bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Praise of Organization: Egypt between Activism and Revolution
Authors: Abdelrahman Maha
Published: May 2013

This article considers the nature of activism and revolutionary process in the twenty‐first century by examining some of the dilemmas involved in Egypt's ongoing process of transformation. Over the course of only a couple of weeks Egyptian activists who, for over a decade, had protested against Mubarak and his neoliberal policies, found themselves transformed from protestors, demonstrators and strikers, members of loosely structured networks, to the status of ‘revolutionaries’. These newly‐minted revolutionaries were suddenly expected either to capture or renegotiate state power, provide a vision for the future emanating from the iconic image of Tahrir Square and transform both polity and society. The article argues that the characteristics of New Social Movements (NSMs), especially the absence of sustainable organizational structures, although well suited to the phase of mass protests in the lead‐up to the ousting of Mubarak, now pose one of the main challenges to the prospects of genuine revolutionary change in the post‐Mubarak era.
Transnational Feminist Engagement with 2010+ Activisms
Authors: Harcourt Wendy
Published: May 2013

This contribution reflects on the changes happening as transnational feminist movements engage in the shifting global dynamics and new forms of civil action that are changing the way movements operate post‐2010. The focus of the article is on the transformation of an international women's rights network, the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID). In particular, the author analyses the triennial AWID Forums as spaces in which feminists interrogate current social, economic and political changes. In a self‐reflective examination of this particular feminist process, the author argues that AWID is an evolving blend of old and new civic action — on the one hand, keeping continuity with the values and principles of feminism, while at the same time disconnecting in its activities with old forms of organizing and mobilizing. Through this blend of old and new, AWID opens spaces particularly for young women to reconfigure power relations within and outside feminist movements as part of the post‐2010 activisms.
Functional diversity decreases with temperature in high elevation ant fauna
Authors: REYMOND ALAIN , PURCELL JESSICA , CHERIX DANIEL , GUISAN ANTOINE , PELLISSIER LOÏC
Published: May 2013

Severe environmental conditions filter community species compositions, forming clines of functional diversity along environmental gradients. Here, the changes in functional diversity in ant assemblages with severe environmental conditions in the Swiss Alps were investigated.

Eight sites were sampled along an elevation gradient (1800–2550 m). The variation in functional diversity was analysed along an elevation gradient considering four traits: social structure (monogynous vs. polygynous), worker size, pupal development, and nest structure.

Ant species richness and functional diversity decreased with decreasing temperature. Species found in colder habitats tended to live in subterranean nests rather than in mounds and exhibit a polymorphism in queen number, either within or across populations. The phylogenetic diversity did not decrease at colder temperature: Formicinae and Myrmicinae occupied the full range of elevations investigated.

An insulation experiment indicated that mounds are more thermally insulated against the cold compared with soil. The absence of a mound‐building ant from high elevations probably results from a reduction in the amount of vegetal materials provided by coniferous trees.

More severe abiotic conditions at higher elevations act as a filter on ant assemblages, directly through physiological tolerances to the abiotic conditions and indirectly as the vegetation necessary for nest building shifts with elevation.
Soil and vegetation features determine the nested pattern of ant–plant networks in a tropical rainforest
Authors: DÁTTILO WESLEY , RICO‐GRAY VÍCTOR , RODRIGUES DOMINGOS J. , IZZO THIAGO J.
Published: May 2013

Recently, several studies have focused on structural properties of ant–plant networks. However, little is known about the role of abiotic factors on these networks.

As a result of different abiotic factors that can affect the patterns of ant–plant interactions, it was tested whether soil pH and canopy cover contribute to variation in the nestedness of mutualistic (plants with extrafloral nectar–EFN) and neutral (plants without EFN) ant–plant networks.

It was shown that only mutualistic networks were affected by soil pH. It was suggested that this may occur because the variation in soil pH directly influences the secreted nectar, and as there is a preference for nectar composition by ants, this could change the patterns of interaction in mutualistic networks. As prey availability is possibly the main factor influencing ants' presence on plants without EFN, soil pH should have little or no influence on the patterns of interaction in neutral networks.

On the other hand, nestedness was not affected by canopy cover in mutualistic and neutral networks. In spite of that canopy cover (light availability) is directly related to the amount of nectar secreted, the volume of nectar may not be important for the structure of the networks. However, canopy cover varied little in this study site. This small variation could not be enough to change the nested pattern in mutualistic and neutral networks.

