bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable isotope analyses on archived fish scales reveal the long‐term effect of nitrogen loads on carbon cycling in rivers
Authors: Roussel Jean‐Marc , Perrier Charles , Erkinaro Jaakko , Niemelä Eero , Cunjak Richard A. , Huteau Dominique , Riera Pascal
Published: June 2013

Stable isotope analysis of organic matter in sediment records has long been used to track historical changes in productivity and carbon cycling in marine and lacustrine ecosystems. While flow dynamics preclude stratigraphic measurements of riverine sediments, such retrospective analysis is important for understanding biogeochemical cycling in running waters. Unique collections of riverine fish scales were used to analyse δ15N and δ13C variations in the food web of two European rivers that experience different degrees of anthropogenic pressure. Over the past four decades, dissolved inorganic N loading remained low and constant in the Teno River (70°N, Finland); in contrast, N loading increased fourfold in the Scorff River (47°N, France) over the same period. Archived scales of Atlantic salmon parr, a riverine life‐stage that feeds on aquatic invertebrates, revealed high δ15N values in the Scorff River reflecting anthropogenic N inputs to that riverine environment. A strong correlation between dissolved inorganic N loads and δ13C values in fish scales was observed in the Scorff River, whereas no trend was found in the Teno River. This result suggests that anthropogenic N‐nutrients enhanced atmospheric C uptake by primary producers and its transfer to fish. Our results illustrate for the first time that, as for lakes and marine ecosystems, historical changes in anthropogenic N loading can affect C cycling in riverine food webs, and confirm the long‐term interactions between N and C biogeochemical cycles in running waters.
Use of a biophysical simulation model (DairyMod) to represent tall fescue pasture growth in Argentina
Authors: Berger H. , Machado C. F. , Agnusdei M. , Cullen B. R.
Published: June 2013

Tall fescue pastures have an increasing potential to be used worldwide. The purpose of this study was to test the ability and flexibility of the model DairyMod to represent herbage mass accumulation (HMA) of tall fescue pastures from Argentina under several environmental conditions, including different seasons, fertilizer nitrogen levels and irrigation. Species‐specific responses were obtained by customizing particular parameters (i.e. number of living leaves per tiller, leaf appearance interval, optimum plant N concentration and the response of leaf gross photosynthesis to temperature). Additionally, a simulation experiment to compare the model assumption that optimum N concentration stays constant through HMA with the application of a reference critical N dilution curve verified for temperate forage grasses (N% = 4·8 HMA−0·32) was conducted. Application of DairyMod simulated with reasonable accuracy the HMA of tall fescue pastures under a wide range of climatic and management conditions; however, the model tended to underestimate HMA where pastures grew under high N availability. The use of a reference critical N curve substantially improved this bias, indicating that a further analysis on the N issue of the model is necessary. Results from this study provide support for further evaluations of the model under other scenarios and conditions. An upgrade of the model to improve simulation of N nutrition is suggested to enhance its performance to predict growth dynamics at high N availabilities as well as its value to address the effectiveness of N‐management practices.
Activation of Wnt5a‐Ror2 signaling associated with epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells during renal fibrosis
Authors: Li Xin , Yamagata Kaoru , Nishita Michiru , Endo Mitsuharu , Arfian Nur , Rikitake Yoshiyuki , Emoto Noriaki , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Minami Yasuhiro
Published: June 2013

Activation of Wnt5a‐Ror2 signaling has been shown to be associated with epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epidermoid carcinoma cells via induction of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2). Because EMT has also been implicated in the progression of tissue fibrosis, we examined the possible association of Wnt5a‐Ror2 signaling with renal fibrosis. Here, we show that expression of Wnt5a and Ror2 is induced in a damaged mouse kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) treatment. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that Ror2 expression is clearly induced in tubular epithelial cells during renal fibrosis, and these Ror2‐expressing cells also express Snail and vimentin, markers of mesenchymal cells, suggesting that Ror2 might be induced in epithelial cells undergoing EMT. We also found that MMP‐2 expression is induced at Ror2‐positive epithelium adjacent to significantly disrupted tubular basement membrane (TBM). Interestingly, reduced expression of MMP‐2 is detected at epithelium in damaged kidneys from Ror2+/− mice compared with those from wild‐type Ror2+/+ mice. Importantly, extents of TBM disruption are apparently reduced in damaged kidneys from Ror2+/− mice compared with those from wild‐type mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that activation of Wnt5a‐Ror2 signaling in epithelial cells undergoing EMT may play an important role in disrupting TBM via MMP‐2 induction during renal fibrosis.
History of Education in Modern and Contemporary Europe: New Sources and Lines of Research
Authors: Sani Roberto
Published: June 2013

