell disease does not predispose to caries or periodontal disease
Authors: Passos Cristina Pinho , Santos Poliana Ramos Braga , Aguiar Márcio Cajazeira , Cangussu Maria Cristina Teixeira , Toralles Maria Betánia Pereira , da Silva Maria Christina Bahiana Olympio , Nascimento Roberto José Meyer , Campos Maria Isabela Guimarães
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal condition in a population with sickle cell disease (SCD), analyzing some associations with disease severity. The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) were recorded for 99 individuals with SCD and 91 matched controls. Socio‐demographic status, oral health behaviors, and history of clinical severity of SCD were assessed. Statistical comparisons were performed between the group with SCD and the control group, as well as multivariate logistic regression analyses with DMFT index and CPI as the dependent variables. The mean number of decayed teeth was significantly higher in individuals with HbSS. Older age, female gender, and daily smoking were identified as risk factors for higher DMFT, while older age and absence of daily use of dental floss were risk factors for the development of periodontal disease. In conclusion, risk factors known to cause caries and periodontal disease had more influence on oral health than the direct impact of SCD.
Conservation through Chocolate: a win‐win for biodiversity and farmers in Ecuador's lowland tropics
Authors: Waldron A. , Justicia R. , Smith L. , Sanchez M.
Published: March 2012

Global biodiversity conservation significantly depends on bringing conservation measures to the agricultural production systems that dominate the earth's surface. One of the leading candidates for wildlife‐friendly farming in the megadiverse lowland tropics is shade‐grown cocoa. However, tropical farmers increasingly believe that shade reduces yield and consequently, are removing most shade trees from their farms. Conservation goals therefore conflict with production imperatives. Nevertheless, we tested the trade‐off between production and biodiversity conservation in the critical conservation area of the Ecuadorean Chocó and found that both farmers and biodiversity would benefit from an increase in shade. This rare partial win‐win situation in wildlife‐friendly farming permits the creation of a sustainable, economically sensitive certification and geographic indication for biodiversity‐friendly chocolate. We suggest that similar trade‐off studies be carried out in other agroforestry regions of conservation importance, not least to establish the probable sustainability of conservation initiatives in production‐centered landscapes.
Hydrogenotrophic microbiota distinguish native Africans from African and European Americans
Authors: Nava Gerardo M. , Carbonero Franck , Ou Junhai , Benefiel Ann C. , O'Keefe Stephen J. , Gaskins H. Rex
Published: March 2012

Reduced susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer in native Africans (NA) is correlated with low consumption of animal products and greater microbial production of colonic methane. In this context, two hydrogenotrophic microbial groups are of interest, methanogenic Archaea (MA) utilizing H2 to produce methane and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) generating hydrogen sulfide, which has been linked with chronic inflammatory disorders of the colon. In the present study, stool samples from NA, consuming a diet high in resistant starch and low in animal products, and from African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA), both consuming a typical Western diet, were examined for genetic diversity and structure of Archaea, MA and SRB communities. In general, a greater proportion of NA than AA and EA harboured the full range of targeted hydrogenotrophic groups. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S rRNA genes and specific functional genes, combined with multivariate statistical analyses, revealed that NA harboured more diverse and different Archaea and MA populations than AA and EA. Also, NA harboured significantly distinct SRB populations compared with AA and EA. Taken together, these data are consistent with diet selecting for distinct hydrogenotrophic microbiota.
A comparative study of single‐incision versus conventional multiport laparoscopic ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease with strictures
Authors: Maeda K , Noda E , Nagahara H , Inoue T , Takii M , Watanabe K , Yamagami H , Sogawa M , Kamata N , Hirakawa K
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) offers excellent cosmetic results compared with conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery. Recently, this technique has been applied to colorectal disease. However, there have been few reports about its application to Crohn's disease (CD) in the literature. The aim of this study is to describe our early experience with SILS for 11 patients with CD and make comparisons with the conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We reviewed all patients with CD who underwent laparoscopic surgery for the presence of ileocolic strictures at our institution between January 2006 and March 2011. Data from consecutive patients undergoing SILS were analyzed and compared with those from conventional multiport laparoscopic surgeries.