In short, the present results show that the abiotic factors that affect the availability and quality of food resources may have important effects on the structure of trophic interactions in non‐symbiotic ant–plant networks.
Size structure, not metabolic scaling rules, determines fisheries reference points
Authors: Andersen Ken H , Beyer Jan E
Published: May 2013

Impact assessments of fishing on a stock require parameterization of vital rates: growth, mortality and recruitment. For ‘data‐poor’ stocks, vital rates may be estimated from empirical size‐based relationships or from life‐history invariants. However, a theoretical framework to synthesize these empirical relations is lacking. Here, we combine life‐history invariants, metabolic scaling and size‐spectrum theory to develop a general size‐ and trait‐based theory for demography and recruitment of exploited fish stocks. Important concepts are physiological or metabolic scaled mortalities and flux of individuals or their biomass to size. The theory is based on classic metabolic relations at the individual level and uses asymptotic sizeW∞as a trait. The theory predicts fundamental similarities and differences between small and large species in vital rates and response to fishing. The central result is that larger species have a higher egg production per recruit than small species. This means that density dependence is stronger for large than for small species and has the consequence that fisheries reference points that incorporate recruitment do not obey metabolic scaling rules. This result implies that even though small species have a higher productivity than large species their resilience towards fishing is lower than expected from metabolic scaling rules. Further, we show that the fishing mortality leading to maximum yield per recruit is an ill‐suited reference point. The theory can be used to generalize the impact of fishing across species and for making demographic and evolutionary impact assessments of fishing, particularly in data‐poor situations.
Bypass therapy assay testing as a strategy to reduce costs for treatment of haemophilia patients with inhibitors
Authors: Hay J. W. , Chaugule S. C. , Young G.
Published: May 2013

Published studies suggest that bypass therapy assay testing can be used to predict treatment response and dosing requirements for haemophilia patients with inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the costs of utilizing and not utilizing bypass therapy assay testing before treating mild‐to‐moderate bleeding episodes on‐demand in haemophilia patients with inhibitors from a US third‐party payer perspective. In our exploratory decision tree model, the average patient was assumed to be an adult weighing 75 kg. Based on existing head‐to‐head clinical trials, the efficacy of activated prothrombin complex (aPCC) and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was assumed to be equivalent and based on expert opinion of the haematologist in our study it was conservatively assumed that assay testing improves the efficacy of both the bypassing agents by 10%. Probabilistic and one‐way sensitivity analyses were used to determine the robustness of the results. Cost savings per bleeding episode were estimated at $6886 (95% CI = $4310–7978) for aPCC and $7647 (95% CI = $3134–10 388) for rFVIIa treatment. This translates in potential cost savings of 24.8% (95% CI = 15.5–28.8%) for aPCC use and 18.2% (95% CI = 8–24.7%) for rFVIIa use. Furthermore, if testing successfully predicts the optimum dose for concomitant therapy at the onset of bleeding, significant cost savings were observed compared with rFVIIa and aPCC therapies alone. Use of bypass therapy assay testing before treatment administration in haemophilia inhibitor patients can potentially reduce treatment costs significantly while optimizing dose and therapy response.
Comparison of Interictal Vestibular Function in Vestibular Migraine vs Migraine Without Vertigo
Authors: Boldingh Marion Ingeborg , Ljøstad Unn , Mygland Åse , Monstad Per
Published: May 2013

Background

Patients with vestibular migraine (VM) suffer attacks of vertigo that often occur in isolation from headache attacks. We aimed to assess and compare vestibular function interictally in patients with VM and patients with migraine without vertigo (M).

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients diagnosed with definite VM according to the Neuhauser criteria, and 32 patients diagnosed with M according to the International Headache Society criteria were examined between attacks using a broad battery of bedside vestibular tests, a caloric test, and videonystagmography.

Results

Overall, 70% of the VM patients and 34% of the M patients showed abnormalities on one or more of the 14 performed vestibular tests (P = .006). Abnormal findings were more frequent in VM than in M patients on Romberg's test, test for voluntary fixation suppression of the vestibular ocular reflex and test for static positional nystagmus (P = .03, .01 and .04, respectively). There were no differences in the distribution of central and peripheral vestibular signs between VM and M patients.

Conclusions

Vestibular abnormalities were present interictally among both VM and M patients, but were found about twice as frequently among VM patients. This may indicate that subclinical vestibular dysfunction is an integral part of migraine pathology in general, and not solely in VM.
Women, trauma and substance abuse: Understanding the experiences of female survivors of childhood abuse in alcohol and drug treatment
Authors: Salter Michael , Breckenridge Jan
Published: May 2013

Despite the available evidence suggesting gender should be considered in the provision of alcohol and/or drug (AOD) treatment, programmes are frequently offered in an apparent ‘gender vacuum’. This article argues that the generalist ‘one size fits all’ approach of many AOD services is not gender neutral but should be understood as implicitly gendered in that it neglects the specificity of women's needs in relation to abuse, mental illness and parenting. The discussion presented in this article is based on a qualitative study of the experiences of adult women with histories of childhood sexual abuse and/or domestic violence in AOD treatment. By examining the ways in which AOD treatments effectively ignore or minimise gender, this article uncovers intervention practices that efface the complexities underpinning AOD use among women and suggests ways in which alternative models of service delivery can create more validating and supportive environments.