James Albisetti is certainly right when stressing that “attempting to establish an agenda for one's own research is often challenging; trying to do so for a broad swath of one's field is even more so.” One might add that discussing the research agenda of other historians is equally difficult in light of the peculiarities of the lines of investigations which reflect specific research interests, sometimes consolidated over years or even decades. Specialization legitimates a historian's competence and guarantees the completeness or relevance of the sources used, the methodological rigor, the reliability and consistency of the reconstruction carried out, and, finally, the effectiveness of critical evaluations and judgments formulated.
Physical and nutritional properties of extruded products based on whole grain with the addition of wild legumes (Vicia lutea subsp. lutea var. hirta and Vicia sativa subsp. sativa)
Authors: Pastor‐Cavada Elena , Drago Silvina R. , González Rolando J. , Juan Rocío , Pastor Julio E. , Alaiz Manuel , Vioque Javier
Published: June 2013

Flour blends based on whole corn and rice with two added wild legumes at 15% level of cereal replacement were extruded to produce whole grain snacks. Extrusion temperature was 175 °C, and the moisture content was adjusted to 14%. The extruded products were evaluated for their physical, chemical and nutritional properties. Results showed that the addition of legumes produces a decrease in expansion in rice‐containing samples and an increase in solubility in corn‐containing samples. With only 15% of legume added to cereal, a significant increase in protein content and quality was obtained. An increase in fibre, polyphenol, iron and zinc content was also obtained. Protein digestibility was in the range of 81.8–85.3%. Mineral availability ranged from 6.4 to 16.3% for iron and 10–16.3% for zinc. The performance of each mixture during extrusion and the physical properties of the extruded products were considered to be similar to those expected for snack‐type products and described in the literature.
TLR9 gene polymorphism (rs187084, rs352140): association with acute rejection and estimated glomerular filtration rate in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Kim T. H. , Jeong K.‐H. , Kim S. K. , Lee S. H. , Ihm C. G. , Lee T. W. , Moon J. Y. , Yoon Y. C. , Chung J.‐H. , Park S. J. , Kang S. W. , Kim Y. H.
Published: June 2013

The Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are related to innate immunity. TLR9, a member of TLRs, is expressed in immune cell–rich tissues and mediates cellular response. We investigated the association between TLR9 polymorphisms and kidney allograft outcomes. To investigate whether TLR9 polymorphisms are associated with acute rejection after renal transplantation, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR9 gene (rs187084 ‐1486; rs352140, G2848A) were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing in 342 renal transplant recipients. SNPStats, SNPAnalyzer, Helixtree and Haploview version 4.2 were used to analyse genetic data. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, recessive and log‐additive) were used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P values. Both SNPs, TLR9 rs187084 ‐1486 and rs352140 G2848A, of recipients were associated with the risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation. C allele of rs187084 ‐1486 and A allele of rs352140 G2848A were protective genotype for acute rejection (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.40–0.92; P = 0.018, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.98; P = 0.04, respectively). rs187084 ‐1486 CT and rs352140 G2848A GA genotype were associated with a lower eGFR after a year of renal transplantation. TLR9 polymorphisms, rs187084 and rs352140, of recipients were associated with the risk of acute rejection in renal transplantation. The patients with rs187084 ‐1486 CT and rs352140 G2848A GA genotype showed a lower eGFR after a year of renal transplantation.
Financial Crisis Wealth Losses and Responses among Older Households in England*
Authors: Banks James , Crawford Rowena , Crossley Thomas F. , Emmerson Carl
Published: June 2013

Prices of real and financial assets fell substantially in the UK during 2008–09. The fourth wave of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) was in the field throughout this ‘financial crisis’. We use these data, and earlier ELSA waves, to document the effect of the crisis on those aged 50 and over in England, importantly taking into account that a significant proportion of the wealth of these households is held in forms such as state pensions that will not be directly affected by movements in asset prices. We find that the median fall in wealth among individuals was 8 per cent of total household gross wealth with, on average, richer individuals having experienced a larger decline. We find some evidence that those who experienced greater wealth shocks were more likely to reduce their expected chance of leaving a large bequest and to reduce their spending on certain ‘semi‐luxury’ items such as clothing and food consumed out of the home.
Returning to Growth: Policy Lessons from History*
Authors: Crafts Nicholas
Published: June 2013

This paper considers ‘unconventional’ monetary stimulus and supply‐side reform as ways to speed up UK recovery in the context of fiscal consolidation, drawing on the experience of the 1930s and 1980s. To imitate the 1930s, the inflation‐targeting regime may need to be reformed to cut real interest rates, with land‐use planning liberalised to ‘crowd in’ residential investment. To emulate the 1980s, supply‐side reforms to improve productivity and to raise permanent income are required and possibilities in the areas of infrastructure, education and taxation are outlined. A problem common to all these options is that they are ‘politically challenging’.
Does the universality of the species–area relationship apply to smaller scales and across taxonomic groups?
Authors: Lazarina Maria , Kallimanis Athanasios S. , Sgardelis Stefanos P.
Published: June 2013

