bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciling estimates of the contemporary North American carbon balance among terrestrial biosphere models, atmospheric inversions, and a new approach for estimating net ecosystem exchange from inventory‐based data
Authors: Hayes Daniel J. , Turner David P. , Stinson Graham , McGuire A. David , Wei Yaxing , West Tristram O. , Heath Linda S. , de Jong Bernardus , McConkey Brian G. , Birdsey Richard A. , Kurz Werner A. , Jacobson Andrew R. , Huntzinger Deborah N. , Pan Yude , Post W. Mac , Cook Robert B.
Published: December 2011

We develop an approach for estimating net ecosystem exchange (NEE) using inventory‐based information over North America (NA) for a recent 7‐year period (ca. 2000–2006). The approach notably retains information on the spatial distribution of NEE, or the vertical exchange between land and atmosphere of all non‐fossil fuel sources and sinks of CO2, while accounting for lateral transfers of forest and crop products as well as their eventual emissions. The total NEE estimate of a −327 ± 252 TgC yr−1 sink for NA was driven primarily by CO2 uptake in the Forest Lands sector (−248 TgC yr−1), largely in the Northwest and Southeast regions of the US, and in the Crop Lands sector (−297 TgC yr−1), predominantly in the Midwest US states. These sinks are counteracted by the carbon source estimated for the Other Lands sector (+218 TgC yr−1), where much of the forest and crop products are assumed to be returned to the atmosphere (through livestock and human consumption). The ecosystems of Mexico are estimated to be a small net source (+18 TgC yr−1) due to land use change between 1993 and 2002. We compare these inventory‐based estimates with results from a suite of terrestrial biosphere and atmospheric inversion models, where the mean continental‐scale NEE estimate for each ensemble is −511 TgC yr−1 and −931 TgC yr−1, respectively. In the modeling approaches, all sectors, including Other Lands, were generally estimated to be a carbon sink, driven in part by assumed CO2 fertilization and/or lack of consideration of carbon sources from disturbances and product emissions. Additional fluxes not measured by the inventories, although highly uncertain, could add an additional −239 TgC yr−1 to the inventory‐based NA sink estimate, thus suggesting some convergence with the modeling approaches.
Workplace aggression experienced by frontline staff in dementia care
Authors: Boström Anne‐Marie , Squires Janet E , Mitchell Agnes , Sales Anne E , Estabrooks Carole A
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To describe the frequency of aggressive acts experienced by frontline staff working in two models of dementia care: Residential Alzheimer’s Care Centers and Secured Dementia Units and to explore the associations between aggressive acts experienced by frontline staff and factors related to the work context and care providers.

Background.  Aggression towards healthcare providers in residential long‐term care settings is well documented. However, few studies have examined associations between aggressive behaviours towards care providers and organisational factors.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey.

Method.  The survey included demographic items and questions about aggressive acts experienced by staff and contextual factors. Analyses included: (1) descriptive statistics, (2) tests of difference (i.e. Student’s t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐squared test and anova), (3) bivariate associations (i.e. Pearson and Spearman rank order correlations) and (4) multivariate linear regression.

Results.  Ninety‐one health care aides and licensed practical nurses working in four nursing units using two models of dementia care participated (response rate 81%). The most frequently reported types of aggression were physical assault (50% of staff, n = 45) and emotional abuse (48% of staff, n = 44). Aggressive acts were significantly associated with working in Secured Dementia Units rather than Residential Alzheimer’s Care Centers.

Conclusions.  Frontline staff working in Secured Dementia Units were exposed to higher frequencies of various types of aggressive acts mainly initiated by residents. Future research needs to explore modifiable workplace factors associated with aggressive acts in a larger sample across a variety of long‐term care settings.

Relevance to clinical practice.  To prevent staff perceived aggressive acts, leaders and managers in dementia care need to acknowledge the complex topic of workplace aggression and encourage an open discussion among frontline staff without assigning blame. Care provider strategies for dealing with aggressive behaviour have to be implemented in policies and clinical practice.
Soil resource availability shapes community trait structure in a species‐rich dipterocarp forest
Authors: Katabuchi Masatoshi , Kurokawa Hiroko , Davies Stuart J. , Tan Sylvester , Nakashizuka Tohru
Published: December 2011

1. Habitat filtering and limiting similarity have been proposed as two opposing forces structuring community memberships. Community assembly theory proposes habitat filtering as a mechanism restricting community membership according to the ecological strategies of species in a given environment. Limiting similarity posits that some species exclude others that are ecologically similar.

2. We quantified nine ecophysiological and life‐history traits for 80 dipterocarp species in the 52‐ha Lambir Forest Dynamics Plot (FDP; Lambir Hills National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia). We studied forests on four soil types differing in fertility and moisture, focusing on soil resource availabilities as environmental determinants of habitat filtering processes. We used a null‐model approach to detect the strengths of habitat filtering and limiting similarity. We quantified the relative contributions of soil resources (nutrients and water) to habitat filtering by comparing the strength of habitat filtering processes (i.e. effect sizes) at the overall plot scale and at the individual soil‐type scale. We also compared the strengths of assembly processes among soil types.

