bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief communication: Endocranial volumes in an ontogenetic sample of chimpanzees from the taï forest national park, ivory coast
Authors: Neubauer Simon , Gunz Philipp , Schwarz Uta , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Boesch Christophe
Published: November 2011

Ontogenetic samples of endocranial volumes (EVs) from great apes and humans are critical for understanding the evolution of the brain growth pattern in the hominin lineage. However, high quality ontogenetic data are scarce, especially for nonhuman primates. Here, we provide original data derived from an osteological collection of a wild population ofPan troglodytes verusfrom the Taï Forest National Park, Ivory Coast. This sample is unique, because age, sex, and pedigree information are available for many specimens from behavioral observations in the wild. We scanned crania of all 30 immature specimens and 13 adult individuals using high‐resolution computed tomography. We then created virtual casts of the bony braincase (endocasts) to measure EVs. We also measured cranial length, width, and height and attempted to relate cranial distances to EV via regression analysis. Our data are consistent with previous studies. The only neonate in the sample has an EV of 127 cm3or 34% of the adult mean. EV increases rapidly during early ontogeny. The average adult EV in this sample is 378.7 ± 30.1 cm3. We found sexual dimorphism in adults; males seem to be already larger than females before adult EV is attained. Regressions on cranial width and multiple regression provide better estimates for EV than regressions on cranial length or height. Increasing the sample size and compiling more high quality ontogenetic data of EV will help to reconcile ongoing discussions about the evolution of hominin brain growth. Am J Phys Anthropol 147:319–325, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Medications used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and the risk of selected birth defects
Authors: Anderka Marlene , Mitchell Allen A. , Louik Carol , Werler Martha M. , Hernández‐Diaz Sonia , Rasmussen Sonja A. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) occurs in up to 80% of pregnant women, but its association with birth outcomes is not clear. Several medications are used for the treatment of NVP; however, data are limited on their possible associations with birth defects. METHODS Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS)—a multi‐site, population‐based, case‐control study—we examined whether NVP or its treatment was associated with the most common noncardiac defects in the NBDPS (nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL/P], cleft palate alone [CP], neural tube defects, and hypospadias) compared with randomly selected nonmalformed live births. RESULTS Among the 4524 cases and 5859 controls included in this study, 67.1% reported first‐trimester NVP, and 15.4% of them reported using at least one agent for NVP. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy was not associated with CP or neural tube defects, but modest risk reductions were observed for CL/P (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.98) and hypospadias (aOR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72–0.98). Regarding treatments for NVP in the first trimester, the following adjusted associations were observed with an increased risk: proton pump inhibitors and hypospadias (aOR = 4.36; 95% CI, 1.21–15.81), steroids and hypospadias (aOR = 2.87; 95% CI, 1.03–7.97), and ondansetron and CP (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI, 1.18–4.76), whereas antacids were associated with a reduced risk for CL/P (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38–0.89). CONCLUSIONS NVP was not observed to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects; however, possible risks related to three treatments (i.e., proton pump inhibitors, steroids and ondansetron), which could be chance findings, warrant further investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beach erosion and recovery during consecutive storms at a steep‐sloping, meso‐tidal beach
Authors: Vousdoukas Michalis I. , Almeida Luis Pedro M. , Ferreira Óscar
Published: November 2011

This study analyses beach morphological change during six consecutive storms acting on the meso‐tidal Faro Beach (south Portugal) between 15 December 2009 and 7 January 2010. Morphological change of the sub‐aerial beach profile was monitored through frequent topographic surveys across 11 transects. Measurements of the surf/swash zone dimensions, nearshore bar dynamics, and wave run‐up were extracted from time averaged and timestack coastal images, and wave and tidal data were obtained from offshore stations. All the information combined suggests that during consecutive storm events, the antecedent morphological state can initially be the dominant controlling factor of beach response; while the hydrodynamic forcing, and especially the tide and surge levels, become more important during the later stages of a storm period. The dataset also reveals the dynamic nature of steep‐sloping beaches, since sub‐aerial beach volume reductions up to 30 m3/m were followed by intertidal area recovery (–2 < z < 3 m) with rates reaching ~10 m3/m. However, the observed cumulative dune erosion and profile pivoting imply that storms, even of regular intensity, can have a dramatic impact when they occur in groups. Nearshore bars seemed to respond to temporal scales more related to storm sequences than to individual events. The formation of a prominent crescentic offshore bar at ~200 m from the shoreline appeared to reverse the previous offshore migration trend of the inner bar, which was gradually shifted close to the seaward swash zone boundary. The partially understood nearshore bar processes appeared to be critical for storm wave attenuation in the surf zone; and were considered mainly responsible for the poor interpretation of the observed beach behaviour on the grounds of standard, non‐dimensional, morphological parameters. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral and petrologic analyses of basaltic sands in Ka'u Desert (Hawaii) – implications for the dark dunes on Mars
Authors: Tirsch Daniela , Craddock Robert Anthony , Platz Thomas , Maturilli Alessandro , Helbert Jörn , Jaumann Ralf
Published: November 2011