The universality of the shape of the species–area relationship (SAR) is subject to regular debate. Recently, Storch et al. (2012) argued that species–area relationships collapse into a single curve at continental scales after the axes are rescaled adjusting the area‐axis being to the mean range size of species and the species‐axis to the species richness of an area equal to mean range size. It has been claimed that this rescaling generates a universal model, invariant of taxon and continent, and that it is driven by differences in range sizes. Here, we test the universality of the rescaled SAR across scales smaller than the continental level, using presence data for plants, birds and butterflies. We also test an alternative rescaling approach, by using the total extent of the study area and total species richness. At the scales analysed here, we found that the proposed rescaling by Storch et al. adjusts for differences in the extent of the study area and for variation in gamma diversity. Consequently, while the rescaled curves were closely aligned, they did not converge into a single curve. The observed remaining variation is independent of scale and biogeographical region, and is correlated with beta diversity; thus, it reflects the differentiation of species composition in space.
A Concept Analysis of Nursing Based on Islamic Sources: Seeking Remedy
Authors: Sadat Hoseini Akram Sadat , Alhani Fatemah , Khosro‐panah Abdul‐hosein , Behjatpour Abdul‐karim
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study describes the concept of nursing through an analysis of Islamic sources.

Method

The concept analysis method of Walker and Avant was used.

Findings

Nursing is a process of seeking remedy. Nursing includes a strong educative component to help the human to fulfill his/her human capacities.

Conclusion

The human is viewed as having individual responsibility for self‐care and development of human capacities in accord with human nature. When problems and barriers arise, the role of the nurse is to seek remedy.

Implication for Nursing Practice

The role of the nurse is to assist the human to fulfill his/her human potential. The person is viewed from a holistic lens and spiritual development is more important than physical care.
Determining Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) Stability in Molten Oxy‐Fluoride Flux for the Production of Magnesium with the SOM Process
Authors: Gratz Eric S. , Milshtein Jarrod D. , Pal Uday B.
Published: June 2013

The solid oxide membrane (SOM) process has been used to produce magnesium by direct electrolysis of its oxide. In this process, MgO is dissolved in a molten CaF2–MgF2 flux and an yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) SOM membrane separates the cathode and the flux from the anode. YSZ membrane stability limits the operating life of the SOM process. This study investigates the interactions between YSZ and the molten CaF2–MgF2 salt. The YSZ membrane is known to degrade due to diffusion of yttria into the flux. Yttria diffusion can, however, be decreased or prevented by adding YF3 to the flux. When the activity of yttria in the flux is greater than that of yttria in the membrane, yttria is observed to diffuse from the flux into the YSZ. Yttrium concentration profiles in the YSZ membrane as a function of time and YF3 content in the flux were determined using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). An analytic solution to the diffusion equation was used to model the diffusion process. This study helps to determine the optimum YF3 content needed in the flux to minimize yttria diffusion and increase membrane stability.
Honor Scale: evidence on construct validity
Authors: Guerra Valeschka M. , Gouveia Valdiney V. , de C. R. Araújo Rafaella , de Andrade Josemberg M. , Gaudêncio Carmen A.
Published: June 2013

Honor is an important construct, mainly emphasized in collectivist cultures, such as Brazil. However, there is a lack of studies regarding honor in this cultural context. Therefore, the current research aims at proposing a short version of the Honor Scale (HS‐16) to the Brazilian context. Construct validity (i.e., factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity, as well as internal consistency and composite reliability) is reported in Studies 1 (n = 220) and 2 (n = 222), with participants from general population. In both studies, participants answered the Honor Scale and demographic questions. The authors find the HS‐16 to be a reliable and valid scale, thereby enabling its use in quantitative studies regarding the correlates of honor concerns.
Consistent patterns of elevational change in tree taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity across Malesian mountain forests
Authors: Culmsee Heike , Leuschner Christoph
Published: June 2013

Aim

In order to investigate the relative importance of ecological (habitat specialization) and biogeographical (speciation, geographical dispersal limitation) processes as causes of non‐random spatial distribution of tree species in the mountain forests of Malesia, we analysed the elevational change in the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of tree assemblages in different biogeographical subregions.

Location

Malesia (Borneo, Java, Sulawesi and the Philippines).

Methods

Tree inventory data of 12 old‐growth forests from a wide elevational range (650–3080 m a.s.l.) were taxonomically harmonized and standardized (50 random draws of 245 individuals each per plot), and the phylogeny of 204 genera was resolved and scaled to its evolutionary origin. The taxonomic and phylogenetic diversities were calculated using effective generic measures, and the diversity patterns analysed by regression, ordination and classification.

