bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Soil Evaporation During Fallow Seasons to Assess Water Balances for No‐Tillage Crop Rotations
Authors: Salado‐Navarro L. R. , Sinclair T. R. , Morandini M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract Estimates of soil evaporation and available soil water of no‐tillage fields under farm conditions are important to assess soil water status at sowing of rainfed grain crops. The objective of this study was to predict stored soil water of no‐tillage fields during the fallow periods following soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and maize (Zea mays L.) crops by accounting for decreased soil evaporation as a result of the residues left on the soil surface. Three simple phenomenological models were used to simulate stored soil water under field conditions at seven locations in Argentina. Two models calculated decreased soil evaporation based on crop residue mass, and the third assumed a constant fractional decrease in bare soil evaporation. All models gave good estimates of soil water content during the fallow periods following a soybean crop. In cases with large quantities of maize residue, however, the models resulted in more water retention in the soil than observed as a consequence of underprediction of soil evaporation. These results indicate that full benefit of crop residue was not being achieved in these fields, probably due to a failure to finely chop and uniformly distribute the crop material on the soil surface.
Sympatric seagrass shrimp show similar structure and selection along the seashore: a comparison of two cryptic Phycomenes zostericola lineages
Authors: Haig Jodie A. , Connolly Rod M. , Hughes Jane M.
Published: May 2012

Small crustaceans are diverse and abundant in seagrass habitats and provide many ecological services. Further information is needed about their long‐ and short‐term response to habitat fragmentation and loss. Shrimp specimens were sampled from coastal seagrasses: latitudes 9°–27° S (Torres Strait to Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia) and longitudes 141°–153° E (Weipa to Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia). The seagrass shrimp Phycomenes zostericola (Caridea: Decapoda) underwent phylogeographic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data. Lineage relationships were investigated and two deeply divergent sympatric lineages of P. zostericola were discovered in northern samples. The two lineages display vastly different demographic histories in spite of similar overall phylogeographic patterns. The two lineages appear to be in secondary contact with each other, detailing independent histories of sea level change, long distance colonisation and habitat fragmentation. Their regional structure is evidence that the potential for dispersal is only realised under specific environmental conditions. Nuclear data, used to determine reproductive status between lineages, instead displayed a non‐random latitudinal geographic distribution suggesting directional selection, possibly in response to ocean temperatures. The differences between the two deeply divergent lineages highlight the importance of understanding variability among cryptic taxa and their response to habitat change.
Issues with medication supply and management in a rural community in Queensland
Authors: Tan Amy C.W. , Emmerton Lynne M. , Hattingh H. Laetitia
Published: May 2012

Objective:  To identify the key issues reported by rural health‐care providers in their provision of medication supply and related cognitive services, and in order to advise health workforce and role development and thus improve the quality use of medicines in rural communities.

Design:  Exploratory semistructured interview research.

Setting:  A rural community comprising four towns in a rural health service district in Queensland, Australia.

Participants:  Forty‐nine health‐care providers (medical practitioners, pharmacists, nurses and others) with medication‐related roles who serviced the study community, identified through databases and local contacts.

Main outcome measures:  Medication‐related roles undertaken by the health‐care providers, focusing on medication supply and cognitive services; challenges in undertaking these roles.

Results:  Medical and nursing providers reported challenges in ensuring continuity in supply of medications due to their existing medical workload demands. Local pharmacists were largely involved in medication supply, with limited capacity for extended cognitive roles. Participants identified a lack of support for their medication roles and the potential value of clinically focused pharmacists in medication management services.

Conclusions:  Medication supply may become more efficient with extended roles for certain health‐care providers. The need for cognitive medication management services suggests potential for clinical pharmacists' role development in rural areas.
Who brings dengue into North Queensland? A descriptive, exploratory study
Authors: Mannestål Johansson Caroline , McBride William J.H. , Engström Kajsa , Mills Jane
Published: May 2012

Objective:  To describe the demographics, patterns of assessment and treatment of people visiting a regional emergency department with potential diagnoses of malaria or dengue fever.

Design:  To identify potential dengue fever cases, we used an indicator of recent overseas travel and fever that is a request for malaria testing. A chart audit of 301 medical records of people between 2008 and 2010 was conducted to describe patient characteristics, diagnostic tests performed and treatment.

Setting:  A regional hospital located in the wet tropics.

Results:  Malaria testing was most often performed on Australian citizens (64.1%), medical evacuees (20.3%) and tourists (18.6%). Overall, 49.8% of patients tested for malaria did not also have a dengue test, despite being indicated in 54% of this group. People tested for malaria usually lived in a residential house or unit (69.7%). Only 9% were staying in hotels and hostels. Oceania was the most commonly visited region in the two weeks prior to presentation. Malaria was diagnosed in 17.3% and dengue fever in 12% of patients tested. Patients with dengue fever were more likely than patients with malaria to self‐refer to hospital, be staying in commercial accommodation and to have recently travelled to Southeast Asia.