3. Compared to a null model at microscale (20 × 20 m), trait range and variance were reduced for seven of nine functional traits, suggesting the importance of habitat filtering in the dipterocarp community. We also found a broader distribution of five traits, and more even spacing for seven traits (20 × 20 m), which is consistent with the concept of limiting similarity. Randomizations that swapped species occurrences within soil types (i.e. null models removing soil effects in assembly processes) were much closer to observed values, and there were no phylogenetic constraints on habitat association. Hence, soil resource availability acted as a habitat filtering mechanism in the FDP; relative contributions to habitat filtering ranged from 35% for seed mass to 77% for relative growth rate. Furthermore, soil types apparently affected the strengths of habitat filtering and limiting similarity.

4.
Synthesis. We demonstrate that soil resource availability is a crucial determinant of habitat filtering in this species‐rich tropical rain forest; the strengths of assembly processes differed among soil types. Variation in soil resource availability can shape the distribution of traits through community assembly processes, promoting trait diversification and species coexistence.
Prevalence, presentation, and endovascular management of hemodynamically or clinically significant arterio‐portal fistulae in living and cadaveric donor liver transplant recipients
Authors: Saad Wael , Lippert Allison , Davies Mark , Arslan Bulent , Kumer Sean , Waldman David , Turba Ulku , Schmitt Timothy , Matsumoto Alan , Angle John
Published: December 2011

Saad W, Lippert A, Davies M, Arslan B, Kumer S, Waldman D, Turba U, Schmitt T, Matsumoto A, Angle J. Prevalence, presentation, and endovascular management of hemodynamically or clinically significant arterio‐portal fistulae in living and cadaveric donor liver transplant recipients.

Abstract:  Purpose:  To compare the prevalence (cadaveric vs. living donor transplants), clinical features, and the effectiveness of endovascular management of significant arterio‐portal fistulae (APF) in liver transplant recipients.

Methods:  A retrospective audit of liver transplant recipients in two institutions was performed (1996–2009). Significant APF were included and were defined as symptomatic and/or hemodynamically significant (causing graft dysfunction and/or having abnormal Doppler findings in the portal vein). Patients with significant APF were evaluated for presenting symptoms, imaging features, size/branch order portal vein involvement, and effectiveness of the endovascular management (coil embolization).

Results:  Four significant APF were found in 1992 (0.2%) liver transplants. Two were symptomatic and two were asymptomatic but were hemodynamically significant with liver function test abnormalities. All four APF were found in cadaveric donor graft recipients (0.23%, N = 4/1753) and none in 239 living donor graft recipients. However, there was no statistical difference between cadaveric and living donor graft recipients (p = 1.0, odds ratio = 1.23). Coil embolization was technically and clinically successful in all 4 without complications and causing normalization of the abnormal Doppler findings.

Conclusion:  Significant APF are a rare diagnosis (0.2% of transplants). Coil embolization is a safe and effective treatment option for APF in transplants.
Mechanism and control of Genipa americana seed germination
Authors: Queiroz Sue Ellen Ester , da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral , Davide Antonio Claudio , José Anderson Cleiton , Silva Anderson Tadeu , Fraiz Ana Carla Resende , Faria José Marcio Rocha , Hilhorst Henk W. M.
Published: December 2011

Genipa americana (Rubiaceae) is important for restoration of riparian forest in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective was to characterize the mechanism and control of germination of G. americana to support uniform seedling production. Morphology and morphometrics of seeds, embryo and endosperm were assessed by light and scanning electron microscopy during germination. Imbibition and germination curves were generated and over the same time interval endosperm digestion and resistance were measured by puncture force analysis and activity assay of endo‐β‐mannanase (EBM) in water and in abscisic acid (ABA). The gene encoding for EBM was partially cloned and its expression monitored by quantitative real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction. Embryos displayed growth prior to radicle protrusion. A two‐phase increase in EBM activity coincided with the two stages of weakening of the micropylar endosperm. The second stage also coincided with growth of the embryo prior to radicle protrusion. Enzyme activity was initiated in the micropylar endosperm but spread to the lateral endosperm. ABA completely inhibited germination by inhibiting embryo growth, the second stage of weakening and expression of the EBM gene, but EBM activity was not significantly inhibited. This suggests that a specific isoform of the enzyme is involved in endosperm weakening. EBM may cause a general ‘softening’ of micropylar endosperm cell walls, allowing the embryo to puncture the endosperm as the driving force of the decrease in puncture force.
Reliability and validity of the Swedish version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale
Authors: PROCZKOWSKA‐BJÖRKLUND M. , GIMBLER BERGLUND I. , ERICSSON E.
Published: December 2011

Background

The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m‐YPAS) is an observational behavioral checklist that has been widely used as an indicator of pre‐operative anxiety in children. The present study describes the translation process of m‐YPAS into Swedish and the testing of its reliability and validity when used with Swedish children.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated using standard forward‐back‐forward translation technique. The validation process was divided into two phases: a pilot study with 61 children as a first version and a test of a final version with 102 children.