Key Practitioner Message: ● Some of the common assumptions underpinning alcohol and drug treatment do not adequately acknowledge the specific needs of female clients and so gender‐neutral service provision can be disenabling for women; ● Punitive service cultures or behaviour change strategies have a differential impact on female clients, many of whom have prior and ongoing experiences of abuse and violence; ● Service models that acknowledge the complex responsibilities and relational histories of female clients are more likely to engender a positive response and provide the opportunity to address the multiple and complex needs that can go unmet in non‐specialist services.
Development Regimes, Scales and State Spatial Restructuring: Change and Continuity in the Production of Urban Space in Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Klink Jeroen
Published: May 2013

Using the experience of metropolitan Rio de Janeiro, this article contributes to the broader debate on development regimes, rescaling and state spatial restructuring in Brazil, and its specificities in relation to the international discussion on the transformations in Atlantic Fordism. I argue that the transition from a (peripheral) development state to a competitive and rescaled regime has been accompanied by important continuities. Legitimized through discourses around development poles and trickle‐down effects, the national‐developmental regime has systematically promoted some spaces as opposed to others, without much emphasis on the social and environmental dimensions of spatial policies. The emerging competitive state spatial regime, whether in its neoliberalized, or its more recent ‘rolled‐out’ national‐developmental version, is merely expected to aggravate the historical socio‐environmental contradictions in the production of space. Moreover, scale has proven contested and strategic‐relational, both molding and being influenced by actors that seek to use scalar politics to reach their interests. My analysis suggests that, within this scenario, neither economic growth, nor regulatory and institutional strengthening, nor financial resources are likely to produce structural transformation in the inherited spaces of Greater Rio de Janeiro.
Who opposes rights for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities?
Authors: Crowson H. Michael , Brandes Joyce A. , Hurst Rebecca J.
Published: May 2013

Research on human and civil rights has only rarely addressed people's attitudes toward disability rights in the context of American society. This study was designed to gain a better understanding of why certain individuals might oppose expanded rights for people who have disabilities. Pearson's correlations revealed that individuals high on social dominance orientation (SDO) and right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) were more likely to reject rights for persons with intellectual and physical disabilities than individuals scoring lower on these factors. Structural equation analyses indicated that both SDO and RWA are directly implicated in opposition to expanded rights for these groups. Moreover, the effects of SDO on rights attitudes appear to be mediated through internal motivation to respond without prejudice.
Mechanobiological dysregulation of the epidermis and dermis in skin disorders and in degeneration
Authors: Ogawa Rei , Hsu Chao‐Kai
Published: May 2013

During growth and development, the skin expands to cover the growing skeleton and soft tissues by constantly responding to the intrinsic forces of underlying skeletal growth as well as to the extrinsic mechanical forces from body movements and external supports. Mechanical forces can be perceived by two types of skin receptors: (1) cellular mechanoreceptors/mechanosensors, such as the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion molecules and mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels, and (2) sensory nerve fibres that produce the somatic sensation of mechanical force. Skin disorders in which there is an abnormality of collagen [e.g. Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS)] or elastic (e.g. cutis laxa) fibres or a malfunction of cutaneous nerve fibres (e.g. neurofibroma, leprosy and diabetes mellitus) are also characterized to some extent by deficiencies in mechanobiological processes. Recent studies have shown that mechanotransduction is crucial for skin development, especially hemidesmosome maturation, which implies that the pathogenesis of skin disorders such as bullous pemphigoid is related to skin mechanobiology. Similarly, autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease, and pathological scarring in the form of keloids and hypertrophic scars would seem to be clearly associated with the mechanobiological dysfunction of the skin. Finally, skin ageing can also be considered as a degenerative process associated with mechanobiological dysfunction. Clinically, a therapeutic strategy involving mechanoreceptors or MS nociceptor inhibition or acceleration together with a reduction or augmentation in the relevant mechanical forces is likely to be successful. The development of novel approaches such as these will allow the treatment of a broad range of cutaneous diseases.
Migration behaviour of twaite shad Alosa fallax assessed by otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca profiles
Authors: Magath V. , Marohn L. , Fietzke J. , Frische M. , Thiel R. , Dierking J.
Published: May 2013

Individual migration behaviour during the juvenile and adult life phase of the anadromous twaite shad Alosa fallax in the Elbe estuary was examined using otolith Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca profiles. Between hatching and the end of the first year of life, juveniles showed two migration patterns. Pattern one exhibited a single downstream migration from fresh water to the sea with no return into fresh water. In contrast, pattern two showed a first migration into the sea, then a return into fresh water and, finally, a second downstream migration into marine water. This first report of migration plasticity for A. fallax points to different exposure times to estuarine threats depending on the migration strategy. In adults, high Sr:Ca and low Ba:Ca in the majority of individuals confirmed prior reports of a primarily marine habitat use. Patterns reflecting spawning migrations were rarely observed on otoliths, possibly due to the short duration of visits to fresh water.
Law Enforcement Advocate Program: An Interagency Collaboration to Enhance Community‐Police Relations and Improve Outcomes for Substance‐Using Offenders
Authors: Rajaee Lilas , Rodriguez Julie Madden , Addison Lt. Steven , Readio Stuart , Longwood Wendy
Published: May 2013