Dark aeolian deposits on Mars are thought to consist of volcanic materials due to their mineral assemblages, which are common to basalts. However, the sediment source is still debated. Basaltic dunes on Earth are promising analogs for providing further insights into the assumed basaltic sand dunes on Mars. In our study we characterize basaltic dunes from the Ka'u Desert in Hawaii using optical microscopes, electron microprobe, and spectral analyses. We compare the spectra of terrestrial and Martian dune sands to determine possible origins of the Martian dark sediments. Our results show that the terrestrial sands consist primarily of medium to coarse sand‐sized volcanic glass and rock fragments as well as olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase minerals. Grain shapes range from angular to subrounded. The sample composition indicates that the material was derived from phreatomagmatic eruptions partially with additional proportions of rock fragments from local lava flows. Grain shape and size indicate the materials were transported by aeolian processes rather than by fluvial processes. Spectral analyses reveal an initial hydration of all terrestrial samples. A spectral mineralogical correlation between the terrestrial and Martian aeolian sands shows a similarity consistent with an origin from volcanic ash and lava. We suggest that the Martian deposits may contain similar abundances of volcanic glass, which has not yet been distinguished in Martian spectral data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The possible role of magnetic measurements in the discrimination of Sahara/Sahel dust sources
Authors: Lyons Richard , Oldfield Frank , Williams Earle
Published: November 2011

The mineral magnetic properties of deposited dusts collected along a broadly north‐to‐south transect across Niger have been investigated on both a bulk and particle size‐specific basis. Dusts display a general north‐to‐south gradient in fine‐grained ferrimagnetic mineral (magnetite/maghemite) concentrations, with samples south of the Sahara/Sahel transition (south of ~15·5o N) generally containing greater concentrations than dusts from further north where the climate is much drier. This distinction is seen especially clearly in the clay (< 2 µm) fraction, which harbours the products of weathering and pedogenesis. This gradient in ferrimagnetic mineral concentrations broadly parallels that previously reported for surface soils/sands across a similar latitudinal range. We suggest that the regional distinction in both dust and surface soil/sand magnetic properties can be related to differences in weathering regime between the arid Saharan parts of the transect and the Sahel sites where higher rainfall has permitted stronger weathering and pedogenesis. Given that the weathering‐related magnetic signatures in the clays dominate the magnetic properties of the < 16 µm fractions in these samples, and that this particle size component is most likely to be involved in long‐range transport, magnetic measurements hold out the potential of discriminating Sahara and Sahel dusts deposited in remote areas. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Passive microwave remote sensing of the historic February 2010 snowstorms in the Middle Atlantic region of the USA
Authors: Foster James L. , Skofronick‐Jackson Gail , Meng Huan , Wang James R. , Riggs George , Kocin Paul J. , Johnson Benjamin T. , Cohen Judah , Hall Dorothy K. , Nghiem Son V.
Published: November 2011

The snowfall in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area during the winter of 2009/2010 was unprecedented and caused serious snow‐related disruptions. In February 2010, snowfall totals approached 2 m, and because maximum temperatures were consistently below normal, snow remained on the ground the entire month. One of the biggest contributing factors to the unusually severe winter weather in 2009/2010, throughout much of the middle latitudes, was the Arctic Oscillation. Unusually high pressure at high latitudes and low pressure at middle latitudes forced a persistent exchange of mass from north to south. In this investigation, a concerted effort was made to link remotely sensed falling snow observations to remotely sensed snow cover and snowpack observations in the Baltimore/Washington area. Specifically, the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer onboard the Aqua satellite was used to assess snow water equivalent, and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit‐B and Microwave Humidity Sounder were employed to detect falling snow. Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer passive microwave signatures in this study are related to both snow on the ground and surface ice layers. In regard to falling snow, signatures indicative of snowfall can be observed in high frequency brightness temperatures of Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit‐B and Microwave Humidity Sounder. Indeed, retrievals show an increase in snow water equivalent after the detection of falling snow. Yet, this work also shows that falling snow intensity and/or the presence of liquid water clouds impacts the ability to reliably detect snow water equivalent. Moreover, changes in the condition of the snowpack, especially in the surface features, negatively affect retrieval performance. Copyright © 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Myocardial edema imaging in acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Walls Michael C. , Verhaert David , Min James K. , Raman Subha V.
Published: November 2011

