bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of growth and the processes of energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots for Nd3+ ions in a vitreous system: Thermal annealing time
Authors: Dantas N. O. , Serqueira E. O. , Anjos V. , Bell M. J. V.
Published: September 2012

The authors report clear evidence of radiative and nonradiative energy transfer from CdSe quantum dots to Nd3+ ions in a glass system synthesized by melting method. An efficient control of energy transfer can be obtained by controlling the mean radius of the CdSe quantum dots. Increase of about 100% of the near infrared Nd3+ emission (4F3/2 → 4I9/2) was observed as a function of thermal annealing time.
Strain-induced improvements on linear and nonlinear optical properties of SrB4O7 crystal
Authors: Ma Zuju , Wu Kechen , Sa Rongjian , Ding Kaining , Li Qiaohong
Published: September 2012

Although the high nonlinearity, strontium tetraborate crystal SrB4O7 is angular non-phasematched in UV SHG process due to its low birefringence. In this Letter, we revealed that its birefringence can be significantly enhanced by uniaxial strain based on the first principles computations. The birefringence is thirteen and sixteen times larger than those of unstrained crystal at -10% a-axial compressive and 10% a-axial tensile strain, respectively. The compressive strain also effectively improve the static second-order coefficients and shift the optical absorption edge towards the UV side, which would shed light on the modulations of UV/VUV nonlinear optical crystals by directionally external stress.
Predation of the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) and other native fauna by cats and foxes on Mitchell grass downs in Queensland
Authors: Mifsud G. , Woolley P. A.
Published: September 2012

Examination of the stomach contents of cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) collected on Mitchell grass downs in north-western Queensland revealed that the diet of cats consists largely of native vertebrate fauna whereas that of foxes is largely carrion and insects. Mammals, followed closely by reptiles, made the largest contributions to the diet of the cats. Five species of small mammals, one of which – the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) – is listed as threatened, and 15 species of reptiles, two of which – the striped skink (Ctenotus agrestis) and the bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) are endemic to the region – fell prey to the cats. Foxes appear to pose less of a threat to the native fauna than cats, provided carrion remains readily available.
Terrestrial mammals of the Gnangara Groundwater System, Western Australia: history, status, and the possible impacts of a drying climate
Authors: Wilson Barbara A. , Valentine Leonie E. , Reaveley Alice , Isaac Joanne , Wolfe Kristen M.
Published: September 2012

Over the last 30 years declining rainfall and increased aquifer abstraction have heavily impacted water availability and ecosystems on the Gnangara Groundwater System (GGS). The mammal fauna of the area is considered to have been rich, with up to 28 terrestrial and 5 volant native species recorded since European settlement. This study investigated previous and current distribution of mammals on the GGS, and assessed potential impacts of predicted rainfall and groundwater declines on mammals. A general survey was conducted at 40 sites, and targeted trapping was undertaken for Hydromys chrysogaster and Isoodon obesulus fusciventer at wetlands. Nine native and seven introduced terrestrial mammal species were recorded during the general survey and capture rates were very low (1.05%). The most commonly captured native species was Tarsipes rostratus. There is evidence that only 11 (9 recorded and 2 considered to be extant) of the 28 historically recorded terrestrial native mammals still persist in the area. The species predicted to be most susceptible to rainfall and groundwater level declines include H. chrysogaster, I. obesulus fusciventer, and T. rostratus. Management and recovery actions required to protect mammals under predicted climatic changes include identification and maintenance of refugia and ecological linkages, supplementation of lakes, development of ecologically appropriate fire regimes, and control of predators.
Intrasample variation and the effect of storage delay on faecal metabolite concentrations in the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Authors: Descovich Kristin A. , Lisle Allan T. , Johnston Stephen , Keeley Tamara , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: September 2012

Faecal hormone metabolite analysis offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling that is particularly relevant to wild animal populations. It has been used for reproductive and adrenal hormone monitoring in captive wombats, but no information exists on its accuracy when sample storage is delayed or on whether variation exists within samples. This study aimed to quantify the effect of storage delay and intrasample variation on faecal metabolite concentrations of testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone in southern hairy-nosed wombats. For all metabolites, intrasample variance was 15% or less of total variance. Delays in storage significantly changed metabolite concentrations, with progesterone showing a progressive decrease over time (0–72 h: t24 = 2.14, P = 0.05), testosterone showing a significant increase after 6-h delay (0–6 h: t21 = 2.83, P = 0.01), and corticosterone showing an initial increase (0–6 h: t48 = 3.60, P = 0.001), followed by a reduction to original concentrations by 72 h (0–72 h: t48 = 0.91, P = 0.38). Although changes caused by storage delays may not obscure large hormonal fluctuations, this study outlines the importance of immediate storage and consistent sampling to allow the most accurate results to be obtained.
Saddle height effects on pedal forces, joint mechanical work and kinematics of cyclists and triathletes
Authors: Bini Rodrigo Rico , Hume Patria A. , Kilding Andrew E.
Published: September 2012