Justice system involvement is highly correlated with substance‐use issues. Untreated, substance‐using offenders are likely to continue to use drugs, commit crimes, and pose a public safety risk. Strategies to address substance use in the criminal justice system often fall short in terms of integrating services and sustaining engagement among high‐risk adult and juvenile populations. Law enforcement can help to bridge identified gaps by offering a community‐based solution to the interrelated challenges of substance use, crime, and recidivism for offenders. The Law Enforcement Advocate Program has been effective in improving probationer compliance and outcomes, facilitating problem solving and interagency coordination, and improving community‐police relations.
Disruption of nodal architecture in skin biopsies of patients with demyelinating neuropathies
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Werner Christian , Sommer Claudia
Published: May 2013

Cutaneous nerves represent the most distal part of the sensory nervous system. We took advantage of the good discernibility of longitudinal myelinated fibers in skin biopsies to analyze the distribution of nodal and paranodal proteins in neuropathies and to assess nodal disorganization as a diagnostic marker of demyelinating neuropathy (NP). We analyzed myelinated nerve fibers in skin biopsies from the finger and the proximal leg of 52 prospectively recruited patients with different peripheral neuropathies and 17 controls. We performed immunohistochemical double labeling with anti‐MBP, anti‐PGP9.5, anti‐caspr, anti‐pan‐neurofascin, and anti‐pan‐sodium‐channel. Three potential features of demyelinating NP could be established: elongated nodes of Ranvier and dispersion of contactin‐associated protein (caspr) staining were found more often in demyelinating than in axonal neuropathies (p < 0.05) and were not detectable in normal controls. Broadening of neurofascin staining was detectable more often in demyelinating neuropathies compared with normal controls (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that pathological changes of nodal architecture can be visualized in skin biopsies and that the detection of elongated nodes of Ranvier and alterations in the distribution of paranodal proteins may be useful in the diagnostic assessment of peripheral NP.
Translation Cost, Quality, and Adequacy
Authors: Hendrickson Sherry G. , Harrison Tracie C. , Lopez Nora A. , Zegarra‐Coronado Aurea G. , Ricks Tiffany
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Although the inclusion of non‐native‐speaking participants in nursing research is important in every country where nursing research takes place, the literature contains little on the method of achieving quality translation while simultaneously addressing cost containment. We describe a process for evaluating translation adequacy and demonstrate its use in comparing procedures for translating data from non‐native‐speaking interviews.

Organizing Construct

This work demonstrates a process for establishing, evaluating, and achieving translation adequacy when conducting qualitative research for cross‐cultural comparisons.

Methods

In an ethnographic investigation of disability in Mexican American women, we describe a process for obtaining translation adequacy, defined here as the methodological goal whereby the quality of the translated text meets the needs of the specified study. Using a subset of responses transcribed from Spanish audiotapes into Spanish text, the text was subjected to two separate translation processes, which were compared for adequacy based on error rates and accuracy of meaning, as well as for cost.

Findings

The process for discriminating translation adequacy was sensitive to differences in certified versus noncertified translators. While the noncertified translation initially appeared to be seven times less expensive than the certified process, auditing and correcting errors in noncertified translations substantially increased cost. No errors were found with the certified translations.

Conclusions

The level of translation adequacy needed for any qualitative study should be considered before beginning the study itself. Based on a predetermined level, translation choices can be assessed using specified methods, which can also lead to greater transparency in the research process.

Clinical Relevance

An ongoing process to verify translation outcomes inclu‐ding cost, a component minimally discussed in the current literature, is relevant to nurses worldwide. Awareness of expense and quality issues makes greater methodological transparency possible in the design of translation projects and research studies.
A Systematic Review of Social Networking Sites: Innovative Platforms for Health Research Targeting Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Park Bu Kyung , Calamaro Christina
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To review the evidence to determine if social networking sites (SNS) are effective tools for health research in the adolescent and young adult populations.

Design

Systematic review of published research articles focused on use of SNS for youth health research.

Methods

Seventeen articles were selected that met the following criteria: used SNS at any stage of study, participants between 13 and 25 years of age, English language, and both international and national studies. Reviewers categorized selected studies based on the way SNS were used.

Findings

Utilization of SNS for effectively implementing research with adolescents and young adults include (a) recruitment, (b) intervention, and (c) measurement. Four findings about advantages of using SNS apparent in this review are (a) ease of access to youth, (b) cost effectiveness in recruitment, (c) ease of intervention, and (d) reliable screening venue of mental status and high‐risk behaviors.

Conclusions

Although this literature review showed relatively minimal research to date on the use of SNS for research targeting adolescents and young adults, the impact of using SNS for health research is of considerable importance for researchers as well as participants. With careful focus, SNS can become a valuable platform to access, recruit, and deliver health interventions in a cost‐effective manner to youth populations as well as hard‐to‐reach minority or underserved populations.