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) continue to be the most common morbid condition of industrialized nations. The advent of and technical improvements in revascularization and medical therapy have led to a steady decline in mortality rates. However, many patients who suffer unstable angina or myocardial infarction require further testing and risk stratification to guide therapeutic selection and prognosis assignment. Myocardial edema imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) affords the ability to define the amount of myocardium at risk, refine estimates of prognosis and provide guidance for therapies with excellent sensitivity compared with standard clinical markers. This review will discuss the rationale for edema imaging, how it is performed using CMR, and potential clinical applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The complexity of the node capacitated in‐tree packing problem
Authors: Imahori Shinji , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Hashimoto Hideki , Kobayashi Yusuke , Sasaki Mihiro , Yagiura Mutsunori
Published: November 2011

This article describes a node capacitated in‐tree packing problem. The input consists of a directed graph, a root node, a node capacity function, and edge consumption functions. The problem is to find the maximum number of rooted in‐trees, such that the total consumption of in‐trees at each node does not exceed the capacity of the node. The problem is one of the network lifetime problems that are among the most important issues in the context of sensor networks. We establish the computational complexity of the problem under various restrictions on consumption functions and graphs. For example, we consider general graphs, acyclic graphs, and complete graphs embedded in the d ‐dimensional space
\input amssym ${\Bbb{R}}^d$
having edge consumption functions depending only on distances between end nodes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
The load‐distance balancing problem
Authors: Bortnikov Edward , Khuller Samir , Li Jian , Mansour Yishay , Naor Joseph Seffi
Published: November 2011

Problems dealing with assignment of clients to servers have been widely studied. However, they usually do not model the fact that the delay incurred by a client is a function of both the distance to the assigned server and the load on this server, under a given assignment. We study a problem referred to as the load‐distance balancing (LDB) problem, where the objective is assigning a set of clients to a set of given servers. Each client suffers a delay, that is, the sum of the network delay (which is proportional to the distance to its server) and the congestion delay at this server, a nondecreasing function of the number of clients assigned to the server.

We address two flavors of LDB—the first one seeking to minimize the maximum incurred delay, and the second one targeted for minimizing the average delay. For the first variation, we present hardness results, a best possible approximation algorithm, and an optimal algorithm for a special case of linear placement of clients and servers. For the second one, we show the problem is NP‐hard in general, and present a 2‐approximation for concave delay functions and an exact algorithm, if the delay function is convex. We also consider the game theoretic version of the second problem and show the price of stability of the game is at most 2 and at least 4/3. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
QCM sensing of a chemical nerve agent analog via electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polythiophene films
Authors: Vergara Aileen V. , Pernites Roderick B. , Pascua Shemaiah , Binag Christina A. , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: November 2011

The highly selective and sensitive detection of a chemical nerve agent analog pinacolyl methylphosphonate (PMP) was demonstrated using an electrochemically molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) polythiophene film onto a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) transducer surface. The fabrication and optimization of the sensor film was monitored by in situ electrochemistry‐QCM (EC‐QCM) measurements, which determined the change in mass and simultaneous change in redox properties of the polymer film. The film deposition, template loading, and template removal were evidenced by a combination of surface characterization techniques such as the attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The fabricated MIP film demonstrated a limit of detection and a limit of quantification of ∼60 and ∼197 μM, respectively. The linear sensing range is between 125 and 250 μM concentration of PMP. Finally, theoretical modeling (AM1 semiempirical quantum calculations) studies revealed that a stable prepolymerization complex is formed in solution with the existence of H‐bonding interactions using the 2:1 monomer‐to‐template ratio. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of fac‐Ir(ppy)3 end‐functionalized poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene): single monomer addition of fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) for well‐controlled polymer synthesis
Authors: Natori Itaru , Natori Shizue
Published: November 2011

Synthesis of the polymer whose end is functionalized by fac‐Ir(ppy)3 (ppy = 2‐phenylpyridyl) was achieved by using (living) anionic polymerization of 1,3‐cyclohexadiene: the reaction of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi) with fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) [vppy = 2‐(4‐vinylphenyl)pyridyl] resulted in nucleophilic attack of the carbanion in PCHDLi on the vinyl group of fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) selectively. Complexation of the pyridyl ring protected the α‐carbons of fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) from the reaction of the anionic polymer. The homopolymerization of fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) did not occur, and only one molecule of fac‐Ir(ppy)2(vppy) reacted with the carbanion of PCHDLi and was selectively incorporated into an end of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD). Thus, the PCHD with fac‐Ir(ppy)3 end‐group was obtained with a well‐controlled and defined polymer structure and molecular weight. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Preparation of siloxane‐based urethane dimethacrylates carrying carboxylic groups and the effect of silver nanoparticles on the properties of composite polymer films
Authors: Buruiana Tinca , Melinte Violeta , Jitaru Florentina , Buruiana Emil C. , Balan Lavinia
Published: November 2011