Results

The reliability tested with Cronbach's alpha was acceptable to good. Interrater reliability analyzed with weighted kappa was acceptable to good with Students Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) as evaluators (phase 1) and good to excellent with CRNA's very experienced in child anesthesia (phase 2). Both concurrent and constructed validity could be demonstrated.

Conclusion

This validation study of the Swedish version of the m‐YPAS shows good consistency, interrater validity, and construct validity when used by experienced assessors.
Early and late parameters describing the offset of neuromuscular blockade are highly intercorrelated
Authors: DUBOIS P. E. , GOURDIN M. , JAMART J. , BROKA S. M. , EUCHER P. , D'HOLLANDER A.
Published: December 2011

Background

Neuromuscular blocking agents have always shown wide inter‐individual variability when it comes to their duration of action. This prevents clinicians from anticipating the evolution of the neuromuscular block for any given patient. With this study, we aimed to assess the nature of the relationships existing between different time course parameters used to describe paralysis onset and offset.

Methods

Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score III‐IV anaesthetised patients were randomised to receive a single equipotent dose (2ED95) of either rocuronium, mivacurium or atracurium. We used acceleromyography to monitor neuromuscular transmission. We described the relationships between the time‐interval measurements of: onset, the first response (T1) reappearance, T1 25% of control, train‐of‐four ratio 0.25 and 0.75. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

We found no significant relationships between onset and any of the four parameters used to describe the offset. On the other hand, we showed strong and highly significant linear relationships between all the parameters describing the offset for each of the muscle relaxants studied (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.850 to 0.992).

Conclusions

We evidenced strong linear correlations between the four offset time course parameters of spontaneous recovery after a single neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) bolus. Such relationships open up new clinical perspectives concerning quantitative neuromuscular transmission monitoring: the scope of individual valuable anticipation of the patient's recovery.
β‐1,3‐Glucan given orally modulates immunomyelopoietic activity and enhances the resistance of tumour‐bearing mice
Authors: Torello CO , Souza‐Queiroz J , Queiroz MLS
Published: December 2011

β‐Glucans have been reported to be potent adjuvants in stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses. The aim of the present study was to determine the immunohematopoietic effects of Imunoglucan (HEBRON) following its oral administration to normal and Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT)‐bearing mice.

Mice were treated with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg per day, p.o., Imunoglucan (β‐1,3‐glucan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisae) for 18 consecutive days. Treatment started 10 days prior to and ended 8 days after tumour inoculation.

At 500 and 1000 mg/kg per day, Imunoglucan enhanced the life span of EAT‐bearing mice and prevented myelosuppression and splenomegaly caused by the tumour by increasing the number of granulocyte–macrophage progenitors in the bone marrow and increasing colony‐stimulating activity in the serum.

At 500 mg/kg, Imunoglucan restored the reduced ability of stromal cells to display myeloid progenitors in long‐term bone marrow cultures of EAT‐bearing mice and upregulated the production of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1α by these cells, consistent with a higher number of non‐adherent cells. Moreover, 500 mg/kg Imunoglucan restored natural killer cell activity in tumour‐bearing mice, consistent with the increased production of interferon (IFN)‐γ observed.

The results of the present study suggest that Imunoglucan given orally indirectly modulates immune activity and probably disengages tumour‐induced suppression by producing a higher reserve of myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow in consequence of biologically active cytokine release (colony‐stimulating factors, IL‐1α, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ).
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 activation from adipose protein 2‐cre mediated knockout of von hippel‐lindau gene leads to embryonic lethality
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Yanning , Gao Zhanguo , Yun Zhong , Ye Jianping
Published: December 2011

1. von Hippel‐Lindau protein, an E3 ubiquitin ligase from the von Hippel‐Lindau (Vhl) gene, inhibits the transcriptional activity of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α in cells. To gain insight into the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α signalling pathway in adipose tissue, a study was conducted to generate fat‐specific Vhl knockout mice.

2. Cre‐recombinase (Cre)/locus of crossover in P1(loxP) technology was used in the knockout study. The mice carrying floxed‐Vhl alleles were crossed with adipose protein 2 (aP2)‐Cre mice, in which the Cre gene is driven by the aP2 (fatty acid binding protein 4) gene promoter.

3. The homozygous knockout mice exhibited embryonic lethality at E14.5–E18.5. The homozygous embryos suffered from haemorrhages in the brain and liver. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α protein and its target gene protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, increased in the brain and liver. Endothelial proliferation and capillary leakage were observed in the tissues. Heterozygous knockout mice appeared normal in development, growth and reproductivity.