Conclusion:  Both dengue fever and malaria occur predominantly in residents who reside in non‐commercial accommodation. Efforts to identify imported dengue fever cases should focus on both tourists and local residents returning from overseas countries.
Cardiovascular risk factors and psychological distress in Australian farming communities
Authors: Brumby Susan , Chandrasekara Ananda , McCoombe Scott , Kremer Peter , Lewandowski Paul
Published: May 2012

Objective:  To examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, psychological distress and associations between physical and mental health parameters within a cohort of the Australian farming community.

Design:  Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Setting:  Farming communities across Australia.

Participants:  Data of men (n = 957) and women (n = 835) farmers from 97 locations across Australia were stratified into categories based on National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

Main outcome measure(s):  Prevalence of and interrelationship between overweight, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes risk and psychological distress.

Results:  There was a higher prevalence of overweight (42.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 34.2–50.8), obesity (21.8%, 95% CI, 18.3–25.3), abdominal adiposity (38.4% 95% CI, 24.5–52.5), hypertension (54.0%, 95% CI, 34.4–73.5) and diabetes risk (25.3%, 95% CI, 17.7–36.7) in the farming cohort compared with national data. There was also a positive significant association between the prevalence of psychological distress and obesity, abdominal adiposity, body fat percentage and metabolic syndrome in older (age ≥ 50 years) participants.

Conclusions:  This study group of farming men and women exhibited an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors and co‐morbidities. The findings indicate a positive association between psychological distress and risk for developing CVD, particularly in the older farmers. If the younger cohort were to maintain elevated rates of psychological distress, then it is foreseeable that the next generation of farmers could experience poorer physical health than their predecessors.
Attitudes and practices of school‐aged girls towards menstruation
Authors: Jarrah Samiha Suhail , Kamel Andaleeb Abu
Published: May 2012

Jarrah SS, Kamel AA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 308–315

Attitudes and practices of school‐aged girls towards menstruation

The purpose of this study was to (i) investigate attitude and menstruation‐related practices in Jordanian school‐aged girls; (ii) identify the influence of premenstrual preparation on girls' attitude and menstruation‐related practices. A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 490 school‐age girls (12–18 years) from different districts in Jordan. Self‐report instruments [Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and Menstrual Practices Questionnaires (MPQ)] were used to assess the study variables. Descriptive statistics, correlation and chi‐square tests were used to analyze the data. It was found that menstrual attitude and practices were positively correlated. Poor attitude toward menstruation and low menstrual practices were significantly associated with inadequate premenstrual preparation. There is a need to prepare girls for menstruation before menarche. The role of the schools and teachers should be reinforced through formal and well planned reproductive health educators for girls and their mothers.
Care plans using concept maps and their effects on the critical thinking dispositions of nursing students
Authors: Atay Selma , Karabacak Ükke
Published: May 2012

Atay S, Karabacak Ü. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 233–239

Care plans using concept maps and their effects on the critical thinking dispositions of nursing students

It is expected that nursing education improves abilities of students in solving problems, decision making and critical thinking in different circumstances. This study was performed to analyse the effects of care plans prepared using concept maps on the critical thinking dispositions of students. An experimental group and a control group were made up of a total of 80 freshman and sophomore students from the nursing department of a health school. The study used a pre‐test post‐test control group design. The critical thinking dispositions of the groups were measured using the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. In addition, the care plans prepared by the experimental group students were evaluated using the criteria for evaluating care plans with concept maps. T‐test was used in analysing the data.

The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the total and sub‐scale pre‐test scores between the experimental group and control group students. There were also significant differences in the total and sub‐scale post‐test scores between the experimental group and control group students. There were significant differences between concept map care plan evaluation criteria mean scores of the experimental students. In the light of these findings, it could be argued that the concept mapping strategy improves critical thinking skills of students.
PROBABILISTIC MODELS FOR FOCUSED WEB CRAWLING
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Milios Evangelos
Published: May 2012

A focused crawler is an efficient tool used to traverse the Web to gather documents on a specific topic. It can be used to build domain‐specific Web search portals and online personalized search tools. Focused crawlers can only use information obtained from previously crawled pages to estimate the relevance of a newly seen URL. Therefore, good performance depends on powerful modeling of context as well as the quality of the current observations. To address this challenge, we propose capturing sequential patterns along paths leading to targets based on probabilistic models. We model the process of crawling by a walk along an underlying chain of hidden states, defined by hop distance from target pages, from which the actual topics of the documents are observed. When a new document is seen, prediction amounts to estimating the distance of this document from a target. Within this framework, we propose two probabilistic models for focused crawling, Maximum Entropy Markov Model (MEMM) and Linear‐chain Conditional Random Field (CRF). With MEMM, we exploit multiple overlapping features, such as anchor text, to represent useful context and form a chain of local classifier models. With CRF, a form of undirected graphical models, we focus on obtaining global optimal solutions along the sequences by taking advantage not only of text content, but also of linkage relations. We conclude with an experimental validation and comparison with focused crawling based on Best‐First Search (BFS), Hidden Markov Model (HMM), and Context‐graph Search (CGS).
Privatization in a Small Open Economy with Imperfect Competition
Authors: GHOSH ARGHYA , SEN PARTHA
Published: May 2012