This work reports on the synthesis of three acid oligosiloxane‐urethane dimethacrylates and their use to obtain hybrid nanocomposite films, in which the presynthesized silver nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated before photopolymerization, or produced via in situ photoreduction of the silver nitrate (AgNO3) precursor into the formulation, without any conventional reducing agent. All samples were characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐infrared and UV spectroscopies, photodifferential scanning calorimetry (photo‐DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and photo‐DSC results showed that dimethacrylates having hydrophilic segment of poly(ethylene oxide) type in structure are more reactive than the acid oligosiloxane dimethacrylate. When another urethane dimethacrylate is taken as a comonomer, the photopolymerization rate (0.112–0.132 s−1) and the degree of conversion (82–93%) significantly increased. Experimental evidence of the existence of nanosilver into the polymer matrix generated upon UV irradiation has been supported by UV spectroscopy, EDX and TEM analysis, the last allowing a visualization of the formation of silver NPs with size between 2 and 15 nm. Mechanical parameters and wettability of the photocrosslinked films are also discussed in the prospect of further potential applications in the biomedical field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Molecular layer‐by‐layer deposition of highly crosslinked polyamide films
Authors: Johnson Peter M. , Yoon Joonsung , Kelly Jennifer Y. , Howarter John A. , Stafford Christopher M.
Published: November 2011

A molecular layer‐by‐layer (mLbL) deposition process is demonstrated to synthesize conformal coatings of crosslinked polyamide. This process controls the rapid reaction of trimesoyl chloride and m‐phenylene diamine, unlike interfacial polymerization techniques which produce rough films and poorly defined network structure. Layer‐by‐layer polyamide films appear structurally similar to interfacially polymerized films with a linear film growth rate of ≈0.9 nm per cycle. Films made by mLbL deposition show a 70‐fold decrease in surface roughness as compared to a commercial, interfacially polymerized polyamide. Surface chemistry could be controlled based on which reaction step was performed last, leading to amine or carboxylic acid rich surfaces. With the ability to control chemical structure throughout the crosslinked network, this technique provides new routes to build polyamide films and improve analysis techniques for commercial applications such as reverse osmosis membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Models of Clergy Spouse Involvement in Protestant Christian Congregations
Authors: Knight Johnson Lenore M.
Published: November 2011

While all adults in the paid labor force face the difficult task of managing the competing pressures of work and family life, clergy families encounter an added dynamic in the way spouses are integrated into the church. Yet spouses approach involvement in unique and varied ways, making intentional choices over how much or little to participate in the congregations their husbands and wives pastor. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 46 pastors and clergy spouses in five Protestant Christian denominations, this study describes three models of clergy spouse participation showing the diverse ways women and men interpret and enact their role through the ongoing management of boundaries. I consider several social factors informing the model a clergy spouse embraces—pressure from congregants or one's own ideas, congregational precedent, gender and stage in the life cycle—shedding light on the interaction between individual preferences and contextual factors. In doing so, I argue that although the women and men in this study are continually recreating what it means to be a clergy spouse, they remain heavily rooted in a traditional expectation that pastors’ wives and husbands provide support to their spouse's church and calling to pastoral ministry.
Signal peptide of FadA adhesin from Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a novel structural role by modulating the filament's length and width
Authors: Témoin Stéphanie , Wu Karen L. , Wu Vivian , Shoham Menachem , Han Yiping W.
Published: November 2011

mFadA
and
pre‐FadA
interaction by transmission electron microscopy (View interaction)
Down‐regulation of tumor suppressor MTUS1/ATIP is associated with enhanced proliferation, poor differentiation and poor prognosis in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Xueqiang , Zhang Ningning , Cai Yushen , Li Su , Zheng Chaoxu , Jin Yi , Yu Tianwei , Wang Anxun , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: November 2011