Clinical Relevance

The evidence demonstrates the usefulness of SNS as innovative platforms for health promotion among adolescents and young adults.
The Discreet Charm of Lenin
Authors: Rethmann Petra
Published: May 2013

This article takes two postcards of Lenin as their point of departure to ask about articulations of Soviet history as image and kitsch. I am especially interested in the ways in which the dead body or mummy of Lenin comes to symbolize an imagined social coherence that accrues specific political significance after the demise of the Soviet Union. In looking at Lenin's mummy as a site of memory and key to understanding contemporary Russian political desires, the article offers one analytical interpretation of the continuing preservation of Russia's revolutionary and also Stalinist past. By arguing that the Lenin mummy simultaneously functions as camp and kitsch, and as an embodied time of eternity, I also seek to understand how “grandiose” understandings of Soviet history work in this present.
Gastric emptying rate in subjects with malocclusion examined by [13C] breath test
Authors: Koike S. , Sujino T. , Ohmori H. , Shimazaki K. , Fukuyama E. , Kanai T. , Hibi T. , Ono T.
Published: May 2013

Masticatory function is significantly lower in individuals with malocclusion than in those with normal occlusion. Although several studies suggest that masticatory function influences gastrointestinal digestive function, the relationship between malocclusion and gastrointestinal symptoms has not been studied extensively. We hypothesised that insufficient masticatory function would increase the functional burden of the stomach and have some influence on the gastrointestinal system. The purpose of this study was to investigate masticatory function and gastric emptying rate in subjects with malocclusion. Eleven healthy dentate female volunteers and eleven female patients with maloc‐clusion underwent a 13C‐acetate breath test with a liquid meal. Maximum 13CO2 exhalation time (Tmax) was compared statistically between both groups. Masticatory function was assessed by colour‐changeable chewing gum. In addition, the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroeso‐phageal reflux disease (FSSG) and questionnaires on food intake were given to both groups. The mean Tmax of the malocclusion group was significantly longer than that of the normal occlusion group (P = 0·007). Masticatory performance, measured by colour‐changeable gum and questionnaires, was significantly lower in the malocclusion group than in the normal occlusion group (P = 0·023, P = 0·003). There was no significant difference in the FSSG results between the two groups (P = 0·262). This study suggested that there was a correlation between malocclusion and gastric emptying function in women.
Relation and Interactions Among Reading Fluency and Competence for Adult Education Learners
Authors: Mellard Daryl F. , Fall Emily E. , Woods Kari L.
Published: May 2013

Statistical analyses of data from an academically diverse sample of 276 adult basic and secondary education learners extends understanding of the relation of and interactions between oral reading fluency and reading competence indices. Significant interactions between total word rate and word error rate that differed in relation to two measures of reading competence suggest that adult literacy instructors should emphasize fluency instruction to a greater or lesser degree depending on whether the major goal of instruction is academic reading (e.g., being able to comprehend a textbook) or functional reading (e.g., being able to fill out a job application).
Scaling up epidemics of acute hepatitis C and syphilis in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men in Spain
Authors: Sánchez Clara , Plaza Zulema , Vispo Eugenia , de Mendoza Carmen , Barreiro Pablo , Fernández‐Montero José V. , Labarga Pablo , Poveda Eva , Soriano Vincent
Published: May 2013

Background

Outbreaks of acute hepatitis C in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are being reported in large cities in western countries along with increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases.

Methods

All HIV individuals attended at a large outclinic in Madrid within the last 5 years were examined. Incident syphilis was diagnosed based on rapid plasma reagin (RPR) reactivity, being negative previously or showing >4‐fold increase. Acute hepatitis C was diagnosed based on HCV antibody seroconversion and/or positive serum HCV‐RNA after being negative within the last year.

Results

A total of 859 episodes of syphilis and 19 of acute hepatitis C were diagnosed during the study period. Syphilis was recognized in 65/2,094 (3.1%) individuals attended in 2008 and rose up to 261/2,512 (10.4%) in 2012 (P < 0.001). Acute hepatitis C was diagnosed in only one subject in 2008 but rose up to 7 in 2012 (P = 0.12).

All 19 HIV patients with acute hepatitis C were MSM. Syphilis was diagnosed concomitantly in seven. All eight individuals who were treated with peginterferon/ribavirin were cured, whereas only one untreated experienced spontaneous clearance (P = 0.004). Two clusters of infections by HCV genotypes 4 and 1a were identified by phylogenetic analyses.

Conclusions

The incidence of acute hepatitis C is low but steadily increasing in HIV‐positive MSM in Madrid (<1% yearly), despite the very high rates of syphilis (currently 20% yearly in HIV‐positive MSM). Preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections and periodic HCV screening are warranted in this population as treatment of acute hepatitis C is very effective.
Genomic analysis reveals MATH gene(s) as candidate(s) for Plum pox virus (PPV) resistance in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Authors: Zuriaga Elena , Soriano José Miguel , Zhebentyayeva Tetyana , Romero Carlos , Dardick Chris , Cañizares Joaquín , Badenes Maria Luisa
Published: May 2013