We look at privatization in a general equilibrium model of a small, tariff‐distorted, open economy. There is a differentiated good produced by both private and public sector enterprises. A reduction in government production in order to cut losses from such production raises the returns to capital and increases the tariff revenue, which are welfare‐improving. However, privatization also leads to lower wages and possibly fewer private brands. This lowers workers’ welfare, which may make privatization politically infeasible. Privatization can improve workers’ welfare with complementary reforms, e.g., attracting foreign investment or trade liberalization.
A Tax Paradox for Investment Decisions under Uncertainty
Authors: GRIES THOMAS , PRIOR ULRICH , SURETH CAREN
Published: May 2012

In this paper we use a real option model for assessing uncertain investment projects and we show that—due to a flexibility premium—taxes asymmetrically affect the option value of projects that differ in their riskiness. Hence, this may generate distortions. We analytically identify a set of neutral tax rates (a tax regime) that preserve the post‐tax investment threshold if taxes change, and determine normal and paradoxical settings for investments. Unlike other tax paradoxes neither depreciation rules nor loss offset restrictions cause these paradoxical reactions. Taxes affect each project individually, depending on the project risks involved. This implies that, for a variety of uncertain projects, taxes cannot be neutral on aggregate.
Pricing Knowledge and Funding Research of New Technology Sectors in a Growth Model
Authors: CHANTREL ÉTIENNE , GRIMAUD ANDRE , TOURNEMAINE FREDERIC
Published: May 2012

A radical evolution in intellectual property law and practices has followed the rise in importance of new technology industries. Nowadays, many patents directly protect knowledge. To account for this evolution, we construct a simple R&D‐based growth model where pieces of knowledge are directly protected by patents. To deal with the nonconvexity property of technologies in which knowledge is an input and show how research can be funded privately, we construct a dynamic general equilibrium with Cournot competition and free entry where knowledge is exchanged on markets that can be subject to imperfect exclusion. Under the assumption of perfect exclusion, we show that research is funded optimally as the distortion caused by the knowledge spillover vanishes when markets are complete. We then argue and demonstrate that insufficient research investments leading to an insufficient level of growth can be explained by the public good nature of knowledge itself, i.e., the problem of imperfect exclusion faced by the sellers of knowledge.
On the Growth and Welfare Effects of Defense R&D
Authors: CHU ANGUS C. , LAI CHING‐CHONG
Published: May 2012

In the United States, defense R&D share of GDP has decreased significantly since 1960. To analyze the implications on growth and welfare, we develop an R&D‐based growth model that features the commonly discussed crowding‐out and spillover effects of defense R&D on civilian R&D. The model also captures the effects of defense technology on (a) national security resembling consumption‐type public goods and (b) aggregate productivity via the spin‐off effect resembling productive public goods. In this framework, economic growth is driven by market‐based civilian R&D as in standard R&D‐based growth models and government‐financed public goods (i.e., defense R&D) as in Barro (1990). We find that defense R&D has an inverted‐U effect on growth, and the growth‐maximizing level of defense R&D is increasing in the spillover and spin‐off effects. As for the welfare‐maximizing level of defense R&D, it is increasing in the security‐enhancing effect of defense technology, and there exists a critical degree of this security‐enhancing effect below (above) which the welfare‐maximizing level is below (above) the growth‐maximizing level.
Communication and Early Contributions
Authors: BARBIERI STEFANO
Published: May 2012

In the context of the voluntary provision of a public good, I study the interaction of communication and dynamics in contributions. I modify the cheap talk, joint‐project framework of Agastya, Menezes, and Sengupta (2007) by considering early contributions that precede communication and by assuming partially funded projects are not completely worthless. First, I show environments in which, without early contributions, parties cannot be trusted to communicate sincerely, so that the joint endeavor always fails. Then, for the same environments, I demonstrate that early contributions can create the conditions for mutual trust, improve the outcome of subsequent communication, and eventually increase welfare. This trust‐building role of early contributions matches well with the aims that negotiation scholars attribute to preconditions for negotiations and to preliminary concessions.
Inter‐ and intraspecific comparisons of retention time in insectivorous bat species (Vespertilionidae)
Authors: Roswag A. , Becker N. I. , Encarnação J. A.
Published: May 2012