The effects of saddle height on pedal forces and joint kinetics (e.g. mechanical work) are unclear. Therefore, we assessed the effects of saddle height on pedal forces, joint mechanical work and kinematics in 12 cyclists and 12 triathletes. Four sub‐maximal 2‐min cycling trials (3.4 W/kg and 90 rpm) were conducted using preferred, low and high saddle heights (±10° knee flexion at 6 o'clock crank position from the individual preferred height) and an advocated optimal saddle height (25° knee flexion at 6 o'clock crank position). Right pedal forces and lower limb kinematics were compared using effect sizes (ES). Increases in saddle height (5% of preferred height, ES=4.6) resulted in large increases in index of effectiveness (7%, ES=1.2) at the optimal compared to the preferred saddle height for cyclists. Greater knee (11–15%, ES=1.6) and smaller hip (6–8%, ES=1.7) angles were observed at the low (cyclists and triathletes) and preferred (triathletes only) saddle heights compared to high and optimal saddle heights. Smaller hip angle (5%, ES=1.0) and greater hip range of motion (9%, ES=1.0) were observed at the preferred saddle height for triathletes compared to cyclists. Changes in saddle height up to 5% of preferred saddle height for cyclists and 7% for triathletes affected hip and knee angles but not joint mechanical work. Cyclists and triathletes would opt for saddle heights <5 and <7%, respectively, within a range of their existing saddle height.
The role of convexity in perception of symmetry and in visual short-term memory
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Helmy MaiSalah , Hulleman Johan
Published: September 2012

Visual perception of shape is affected by coding of local convexities and concavities. For instance, a recent study reported that deviations from symmetry carried by convexities were easier to detect than deviations carried by concavities. We removed some confounds and extended this work from a detection of reflection of a contour (i.e., bilateral symmetry), to a detection of repetition of a contour (i.e., translational symmetry). We tested whether any convexity advantage is specific to bilateral symmetry in a two-interval (Experiment 1) and a single-interval (Experiment 2) detection task. In both, we found a convexity advantage only for repetition. When we removed the need to choose which region of the contour to monitor (Experiment 3) the effect disappeared. In a second series of studies, we again used shapes with multiple convex or concave features. Participants performed a change detection task in which only one of the features could change. We did not find any evidence that convexities are special in visual short-term memory, when the to-be-remembered features only changed shape (Experiment 4), when they changed shape and changed from concave to convex and vice versa (Experiment 5), or when these conditions were mixed (Experiment 6). We did find a small advantage for coding convexity as well as concavity over an isolated (and thus ambiguous) contour. The latter is consistent with the known effect of closure on processing of shape. We conclude that convexity plays a role in many perceptual tasks but that it does not have a basic encoding advantage over concavity.
Archetypes, symbols and the apprehension of meaning
Authors: Bradshaw Sally , Storm Lance
Published: September 2012

C.G. Jung proposed that archetypal symbols carry implicit meanings. We therefore hypothesised that symbol cueing facilitates memory and subsequent recall of meaning words associated with symbols. In the present study, participants either freely generated, or selected from a list, one meaning word for each of 30 symbols presented on screen. As expected, results showed little evidence of conscious knowledge of meaning words. Upon presentation of two sets of symbols and meaning words (15 pairs matched; 15 pairs mismatched), words from the matched-pairs set were correctly recalled significantly more often than words from the mismatched-pairs set. Our findings were considered from a cognitive and clinical perspective.
INF2 promotes the formation of detyrosinated microtubules necessary for centrosome reorientation in T cells
Authors: Andrés-Delgado Laura , Antón Olga M. , Bartolini Francesca , Ruiz-Sáenz Ana , Correas Isabel , Gundersen Gregg G. , Alonso Miguel A.
Published: September 2012

T cell antigen receptor–proximal signaling components, Rho-family GTPases, and formin proteins DIA1 and FMNL1 have been implicated in centrosome reorientation to the immunological synapse of T lymphocytes. However, the role of these molecules in the reorientation process is not yet defined. Here we find that a subset of microtubules became rapidly stabilized and that their α-tubulin subunit posttranslationally detyrosinated after engagement of the T cell receptor. Formation of stabilized, detyrosinated microtubules required the formin INF2, which was also found to be essential for centrosome reorientation, but it occurred independently of T cell receptor–induced massive tyrosine phosphorylation. The FH2 domain, which was mapped as the INF2 region involved in centrosome repositioning, was able to mediate the formation of stable, detyrosinated microtubules and to restore centrosome translocation in DIA1-, FMNL1-, Rac1-, and Cdc42-deficient cells. Further experiments indicated that microtubule stabilization was required for centrosome polarization. Our work identifies INF2 and stable, detyrosinated microtubules as central players in centrosome reorientation in T cells.
A PHD12–Snail2 repressive complex epigenetically mediates neural crest epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Strobl-Mazzulla Pablo H. , Bronner Marianne E.
Published: September 2012