4. β‐galactosidase reporter mice were used in the analysis of tissue‐specificity of Cre in aP2‐Cre mice. Strong Cre activity was observed in the dorsal hindbrain region and vertebrae of E12.5 embryos. These results suggest that in the aP2‐Cre mice, the recombinase activity is expressed in the central nervous system of the embryos. Central and peripheral haemorrhages are responsible for the embryonic lethality in the homozygous knockout mice.
Nuclear translocation of intracellular domain of Protogenin by proteolytic cleavage
Authors: Watanabe Yuji , Nakamura Harukazu
Published: December 2011

Protogenin (PRTG) is a transmembrane protein of immunoglobulin superfamily, which has multiple roles in embryogenesis as a receptor or an adhesion molecule. In this study, we present sequential proteolytic cleavage of PRTG. The cleavage first occurs at the extracellular domain, then at the interface of the transmembrane and the intracellular domain by γ‐secretase, which results in the release of the intracellular domain of PRTG (PRTG‐ICD). PRTG‐ICD contains putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) at its N‐terminal, and translocates to the nucleus in cultured cells and in the neuroepithelial cells of chick embryos. We propose that the PRTG‐ICD is cleaved by γ‐secretase and translocates to the nucleus, which is potentially implicated in signaling for neural differentiation and in cell adhesion mediated by PRTG.
Increased serum concentrations of adhesion molecules but not of chemokines in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with patients with Type 1 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adult age: Action LADA 5
Authors: Pham M. N. , Hawa M. I. , Roden M. , Schernthaner G. , Pozzilli P. , Buzzetti R. , Scherbaum W. A. , Seissler J. , Hunter S. , Leslie R. D. G. , Kolb H. , Schloot N. C. ,   the Action LADA Study Group
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 470–478 (2012)

Aims  Systemic concentrations of adhesion molecules and chemokines are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications. We compared these factors between patients with Type 2 diabetes vs. Type 1 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

Methods  Serum concentrations of adhesion molecules sE‐selectin, sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1, and chemokines CCL2, CCL3 and CCL4 were measured in 61 patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, 90 with Type 1 diabetes, 465 with Type 2 diabetes and in 41 control subjects, using multiple regression models to adjust for possible confounders.

Results  Patients with Type 2 diabetes exhibited greater concentrations of adhesion molecules (P < 0.02) than those with Type 1 diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and control subjects. These differences persisted upon adjustments for age, sex, BMI, blood pressure and diabetes duration (P < 0.04). Higher BMI positively correlated with concentrations of adhesion molecules in all subjects (P < 0.0001). Concentrations of sE‐selectin positively related to diastolic (β = 0.31) and systolic (β = 0.28) blood pressure in the adjusted model (P < 0.04). Concentrations of the chemokines, CCL2 and CCL4, did not differ between groups, while CCL3 was higher in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and Type 1 diabetes than in those with Type 2 diabetes and control subjects (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Systemic concentrations of adhesion molecules, but not chemokines, relate to cardiovascular risk factors, but remain higher after adjustments in Type 2 diabetes, suggesting a diabetes‐type specific effect without difference between latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and Type 1 diabetes, despite their dissimilar phenotype.
Acceptance of insulin therapy: a long shot? Psychological insulin resistance in primary care
Authors: Woudenberg Y. J. C. , Lucas C. , Latour C. , Scholte op Reimer W. J. M.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 796–802 (2012)

Aim  To explore which factors are associated with psychological insulin resistance in insulin‐naive patients with Type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Methods  A sample of 101 insulin‐naive patients with Type 2 diabetes completed self‐administered questionnaires including demographic and clinical characteristics, the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Psychological insulin resistance was denoted by negative appraisal of insulin (Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale).

Results  Thirty‐nine per cent of the sample were unwilling to accept insulin therapy. Unwilling participants perceived taking insulin more often as a failure to control their diabetes with tablets or lifestyle compared with willing participants (59 vs. 33%), unwilling participants were more reluctant to accept the responsibilities of everyday management of insulin therapy (49 vs. 24%). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that depression and objection to lifelong insulin therapy were independently associated with psychological insulin resistance.

Conclusions  In this study in primary care, depression and objection to lifelong insulin therapy are associated with psychological insulin resistance. Analysis of the objection to the indefiniteness of insulin therapy showed a sense of limitation of daily life and loss of independence that should not be underestimated. Insulin should be offered as a means to improve health as this might facilitate the acceptance of insulin therapy.
Minimum qualifications in the alcohol and other drugs field: Employers' views
Authors: PIDD KEN , ROCHE ANN , DURAISINGAM VINITA , CARNE AMANDA
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. To examine employers' opinions of minimum qualifications and perceptions of vocational education and training (VET) and determine the extent to which the VET sector addressed current workforce development needs in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) field.