Like other small terrestrial mammals, bats have a high mass‐specific energetic demand because of the fact that they have an unfavorable surface area to volume ratio. Furthermore, bats have a very energy‐expensive mode of locomotion: flight. This high energetic demand has to be covered by food intake. The retention time of the digestive tract is one factor affecting the energy intake of bat species. Factors like energy demand, gut volume and dietary specialization influence retention time in mammals. However, maximum retention time for only Myotis myotis and transit time only for M. lucifugus, Nyctophilius gloudi and Nyctalus noctula is known. This study investigated the maximum retention times and transit times of 10 Central European bat species. It was hypothesized that the level of specialization of the digestive tract, energy‐demanding processes and intestine length would affect the retention time of bats. Fluorescence‐marked mealworms Tenebrio molitor were used to measure the time between the first ingested mealworm and the first appearance of the marker or the last fluorescing feces, respectively. For the first time, the retention time of 10 insectivorous bat species was measured to determine interspecific differences. Additionally, we measured the retention time of post‐lactating female and spermatogenically active male Pipistrellus pipistrellus to determine intraspecific differences. The retention time of bats differed significantly between species and is probably influenced by the level of specialization of the digestive tract. High‐level specialization of the digestive tract resulted in short retention times. Furthermore, significant intraspecific differences between post‐lactating and spermatogenically active individuals of P. pipistrellus showed that the retention time within a single species might be influenced by energy‐demanding processes (e.g. reproduction).
The influence of daily temperature fluctuations during incubation upon the phenotype of a freshwater turtle
Authors: Micheli‐Campbell M. A. , Gordos M. A. , Campbell H. A. , Booth D. T. , Franklin C. E.
Published: May 2012

Incubation temperature influences the phenotype of the hatchling turtles. The aims of the present study were to investigate the daily fluctuations in temperature to which eggs of the freshwater turtle Elusor macrurus are exposed to in the wild and examine how these fluctuations may affect the phenotype and performance of the hatchlings. Eggs in the wild experienced an overall mean daily fluctuation of 5.7°C throughout the incubation period, but on particular days, the variation was as low as 2°C and as high as 22°C. Fifty‐four eggs were collected from the wild and incubated in the laboratory at one constant (28°C) and two fluctuating (28 ± 3 and 28 ± 6°C) thermal regimes. Egg mass, incubation length and hatching success (89%) were similar for the 28 and 28 ± 3°C groups, whereas the 28 ± 6°C group only had a 5% hatching success, and the incubation length was 10 days longer. Upon hatching, there was no significant difference in body mass or straight carapace length between the 28 and 28 ± 3°C groups, and within the first 8 weeks of hatching, there was no significant difference in growth rate, self‐righting time, crawling speed and swimming performance. A single survivor from the 28 ± 6°C group had a body mass that was 27% less compared with the other two groups and it did considerably poorer in all the performance tests. The study findings illustrated that daily fluctuations in incubation temperature up to 6°C had no effect upon hatchling E. macrurus phenotype, but there was a limit (12°C) by which the extent and recurrence of these fluctuations became detrimental. These thermal regimes are not yet apparent in the wild but will occur within the geographical range of this species according to climate change predictions.
Processes of enhanced self‐understanding during a counselling programme for parents of children with disabilities
Authors: Haugstvedt Karen Therese Sulheim , Graff‐Iversen Sidsel , Bukholm Ida Rashida Khan , Haugli Liv , Hallberg Ulrika
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 108–116

Processes of enhanced self‐understanding during a counselling programme for parents of children with disabilities

Background:  The stress and burden on parents of children with disabilities are well documented, and the parents’ way of handling the situation is crucial to the health and well‐being of all family members, including the child with special needs. We conducted a group‐based counselling programme for parents, based mainly on Gestalt education and personal construct theories, aiming at increasing the parents’ ability to handle the situation.

Aims:  To explore the parents’ experiences from processes of change after the counselling programme.

Method design:  This qualitative study is based on modified grounded theory.

Method:  The study conducted in Norway examines the experiences of 67 parents (of whom 29 fathers) of children with disabilities. Information was collected through focus group discussions after finishing their sessions of the counselling programme.

Findings:  From the parents’ experiences, the following categories were developed: feeling motivated to communicate, describing oneself in new words, being inspired to experience one’s own emotions, being more present and in charge and making a difference by taking new steps. The core category in our analysis turned out to be Improved handling of the situation by enhanced self‐understanding. The parents seemed to redevelop their self‐understanding through new experiences of themselves. They emphasized the importance of a secure setting of peers with similar experiences and skilled counsellors to feel free to explore one’s own emotions with connecting thoughts and bodily reactions. Discussion of existential issues as one’s own values also contributed to enhanced self‐understanding, which strengthened the parents to find new possibilities and priorities in handling the situation.