Neural crest cells form within the neural tube and then undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) to initiate migration to distant locations. The transcriptional repressor Snail2 has been implicated in neural crest EMT via an as of yet unknown mechanism. We report that the adaptor protein PHD12 is highly expressed before neural crest EMT. At cranial levels, loss of PHD12 phenocopies Snail2 knockdown, preventing transcriptional shutdown of the adhesion molecule Cad6b (Cadherin6b), thereby inhibiting neural crest emigration. Although not directly binding to each other, PHD12 and Snail2 both directly interact with Sin3A in vivo, which in turn complexes with histone deacetylase (HDAC). Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that PHD12 is recruited to the Cad6b promoter during neural crest EMT. Consistent with this, lysines on histone 3 at the Cad6b promoter are hyperacetylated before neural crest emigration, correlating with active transcription, but deacetylated during EMT, reflecting the repressive state. Knockdown of either PHD12 or Snail2 prevents Cad6b promoter deacetylation. Collectively, the results show that PHD12 interacts directly with Sin3A/HDAC, which in turn interacts with Snail2, forming a complex at the Cad6b promoter and thus revealing the nature of the in vivo Snail repressive complex that regulates neural crest EMT.
Blimp1/Prdm1 governs terminal differentiation of endovascular trophoblast giant cells and defines multipotent progenitors in the developing placenta
Authors: Mould Arne , Morgan Marc A.J. , Li Li , Bikoff Elizabeth K. , Robertson Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2012

Developmental arrest of Blimp1/Prdm1 mutant embryos at around embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) has been attributed to placental disturbances. Here we investigate Blimp1/Prdm1 requirements in the trophoblast cell lineage. Loss of function disrupts specification of the invasive spiral artery-associated trophoblast giant cells (SpA-TGCs) surrounding maternal blood vessels and severely compromises the ability of the spongiotrophoblast layer to expand appropriately, secondarily causing collapse of the underlying labyrinth layer. Additionally, we identify a population of proliferating Blimp1+ diploid cells present within the spongiotrophoblast layer. Lineage tracing experiments exploiting a novel Prdm1.Cre-LacZ allele demonstrate that these Blimp1+ cells give rise to the mature SpA-TGCs, canal TGCs, and glycogen trophoblasts. In sum, the transcriptional repressor Blimp1/Prdm1 is required for terminal differentiation of SpA-TGCs and defines a lineage-restricted progenitor cell population contributing to placental growth and morphogenesis.
The heterobifunctional ligand 5-[4-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]-1H-tetrazole and its role in the construction of a CdIImetal–organic chain structure
Authors: Lysenko Andrey B.
Published: September 2012

5-[4-(1,2,4-Triazol-4-yl)phenyl]-1H-tetrazole, C9H7N7, (I), an asymmetric heterobifunctional organic ligand containing triazole (tr) and tetrazole (tz) termini linked directly through a 1,4-phenylene spacer, crystallizes in the polar space groupPc. The heterocyclic functions, serving as single hydrogen-bond donor (tz) or acceptor (tr) units, afford hydrogen-bonded zigzag chains with no crystallographic centre of inversion. In the structure ofcatena-poly[[diaquacadmium(II)]bis{μ2-5-[4-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl]tetrazol-1-ido-κ2N1:N1′}], [Cd(C9H6N7)2(H2O)2]n, (II), the CdIIdication resides on a centre of inversion in an octahedral {N4O2} environment. In the equatorial plane, the CdIIpolyhedron is built up from four N atoms of two kinds, namely oftrans-coordinating tr and tz fragments [Cd—N = 2.2926 (17) and 2.3603 (18) Å], and the coordinating aqua ligands occupy the two apical sites. The metal centres are separated at a distance of 11.1006 (7) Å by means of the double-bridging tetrazolate anion,L−, forming a chain structure. The water ligands and tz fragments interact with one another, like a double hydrogen-bond donor–acceptor synthon, leading to a hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional array.
Moderate drought alters biomass and depth distribution of fine roots in Norway spruce
Authors: Konôpka B. , Lukac M.
Published: September 2012

A rain shelter experiment was conducted in a 90‐year‐old Norway spruce stand, in the Kysucké Beskydy Mts (Slovakia). Three rain shelters were constructed in the stand to prevent the rainfall from reaching the soil and to reduce water availability in the rhizosphere. Fine root biomass and necromass were repeatedly measured throughout a growing season by soil coring. We established the quantities of fine root biomass (live) and necromass (dead) at soil depths of 0–5, 5–15, 15–25 and 25–35 cm. Significant differences in soil moisture contents between control and drought plots were found in the top 15 cm of soil after 20 weeks of rainfall manipulation (lasting from early June to late October). Our observations show that even relatively light drought decreased total fine root biomass from 272.0 to 242.8 g m−2 and increased the amount of necromass from 79.2 to 101.2 g m−2 in the top 35 cm of soil. Very fine roots (VFR), that is, those with diameter up to 1 mm, were more affected than total fine roots defined as 0–2 mm. The effect of reduced water availability was depth‐specific; as a result, we observed a modification of vertical distribution of fine roots. More roots in drought treatment were produced in the wetter soil horizons at 25–35 cm depth than at the surface. We conclude that fine and VFR systems of Norway spruce have the capacity to re‐allocate resources to roots at different depths in response to environmental signals, resulting in changes in necromass to biomass ratio.
Heat dissipation limit theory and the evolution of avian functional traits in a warming world
Authors: Grémillet David , Meslin Laurence , Lescroël Amélie
Published: September 2012

It is generally assumed that animal energy expenditure is limited by energy acquisition.