Design and Methods. An online survey of 186 AOD treatment agency managers across Australia was conducted to determine levels of satisfaction with and attitudes toward AOD VET qualifications as a minimum qualification. Descriptive analyses were undertaken.

Results. Most managers were supportive of a minimum qualification strategy and deemed VET AOD qualifications sufficient as a minimum level qualification. However, over half indicated that the minimum qualification should be higher than certificate IV level. One in four managers were dissatisfied with VET provided by technical and further education colleges. When seeking to employ AOD specialist workers, most managers preferred those with university level qualifications rather than VET qualifications.

Discussion and Conclusions. VET has potential to meet the increasingly complex needs of AOD work by providing ongoing certificate and diploma level training and qualifications at the vocational graduate level. However, the relatively high levels of dissatisfaction with the VET sector, and concern regarding the ability of certificate IV level training to meet the needs of the AOD workforce, warrant attention. Improved linkages and relationships between the AOD field and the VET sector could increase the quality of training provided and may assist in addressing the AOD workforce development needs.[Pidd K, Roche A, Duraisingam V, Carne A. Minimum qualifications in the alcohol and other drugs field: Employers' views. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:514–522]
A pilot randomised controlled trial of brief versus twice weekly versus standard supervised consumption in patients on opiate maintenance treatment
Authors: HOLLAND RICHARD , MATHESON CATRIONA , ANTHONY GERALDINE , ROBERTS KENNEDY , PRIYARDARSHI SAKET , MACRAE ANN , WHITELAW EDDIE , APPAVOO SIVARAM , BOND CHRISTINE
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Methadone maintenance remains the mainstay of treatment for opiate dependence in Scotland. Guidelines recommend supervised self‐administration for at least 3 months, yet this is often interpreted as long‐term supervision. However, there is no evidence base for deciding the optimal period of supervision. We tested the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of different supervision models.

Design and Methods. Three armed pilot RCT, set in three Scottish treatment areas, recruited opiate‐dependent patients who had received methadone treatment for 3 months. Participants were randomised to: (i) no supervision; (ii) twice weekly supervision; or (iii) daily supervision for further 3 months. As a pilot, key process measures were: recruitment rates, follow‐up rates and treatment fidelity. We also wanted to estimate effect sizes of two co‐primary outcomes for a full RCT: treatment retention and illicit heroin use. The recruitment target was 60 participants.

Results. One hundred and two eligible patients were identified, 60 (59%) participated, and 46 followed up (77%). Study fidelity was good with two participants moving group. Those randomised to no supervision were significantly happier with their group allocation. No significant differences were found in primary outcomes, although retention decreased with increased supervision, while illicit heroin use was least in those most supervised.

Discussion and Conclusions. It is possible to recruit and randomise participants to an RCT comparing different forms of supervised consumption. Pilot data suggest increased supervision may reduce illicit heroin use, but may decrease retention. This should now be tested in a large‐scale multicentre RCT.[Holland R, Matheson C, Anthony G, Roberts K, Priyardarshi S, MacRae A, Whitelaw E, Appavoo S, Bond C. A pilot randomised controlled trial of brief versus twice weekly versus standard supervised consumption in patients on opiate maintenance treatment. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:483–491]
Different guidelines for different countries? On the scientific basis of low‐risk drinking guidelines and their implications
Authors: REHM JÜRGEN , PATRA JAYADEEP
Published: December 2011

The scientific evidence for low‐risk drinking guidelines was examined in a narrative review focusing on three points: definition of exposure, the best way to select outcomes and risk relations and how to determine thresholds. With respect to exposure, at least two dimensions should be incorporated: average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of irregular heavy drinking occasions. Mortality should be selected as the most severe outcome, and a disaggregated approach should be adopted incorporating the regional demographic and cause of death structure. Finally, our plea is for establishing a general threshold for acceptable risk on a societal level rather than ad hoc specific committees setting norms for specific risks. Acceptable thresholds will be different if the risk is to oneself or to others.[Rehm J, Patra J. Different guidelines for different countries? On the scientific basis of low‐risk drinking guidelines and their implications. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:156–161]
Projecting trends in plant invasions in Europe under different scenarios of future land‐use change
Authors: Chytrý Milan , Wild Jan , Pyšek Petr , Jarošík Vojtěch , Dendoncker Nicolas , Reginster Isabelle , Pino Joan , Maskell Lindsay C. , Vilà Montserrat , Pergl Jan , Kühn Ingolf , Spangenberg Joachim H. , Settele Josef
Published: December 2011

Aim  Recent studies of plant invasions in habitat types across different climatic regions of Europe have made it possible to produce a European map of plant invasions. Parallel research led to the formulation of integrated scenarios of future socio‐economic development, which were used to create spatially explicit scenarios of European land‐use change for the 21st century. Here we integrate these two research lines and produce the first spatially explicit projections of plant invasions in Europe for the years 2020, 2050 and 2080.

Location  The European Union (except Bulgaria and Romania), Norway and Switzerland.