Sharka disease, caused by Plum pox virus (PPV), is the most important viral disease affecting Prunus species. A major PPV resistance locus (PPVres) has been mapped to the upper part of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) linkage group 1. In this study, a physical map of the PPVres locus in the PPV‐resistant cultivar ‘Goldrich’ was constructed. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones belonging to the resistant haplotype contig were sequenced using 454/GS‐FLX Titanium technology. Concurrently, the whole genome of seven apricot varieties (three PPV‐resistant and four PPV‐susceptible) and two PPV‐susceptible apricot relatives (P. sibirica var. davidiana and P. mume) were obtained using the Illumina‐HiSeq2000 platform. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the mapped interval, recorded from alignments against the peach genome, allowed us to narrow down the PPVres locus to a region of ∼196 kb. Searches for polymorphisms linked in coupling with the resistance led to the identification of 68 variants within 23 predicted transcripts according to peach genome annotation. Candidate resistance genes were ranked combining data from variant calling and predicted functions inferred from sequence homology. Together, the results suggest that members of a cluster of meprin and TRAF‐C homology domain (MATHd)‐containing proteins are the most likely candidate genes for PPV resistance in apricot. Interestingly, MATHd proteins are hypothesized to control long‐distance movement (LDM) of potyviruses in Arabidopsis, and restriction for LDM is also a major component of PPV resistance in apricot. Although the PPV resistance gene(s) remains to be unambiguously identified, these results pave the way to the determination of the underlying mechanism and to the development of more accurate breeding strategies.
Bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 mutations, clinical phenotypes and outcomes of Japanese patients with sporadic or familial pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kabata Hiroki , Satoh Toru , Kataoka Masaharu , Tamura Yuichi , Ono Tomohiko , Yamamoto Miyuki , Huqun  , Hagiwara Koichi , Fukuda Keiichi , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Asano Koichiro
Published: May 2013

Background and objective

Mutation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) is a cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We measured the prevalence of this mutation and its impact on the phenotypes and long‐term clinical outcomes in Japanese patients.

Methods

Between 1999 and 2007, we consecutively enrolled and, until March 2012, followed 49 Japanese patients with PAH, including nine familial cases from seven families. We genotyped BMPR2, using direct sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, to examine (i) the prevalence of BMPR2 mutations and gene rearrangement, (ii) the relationship between BMPR2 genotype and clinical phenotypes, and (iii) the long‐term clinical outcomes of mutation carriers versus non‐carriers under state‐of‐the‐art medical therapy.

Results

BMPR2 mutations were present in four of the seven families (57%) and in 14 of the 40 patients (35%) with sporadic PAH. The mean age at onset of PAH was 37.4 years in BMPR2 carriers, versus 25.9 years in non‐carriers (P = 0.0025). The gender distribution and hemodynamic status at time of diagnosis were similar regardless of the mutation status. The 5‐year survival rate after diagnosis of PAH was 88.5% in BMPR2 mutation carriers versus 80.9% in non‐carriers (ns).

Conclusions

The prevalence of BMPR2 mutations in Japanese with PAH was similar to that reported in other populations. At onset of PAH, BMPR2 mutation non‐carriers were, on average, younger than carriers, possibly due to the heterogeneity of this subpopulation. With state‐of‐the‐art therapy, the long‐term survival of patients with PAH was high, regardless of the mutation status.
European World Cities and the Spatial Polarisation of Air Transport Liberalisation Benefits
Authors: Ramos‐Pérez David , Sánchez‐Hernández José Luis
Published: May 2013

Research about the consequences of air transport liberalisation in the European Union is already substantial in amount and scope. Nevertheless, spatial implications of this liberalisation have not been fully addressed yet. By analysing information from the OAG database, this paper measures the geographic concentration of air routes and seating offers supplied under competition conditions among European airports. Our analysis demonstrates that competition is mainly restricted to European World Cities, the ones which concentrate high‐rank functions in the capitalist world‐economy.
Whole genome profiling physical map and ancestral annotation of tobacco Hicks Broadleaf
Authors: Sierro Nicolas , van Oeveren Jan , van Eijk Michiel J. T. , Martin Florian , Stormo Keith E. , Peitsch Manuel C. , Ivanov Nikolai V.
Published: May 2013

Genomics‐based breeding of economically important crops such as banana, coffee, cotton, potato, tobacco and wheat is often hampered by genome size, polyploidy and high repeat content. We adapted sequence‐based whole‐genome profiling (WGP™) technology to obtain insight into the polyploidy of the model plant Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). N. tabacum is assumed to originate from a hybridization event between ancestors of Nicotiana sylvestris and Nicotiana tomentosiformis approximately 200 000 years ago. This resulted in tobacco having a haploid genome size of 4500 million base pairs, approximately four times larger than the related tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) genomes. In this study, a physical map containing 9750 contigs of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) was constructed. The mean contig size was 462 kbp, and the calculated genome coverage equaled the estimated tobacco genome size. We used a method for determination of the ancestral origin of the genome by annotation of WGP sequence tags. This assignment agreed with the ancestral annotation available from the tobacco genetic map, and may be used to investigate the evolution of homoeologous genome segments after polyploidization. The map generated is an essential scaffold for the tobacco genome. We propose the combination of WGP physical mapping technology and tag profiling of ancestral lines as a generally applicable method to elucidate the ancestral origin of genome segments of polyploid species. The physical mapping of genes and their origins will enable application of biotechnology to polyploid plants aimed at accelerating and increasing the precision of breeding for abiotic and biotic stress resistance.
Changes in hospital human tissue oversight in the United States between 2005 and 2011: results of a follow‐up AABB survey
Authors: Schlueter Annette J. , Whitaker Barbee I. , Gishta Roksolana , Malasky Jacquelyn , Josephson Cassandra D. ,   AABB Biovigilance Tissue Working Group
Published: May 2013