In a series of publications, Speakman, Król and colleagues argue that the capacity to dissipate metabolic heat may also limit maximum rates of energy expenditure in endotherms (heat dissipation limit theory – HDL theory).

The implications of the HDL theory for the evolution of avian functional traits are substantial and open fascinating research perspectives.

Notably, the HDL theory leads us to (i) link elevated bird body temperatures with their capacity to achieve higher rates of heat loss and of energy expenditure, (ii) reconsider the evolution of avian plumage patterns and speculate upon the capacity of white birds to achieve higher field metabolic rates than darker relatives, (iii) hypothesize that the avian brood patch also functions as a thermal window allowing birds to shed excess heat and (iv) revise our current view of the adaptive significance of limited plumage thermal insulation in great cormorants.

Such features have important implications for the capacity of birds to cope with global warming and for the design of mechanistic models of animal energetics aiming at predicting their responses to changing environmental conditions.
A systematic review on the effectiveness of prewarming to prevent perioperative hypothermia
Authors: de Brito Poveda Vanessa , Clark Alexander M , Galvão Cristina M
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives

To analyse available research on the effectiveness of prewarming to prevent perioperative hypothermia and identify knowledge gaps for future research.

Background

Perioperative hypothermia is common and causes complications, such as coagulation and platelet function abnormalities; increased cardiac morbidity, surgical site infection, and pressure ulcer incidence levels. In this context, several methods have been investigated to prevent perioperative hypothermia, including prewarming. Prewarming is defined as the warming of peripheral tissues or the skin surface before anaesthetic induction and may consist of an active cutaneous warming system or the preoperative administration of vasodilation drugs.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and Medline (January 1990–November 2011) for randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of prewarming for prevention of perioperative hypothermia, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and involving elective surgery patients aged 18 years or older.

Results

Of 730 identified studies, only 13 met the inclusion criteria. After hand‐searching the reference lists of included studies, an additional study was identified for a total sample of 14 studies. The results suggest that forced‐air warming system is effective to reduce hypothermia when applied for the prewarming of surgical patients.

Conclusion

Prewarming patients with the forced‐air warming system might be effective to reduce perioperative hypothermia, and new studies are needed to examine the use of carbon fibre technology.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can use this review to inform decision‐making on a prewarming programme in the perioperative period. They can also develop research on strategies to put in practice prewarming in the surgical context.
Citation classics: Top 50 cited articles in ‘respiratory system’
Authors: TAM WILSON W.S. , WONG ELIZA L.Y. , WONG FAYE C.Y. , HUI DAVID S.C.
Published: September 2012

Identifying citation classics in the field is one of the key methodologies used to conduct a systematic evaluation of research performance. The objective of this study was to determine the most frequently cited articles published in journals that are placed under the ‘respiratory system’ subject category (Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Journal Citation Reports) and to compare them with the most frequently cited respiratory‐related articles published in any journal, regardless of subject category. The authors utilized the ISI Journal Citation Reports: Science Edition 2010 database in April 2012 to determine the most frequently cited articles by respiratory system subject category and by respiratory‐related keywords. The top 50 most‐cited articles were identified in each category and evaluated according to various characteristics. The majority of these papers originated from the United States. The median numbers of citations for the top 50 cited articles stratified by respiratory system subject category and respiratory‐related keywords were 841.5 and 2701, respectively. Half of the top 50 cited articles identified by respiratory‐related keywords were published in general medical or basic science journals, whereas only three out of these were published in journals under the respiratory system subject category in ISI Journal Citation Reports. In summary, respiratory‐related articles published in general medical or science journals attracted more citations than those published in the specific respiratory journals.
Effect of eczema on the association between season of birth and food allergy in Japanese children
Authors: Kusunoki Takashi , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Mukaida Kumiko , Yasumi Takahiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Heike Toshio
Published: September 2012

Background

Food allergy (FA) in childhood has been shown to be more prevalent in those born in autumn and winter. The mechanisms of this season‐of‐birth effect remain unclear, although shortage of vitamin D during infancy has been considered one possible mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eczema on the season‐of‐birth effect on FA in infancy.

Methods

A questionnaire survey on the prevalence of allergic diseases was completed by the parents of 14 669 Japanese schoolchildren, aged 7–15 years, in Kyoto City, Japan. Logistic regression models were constructed to compare the prevalence of FA in infancy according to season of birth.