Results

The primary factor determining the diversity patterns of the tree assemblages was elevation, whereas the influence of region was surprisingly low. This results in common elevational patterns in taxonomic and phylogenetic community structure across western and central Malesia. The major clades of the contemporary mountain forest trees must therefore have evolved before the formation of the Malay Archipelago in its present form (sympatric speciation). Taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity exhibited opposite trends with elevation. Generic richness decreased linearly with elevation; the phylogenetic structure of high‐elevation forests revealed overdispersion, indicating convergent trait evolution towards higher elevations, whereas the submontane and colline assemblages showed clustering with a considerable number of confamilials. The upper montane forests of Borneo and Sulawesi were characterized by the dominance of Southern Hemisphere conifers, which differentiated them from lower‐elevation communities.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that ecological, evolutionary and biogeographical processes (environmental filtering, sympatry and long‐distance dispersal) have shaped the contemporary community structure of Malesian mountain forests. Wallace's Line may represent a significant barrier between the lowland tree floras of Borneo and Sulawesi, but this is not true for those at higher elevations. The uniqueness of high‐elevation forests in terms of their high phylogenetic diversity and of their unusual structure calls for a high priority in conservation programmes.
Diet and feeding selectivity of a benthivorous fish in streams: responses to the effects of urbanization
Authors: Tófoli R. M. , Alves G. H. Z. , Higuti J. , Cunico A. M. , Hahn N. S.
Published: June 2013

This study evaluated the diet and feeding selectivity of the catfish Imparfinis mirini in streams with different degrees of urbanization and the effect of rainfall on the availability of prey. The diet was based especially on Chironomidae and Trichoptera. Significant spatial differences in diet were found between the streams; the diet of the fish was similar in the rural and peri‐urban streams, and differed from that in the urban stream. Seasonality was an unimportant factor affecting the species' diet, which did not differ significantly between the rainy and dry periods in any of the streams. Fish from the urban stream fed more according to what was available in the environment, while fish from the peri‐urban and rural streams showed higher degrees of selectivity. The results indicate that environmental conditions influenced the diet and prey selection of this species in response to the differences in diversity and abundance of the food organisms. They indicate that trophic studies of benthivorous fishes, such as I. mirini, may represent an alternative way to assess human effects on streams.
Stereotyping Low‐Wage Mothers Who Have Work and Family Conflicts
Authors: Dodson Lisa
Published: June 2013

This article examines the views of low‐wage mothers about how they are stereotyped when they need work flexibility to care for children. From a decade of qualitative and participative research with low‐income/working class mothers (n = 300) and employers (n = 50) of entry‐level workers, a discourse of “personal irresponsibility” emerged rather than one about work/family conflict. Drawn from interviews and interpretive focus groups, mothers describe being unable to find or buy stable care for children, thus facing trouble at work. While some employers expressed sympathy, others echoed “welfare mother” schema and dismissed low‐wage mothers’ conflicts caring for children as the fault of irresponsible reproducers. Implications for a cross‐class work/family movement are discussed.
Fathers and the Flexibility Stigma
Authors: Coltrane Scott , Miller Elizabeth C. , DeHaan Tracy , Stewart Lauren
Published: June 2013

Women face an earnings penalty associated with motherhood but researchers have paid scant attention to how fatherhood might influence men's long‐term earnings. Using multiple waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and employing ordinary least squares regression and fixed effects models we investigate what happens to men who modify their employment for family reasons. Previous research shows that men work longer hours and earn more after becoming fathers, but if men are unemployed or reduce work hours for family reasons, they could experience a “flexibility stigma” depressing earnings and limiting future career opportunities. We find strong support for the flexibility stigma hypothesis. Controlling for the effects of age, race, education, intelligence, occupation, job tenure, work hours, health limitations, marital status, and number of children, we find that men who ever quit work or are unemployed for family reasons earn significantly less than others in the future. Theoretical reasons for observed findings are discussed.
When Equal Isn't Really Equal: The Masculine Dilemma of Seeking Work Flexibility
Authors: Vandello Joseph A. , Hettinger Vanessa E. , Bosson Jennifer K. , Siddiqi Jasmine
Published: June 2013

Two studies explored gender‐relevant expectations and consequences of seeking flexible work arrangements. Study 1 examined preferences and expectations of students nearing the job market. While men and women valued work flexibility and work–life balance equally, women reported greater intentions to seek flexibility in their careers. Intentions were predicted by projected perceptions on gender‐relevant traits. In Study 2, participants evaluated hypothetical targets who sought a flexible work arrangement after the birth of a child. Flexibility seekers were given lower job evaluations than targets with traditional work arrangements; however, they were also seen as warmer and more moral. Men may be particularly penalized at the character level, as flexibility seekers were seen as less masculine and rated lower on masculine prescriptive traits and higher on feminine prescriptive traits. Together these studies suggest that while men value work flexibility they may be reluctant to seek it because of (potentially well‐founded) fears of stigmatization.
The Legal and Policy Implications of the “Flexibility Stigma”
Authors: Bornstein Stephanie
Published: June 2013

American workplace law prohibits employment decisions based on gender stereotypes and forbids retaliation against employees who take certain job‐protected family leaves. Yet the studies in this Issue documenting the “flexibility stigma” indicate popular perceptions and attitudes that run counter to these legal proscriptions. Three key aspects of the flexibility stigma as documented suggest legal and policy implications. First, because the flexibility stigma is rooted in gender stereotypes, its effects may be litigable under federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in employment. Second, workplace policies that provide leave or flexible scheduling must also recognize and address bias against those who use them or the policies risk being undermined by workers engaging in bias avoidance. Third, the flexibility stigma operates in workplaces across the class spectrum, indicating a greater urgency for public policy to counteract its effects.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and abnormal lipid levels among Korean adolescents
Authors: Park Seung Ha , Park Jae Hee , Kang Jong Woo , Park Ha Young , Park Jinse , Shin Kyong Jin
Published: June 2013

Aim

Early identification of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and abnormal lipid levels with subsequent life‐style intervention is vital to halt disease progression and safeguard the future health of children and adolescents.