Microtubule‐associated tumor suppressor gene (MTUS1, also known as mitochondrial tumor suppressor) is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene that has been implicated in several cancer types. The expression of MTUS1 gene leads to 5 known transcript variants and codes for 5 isoforms of Angiotensin II AT2 receptor interacting protein (ATIP). In this study, we first confirmed that the down‐regulation of MTUS1/ATIP was a frequent event in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) and the premalignant lesion (leukoplakia). We further demonstrated that the down‐regulation of MTUS1/ATIP was correlated with poor differentiation and enhanced proliferation (Ki67 proliferation index). Statistical analysis suggests that the down‐regulation of MTUS1/ATIP was associated with reduced overall survival. Isoform specific quantitative RT‐PCR assays revealed that ATIP1, ATIP3a and ATIP3b were the major isoforms of the MTUS1 gene products in oral tongue epithelial cells. Significant down‐regulations were observed for all 3 ATIP isoforms in OTSCC as compared to matching normal tissues. In vitro functional study showed that the restoration of ATIP1 expression led to G1 arrest, apoptosis and reduction of cell proliferation in OTSCC cell lines. These ATIP1‐induced cellular changes were accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and up‐regulation of p53. Taken together, these data suggest that MTUS1 plays major roles in the progression of OTSCC, and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target for patients with OTSCC.
Use of consensus methods to select clinical indicators to assess activities to minimise functional decline among older hospitalised patients
Authors: Tropea Joanne , Amatya Bhasker , Brand Caroline A. , Expert Advisory Group The
Published: November 2011

Objectives.
The study aimed to develop a set of clinical indicators to minimise the risk and adverse outcomes of functional decline in older hospitalised people.

Methods.
Existing Australian and international clinical indicators relevant to cognition and emotional health, mobility, vigour and self care, continence, nutrition, skin integrity, person-centred care, assessment and medication management were identified by literature and electronic website review. A multidisciplinary expert advisory group used modified Delphi methods, including two anonymous voting rounds and a group discussion, to gain consensus for a prioritised set of clinical indicators. For each indicator, experts voted on a scale of 1 (low level of prioritisation) to 9 (high level of prioritisation) based on measurement attributes and utility for use at the level of clinical teams, hospital managers and jurisdictional policy makers.

Results.
There were 55 existing clinical indicator sets identified, from which 63 relevant indicators were extracted. The final prioritised set covered all domains and included 19 indicators of which 17 were process indicators and 2 were outcome indicators. Scores for scientific measurement attributes and practicality for implementation were only moderate.

Conclusion.
These clinical indicators offer a consistent basis for monitoring hospital performance and improving care of older people in Victoria and other jurisdictions.

What is known about the topic?
Older hospitalised patients are at risk of functional decline and associated adverse outcomes such as falls and pressure ulcers. Clinical indicators to measure healthcare structures, processes and outcomes can be used to monitor quality of care among this vulnerable patient group.

What does this paper add?
This paper describes the process used to identify and select indicators for the Victorian government’s Council of Australian Governments Long Stay Older Persons initiative. It presents the use of a modified Delphi technique to gain group consensus for the indicator selection process; a technique being increasingly used in healthcare.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The indicators provide a set of measures that can be used by organisations, clinical teams and government level to assess the effect of quality improvement activities and initiatives aimed at minimising functional decline.
Early impacts of harvesting and burning disturbances on vegetation communities in the Warra silvicultural systems trial, Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Neyland Mark G. , Jarman S. Jean
Published: November 2011

Impacts on the understorey vegetation of a range of silvicultural alternatives to clearfelling in lowland Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest were studied over a decade in the Warra silvicultural systems trial in southern Tasmania. The treatments were clearfell with understorey islands, patchfell, stripfell, dispersed retention, aggregated retention, and single-tree/small-group selection. High intensity burning, low intensity burning and no burning were variously applied as part of these treatments. Three understorey types were studied, including one wet sclerophyll community and two rainforest communities. Wherever burning occurred across the research trial, the regenerating vegetation was floristically wet sclerophyll with an incipient composition consistent with that of the pre-harvest wet sclerophyll community. Sites previously occupied by rainforest understoreys retained occasional rainforest elements, but the regeneration was overwhelmingly sclerophyll in nature. There were no consistent differences in the floristic composition of the regenerating vegetation, after burning or harvesting disturbance, that could be attributed to the silvicultural system. However, field observations and the results of a related, subsequent study suggest that, in designing silvicultural trials similar to the present one, close attention should be paid to the size of quadrats in relation to the level at which disturbance impacts are operating. The response of the vegetation at edges created by the treatments, and in the undisturbed forest beyond, supports the finding that edge effects on the vascular flora extend for less than 10 m into the undisturbed forest.
Development of an assay to evaluate differences in germination rate among chickpea genotypes under limited water content
Authors: Vessal Saeedreza , Palta Jairo A. , Atkins Craig A. , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: November 2011