Results

Those born in autumn and winter had a significantly higher prevalence of FA in infancy compared to those born in spring and summer in a multivariate model (4.8% vs 3.6%, P = 0.001). The difference, however, was no longer significant when eczema before 6 months was included as either an additional or only confounding factor. The difference among those with and without eczema before 6 months was further analyzed, and it was found that, in both groups, there was no difference between those born in spring and summer and those born in autumn and winter.

Conclusions

The season‐of‐birth effect on FA in infancy was significantly affected by the existence of eczema before 6 months in Japanese children. Eczema before 6 months may be the factor directly related to the season‐of‐birth effect on FA in infancy.
Experimental epilepsy affects Notch1 signalling and the stem cell pool in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Sibbe Mirjam , Häussler Ute , Dieni Sandra , Althof Daniel , Haas Carola A. , Frotscher Michael
Published: September 2012

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most frequent form of epilepsy in adults. In addition to recurrent focal seizures, patients suffer from memory loss and depression. The factors contributing to these symptoms are unknown. In recent years, adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been implicated in certain aspects of learning and memory, as well as in depression and anhedonia. Here we investigated whether the adult hippocampal stem cell niche is affected by status epilepticus in a mouse model of TLE using unilateral intrahippocampal kainic acid injection. Eight days after status epilepticus, we found a strong diminution in Notch signalling, a key pathway involved in stem cell maintenance, as assayed by hes5 reporter gene activity. In particular, hes5–GFP expression in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus was diminished. Furthermore, Sox2‐positive cells as well as stem cell proliferation were reduced, thus pointing to a disruption of the stem cell niche in epilepsy under the present experimental conditions.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Social Mobility: The Role of Asymmetric Structures and Segmentation Processes
Authors: Sandberg Johan
Published: September 2012

This article seeks to advance existing research on conditional cash transfers (CCTs) by centring the analysis of their long‐term impact on the reproduction of poverty and exclusion. To date, most analyses and assessments of CCTs’ long‐term impact have been based on simulations focused on specific parameters such as income changes and educational attainment. This study takes as its starting point the assumption that any efforts to break the cycle of chronic poverty and exclusion must address their underlying structures and processes. To that end, it presents a social mobility analysis of Uruguay's Asignaciones Familiares and its impact on residential segregation, educational segmentation and labour market segmentation. Based on empirical data from qualitative interviews, household surveys and existing research studies, the programme is found to insufficiently address these asymmetric processes. Without accompanying structural reforms, this limitation will significantly constrain the programme's capacities to promote beneficiaries’ social mobility by breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty.
Implementing corporate social responsibility through social partnerships
Authors: Walters Geoff , Anagnostopoulos Christos
Published: September 2012

This paper examines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) is implemented through social partnerships. Drawing on previous literature and case study research, it presents a conceptual model of the process of implementation. An exploratory case study of the social responsibility partnership programme at the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has been conducted. The case study draws on interview data and documentary sources of evidence gathered from UEFA and the six partner organisations that comprise its CSR portfolio. The conceptual model identifies three stages of the implementation process (selection, design, management), with partnership evaluation being an ongoing process during all three. The latter consists of two elements, namely project and process evaluation. A key finding is the lack of process evaluation due to a high degree of inter‐personal trust. The conceptual model adds to the growing body of research on the implementation of social partnerships and CSR. This paper is also the first to empirically explore the process of CSR implementation through social partnerships in the football sector.
Radical business ethics: a critical and postmetaphysical manifesto
Authors: Engelbrecht Schalk
Published: September 2012

Business ethics, as it is understood and practised generally, lacks a component of radicality. As part of the contemporary ‘return to ethics’ it displays an undesirable conservatism and blocks off possibilities for systemic alterity. I argue that a normal and ‘apologetic’ business ethics should therefore be supplemented with a radical or utopian business ethics. Put differently, business ethics should not only contribute to more responsible business practices, more morally sensitive business managers and more ethical organisational cultures, but should also facilitate social hope via hermeneutic strategies aimed at changing the way we think about ourselves, our economies and the roles and responsibilities of business as such.
Employer‐Sponsored Training and Longer‐Tenured Workers: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Waddoups C. Jeffrey
Published: September 2012

I estimate the incidence and intensity of training with particular emphasis on where along the tenure‐training profile formal training occurs. Using data from the Survey of Education and Training gathered by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, I find a different relationship between training and tenure than what is suggested by human capital models. Instead of training being concentrated towards the beginning of the employment relationship, it tends to be evenly distributed along the tenure profile. Such findings are more consistent with theories of wage compression and strategic complementarity than traditional human capital approaches.
Multiple Glass Ceilings
Authors: Russo Giovanni , Hassink Wolter
Published: September 2012