Conclusions:  The parents described subjective processes of awareness and self‐reflection as important for being able to start a process towards enhanced self‐understanding, which helped to detect one’s own values and new ways of acting. These experiences may be relevant for the parents and for the conduction of future counselling.
Effects of tear hyperosmolarity on conjunctival cells in mild to moderate dry eye
Authors: Julio Gemma , Lluch Sara , Pujol Pere , Merindano María Dolores
Published: May 2012

Citation information: Julio G, Lluch S, Pujol P & Merindano MD. Effects of tear hyperosmolarity on conjunctival cells in mild to moderate dry eye. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 317–323. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00915.x

Purpose:  To analyze the effects of tear hyperosmolarity on conjunctival cells in mild to moderate dry eye.

Methods:  Sixty‐eight subjects (35 females and 33 males, mean age 43, S.D. 20.3, range 18–87 years) with symptoms of dry eye were enrolled in the study. Patients with severe dry eye or any other condition that induces ocular inflammation were excluded. The sample was divided into two groups according to the tear osmolarity cut‐off value of 308 mOsmol L−1 measured in the right eye of each patient. Impression cytology of the temporal interpalpebral conjunctiva was performed and goblet cell density, nucleus diameter, cytoplasm diameter and nucleus/cytoplasm ratio of epithelial cells quantitatively assessed. A battery of tear tests (ferning test, tear break‐up time and Schirmer I test) was also carried out in order to more completely describe the groups and understand the process. Analysis of variance (anova) was applied to establish cytological and tear differences between hyperosmolar and normal tear osmolarity eyes. Pearson’s correlation was calculated between the cytological variables and tear osmolarity.

Results:  The normal tear osmolarity group included patients with symptoms of dry eye, grade 1–2 of squamous metaplasia, and a number of positive tear signs of dry eye ranging between 0 and 3. The hyperosmolar tear group included patients with symptoms of dry eye, grade 1–2 of squamous metaplasia with significantly lower values of nucleus diameter (F1,66 = 4.3, p = 0.040), and a number of positive tear signs of dry eye ranging between 1 (hyperosmolar tear) and 4. Mean reflex secretion of tears was clearly normal in both groups but significantly lower (F1,66 = 7.2, p = 0.009) in the hyperosmolar tear group. Significant correlations were established for tear osmolarity and goblet cell density (r33 = 0.45, p = 0.006) and nucleus/cytoplasm ratio (r33 = −0.44, p = 0.009) in the normal tear osmolarity group but not in the hyperosmolar tear group.

Conclusions:  Mild to moderate hyperosmolar tear conditions seem to lead to an initial reduction of the conjunctival cell nucleus before the cytoplasm diameter showed a clear tendency to enlarge. The relationship between tear osmolarity and conjunctival cell characteristics seems to be linear only in the normal tear osmolarity group. These results also provide a plausible link between lower reflex secretion of tears and hyperosmolarity.
Inhibition of human recombinant T‐type calcium channels by N‐arachidonoyl 5‐HT
Authors: Gilmore Andrew J , Heblinski Marika , Reynolds Aaron , Kassiou Michael , Connor Mark
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N‐arachidonoyl 5‐HT (NA‐5HT) has anti‐nociceptive effects reported to be mediated by inhibitory actions at the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Anandamide and N‐arachidonoyl dopamine (NA‐DA), endocannabinoids that activate TRPV1 or are metabolized by FAAH, also inhibit T‐type calcium channels (ICa). T‐type ICa are expressed by many excitable cells, including neurons involved in pain detection and processing. We sought to determine whether NA‐5HT also modulates T‐type ICa.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human recombinant T‐type ICa (CaV3 channels) expressed in HEK 293 cells were examined using standard whole‐cell voltage‐clamp electrophysiology techniques.

KEY RESULTS NA‐5HT completely inhibited CaV3 channels with a rank order of potency (pEC50) of CaV3.1 (7.4) > CaV3.3 (6.8) ≥ CaV3.2 (6.6). The effects of NA‐5HT were voltage‐dependent, and it produced significant hyperpolarizing shifts in CaV3 steady‐state inactivation relationships. NA‐5HT selectively affected CaV3.3 channel kinetics.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NA‐5HT increases the steady‐state inactivation of CaV3 channels, reducing the number of channels available to open during depolarization. These effects occur at NA‐5HT concentrations at or below those at which NA‐5HT affects TRPV1 receptors and FAAH. NA‐5HT is one of the most potent inhibitors of T‐type ICa described to date, and it is likely to exert some of its biological effects, including anti‐nociception, via inhibition of these channels.
Impact of peri‐transplant heart failure & left‐ventricular diastolic dysfunction on outcomes following liver transplantation
Authors: Josefsson Axel , Fu Michael , Allayhari Pari , Björnsson Einar , Castedal Maria , Olausson Michael , Kalaitzakis Evangelos
Published: May 2012

Background & Aims

Assess the prevalence of peri‐transplant heart failure and its potential relation to post‐transplant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 234 consecutive cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplantation in a single European center from 1999 to 2007 (mean age 52, 30% women, 36% with alcoholic liver disease, 24% with viral hepatitis, 18% cholestatic liver disease). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction was defined as E/A ratio ≤ 1. We used the Boston classification for heart failure to assess the prevalence of peri‐transplant heart failure. Patients were followed up for a mean of 4 years post‐transplant (0.5–9 years).