An assay system that provides rapid and reproducible germination under low soil water content (<10% water holding capacity (WHC)) was developed and used to compare how chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes complete germination, without the technical difficulties of accurately controlling water levels. The system consisted of small plastic containers (50 mm × 50 mm × 60 mm) filled with river sand and tightly closed (but not sealed) to minimise water loss and maintain constant soil water content during germination. Seed size influenced germination performance at low WHC. Small seeds within a single genotype germinated successfully and entered into the early stages of seedling growth, but germination of large seeds was inhibited, failing to germinate at 5% WHC. Small seeds were more efficient in remobilising seed reserves to seedling tissues than larger seeds. Under optimal WHC, the germination rate and subsequent radicle growth was similar among genotypes but at low WHC, there was variation despite seeds being of comparable size and imbibing equally. This suggests that the physiological threshold of threshold water potential for initiation of germination reflects genotypic differences. The assay system provides a suitable experimental tool to examine gene expression in contrasting genotypes during germination and early stages of seedling growth with a view to identifying the genes involved in superior performance under water limited field conditions.
Endogenous Hormones, Muscle Strength, and Risk of Fall-Related Fractures in Older Women
Authors: Sipilä Sarianna , Heikkinen Eino , Cheng Sulin , Suominen Harri , Saari Päivi , Kovanen Vuokko , Alén Markku , Rantanen Taina
Published: November 2011

Background. Among older people, fracture-causing fall often leads to health deterioration. The role of endogenous hormone status and muscle strength on fall-related fracture risk is unclear. This study investigates if, after adjustment for bone density, endogenous hormones and muscle strength would predict fall-related limb fracture incidence in older community-dwelling women followed-up over 10 years.

Methods. As a part of a prospective population-based study, 187 75-year-old women were investigated. Serum estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were analyzed, and isometric muscle strength and bone mineral density were assessed. Fall-related limb fractures were gathered from patient records.

Results. Serum estradiol concentration was a significant predictor of fall-related limb fractures. Women with serum estradiol concentrations less than 0.022 nmol/L had a 3-fold risk (relative risk 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–7.36), and women with estradiol concentrations between 0.022 and 0.066 nmol/L doubled the risk (relative risk 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–5.19) of fall-related limb fracture compared to the women with estradiol concentrations above 0.066 nmol/L. Adjustment for muscle strength and bone mineral density did not materially change the risk estimates. High muscle strength was associated with a low incidence of fall-related limb fractures.

Conclusions. This study showed that in 75-year-old women higher serum estradiol concentration and greater muscle strength were independently associated with a low incidence of fall-related limb fractures even after adjustment for bone density. Our results suggest that hormonal status and muscle strength have their own separate mechanisms protecting from fall-related fractures. This finding is of importance in developing preventive strategies, but calls for further study.
Should One Use Medications in Combination With Cognitive Training? If So, Which Ones?
Authors: Yesavage Jerome , Hoblyn Jennifer , Friedman Leah , Mumenthaler Martin , Schneider Bret , O'Hara Ruth
Published: November 2011

In this article, we review current research regarding diagnosis of cognitive impairment in nondemented adults and discuss why medications and cognitive training together may be more beneficial than either alone. We also review potential cognitive enhancers and future research challenges. There are major reasons for such research: (a) Large numbers of older adults without dementia but with cognitive problems are not treatable with current cognitive training techniques; (b) some medications offer a rationale (i.e., cognitive enhancement) and some evidence that they might be a useful adjunct; and (c) there are unanswered questions about which population to target, which medications to use, how to administer them, and issues regarding tolerance and use of appropriate (active) placebo controls. As the number of cognitively impaired older adults grows, it is likely that there will be pressure to treat more broadly with both medications and cognitive training.
The Impact of Speed of Processing Training on Cognitive and Everyday Functions
Authors: Ball Karlene , Edwards Jerri D. , Ross Lesley A.
Published: November 2011

We combined data from six studies, all using the same speed of processing training program, to examine the mechanisms of training gain and the impact of training on cognitive and everyday abilities of older adults. Results indicated that training produces immediate improvements across all subtests of the Useful Field of View test, particularly for older adults with initial speed of processing deficits. Age and education had little to no impact on training gain. Participants maintained benefits of training for at least 2 years, which translated to improvements in everyday abilities, including efficient performance of instrumental activities of daily living and safer driving performance.
The Neural Correlates of an Expanded Functional Field of View
Authors: Scalf Paige E. , Colcombe Stanley J. , McCarley Jason S. , Erickson Kirk I. , Alvarado Maritza , Kim Jenny S. , Wadhwa Ruchika P. , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: November 2011

The size of the functional field of view (FFOV) predicts driving safety in older adults ( Owsley et al., 1998), and practice-related changes in the FFOV may transfer to driving safety ( Roenker, Cissell, Ball, Wadley, & Edwards, 2003). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral measures to examine how practice with the FFOV task changes older adults' attentional function. Behavioral data collected outside of the MRI revealed that participants in the training group showed larger improvements across conditions than did those in the control group. fMRI data revealed training-related changes in activation in a number of brain regions. In the right precentral gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus, increases in activation between fMRI sessions correlated positively with increases in accuracy between behavioral sessions. Practice with the FFOV task improves older adults' attentional function by increasing their recruitment of regions traditionally associated with orienting visual attention.
Training and Maintaining Memory Abilities in Healthy Older Adults: Traditional and Novel Approaches
Authors: Rebok George W. , Carlson Michelle C. , Langbaum Jessica B. S.
Published: November 2011