Both vertical (between job levels) and horizontal (within job levels) mobility can be sources of wage growth. We find that the glass ceiling operates at both margins. The unexplained part of the wage gap grows across job levels (glass ceiling at the vertical margin) and across the deciles of the intra‐job‐level wage distribution (glass ceiling at the horizontal margin). This implies that women face many glass ceilings, one for each job level above the second, and that the glass ceiling is a pervasive phenomenon. In the Netherlands it affects about 88 percent of jobs, and 81 percent of Dutch women in employment work in job levels where a glass ceiling is present.
An imaging method for oxygen distribution, respiration and photosynthesis at a microscopic level of resolution
Authors: Tschiersch Henning , Liebsch Gregor , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Stangelmayer Achim , Rolletschek Hardy
Published: September 2012

Biological samples are far from homogeneous, with complex compartmentation being the norm. Major physiological processes such as respiration do not therefore occur in a uniform manner within most tissues, and it is currently not possible to image its gradients in living plant tissues.

A compact fluorescence ratiometric‐based device is presented here, consisting of an oxygen‐sensitive foil and a USB (universal serial bus) microscope. The sensor foil is placed on the sample surface and, based on the localized change in fluorescence signal over time, information about the oxygen consumption (respiration) or evolution (photosynthesis) can be obtained.

Using this imaging technique, it was possible to demonstrate the spatial pattern of oxygen production and consumption at a c. 20‐μm level of resolution, and their visualization in the rhizosphere, stem and leaf, and within the developing seed. The oxygen mapping highlighted the vascular tissues as the major stem sink for oxygen. In the leaf, the level of spatial resolution was sufficient to visualize the gas exchange in individual stomata.

We conclude that the novel sensor set‐up can visualize gradients in oxygen‐consuming and producing processes, thereby facilitating the study of the spatial dynamics of respiration and photosynthesis in heterogeneous plant tissues.
An Empirical Investigation of the Mergers Decision Process in Australia
Authors: BREUNIG ROBERT , MENEZES FLAVIO M. , TAN KELVIN JUI KENG
Published: September 2012

In this article, we examine a database assembled from an Australian public register of 553 merger decisions taken between March 2004 and July 2008. Mergers may be accepted without public assessment, accepted in conjunction with publication of a Public Competition Assessment, or rejected. The public register contains qualitative information about the reasons given by the regulator for each decision. We estimate an ordered probit model, using these three possible outcomes, with the objective of gaining a better insight into the regulator’s decision‐making process. Our two major findings are: (i) the existence of entry barriers and the existence of undertakings are highly correlated with the regulator’s decision to closely scrutinise a merger proposal; and (ii) if we compare two decisions, one which does not mention entry barriers (or import competition) with a decision that does mention entry barriers (or import competition), then the latter is significantly more likely to be opposed than the former.
Outcome after burns: An observational study on burn scar maturation and predictors for severe scarring
Authors: van der Wal Martijn B. A. , Vloemans Jos F. P. M. , Tuinebreijer Wim E. , van de Ven Peter , van Unen Ella , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Middelkoop Esther
Published: September 2012

Long‐term outcome of burn scars as well as the relation with clinically relevant parameters has not been studied quantitatively. Therefore, we conducted a detailed analysis on the clinical changes of burn scars in a longitudinal setup. In addition, we focused on the differences in scar quality in relation to the depth, etiology of the burn wound and age of the patient. Burn scars of 474 patients were subjected to a scar assessment protocol 3, 6, and 12 months postburn. Three different age groups were defined (≤5, 5–18, and ≥18 years). The observer part of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale revealed a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in scar quality at 12 months compared with the 3‐ and 6‐month data. Predictors for severe scarring are depth of the wound (p < 0.001) and total body surface area burned (p < 0.001). Etiology (p = 0.753) and age (p > 0.230) have no significant influence on scar quality when corrected for sex, total body surface area burned, time, and age or etiology, respectively.
Notch signaling pathway in keloid disease: Enhanced fibroblast activity in a Jagged‐1 peptide‐dependent manner in lesional vs. extralesional fibroblasts
Authors: Syed Farhatullah , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: September 2012