Methods

Data from a representative sample of 1554 adolescents (821 boys and 733 girls) aged 10–19 from the 2007–2008 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analysed. The MS was defined using the paediatric criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Abnormal lipid levels were classified according to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Results

Approximately 13.7% of adolescents have a body mass index (BMI) between the 85th and 94th percentiles, and 8.4% have a BMI of ≥95th percentile. The prevalence of the MS was 2.3% among all the participants, 2.7% among boys and 2.1% among girls. The prevalence of the MS was 2.8% among overweight adolescents and 23.7% among obese adolescents. A low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level was the most common component for the MS. Nearly 20% of adolescents (21% of boys and 19% of girls) had at least one lipid abnormality. Approximately 32% of overweight adolescents and 50% of obese adolescents were candidates for therapeutic life‐style counselling based on lipid levels.

Conclusions

The present study provides the most updated prevalence estimates of the MS in the Korean adolescent population and highlights the strong association of the MS with BMI. The prevalence of abnormal lipid levels in overweight and obese adolescents is high, illustrating the large burden of cardiovascular disease in the future Korean population.
Characterization of a novel catalase–peroxidase (KATG) gene from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum
Authors: Guo Ruoyu , Ki Jang‐Seu
Published: June 2013

Dinoflagellates are a group of eukaryotic microalgae that have many unusual cytological and genomic characteristics. Here, we report the detection of a novel catalase–peroxidase (KatG) gene from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum, and its transcript levels under copper sulfate (CuSO4) treatment. cDNA analysis yielded a 1,293 bp complete open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 431‐amino acid (aa) polypeptide (46.6 kDa). The conserved dinoflagellate splice leader (DinoSL) indicates that this gene is nucleus encoded, and a signal sequence at the N‐terminus of the deduced protein indicates that the KatG protein may pass across the endoplasmic reticulum or cytoplasmic membrane, but its precise subcellular location is not known. Unlike the typical KatG proteins, P. minimum KatG (PmKatG) only has one conserved domain (N‐domain). Gene expression of PmKatG dramatically increased with increasing concentrations of CuSO4, suggesting that it functions in the defense mechanisms associated with oxidative stress.
Arsenic Toxicosis in Cattle: Meta‐Analysis of 156 Cases
Authors: Bertin F.R. , Baseler L.J. , Wilson C.R. , Kritchevsky J.E. , Taylor S.D.
Published: June 2013

Background

Arsenic toxicosis is uncommon in cattle and successful treatment is rarely reported.

Objectives

This analysis reviews all cases of acute arsenic toxicosis in cattle reported in the literature and describes cases from Purdue University that had a favorable outcome. Clinical presentation of the disease, treatments, and variables associated with survival are described.

Animals

One hundred and fifty‐six cattle with arsenic toxicosis from 16 outbreaks.

Methods

Meta‐analysis.

Results

The most common clinical signs were sudden death (68%), diarrhea (33%), ataxia (29%), dehydration (22%), and respiratory distress (4%). The most common clinicopathologic abnormalities included azotemia (100%), hematuria (100%), increased liver enzyme activity (86%), and increased hematocrit (60%). One percent of cattle survived and the survival time for nonsurvivors ranged from 20 hours to 21 days. None of the clinical signs or clinicopathologic findings was associated with survival. Treatment was attempted in 24% of cases and was not associated with survival (P = .055), but administration of an antidote and administration of fluids were associated with better outcome (P = .036 andP = .009, respectively). In the animals presented to Purdue University, treatment with IV fluids and sodium thiosulfate resulted in decreased blood arsenic concentrations in all animals (P = .009) and a survival rate of 50%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although acute arsenic toxicosis has a poor prognosis, survival is possible if aggressive fluid therapy and antidotes are administered.
Meta‐analysis: ARFI elastography versus transient elastography for the evaluation of liver fibrosis
Authors: Bota Simona , Herkner Harald , Sporea Ioan , Salzl Petra , Sirli Roxana , Neghina Adriana M. , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus
Published: June 2013

Aims

This meta‐analysis aims to compare the diagnostic performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and transient elastography (TE) in the assessment of liver fibrosis using liver biopsy (LB) as ‘gold‐standard’.

Methods

PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, Scopus, Ovid, EMBASE, Cochrane and Medscape databases were searched for all studies published until 31 May 2012 that evaluated the liver stiffness by means of ARFI, TE and LB. Information abstracted from each study according to a fixed protocol included study design and methodological characteristics, patient characteristics, interventions, outcomes and missing outcome data.