Results

Eighteen per cent of patients demonstrated diastolic dysfunction pretransplant. During the peri‐transplantation period highly possible heart failure occurred in 27%. In logistic regression analysis, heart failure was independently related to lower mean arterial blood pressure (OR 0.94, 95% CR 0.91–0.98) and prolonged corrected QT time on ECG (OR 9.10, 95% CI 3.77–21.93) pretransplant. Peri‐transplant mortality amounted to 5%, and was independently related to heart failure (OR 15.11, 95% CI 1.76–129.62) and the peri‐transplant need of dialysis (OR 14.18, 95% CI 1.65–121.89). Heart failure was also associated with longer stay in the intensive care unit and peri‐transplant cardiac events (P < 0.05). Long‐term transplant‐free mortality was independently related to diastolic dysfunction at baseline (Hazard ratio 4.82, 95% CI 1.78–13.06).

Conclusion

Heart failure occurs in approximately a quarter of patients with cirrhosis following liver transplantation and it is an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity.
Population Dynamics of Hawaiian Seabird Colonies Vulnerable to Sea‐Level Rise
Authors: HATFIELD JEFF S. , REYNOLDS MICHELLE H. , SEAVY NATHANIEL E. , KRAUSE CRYSTAL M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Globally, seabirds are vulnerable to anthropogenic threats both at sea and on land. Seabirds typically nest colonially and show strong fidelity to natal colonies, and such colonies on low‐lying islands may be threatened by sea‐level rise. We used French Frigate Shoals, the largest atoll in the Hawaiian Archipelago, as a case study to explore the population dynamics of seabird colonies and the potential effects sea‐level rise may have on these rookeries. We compiled historic observations, a 30‐year time series of seabird population abundance, lidar‐derived elevations, and aerial imagery of all the islands of French Frigate Shoals. To estimate the population dynamics of 8 species of breeding seabirds on Tern Island from 1980 to 2009, we used a Gompertz model with a Bayesian approach to infer population growth rates, density dependence, process variation, and observation error. All species increased in abundance, in a pattern that provided evidence of density dependence. Great Frigatebirds (Fregata minor), Masked Boobies (Sula dactylatra), Red‐tailed Tropicbirds (Phaethon rubricauda), Spectacled Terns (Onychoprion lunatus), and White Terns (Gygis alba) are likely at carrying capacity. Density dependence may exacerbate the effects of sea‐level rise on seabirds because populations near carrying capacity on an island will be more negatively affected than populations with room for growth. We projected 12% of French Frigate Shoals will be inundated if sea level rises 1 m and 28% if sea level rises 2 m. Spectacled Terns and shrub‐nesting species are especially vulnerable to sea‐level rise, but seawalls and habitat restoration may mitigate the effects of sea‐level rise. Losses of seabird nesting habitat may be substantial in the Hawaiian Islands by 2100 if sea levels rise 2 m. Restoration of higher‐elevation seabird colonies represent a more enduring conservation solution for Pacific seabirds.
Gender differences in endurance performance by elite cross‐country skiers are influenced by the contribution from poling
Authors: Sandbakk Ø. , Ettema G. , Holmberg H.‐C.
Published: May 2012

Greater gender differences have been found in exercise modes where the upper body is involved. Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of poling on gender differences in endurance performance by elite cross‐country skiers. Initially, the performance of eight male and eight female sprint skiers was compared during four different types of exercise involving different degrees of poling: double poling (DP), G3 skating, and diagonal stride (DIA) techniques during treadmill roller skiing, and treadmill running (RUN). Thereafter, DP was examined for physiological and kinematic parameters. The relative gender differences associated with the DP, G3, DIA and RUN performances were approximately 20%, 17%, 14%, and 12%, respectively. Thus, the type of exercise exerted an overall effect on the relative gender differences (P < 0.05). In connection with DP, the men achieved 63%, 16%, and 8% higher VO2peak than the women in absolute terms and with normalization for total and fat‐free body mass (all P < 0.05). The DP VO2peak in percentage of VO2max in RUN was higher in men (P < 0.05). The gender difference in DP peak cycle length was 23% (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present investigation demonstrates that the gender difference in performance by elite sprint skiers is enhanced when the contribution from poling increases.
Recruitment and Dynamics of Proteasome Association with rhTRIM5α Cytoplasmic Complexes During HIV‐1 Infection
Authors: Danielson Cindy M. , Cianci Gianguido C. , Hope Thomas J.
Published: May 2012