Methods  We used vegetation plots from southern, central and north‐western Europe to quantify mean levels of invasion by neophytes (post‐1500 alien plants) for forest, grassland, urban, arable and abandoned land. We projected these values on the land‐use scenarios for 2020, 2050 and 2080, and constructed maps of future plant invasions under three socio‐economic scenarios assuming: (1) deregulation and globalization, (2) continuation of current policies with standing regulations, and (3) a shift towards sustainable development.

Results  Under all scenarios an increase in the level of invasion was projected for north‐western and northern Europe, and under the first two scenarios a decrease for some agricultural areas of eastern Europe where abandonment of agricultural land is expected. A net increase in the level of invasion over Europe was projected under scenarios 2 and 3.

Main conclusions  The polarization between more and less invaded regions is likely to increase if future policies are oriented on economic deregulation, which may result in serious future problems in some areas of Europe. However, an implementation of sustainability policies would not automatically restrict the spread of alien plants. Therefore invasions require specific policy approaches beyond the more general ones, which are currently on the policy agenda and were tested in the scenarios.
Dispersal ability links to cross‐scale species diversity patterns across the Eurasian Arctic tundra
Authors: Lenoir Jonathan , Virtanen Risto , Oksanen Jari , Oksanen Lauri , Luoto Miska , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: December 2011

Aim  The role of dispersal in structuring biodiversity across spatial scales is controversial. If dispersal controls regional and local community assembly, it should also affect the degree of spatial species turnover as well as the extent to which regional communities are represented in local communities. Here we provide the first integrated assessment of relationships between dispersal ability and local‐to‐regional spatial aspects of species diversity across a large geographical area.

Location  Northern Eurasia.

Methods  Using a cross‐scale analysis covering local (0.64 m2) to continental (the Eurasian Arctic biome) scales, we compared slope parameters of the dissimilarity‐to‐distance relationship in species composition and the local‐to‐regional relationship in species richness among three plant‐like groups that differ in dispersal ability: lichens with the highest dispersal ability; mosses and moss allies with intermediate dispersal ability; and seed plants with the lowest dispersal ability.

Results  Diversity patterns generally differed between the three groups according to their dispersal ability, even after controlling for niche‐based processes. Increasing dispersal ability is linked to decreasing spatial species turnover and an increasing ratio of local to regional species richness. All comparisons supported our expectations, except for the slope of the local‐to‐regional relationship in species richness for mosses and moss allies which was not significantly steeper than that of seed plants.

Main conclusions  The negative link between dispersal ability and spatial species turnover and the corresponding positive link between dispersal ability and the ratio of local‐to‐regional species richness support the idea that dispersal affects community structure and diversity patterns across spatial scales.
Attachment and amae in Japanese romantic relationships
Authors: Marshall Tara C.
Published: December 2011

Amae is a Japanese term that refers to an individual's inappropriate behaviour when he/she presumes indulgence from a significant other. The link between attachment style and amae has been debated, but few studies have examined this link empirically. This study examined the association of attachment style with amae behaviour in Japanese dating couples over a two‐week period. Results showed that for Japanese men, anxious attachment was positively associated with their amae behaviour, and in turn, with their increased relationship quality. Conversely, avoidant attachment was negatively associated with their amae behaviour, and in turn, with their decreased relationship quality.
MAPPING THE REPRESENTATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF NON‐PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN CHINA
Authors: GUO CHAO , ZHANG ZHIBIN
Published: December 2011

To what extent do China's non‐profit and voluntary organizations have the capacities to represent effectively the interests of their constituents? In this paper, we examine the prevalence of various representational dimensions in these organizations. Our survey findings provide evidence that, other things being equal, an organization's levels of descriptive and participatory representation have a positive and significant impact on its levels of substantive and symbolic representation. Our findings also show that organizational type matters: social organizations are more substantively and symbolically representative than private non‐enterprise organizations, whereas advocacy‐oriented organizations are more symbolically representative than those that are not advocacy‐oriented. Our case studies further illustrate how the typical advocacy‐oriented organization differs from the service‐oriented organization in the development of its ‘representational mix’, how an organization's ‘representational mix’ evolves over time, and how the relationship between the organization and its supervisory agency affects its various representational dimensions.
The Access of the Young Graduates in Sciences into R&D Profession: A Switching Model Treatment for the French Case
Authors: Bonnard Claire
Published: December 2011

We address the question concerning the choice of graduates in sciences and engineering to look for employment in research and development. We use an endogenous switching regression to avoid the existence of self‐selection biases. The study shows that human capital is decisive where both employment opportunities and remuneration are concerned within, but not without, this sector. The results also suggest that in the early stages of a career, the R&D sector is less rewarding than other types of employment only for doctors and not for graduates from engineering schools.
Handmade: A Critical Analysis of John of Damascus’ Justification for Venerating Icons
Authors: Rhodes Michael Craig
Published: December 2011