Background

In 2005, The Joint Commission (TJC) implemented tissue storage and issuance standards for hospital oversight, which AABB assessed by survey. This follow‐up survey of AABB's membership, 6 years later, ascertained changes after TJC implementation of tissue standards.

Study Design and Methods

AABB's Biovigilance Tissue Working Group conducted a Web‐based survey, distributed to 1069 hospital institutional members in June 2011. Human tissue types used, departmental responsibilities, and views of AABB involvement were queried.

Results

Of the 336 (31%) total respondents, 84% use allogeneic and/or autologous human tissue. Sixty‐one percent have stored tissue on consignment. As in 2005, the department of surgery most often had responsibility for tissue use, followed by the blood bank or transfusion service (BBTS). Overall, the BBTS had a smaller role in oversight of autologous tissue acquisition in 2011 versus 2005, but no change in level of responsibility for storage or issue of tissues. Hospitals reported the BBTS and combined blood and tissue services (CBTS) added responsibilities for storing and monitoring eye tissue and heart valves (p < 0.05) since 2005. The BBTS/CBTS increased their degree of responsibility for reporting suspected postimplant infection and other adverse reactions for musculoskeletal allografts (p < 0.01), eye tissue (p < 0.005), and eye tissue recipients recall notification (p < 0.05). The BBTS/CBTS have more responsibility than any other department for stem cell and cord blood management.

Conclusions

In this survey, AABB institutional members reported that BBTS are more involved than previously in the regulatory aspects of human tissue oversight and remain involved in many operational aspects of hospital tissue management.
The relationship between osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease in a population health survey: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rahman M Mushfiqur , Kopec Jacek A , Cibere Jolanda , Goldsmith Charlie H , Anis Aslam H
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Our objective was to determine the relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and heart diseases (myocardial infarction (MI), angina, congestive heart failure (CHF)) and stroke using population-based survey data.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS).

Participants

Adult participants in the CCHS cycles 1.1, 2.1 and 3.1 were included. CCHS provides nationally representative data on health determinants, health status and health system utilisation. We have identified 40 817 self-reported OA subjects and selected 1:1 matched non-OA respondents by age, sex and CCHS cycles.

Main outcome measures

Self-reported heart disease was the primary outcome and MI, angina, CHF and stroke were considered as secondary outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs after adjusting for sociodemographic status, obesity, physical activity, smoking status, fruit and vegetable consumption, medication use, diabetes, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results

The mean age of OA cases was 66 years and 71.6% were women. OA exhibited increased odds of prevalent heart disease, and adjusted overall OR (95% CI) was 1.45 (1.36 to 1.54), 1.35 (1.21 to 1.50) among men and 1.51 (1.39 to 1.64) among women with OA. OA showed increased ORs for angina and CHF in both men and women, and for MI in women. ORs (95% CI) for men and women, respectively, were 1.08 (0.91 to 1.28) and 1.49 (1.28 to 1.75) for MI, 1.76 (1.43 to 2.17) and 1.84 (1.59 to 2.14) for angina, 1.50 (1.13 to 1.97) and 1.81 (1.49 to 2.21) for CHF, and 1.08 (0.83 to 1.40) and 1.13 (0.93 to 1.37) for stroke.

Conclusions

Prevalent OA was associated with self-reported heart disease, particularly angina, and CHF in both men and women, after controlling for established risk factors for these conditions. This study provides a rationale for further investigation of the association between OA and heart disease in longitudinal studies for investigating possible biological and behavioural mechanisms.
A Dutch regional trauma registry: quality check of the registered data
Authors: Olthof D C , Luitse J S K , de Groot F M J , Goslings J C
Published: May 2013

Background

Quality indicators have become increasingly important in the healthcare sector. Data from a trauma registry (TR) should be accurate and reliable as they are used to describe and evaluate (the quality of) trauma care.

Objective

To investigate the reliability of injury coding, injury severity scoring and survival status in a regional TR. The feasibility of the format that was developed for this study was also investigated.

Methods

A random sample, without replacement, was taken from the TR of a Dutch regional trauma care network. All 343 patients in the sample were then recoded by another trauma registrar (rater). Reliability was expressed in the percentage agreement between the raters.