A variety of proteins have been identified that restrict infection by different viruses. One such restriction factor is the rhesus macaque variant of TRIM5α (rhTRIM5α), which potently blocks infection by HIV‐1. The block to infection mediated by rhTRIM5α occurs early after entry into the host cell, generally prior to reverse transcription. However, proteasome inhibitors reveal an intermediate step of restriction in which virus can complete reverse transcription, but still fails to infect the cell. While proteasome inhibitors have been a useful tool in understanding how restriction takes place, the role of the proteasome itself during restriction has not yet been examined. Here, we characterize the interaction of rhTRIM5α and incoming virions with the proteasome. We show that proteasomes localize to rhTRIM5α cytoplasmic bodies, and this localization is more evident when the activity of the proteasome is inhibited pharmacologically. We also show that restricted virus associates with complexes of proteasomes and rhTRIM5α, suggesting that rhTRIM5α utilizes the proteasome during restriction. Finally, live cell imaging experiments reveal that virus associates with proteasomes, and proteasome inhibition affects the duration of association. Taken together, these studies implicate the proteasome as playing a functional role during rhTRIM5α restriction of incoming virions.
Mechanisms of Fc Receptor and Dectin‐1 Activation for Phagocytosis
Authors: Goodridge Helen S. , Underhill David M. , Touret Nicolas
Published: May 2012

Phagocytosis is a key cellular process, both during homeostasis and upon infection or tissue damage. Receptors on the surface of professional phagocytic cells bind to target particles either directly or through opsonizing ligands, and trigger actin‐mediated ingestion of the particles. The process must be carefully controlled to ensure that phagocytosis is triggered efficiently and specifically, and that the antimicrobial cytotoxic responses that often accompany it are initiated only when required. In this review, we will describe and compare the molecular mechanisms that regulate phagocytosis triggered by Fcγ receptors, which mediate the uptake of immunoglobulin G‐opsonized targets, and Dectin‐1, which is responsible for internalization of fungi with exposed cell wall β‐glucan. We will examine how these receptors detect their ligands, how signal transduction is initiated and regulated, and how internalization is instructed to achieve rapid and yet controlled uptake of their targets.
Inherited Thrombophilia and IVF Failure: The Impact of Coagulation Disorders On Implantation Process
Authors: Ivanov Petar , Tsvyatkovska Tsvetomira , Konova Emiliana , Komsa‐Penkova Regina
Published: May 2012

In connection with the embryo acceptance process after IVF procedure, endometrial cells surface receptors, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, endothelium and blood circulation factors were involved in remodelling of endometrium. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 plays a significant role during the early phases of placental vascular remodelling and regulates the trophoblast invasion through controlling plasmin activity. Endometrial cell surface protein integrin alphaV/beta3, responsible for the adhesion of the embryo, has had also the same subunit beta3, which is component of integrin alphaIIb/beta3 connected with platelet aggregability. Prothrombin, furthermore, has had a debatable effect upon endothelial and mesenchymal cells and possible contribution on embryo vascular development. Confoundable data have been present about the role of coagulation factor V and its role for implantation. These and other coagulation factors have relatively common gene polymorphisms that enhanced their activity. This review discusses the effect of increased coagulation activity on implantation process, which is not yet fully determined. The establishment of the positive or negative impact of mother hypercoagulability on the success of embryo implantation after assisted reproduction technology could determine the timing of preventing anticoagulant therapy in women with history of early embryo loss.
The propensity for consuming ethanol in Drosophila requires rutabaga adenylyl cyclase expression within mushroom body neurons
Authors: Xu S. , Chan T. , Shah V. , Zhang S. , Pletcher S. D. , Roman G.
Published: May 2012

Alcohol activates reward systems through an unknown mechanism, in some cases leading to alcohol abuse and dependence. Herein, we utilized a two‐choice Capillary Feeder assay to address the neural and molecular basis for ethanol self‐administration in Drosophila melanogaster. Wild‐type Drosophila shows a significant preference for food containing between 5% and 15% ethanol. Preferred ethanol self‐administration does not appear to be due to caloric advantage, nor due to perceptual biases, suggesting a hedonic bias for ethanol exists in Drosophila. Interestingly, rutabaga adenylyl cyclase expression within intrinsic mushroom body neurons is necessary for robust ethanol self‐administration. The expression of rutabaga in mushroom bodies is also required for both appetitive and aversive olfactory associative memories, suggesting that reinforced behavior has an important role in the ethanol self‐administration in Drosophila. However, rutabaga expression is required more broadly within the mushroom bodies for the preference for ethanol‐containing food than for olfactory memories reinforced by sugar reward. Together these data implicate cAMP signaling and behavioral reinforcement for preferred ethanol self‐administration in D. melanogaster.
Combined use of super‐oxidised solution with negative pressure for the treatment of pressure ulcers: case report
Authors: de Angelis Barbara , Lucarini Lucilla , Agovino Annarita , Migner Alessia , Orlandi Fabrizio , Floris Micol , Cervelli Valerio , Curcio Cristiano
Published: May 2012