The essay is an analysis of John of Damascus’ justification for venerating the icons. Under the subtitle ‘reasoning for venerating the icons’ the essay conducts the analysis in three parts. First, John's definition of ‘veneration’ is presented and examined. Second, the OT ‘veneration’ passages he cites are critically evaluated. Third, the apparent incoherence of John's case is demonstrated from the Eastern Orthodox notion of scripture. This is a follow‐up study to a previous essay (i.e., ‘Handmade: a critical analysis of John of Damascus’ reasoning for making icons’) which analyzes a problem in Orthodox aesthetics closely related to the one I examine here.
The gift in interaction: a study of ‘picking‐up the bill’
Authors: Llewellyn Nick
Published: December 2011

This paper analyses the phenomenon of ‘picking up the bill’, thereby contributing to a resurgence of sociological interest in gift exchange. Drawing on ethnomethodology, it describes and locates a distinctive theoretical approach. Utilizing video recordings, the analysis considers the interactional constitution of gifts and how gift exchange is locally invoked via the norm of reciprocity. Recurrent practices are described, through which gifts are brought into being, with reciprocity invoked, by benefactor and beneficiary alike, to manage social problems of acceptance, rather than to sanction insufficient contributions. The study describes the social character of what are perhaps the preeminent gifts exchanged in modern societies; where one person pays for another's consumption.
Worldwide prevalence and risk factors for myopia
Authors: Pan Chen‐Wei , Ramamurthy Dharani , Saw Seang‐Mei
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Pan C‐W, Ramamurthy D & Saw S‐M. Worldwide prevalence and risk factors for myopia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 3‐16. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00884.x

Background:  Myopia, the most common type of refractive error, is a complex trait including both genetic and environmental factors. Numerous studies have tried to elucidate the aetiology of myopia. However, the exact aetiology of myopia is still unclear.

Purpose:  To summarize the worldwide patterns and trends for the prevalence of myopia and to evaluate the risk factors for myopia in population‐based studies.

Recent findings:  The prevalences of myopia vary across populations of different regions and ethnicities. In population‐based studies on children, the prevalence of myopia has been reported to be higher in urban areas and Chinese ethnicity. The regional and racial difference is not so obvious in adult populations aged over 40 years. More time spent on near work, less time outdoors, higher educational level and parental history of myopia have been reported to increase the risk of myopia.

Conclusions:  Environmental factors play a crucial role in myopia development. The effect of gene‐environment interaction on the aetiology of myopia is still controversial with inconsistent findings in different studies. A relatively hyperopic periphery can stimulate compensating eye growth in the centre. Longitudinal cohort studies or randomized clinical trials of community‐based health behaviour interventions should be conducted to further clarify the aetiology of myopia.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSECUTIVE SPELLS OF POVERTY: A PATH‐DEPENDENT INDEX OF LONGITUDINAL POVERTY
Authors: MENDOLA DARIA , BUSETTA ANNALISA
Published: December 2011

In this paper we propose a new index of individual poverty in the longitudinal perspective, taking into account the way poverty and non‐poverty spells follow one another along individual life courses. The Poverty Persistence Index (PPI) is based on all the pairwise distances between the waves of poverty. The PPI is normalized and it assigns a higher degree of (longitudinal) poverty to people who experience poverty in consecutive, rather than separated, periods, for whom the distances from the poverty line are larger along time and moreover, when the worst years are consecutive and/or recent. We also propose an aggregate index of persistence in poverty (APPI) in order to measure the distribution of the persistence of poverty in a society, and evaluate at once the diffusion of poverty, its depth, duration, and recentness. The indices are tested in comparison with other measures from the literature both at the individual as well as at the societal level.
Tactics, traditions and opportunities: British and French crop‐trashing actions in comparative perspective
Authors: DOHERTY BRIAN , HAYES GRAEME
Published: December 2011

This article compares the tactic of trashing genetically modified crops in activist campaigns in Britain and France. In Britain, most crop trashing was carried out covertly, while in France most activists undertook open, public actions. In seeking an explanation for this, the article shows that the analysis of political opportunities, dominant in comparative studies of social movements, can only take us so far. While it helps explain the occurrence of direct action, it is much less useful in explaining the tactical differences between each country. It is argued that a fuller explanation requires an understanding of how action was shaped by different activist traditions. In France, action was staged as a demonstration of serious, responsible, collective Republican citizenship; in the United Kingdom, activists combined a sceptical view of legality developing from anarchist individualism with an explicitly non‐threatening, playful, ethos. The article concludes that a focus on activist traditions can provide an effective bridge between structural and cultural approaches to understanding the determinants of social movement action.
DISSECTING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO PHOSPHORUS STRESS IN MARINE SYNECHOCOCCUS ISOLATES (CYANOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Mazard Sophie , Wilson William H. , Scanlan Dave J.
Published: December 2011