Results

During the study period, 11 patients underwent SILS. All surgeries were completed with SILS. Operative time, blood loss and conversions were not significantly different between the two groups. Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay also had no significant difference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SILS for CD may be safe and feasible in selected patients, and have better cosmetic results than conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery. Further studies are needed to evaluate the outcome of SILS compared to that of conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Neurons respond directly to mechanical deformation with pannexin‐mediated ATP release and autostimulation of P2X7 receptors
Authors: Xia Jingsheng , Lim Jason C. , Lu Wennan , Beckel Jonathan M. , Macarak Edward J. , Laties Alan M. , Mitchell Claire H.
Published: March 2012

Key points 

Neurons can be damaged when tissues are stretched or swollen; while astrocytes can contribute to this process, the mechanosensitive response from neurons is unclear.

We show here that isolated retinal ganglion cell neurons respond to mechanical strain with a rapid, sustained release of the neurotransmitter ATP.

The conduit for ATP release was through pannexin hemichannels, with probenicid, carbenoxelone and 10panx inhibiting release.

Once released, this ATP acts back on the neurons to autostimulate lethal P2X7 receptors, as A438079, AZ 10606120 and zinc reduced currents in whole cell patch clamp recordings.

Blocking release of ATP through pannexin channels, or activation of P2X7 receptors, might be neuroprotective for stretched or swollen neurons.

Stretch‐dependent release of ATP through neuronal pannexins, combined with the autostimulation of the P2X7 receptors, provides a new pathway by which neuronal activity and health can be altered by mechanical strain independently of glial activity.

Abstract  Mechanical deformation produces complex effects on neuronal systems, some of which can lead to dysfunction and neuronal death. While astrocytes are known to respond to mechanical forces, it is not clear whether neurons can also respond directly. We examined mechanosensitive ATP release and the physiological response to this release in isolated retinal ganglion cells. Purified ganglion cells released ATP upon swelling. Release was blocked by carbenoxolone, probenecid or peptide 10panx, implicating pannexin channels as conduits. Mechanical stretch of retinal ganglion cells also triggered a pannexin‐dependent ATP release. Whole cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that mild swelling induced the activation of an Ohmic cation current with linear kinetics. The current was inhibited by removal of extracellular ATP with apyrase, by inhibition of the P2X7 receptor with A438079, zinc, or AZ 10606120, and by pannexin blockers carbenoxolone and probenecid. Probenecid also inhibited the regulatory volume decrease observed after swelling isolated neurons. Together, these observations indicate mechanical strain triggers ATP release directly from retinal ganglion cells and that this released ATP autostimulates P2X7 receptors. Since extracellular ATP levels in the retina increase with elevated intraocular pressure, and stimulation of P2X7 receptors on retinal ganglion cells can be lethal, this autocrine response may impact ganglion cells in glaucoma. It remains to be determined whether the autocrine stimulation of purinergic receptors is a general response to a mechanical deformation in neurons, or whether preventing ATP release through pannexin channels and blocking activation of the P2X7 receptor, is neuroprotective for stretched neurons.
Kv1.1‐dependent control of hippocampal neuron number as revealed by mosaic analysis with double markers
Authors: Yang Shi‐Bing , Mclemore Kellan D. , Tasic Bosiljka , Luo Liqun , Jan Yuh Nung , Jan Lily Yeh
Published: March 2012

Key points

The classical function of potassium channels in electrical signaling is to regulate nerve conduction, muscle contraction and hormone secretion.

Certain types of potassium channels are also involved in regulating cell proliferation, as in the case of Kv1.1 mutant mice, which exhibit overgrowth of neurons and astrocytes thus leading to the phenotype of megencephaly, or enlarged brain, particularly in the hippocampus.

We used a novel mouse genetic tool, Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM), to test whether Kv1.1 function is required cell‐autonomously for megencephaly. We found that in the adult hippocampus, neurons but not astrocytes lacking Kv1.1 are more numerous than their counterparts with two functional alleles of Kv1.1.

Our study reveals that loss of Kv1.1 function causes an overproduction of hippocampal neurons in a cell‐autonomous manner.

This study raises the prospect that targeting Kv1.1 potassium channel may help to induce neuron production.