Results

Thirteen studies (11 full‐length articles and 2 abstracts) including 1163 patients with chronic hepatopathies were included in the analysis. Inability to obtain reliable measurements was more than thrice as high for TE as that of ARFI (6.6% vs. 2.1%, P < 0.001). For detection of significant fibrosis, (F ≥ 2) the summary sensitivity (Se) was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.66–0.80) and specificity (Sp) was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.89) for ARFI, while for TE the Se was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.83) and Sp was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75–0.90). For the diagnosis of cirrhosis, the summary Se was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79–0.92) and Sp was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.91) for ARFI elastography, and, respectively, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80–0.94) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82–0.91) for TE. The diagnostic odds ratio of ARFI and TE did not differ significantly in the detection of significant fibrosis [mean difference in rDOR = 0.27 (95% CI: 0.69–0.14)] and cirrhosis [mean difference in rDOR = 0.12 (95% CI: 0.29–0.52)].

Conclusion

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography seems to be a good method for assessing liver fibrosis, and shows higher rate of reliable measurements and similar predictive value to TE for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Annotated genes and nonannotated genomes: cross‐species use of Gene Ontology in ecology and evolution research
Authors: Primmer C. R. , Papakostas S. , Leder E. H. , Davis M. J. , Ragan M. A.
Published: June 2013

Recent advances in molecular technologies have opened up unprecedented opportunities for molecular ecologists to better understand the molecular basis of traits of ecological and evolutionary importance in almost any organism. Nevertheless, reliable and systematic inference of functionally relevant information from these masses of data remains challenging. The aim of this review is to highlight how the Gene Ontology (GO) database can be of use in resolving this challenge. The GO provides a largely species‐neutral source of information on the molecular function, biological role and cellular location of tens of thousands of gene products. As it is designed to be species‐neutral, the GO is well suited for cross‐species use, meaning that, functional annotation derived from model organisms can be transferred to inferred orthologues in newly sequenced species. In other words, the GO can provide gene annotation information for species with nonannotated genomes. In this review, we describe the GO database, how functional information is linked with genes/gene products in model organisms, and how molecular ecologists can utilize this information to annotate their own data. Then, we outline various applications of GO for enhancing the understanding of molecular basis of traits in ecologically relevant species. We also highlight potential pitfalls, provide step‐by‐step recommendations for conducting a sound study in nonmodel organisms, suggest avenues for future research and outline a strategy for maximizing the benefits of a more ecological and evolutionary genomics‐oriented ontology by ensuring its compatibility with the GO.
Hybridization and the porous genome: patterns of isolation and introgression in manakins
Authors: Yeaman Sam
Published: June 2013

How does one species become two? What is the relative importance of selection vs. drift? How many genes are involved, what are their effect sizes and where are they located in the genome? The answers to these questions will inevitably vary from one species to another, but by addressing these questions in a diverse array of taxa, we will gradually piece together a more complete picture of how evolution works. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Parchman et al. () have approached these questions by studying the genomic basis of differentiation along a hybrid zone between two Central American bird species, the golden‐collared (Manacus vitellinus) and white‐collared (Manacus candei) manakins (see Fig. ). Their work presents an interesting window into the evolution of this hybrid zone using novel analysis tools and a nice example of how to approach the study of population genomics in nonmodel organisms.

Hybrid (Manacus candei × Manacus vitellinus; left) and white‐collared manakin (M. candei; right). Photograph credits: Robb Brumfield (hybrid) and ©D. Tipling/VIREO (M. candei).

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Simone Weil and the Theo‐Poetics of Compassion
Authors: Hollingsworth Andrea
Published: June 2013

Simone Weil's writings suggest that human compassion is divinely revelatory to the extent that interpersonal union and estrangement intensify identically and simultaneously. The relational space of compassionate communion is aporetic; the more attuned one becomes to an afflicted other, the more unreachable this other is seen to be. In her uniquely poetic style of writing, Weil locates perhaps the most intense experience of God directly in the center of this aporia. Compassion between two people—a sufferer and an empathizer—becomes a locus of divine manifestation as it instantiates the (im)possible distance and oneness of Creation, Incarnation, and Cross.
Christology and Anti‐Humanism
Authors: Riches Aaron
Published: June 2013

This article engages the current anti‐humanist or post‐human ethos from the point of view of Christology. Invoking Alain Badiou's claim that “the man of humanism has not survived the twentieth century”, it argues that the death of “the man of humanism” ushers in a situation in which the Christian proposal can be clarified in two crucial ways: (1) Christology is the core of Christian anthropology, and therefore must be the first and last word of the Church's formulation of her answer to the question that is every human life; (2) there is no neutral “human” ground in which the Church can carry on a discourse about “humanism” or “natural law”. The current situation thus forces a theological decision: either the death of man or the God‐Man.
A Sacramental Vision: Environmental Degradation and the Aesthetics of Creation
Authors: Eggemeier Matthew T.
Published: June 2013