Keloid disease (KD) is a fibroproliferative disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis with ill‐defined treatment. There is increasing evidence to suggest that aberrant Notch signaling may contribute directly to skin pathogenesis and altered expression of Notch receptors identified in KD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the Notch signaling pathway in KD compared to normal skin (NS). In this study, we employed in vitro primary cell culture models to elucidate the role of Notch signaling in 44 tissue samples from patients with KD split into keloid and extralesional (EL) samples (internal control) from the same patients, and six NS tissue samples (external control). We show the presence of a significant (p < 0.05) up‐regulation of Notch receptors and ligand Jagged‐1 (JAG‐1) in KD compared to EL and NS tissue samples. Cell spreading, attachment, and proliferation were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in JAG‐1 antisense‐treated primary dermal fibroblasts isolated from KD and treated with γ‐secretase inhibitor (blocks proteolytic cleavage and activation of Notch), evaluated by real‐time cell analyzer (RTCA) on a microelectronic sensory array. In contrast, extralesional skin fibroblasts (ELF) treated with recombinant human JAG‐1 (rh‐JAG‐1) peptide showed significant (p < 0.05) enhancement of cell spreading, attachment, and proliferation in RTCA. Activation/inhibition of JAG‐1 and Notch signaling significantly (p < 0.05) altered the behavior of primary keloid fibroblasts and ELF, in cell migration (using a scratch wound assay), invasion (using a 3D invasion assay), and angiogenesis (in vitro coculture tube formation assay). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate a potential role for the Notch signaling pathway in KD progression and that targeting this pathway may provide a novel strategy for treatment of KD.
Identification of biomarkers in sequential biopsies of patients with chronic wounds receiving simultaneous acute wounds: A genetic, histological, and noninvasive imaging study
Authors: Shih Barbara , Sultan Muhammad J. , Chaudhry Iskander H. , Tan Kian T. , Johal Kavan S. , Marstan Arshiya , Tsai Melody , Baguneid Mohammed , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: September 2012

Chronic wounds are common and lead to significant patient morbidity. A better understanding of their pathogenesis and relevant biomarkers are required. We compared acute and chronic wounds in the same individual using noninvasive imaging including spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIAscopy) and full‐field laser perfusion imaging. Gene expression analysis was also performed on sequential biopsies. Whole genome gene expression microarray analysis (44k), quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry were carried out to determine gene expression levels in tissue biopsies. Fifteen Caucasian patients with chronic venous ulcers had biopsies of the wound edges and simultaneously had an acute wound created on their upper arm on days 0, 7, and 14. SIAscopy revealed increased levels of melanin (p < 0.001), reduced levels of collagen (p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (p = 0.022) in chronic wounds. Microarray and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed an overall differential expression in acute and chronic wounds for several genes. Significantly higher levels of inhibin, beta A (INHBA) expression were confirmed in the dermis of chronic wounds (p < 0.05). Additionally, INHBA and thrombospondin 1 messenger RNA levels significantly correlated with SIAscopy measurements (p < 0.05). This unique study has showed aberrant expression of INHBA in chronic wounds using a sequential biopsy model of chronic vs. acute wounds in the same individual.
State Panel Estimates of the Effects of the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Alcohol Consumption for 1950 to 2002
Authors: Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , Kerr William C.
Published: September 2012

Background

Despite strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA), recent movements have attempted to evoke policy changes that will allow 18‐ to 20‐year‐olds to buy and drink alcohol legally. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of both raising and lowering the MLDA on per capita ethanol (EtOH) consumption in longer and more accurate time series panel than any previous study.

Methods

Generalized least squares model specifications controlling for income, unemployment rates, and population characteristics were implemented using MLDA and aggregate EtOH consumption data from U.S. states from 1950 to 2002.

Results

Results from the full 1950 to 2002 period, which include both the lowering and raising of the MLDA, show that an increase in the MLDA by 3 years was associated with decreases in per capita total EtOH consumption (1.51% reduction), as well as in beer (2.31% reduction) and spirits consumption (1.86% reduction).

Conclusions

Lowering the MLDA would likely induce increased rates of drinking and subsequent alcohol‐related consequences. If increased consumption is of concern, policymakers should resist movements to lower the MLDA.
Contributions of Environment, Comorbidity, and Stage of Dementia to the Onset of Walking and Eating Disability in Long‐Term Care Residents
Authors: Slaughter Susan E. , Hayduk Leslie A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To estimate the relative effects of environment, comorbidities, stage of dementia and other variables on disability onset.

Design

A 1‐year prospective cohort study was conducted in which the walking and eating abilities of long‐term care residents were observed fortnightly. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the contributions of individual and environmental factors to the onset of disability.

Setting

Fifteen nursing homes in western Canada.

Participants

One hundred twenty residents with middle‐stage Alzheimer disease or related dementia.

Measurements

Environmental quality was assessed using the Professional Environmental Assessment Protocol, comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and stage of dementia using the Global Deterioration Scale.

Results

More‐advanced baseline dementia had a direct effect on onset of walking and eating disability (standardized maximum likelihood estimate (SMLE) = 0.24, P = .006). Resident environment (SMLE = −0.25, P = .007) and comorbidities (SMLE = 0.32, P < .001) influenced disability onset approximately as strongly as stage of dementia. Smaller and publicly owned facilities provided superior environmental quality, which indirectly contributed to a delay in onset of walking and eating disability.

Conclusion

Environmental quality and extent of comorbidity are at least as important as progression of dementia in initiating or delaying the onset of disability.
Enhanced Fitness: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Home‐Based Physical Activity Counseling on Glycemic Control in Older Adults with Prediabetes Mellitus
Authors: Morey Miriam C. , Pieper Carl F. , Edelman David E. , Yancy William S. , Green Jennifer B. , Lum Helen , Peterson Matthew J. , Sloane Richard , Cowper Patricia A. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Huffman Kim M. , Cavanaugh James T. , Hall Katherine S. , Pearson Megan P. , Taylor Gregory A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To determine whether a home‐based multicomponent physical activity counseling (PAC) intervention is effective in reducing glycemic measures in older outpatients with prediabetes mellitus.