Results

In the total study sample of 333 patients, the reliability of the number of Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) codes was substantial (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.70); and the reliability of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) (ICC=0.84) and survival status were ‘almost perfect’ (Cohen's κ=0.82). Both raters had given 129 patients one AIS code. The reliability of the body region of the AIS was ‘almost perfect’ (Cohen's κ=0.91); and the reliability of the severity of the injury and the ISS were ‘almost perfect’ (weighted κ=0.88 and ICC=0.90). The reliability of the ISS in the patients who were assigned at least two AIS codes (n=128) was ‘almost perfect’ (ICC=0.86). The reliability of the number of AIS codes and the number of body regions was ‘moderate’ (ICC=0.56 and Cohen's κ=0.52).

Conclusions

The reliability of injury coding in a regional trauma registry was ‘substantial’ and the reliability of the ISS and survival status was ‘almost perfect’. The format and design of this study were feasible and could be used to investigate the quality of (trauma) registries.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF FRACTURE INCREASING SPONTANEOUS IMBIBITION IN POROUS MEDIA WITH GAS-SATURATED
Authors: CAI JIANCHAO , SUN SHUYU
Published: May 2013

Spontaneous imbibition (SI) of wetting liquid into matrix blocks due to capillary pressure is regarded as an important recovery mechanism in low permeability fractured reservoir. In this paper, an analytical model is proposed for characterizing SI horizontally from a single plane fracture into gas-saturated matrix blocks. The presented model is based on the fractal character of pores in porous matrix, with gravity force included in the entire imbibition process. The accumulated mass of wetting liquid imbibed into matrix blocks is related to a number of factors such as contact area, pore fractal dimension, tortuosity, maximum pore size, porosity, liquid density and viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, as well as height and tilt angle of the fracture. The mechanism of fracture-enhanced SI is analyzed accordingly. Because of the effect of fracture, the gravity force is positive to imbibition process. Additionally, the farther away from the fracture top of the pore, the more influential the hydrostatic pressure is upon the imbibition action. The presented fractal analysis of horizontal spontaneous imbibition from a single fracture could also shed light on the scaling study of the mass transfer function between matrix and fracture system of fractured reservoirs.
AGE PREFERENCES FOR LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMS: USING CHOICE MODELING TO MEASURE THE RELATIVE VALUES OF STATISTICAL LIFE
Authors: PALANCA-TAN ROSALINA
Published: May 2013

This study employed the survey-based choice modeling (CM) approach to determine people's age preferences for life-saving programs in Metro Manila, Philippines. Two social welfare models — social welfare as a function of the number of lives saved in each of the age groups (Model 1) and social welfare as a function of the number of lives saved irrespective of age and total life-years saved (Model 2) — were specified and ran using binary probit regression. Our results from both models indicate a general preference for saving younger lives. Based on Model 1 estimates, saving a child aged below one year was considered to be equivalent to saving four retirees (60 years old and above), and saving a life in the 1–19 years age group was equivalent to saving five retirees. The working age group's (20–59 years old) life was judged equivalent to three lives in the retired age group. Regression results for Model 2 indicated that both number of lives and total number of life-years saved (and hence age group of lives saved) significantly affected the choices of the respondents.
SOURCES OF HAPPINESS IN INDONESIA
Authors: SOHN KITAE
Published: May 2013

Using the Indonesian Family Life Survey, this paper elucidates the factors related to happiness in Indonesia. Some factors yield results consistent with those in the literature, but other factors such as unemployment and the female gender turn out not to be robust. Some attempts are made to purge endogeneity for past income mobility, social trust, and political environment. Also, measures with a more immediate impact on happiness are exploited for social trust and political environment. The sign of the coefficient on past income mobility is reversed once the variable has been purged of endogeneity. In addition, social trust and political environment are found to have little relationship with happiness.
A REMARK ON THE TRACE-MAP FOR THE SILVER MEAN SEQUENCE
Authors: GAHRAMANOV ILMAR , ASGEROV ELMAR
Published: May 2013

In this work, we study the Silver mean sequence based on substitution rules by means of a transfer-matrix approach. Using transfer-matrix method, we find a recurrence relation for the traces of general transfer-matrices which characterizes electronic properties of the quasicrystal in question. We also find an invariant of the trace-map.
CONVERSION FROM ATOMIC TO MOLECULAR BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATE VIA CHAINWISE ADIABATIC PASSAGE
Authors: LI JIAN , LIU YONG , CONG SHU-LIN
Published: May 2013

We present an approach for effectively converting atomic Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) into molecular one. Atoms are converted into molecules through a series of intermediate vibrational states by using chainwise stimulated Raman adiabatic passage technique. We utilize a feasible pulse sequence to achieve higher conversion efficiency by solving the coupled mean-field equations. As an example, we investigate the formation of Rb 2 and calculate conversion efficiency to be 92.3%.
LARGE HOLE POLARONS IN Sc-DOPED TiO2 CRYSTALS
Authors: STASHANS ARVIDS , BRAVO YESSICA
Published: May 2013

First-principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) have been used to study Sc -doped TiO 2, rutile and anatase, crystals. Local defect microstructure, electronic and electrical properties have been obtained and discussed in the present work. Large radius hole polaron state found here points out to the possibility of p-type electrical conductivity in Sc -doped titania.