Marine Synechococcus is ubiquitous in aquatic environments. However, distinct phylogenetic lineages of this genus have a complex ecological distribution that is not fully explained. Here, we undertook a broad study of the phosphorus (P)–related behavior of marine Synechococcus isolates from all previously described ribotypes (sensu Fuller et al. 2003). A wide variability in P‐related physiology was noted among members of this genus, particularly in the utilization of organic P sources. However, some characteristics (e.g., cell size change during P limitation and the ability to accumulate polyphosphate) were largely consistent with their phylogenetic lineage and inferred ecology, with clear distinctions between oligotrophic, mesotrophic, and opportunistic lineages. Similarly, the ability to induce protein expression in response to P limitation was consistent with the presence/absence of phoB/R regulatory capacity of the corresponding strain. Taxonomic differences in P uptake, storage, and utilization strategies could explain the ubiquitous distribution of marine Synechococcus throughout the world’s oceans and explain the coexistence and/or ecological partitioning of multiple phototrophic taxa in the photic zone of tropical and subtropical oligotrophic oceans.
WBC reduction filtration efficacy performed at varying time intervals post‐collection
Authors: Hinojosa Ricardo , Bryant Barbara J.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: A multisite blood center experienced unacceptable post‐leukoreduction filtration white blood cell (WBC) counts at a few centers. Since prefiltration storage time and temperature were suspect, whole blood (WB) units were stored in transport shippers for at least 2 hours, cooling toward 1‐6°C, before filtration. This study compared the effect of storage times in transport shippers on the residual WBC counts of leukoreduced units.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Collection and filtration of WB units were accomplished with the use of the Fenwal Express System with Integral Sepacell RZ‐2000 WB Leukocyte Reduction Filter. Units were collected and placed in transport shippers containing ice. Leukoreduction filtration was performed at designated intervals post‐collection. Acceptable leukoreduction was defined as <5 × 106 residual WBC.

RESULTS: Fifty donor units were selected randomly over 3 months. Units were held in transport shippers, and WBC reduction was performed at designated post‐collection intervals. Storage times ranged from 28 to 458 minutes. All residual WBC counts were acceptable.

CONCLUSION: Storage time of WB units in transport shippers did not play a role in the efficacy of the leukoreduction. This study demonstrated the 2‐hour storage time before leukoreduction filtration could be eliminated resulting in time savings and increased efficacy in the component production laboratory.
Cultural Identity Threat: The Role of Cultural Identifications in Moderating Closure Responses to Foreign Cultural Inflow
Authors: Morris Michael W. , Mok Aurelia , Mor Shira
Published: December 2011

Political theorists of globalization have argued that foreign inflows to a society can give rise to collective‐identity closure—social movements aiming to narrow the in‐group, and exclude minorities. In this research we investigate whether exposure to the mixing of a foreign culture with one's heritage culture can evoke need for closure, a motive that engenders ethnocentric social judgments. On the basis of a proposed identity threat mechanism, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to situations mixing foreign and heritage cultures would evoke need for closure for individuals with low foreign identification but not those with high foreign identification. An experiment with Hong Kong Chinese students varied linguistic and visual cues of Western and Chinese culture and found, as predicted, that exposure to mixed Western/Chinese conditions elevated need for closure for those low in Western identification but not those high in Western identification.
Psychological Consequences of Postindustrial Anomie on Self and Motivation Among Japanese Youth
Authors: Norasakkunkit Vinai , Uchida Yukiko
Published: December 2011

Due to economic structural changes in Japan, an increasing population of youth are “Not engaged in Employment, Education, or Training” (NEET). We argue that this state of anomie is associated with a lack of motivation in conforming to interdependent norms. To illustrate this type of “deviant” motivation, we conducted a study in which high‐ and low risk Japanese students were given either success or failure feedback upon completing a challenging task. Low risk Japanese students were more likely to persist on the challenging task upon being given negative feedback compared to being given positive feedback. This motivational pattern is consistent with that of the prototypical Japanese (Heine et al.). In contrast, the opposite pattern was found with high risk Japanese students. High risk students were also lower on levels of interdependence relative to low risk students according to both explicit and implicit measures of self‐construal.
Toward a Psychological Science of Globalization
Authors: Gelfand Michele J. , Lyons Sarah L. , Lun Janetta
Published: December 2011

A psychological perspective has been largely absent in the multidisciplinary discourse surrounding globalization. In this commentary, we highlight the unique contributions that the articles in this special issue have made in advancing a new psychological science of globalization. We discuss the critical role that psychological theory plays in understanding reactions to globalization, and in turn, how globalization research provides a new context that challenges, refines, and extends psychological theory. We offer suggestions as to how psychology can take an active role in the future of globalization research, in particular in specifying the psychological dimensions on which globalization is construed (e.g., morality, power) and the implications these construals have for reactions to globalization. Building on research discussed in this special issue on psychological dynamics involved in responses to globalization, we offer some observations on factors that might play a role in positive and negative reactions to globalization.