This article reviews both traditional and novel approaches for training and maintaining memory abilities in older adults. Despite variations in training methods and participant samples, growing evidence suggests that healthy, nondemented elders can improve and maintain their memory skills. However, traditional approaches have not been as successful in demonstrating transfer of training, and there are constraints on widescale dissemination of trainer-led, group-based formats. We discuss novel platforms, including collaborative training, videotapes and audiotapes, and online and CD-ROM-based training. We also consider approaches that combine multiple training modalities and that embed memory enhancement within cognitively stimulating activities of everyday life, such as Experience Corps®. These newer approaches may enhance the accessibility, affordability, and applicability of memory training and cognitive stimulation programs.
An Engagement Model of Cognitive Optimization Through Adulthood
Authors: Stine-Morrow Elizabeth A. L. , Parisi Jeanine M. , Morrow Daniel G. , Greene Jennifer , Park Denise C.
Published: November 2011

The engagement hypothesis suggests that social and intellectual engagement may buffer age-related declines in intellectual functioning. At the same time, some have argued that social structures that afford opportunities for intellectual engagement throughout the life span have lagged behind the demographic shift toward an expanding older population. Against this backdrop, we developed the Senior Odyssey, an existing team-based program of creative problem solving. We tested the engagement hypothesis in a field experiment. Relative to controls, Senior Odyssey participants showed improved speed of processing, marginally improved divergent thinking, and higher levels of mindfulness and need for cognition after the program. This pilot translational project suggests that the Senior Odyssey program may serve as one effective model of engagement with good scaling-up potential.
Do Self-Monitoring Interventions Improve Older Adult Learning?
Authors: Dunlosky John , Cavallini Elena , Roth Heather , McGuire Christy L. , Vecchi Tomaso , Hertzog Christopher
Published: November 2011

We describe a self-monitoring approach for improving older adult learning that older adults can use in conjunction with more traditional mnemonic-based interventions. According to the self-monitoring approach, older adults can improve the effectiveness of learning by accurately monitoring their progress toward a learning goal and by using the output from such monitoring to allocate study time and to inform strategy selection. We review current evidence, which includes outcomes from two previously unpublished interventions, relevant to the efficacy of this approach. Both interventions demonstrated performance gains in memory performance after self-monitoring training, although these training gains did not exceed gains obtained through standard mnemonic training. Our discussion highlights both successes and failures of self-monitoring to enhance learning as well as challenges for future research.
Training Older Adults To Use New Technology
Authors: Hickman Jamye M. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: November 2011

Enabling older adults to interact with new technologies is an important immediate and long-term goal for training research. The literature provides general guidance for developing training programs; however, it is important to determine the type of training that works best for younger and older adults, for immediate performance, and for learning. In the present study we assessed the relative benefits of guided action training and guided attention training for younger and older adults learning to use a novel technology system. Guided action training yielded better performance during training for both age groups. However, assessments of learning revealed a clear benefit of guided attention training for both age groups. These data suggest differences in training benefits for immediate performance versus more general learning.
A Multilevel Modeling Approach to Examining Individual Differences in Skill Acquisition for a Computer-Based Task
Authors: Nair Sankaran N. , Czaja Sara J. , Sharit Joseph
Published: November 2011

This article explores the role of age, cognitive abilities, prior experience, and knowledge in skill acquisition for a computer-based simulated customer service task. Fifty-two participants aged 50–80 performed the task over 4 consecutive days following training. They also completed a battery that assessed prior computer experience and cognitive abilities. The data indicated that overall quality and efficiency of performance improved with practice. The predictors of initial level of performance and rate of change in performance varied according to the performance parameter assessed. Age and fluid intelligence predicted initial level and rate of improvement in overall quality, whereas crystallized intelligence and age predicted initial e-mail processing time, and crystallized intelligence predicted rate of change in e-mail processing time over days. We discuss the implications of these findings for the design of intervention strategies.
Which Elections Can Be Lost?
Authors: Hyde Susan D. , Marinov Nikolay
Published: November 2011