This article contends that Hans Urs von Balthasar's theological focus on seeing the form of God's glory in creation constitutes a critical resource for elaborating a contemporary Christian theology responsive to the crisis of environmental degradation. In particular, in this article Martin Heidegger's reflections on the environmental dangers present in modern technology provide the framework for analyzing the ecological significance of Balthasar's retrieval of a Christian sacramental ontology.
Slavoj Žižek, the Death Drive, and Zombies: A Theological Account
Authors: Sigurdson Ola
Published: June 2013

In this article, I discuss the question of the hybridity of the religious and the secular through the example of the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek and his psychoanalytically inspired notion of the undead. The undead is Žižek's rendering of the Freudian death drive, and as the undead is instantiated in the popular culture cliché of the zombies, we need to look no further than to George A. Romero's classic zombie movie Night of the Living Dead from 1968. Thus, this article proceeds in three steps: first, I trace the concept of the death drive from Freud to Žižek, supplemented, for their theological importance, by two contemporary philosophers, Jonathan Lear and Eric Santner. Second, I discuss the zombie in contemporary popular culture, with a focus on Romero's movies, and whether such cinematic representations can function as a kind of cultural critique. In conclusion, I return to the question of theology by showing what Žižek means by theology and contrasting as well as comparing his philosophy to Augustine's anthropology. Despite Žižek's atheistic confession and his dismissal of all pre‐modern philosophy and theology, I show that Augustine's anthropology is structurally similar to Žižek's, thus suggesting that the relationship is more complex than Žižek allows. Both are united in rejecting any superficial and transparent understanding of self, and become, consequently, an example of the ambiguous relationship between religion and secularity in contemporary times.
Risk factors for early mortality in haematological malignancy patients with pulmonary mucormycosis
Authors: Lewis Russell E. , Georgiadou Sarah P. , Sampsonas Fotis , Chamilos George , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: June 2013

Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is a life‐threatening opportunistic mycosis with a variable clinical evolution and few prognostic markers for outcome assessment. Several clinical risk factors for poor outcome present at the diagnosis of PM were analyzed in 75 consecutive hematology patients from 2000–2012. Significant variables (P < 0.1) were entered into a multivariate Cox‐proportional hazard regression model adjusting for baseline APACHE II to identify independent risk factors for mortality within 28 days. Twenty‐eight of 75 patients died within 4‐week follow up. A lymphocyte count < 100/mm3 at the time of diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio 4.0, 1.7–9.4, P = 0.01) and high level of lactate dehydrogenase (AHR 3.7, 1.3–10.2, P = 0.015) were independent predictors along with APACHE II score for 28‐day mortality. A weighted risk score based on these 3 baseline variables accurately identified non‐surviving patients at 28 days (area under the receiver‐operator curve of 0.87, 0.77–0.93, P < 0.001). A risk score > 22 was associated with 8‐fold high rates of mortality (P < 0.0001) within 28 days of diagnosis and median survival of 7 days versus 28 days in patients with risk scores 22. We found that APACHE II score, severe lymphocytopenia and high LDH levels at the time of PM diagnosis were independent markers for rapid disease progression and death.
Effect of patient position and verbal interaction on recovery following intravenous sedation
Authors: Clarke M. , Wilson K.E. , Girdler N.M. , Stassen L.F.A.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate if recovery position and verbal interaction with the patient post sedation influences the recovery time for patients receiving intravenous conscious sedation following oral surgical procedures.

Material and methods

A randomised, prospective, single‐centre clinical trial was carried out in Dublin Dental University Hospital in the sedation day unit during the time period of March 2005–February 2006. Seventy‐three patients meeting the following criteria were recruited: requiring an oral surgery procedure under intravenous sedation, American Society of Anaesthetists classification I or II, no history of kidney/liver disease, 18–65 years of age, and neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. Patients were randomly assigned a position of recovery, which was either sitting, semi‐prone or lying with or without gentle verbal interaction, and recovery time to discharge from professional care was recorded. Two recovery times were recorded as the times to discharge from professional care. One from the last increment of drug (midazolam) given, known as ‘post‐midazolam recovery time’, and the second time from the end of the operative procedure, known as ‘post‐operative recovery time’.

Results

Position was significantly associated with outcome for both post‐midazolam recovery time (P = 0.046) and post‐operative recovery time (P = 0.010), with patients in the sitting position recovering more quickly than those in the supine position.