Design

Controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Primary care clinics of the Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center between September 29, 2008, and March 25, 2010.

Participants

Three hundred two overweight (body mass index 25–45 kg/m2), older (60–89) outpatients with impaired glucose tolerance (fasting blood glucose 100–125 mg/dL, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%) randomly assigned to a PAC intervention group (n = 180) or a usual care control group (n = 122).

Intervention

A 12‐month, home‐based multicomponent PAC program including one in‐person baseline counseling session, regular telephone counseling, physician endorsement in clinic with monthly automated encouragement, and customized mailed materials. All study participants, including controls, received a consultation in a VA weight management program.

Measurements

The primary outcome was a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels at baseline and 3 and 12 months. HbA1c was the secondary indicator of glycemic control. Other secondary outcomes were anthropometric measures and self‐reported physical activity, health‐related quality of life, and physical function.

Results

There were no significant differences between the PAC and control groups over time for any of the glycemic indicators. Both groups had small declines over time of approximately 6% in fasting blood glucose (P < .001), and other glycemic indicators remained stable. The declines in glucose were not sufficient to affect the change in HOMA‐IR scores due to fluctuations in insulin over time. Endurance physical activity increased significantly in the PAC group (P < .001) and not in the usual care group.

Conclusion

Home‐based telephone counseling increased physical activity levels but was insufficient to improve glycemic indicators in older outpatients with prediabetes mellitus.
Symptom Burden Predicts Hospitalization Independent of Comorbidity in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Salanitro Amanda H. , Hovater Martha , Hearld Kristine R. , Roth David L. , Sawyer Patricia , Locher Julie L. , Bodner Eric , Brown Cynthia J. , Allman Richard M. , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To determine whether cumulative symptom burden predicts hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits in a cohort of older adults.

Design

Prospective, observational study with a baseline in‐home assessment of symptom burden.

Setting

Central Alabama.

Participants

Nine hundred eighty community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older (mean 75.3 ± 6.7) recruited from a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries stratified according to sex, race, and urban/rural residence.

Measurements

Symptom burden score (range 0–10). One point was given for each symptom reported: shortness of breath, tiredness or fatigue, problems with balance or dizziness, leg weakness, poor appetite, pain, stiffness, constipation, anxiety, and loss of interest in activities. Dependent variables were hospitalizations and ED visits, assessed every 6 months during the 8.5‐year follow‐up period. Using Cox proportional hazards models, time from the baseline in‐home assessment to the first hospitalization and first hospitalization or ED visit was determined.

Results

During the 8.5‐year follow‐up period, 545 (55.6%) participants were hospitalized or had an ED visit. Participants with greater symptom burden had higher risk of hospitalization (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.14) and hospitalization or ED visit (HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06–1.14) than those with lower scores. Participants living in rural areas had significantly lower risk of hospitalization (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69–0.99) and hospitalization or ED visit (HR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.70–0.95) than individuals in urban areas, independent of symptom burden and comorbidity.

Conclusion

Greater symptom burden was associated with higher risk of hospitalization and ED visits in community‐dwelling older adults. Healthcare providers treating older adults should consider symptom burden to be an additional risk factor for subsequent hospital utilization.
Hollow Dentures: Treatment Option for Atrophic Ridges. A Clinical Report
Authors: Caculo Shweta Pandurang , Aras Meena Ajay , Chitre Vidya
Published: September 2012

Severely atrophic ridges provide decreased retention, support, and stability and pose a clinical challenge to the success of complete denture prostheses. Extreme ridge resorption also increases the interridge distance. Restoration of the vertical dimension and esthetics thus demands increased height of the prosthesis and in turn leads to an increase in prosthesis weight. Reducing the weight of the denture enhances stability and retention and reduces further resorption of the jaw, thereby favoring the prognosis of the denture. This report describes the rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with resorbed maxillary and mandibular ridges and an increased interridge distance using simplified techniques of fabricating hollow dentures.
A Prosthetic Alternative for Severely Angled Implants Beneath a Maxillary Overdenture: A Clinical Report
Authors: Rilo Benito , Fernández‐Formoso Noelia , DaSilva Luis , Santana Urbano
Published: September 2012

Implant‐retained overdentures have been shown to be a predictable, accepted option and represent a viable and cost‐effective treatment; however, patients with severe lack of bone volume and anatomical limitations are often a contraindication to the placement of osseointegrated implants without prior surgical procedures. In these situations, the placement of angled implants may offer a simple solution. This clinical report describes a case of dental rehabilitation using angled implants for a patient with a severely resorbed edentulous maxilla. The inclination has been solved by making a bar on the right side and individual pillars on the left side so as to obtain a functional and esthetic prosthetic result.