A 61‐year‐old patient was affected by flaccid paraplegia for 20 years because of post‐traumatic medullar injury caused by an accidental fall, with stage IV sacral pressure ulcer for 3 years. The patient later developed stage IV sacral pressure ulcer. After 6 months, a new granulation tissue formation appeared in the wound and a reduction of its diameter was observed (length 20 cm, width 15 cm, depth 5 cm). We therefore treated the wound with PRP (platelet rich plasma) intra‐lesion and peri‐lesional injections. The wounds were covered with three‐dimensional polymerised hyaluronic acid medicated biologic dressing. After the surgery, a moderate reduction in diameter and the depth was observed. Super‐oxidised solution (SOS‐Dermacyn) was applied to control infection locally together with negative pressure to control the exudate and the local bacteremia, to avoid infectious complications without application of systematic antibiotic therapy.
Contrasting Patterns of Species Richness and Composition of Solitary Wasps and Bees (Insecta: Hymenoptera) According to Land‐use
Authors: Batista Matos Michela C. , Sousa‐Souto Leandro , Almeida Ruanno S. , Teodoro Adenir V.
Published: May 2012

Several species of arthropods inhabiting forest fragments interact with managed areas. The importance of such areas to biodiversity conservation, however, is not well established. Communities of solitary wasps and bees (Insecta: Hymenoptera) play a key role in agroecosystem functioning and they have been used in studies of biodiversity assessment in different land‐use types. We aimed to assess patterns of species richness and composition of solitary wasps and bees over a 1‐yr period in a gradient of decreasing land‐use intensity formed by pastures, alley croppings, young fallows, and old fallows using trap nests. Old fallows had the highest species richness of wasps and bees, harboring all bee species and 86 percent of wasp species occurring in the region, while the remaining land‐uses had similar species richness. Vegetation structure (tree richness) and relative humidity explained most of the variance for the species richness of wasps. For bees, however, there was no influence of environmental factors on the community among land‐use types, indicating better adaptability of this group to environmental variations related to land‐use. The composition of solitary wasp communities (but not those of bees) differed among land‐use types, and the occurrence of rare species in most cases was restricted to old fallow sites. In conclusion, the community of solitary wasps and bees is contingent on land‐use, with solitary wasps more sensitive to anthropized areas. For both groups, less anthropized areas harbor a greater richness and number of rare species while more intensively managed land‐use types harbor higher abundances.
Effect of Moisture, Lipids, and Select Amino Acid Blocking Agents on the Formation and Stability of Metastable Radicals in Powdered Soy Proteins
Authors: Boatright W.L. , Lei Q. , Jahan M.S.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Incremental increases in the moisture content of powdered soy protein products from 4.4% to 13.4% produced an inverse effect on the ability of soy proteins to maintain metastable free radicals. The corresponding reduction in electron paramagnetic resonance signal was not due to dielectric loss in the range of moisture contents examined. Subsequent evaluations of various treatments were conducted after drying soy proteins with molecular sieve to a water activity below 0.085 in order to minimize the influence from variations in moisture. Isolated soy protein (ISP) samples, prepared with “defatted flour” that had been further extracted with chloroform/methanol (2 : 1), had a 96% reduction in total lipids compared to the control ISP samples. The initial rate of radical accumulation in the “reduced‐lipid” ISP for the first 3 wk was not significantly different from the initial rate of radical increases in the control ISP. After 3 wk, radical accumulation in the “reduced‐lipid” ISP continued to increase, but at a rate that was less than the control. These findings indicate that the initial reactions contributing to the formation of metastable radicals in the powdered ISP are not strongly dependent on associated lipids. Blocking sulfhydryl groups during ISP preparation with N‐ethylmaleimide did not significantly slow the rate of radical accumulation compared to the control ISP. Blocking arginine residues in ISP samples with phenylglyoxal caused an increased rate of radical accumulation for the first 4 wk.

Practical Application:  Levels of metastable radicals in powdered soy protein products typically range from 10 to 100 times greater than the free radicals in other food protein sources. This current research examines various compositional and treatment parameters that might be used to minimize the content of free radicals in foods containing soy proteins.
The Role of the Mass Media in the Integration of Migrants
Authors: Christoph Vanessa
Published: May 2012

The media have a profound effect on the worldview of their consumers and should be carefully considered in matters of immigration. Often, migrants are portrayed through a negative lens by the media and most usually as a homogenous group rather than as individuals. This article examines the portrayal of migrants in one particular context (Germany) and questions what the best ways would be for handling these negative images, especially but not only in education systems. The author concludes that perhaps the combination of viewing migrants as individual people, rather than as a homogenous group, as well as more positive media portrayal of migrant people, would lead to a more positive representation of migrants in society.