Conclusion

Variability in recovery times is significantly related to recovery position. Patients if haemodynamically stable should be recovered in a sitting position.
Acquired Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis in a Child with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Cowan Katelyn R. , Gonzalez Santiago Tania M. , Tollefson Megha M.
Published: June 2013

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EDV) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by susceptibility to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. An acquired form of EDV has been described in the setting of immunosuppression, including in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We present the case of an HIV‐positive, adopted Haitian boy who presented with EDV. Few cases of chidren with HIV and acquired EDV have been reported and are likely underrecognized.
Mucocutaneous Manifestations in Indian Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Mittal Saurabh , Mendiratta Vibhu , Kumar Praveen , Chander Ram
Published: June 2013

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 44 children (<14 years) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and an attempt was made to compare the various mucocutaneous manifestations in the untreated and treated groups and to study any correlation of mucocutaneous manifestations with their CD4 counts. Viral infections were the most common manifestation. Discoid dermatitis and ashy dermatosis were also seen in our study. The study of mucocutaneous manifestations is particularly important in resource poor developing countries, where some of them can act as markers of HIV and make up for lack of investigations for early detection of HIV.
Mothers' and fathers' negative responsibility attributions and perceptions of children's problem behavior
Authors: NELSON JACKIE A. , O'BRIEN MARION , CALKINS SUSAN D. , KEANE SUSAN P.
Published: June 2013

Parents' negative responsibility attributions about their child's misbehavior are related to a perception that the child has more behavior problems. This study used a dyadic framework to explore how mothers' and fathers' attributions relate to their own perceptions and to their partner's perceptions of the child's externalizing problems. Participants included 102 couples interviewed when children were 7 years old. Results confirmed that mothers reported more externalizing behavior problems in their children than did fathers, and fathers of boys reported more child behavior problems than fathers of girls. Dyadic analyses suggested that parents' negative responsibility attributions of the child's behavior were associated with greater perceptions of child externalizing problems on behalf of parents and their partners.
Understanding the Determinants of Political Ideology: Implications of Structural Complexity
Authors: Feldman Stanley , Johnston Christopher
Published: June 2013

There has been a substantial increase in research on the determinants and consequences of political ideology among political scientists and social psychologists. In psychology, researchers have examined the effects of personality and motivational factors on ideological orientations as well as differences in moral reasoning and brain functioning between liberals and conservatives. In political science, studies have investigated possible genetic influences on ideology as well as the role of personality factors. Virtually all of this research begins with the assumption that it is possible to understand the determinants and consequences of ideology via a unidimensional conceptualization. We argue that a unidimensional model of ideology provides an incomplete basis for the study of political ideology. We show that two dimensions—economic and social ideology—are the minimum needed to account for domestic policy preferences. More importantly, we demonstrate that the determinants of these two ideological dimensions are vastly different across a wide range of variables. Focusing on a single ideological dimension obscures these differences and, in some cases, makes it difficult to observe important determinants of ideology. We also show that this multidimensionality leads to a significant amount of heterogeneity in the structure of ideology that must be modeled to fully understand the structure and determinants of political attitudes.
Social isolation in older Malaysians: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Ibrahim Rahimah , Abolfathi Momtaz Yadollah , Hamid Tengku Aizan
Published: June 2013

Background:

Social isolation is one of the most important emerging issues among ageing populations, as it reduces well‐being, health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to identify prevalence and risk factors of social isolation in older Malaysians.

Methods:

The sample for this study was drawn from a national survey entitled ‘Patterns of Social Relationships and Psychological Well‐Being among Older Persons in Peninsular Malaysia’. Social isolation was measured with the Lubben Social Network Scale.

Results:

The findings from the present study showed that 49.8% of older Malaysians are at risk for social isolation. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of sons, number of brothers, number of sisters, household size, self‐rated health, place of residence, homeownership, sex and ethnicity were significantly associated with social isolation.

Conclusion:

These findings may have some implications for social and health‐care policymakers in planning and developing new and effective interventions such as educational programmes to reduce social isolation among this vulnerable population
Ultrasonographic and Endocrine Characterization of Follicular Waves in Llamas with a Special Reference to the Overlapping Phenomenon During Successive Waves
Authors: Cavilla MV , Bianchi CP , Maistruarena C , Aba MA
Published: June 2013

Contents

Ovarian follicular growth in non‐mated llamas occurs in successive waves that generally superimpose their origin on the regression of the preceding wave (overlapping), originating prolonged sexual receptivity in the species. The aim of this study was to perform an ultrasonographic and endocrine characterization of individual and successive waves in non‐mated llamas with a special interest on the overlapping phenomenon. Twelve llamas were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for at least two consecutive waves. In six females, blood samples were collected daily at the end of each examination. The development of the largest follicle (F) showed a wavelike pattern with a mean duration of 25 days. All waves evaluated were partially overlapped on the preceding wave and emerged at a mean interval of 15.8 ± 0.5 days. This interwave interval determines a mean overlapping degree of 32% of the wave length. Similarly, mean plasma oestradiol‐17β (E2) concentrations followed a wavelike pattern. However,E2concentrations started to decline before the structural regression of theFwas observed. Mean basalE2concentrations remain higher than 10.9 ± 0.6 pmol/l. In conclusion, follicular activity in non‐mated llamas is characterized by continuous emergence of successive waves that always overlap the preceding wave with variable degrees.E2production during the follicular wave is shorter in duration than the morphological development of theF. Finally, the overlapping phenomenon maintains increased plasmaE2concentrations persistently and this could explain the prolonged periods of sexual receptivity registered in llamas.