The concept of electoral competition is relevant to a variety of research agendas in political science, yet the question of how to measure electoral competition has received little direct attention. We revisit the distinction proposed by Giovanni Sartori between competition as a structure or rule of the game and competitiveness as an outcome of that game and argue that to understand which elections can be lost (and therefore when parties and leaders are potentially threatened by electoral accountability), scholars may be better off considering the full range of elections where competition is allowed. We provide a data set of all national elections between 1945 and 2006 and a measure of whether each election event is structured such that the competition is possible. We outline the pitfalls of other measures used by scholars to define the potential for electoral competition and show that such methods can lead to biased or incomplete findings. The new global data on elections and the minimal conditions necessary for electoral competition are introduced, followed by an empirical illustration of the differences between the proposed measure of competition and existing methods used to infer the existence of competition.
Plasma Exchange versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Myasthenia Gravis Crisis: An Acute Hospital Cost Comparison Study
Authors: Heatwole Chad , Johnson Nicholas , Holloway Robert , Noyes Katia
Published: November 2011

Objective:

To compare the short-term financial costs of treating a patient in myasthenia gravis crisis with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) versus plasma exchange.

Methods:

An itemized comparative cost-minimization analysis of IVIG versus plasma exchange for myasthenia gravis crisis was performed. Calculations were based on each therapy's implementation cost, associated hospitalization times, and predicted cost to treat known complications. A cost superiority determination was proposed based on the total cost profile of each therapy.

Results:

The difference in total cost favored IVIG over plasma exchange with an average savings of $22,326 per patient. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that overall costs are highly dependent on IVIG dosing, hospital lengths of stay, and the number of plasma exchange days required.

Conclusions:

The use of IVIG for myasthenia gravis crisis may be a short-term cost minimizing therapy compared with plasma exchange. Additional prospective studies are required to evaluate the extended cost profile and efficacy of these therapies.
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Simmons Zachary
Published: November 2011

Genetics continue to dominate the neuromuscular literature. The past 3 months have seen major breakthroughs in the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, perhaps paving the way for better treatments in the near future. On a hopeful note, there are several articles on treatments that may prove to be beneficial, covering such diverse disorders as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, and myasthenia gravis. Useful descriptive articles appear on myofibrillar myopathies, hyperCKemia, and on myasthenia gravis associated with anti–muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, all of which provide helpful guidelines for clinicians. Finally, for those involved in electromyography, an article and an editorial address the recurring question of the risk of performing a needle examination of muscles (particularly paraspinal muscles) of patients who are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents.
Cellulosibacter alkalithermophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic alkalithermophilic, cellulolytic-xylanolytic bacterium isolated from soil of a coconut garden
Authors: Watthanalamloet Amornrat , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Lee Yun Sik , Kosugi Akihiko , Mori Yutaka , Tanasupawat Somboon , Kyu Khin Lay , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok
Published: November 2011

An obligately anaerobic, cellulolytic-xylanolytic bacterium, designated strain A6T, was isolated from soil of a coconut garden in the Bangkuntien district of Bangkok, Thailand. The strain was Gram-stain positive, catalase-negative, endospore-forming, motile and rod-shaped with a cell size of 0.2–0.3×2.0–3.0 µm. Optimal growth of strain A6T occurred at pH55 °C 9.5, 55 °C. Strain A6T fermented various carbohydrates, and the end products from the fermentation of cellobiose were acetate, ethanol, propionate and a small amount of butyrate. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C14 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. No respiratory quinones were detected. The DNA G+C content was 30.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain represented a new phyletic sublineage within the family

Clostridiaceae

, with <93.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to recognized species of this family. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and physiological evidence, strain A6T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Cellulosibacter alkalithermophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is A6T ( = TISTR 1915T = KCTC 5874T).
Peptoniphilus duerdenii sp. nov. and Peptoniphilus koenoeneniae sp. nov., isolated from human clinical specimens
Authors: Ulger-Toprak Nurver , Lawson Paul A. , Summanen Paula , O’Neal Lindsey , Finegold Sydney M.
Published: November 2011

Two previously uncharacterized strains of Gram-reaction-positive, anaerobic, coccus-shaped bacteria, designated strains WAL 18896T and WAL 18898T, were recovered from human wound specimens and characterized using phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and chemotaxonomic and biochemical characteristics demonstrated that these organisms are genotypically and phenotypically distinct and represent previously unidentified sublines within the order Clostridiales in the phylum Firmicutes. Pairwise sequence analysis demonstrated that the novel organisms had 91.9 % sequence similarity to each other and were most closely related to members of the genus Peptoniphilus. The major long-chain fatty acids of both strains were C16 : 0, C18 : 0, C18 : 1ω9c and C18 : 2ω6,9c. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic findings, strains WAL 18896T ( = CCUG 56065T  = ATCC BAA-1640T) and WAL 18898T ( = CCUG 56067T  = ATCC BAA-1638T  = DSM 22616T) represent two novel species, for which the names Peptoniphilus duerdenii sp. nov. and Peptoniphilus koenoeneniae sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.