bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial spoilage analysis and its effect on chemical changes and shelf‐life of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) stored in air at various temperatures
Authors: Boziaris Ioannis S. , Kordila Aikaterini , Neofitou Christos
Published: March 2011

Microbial activity and spoilage of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) from Greek temperate waters, stored in air at 20, 5 and 0 °C was assessed. Microbial spoilage population, Total Volatile‐Base Nitrogen (TVB‐N), Trimethylamine‐Nitrogen (TMA‐N), pH and organoleptic changes were determined. Shelf‐life of Norway lobster stored at 20, 5 and 0 °C was 24, 72 and 96 h respectively. The product was spoiled due to the development of TVB‐N and melanosis of the carapace, as TVB‐N was apparent from the early stages of storage and correlated very well with microbial growth and shelf‐life. Pseudomonas sp. was the predominant spoilage bacterium. Product rejection coincided with TVB‐N levels of 330–400 mg kg−1 and Pseudomonas sp. population level of about 5 × 105 cfu g−1. Pseudomonas sp. and TVB‐N are presumably the Specific Spoilage Organism and the Chemical Spoilage Index of the product.
Relationships between critical thinking ability and nursing competence in clinical nurses
Authors: Chang Mei Jen , Chang Ying‐Ju , Kuo Shih‐Hsien , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Chou Fan‐Hao
Published: March 2011

Aim and objective.  To examine the relationships between critical thinking ability and nursing competence in clinical nurses.

Background.  There are few evidance‐based data related to the relationship between critical thinking ability and nursing competence of clinical nurses.

Design.  A cross‐sectional and correlation research design was used.

Methods.  A total of 570 clinical nurses at a medical centre in southern Taiwan were recruited into this study. Two self‐report questionnaires, the Watson‐Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) and the Nursing Competence Scale (NCS), were used to collect data.

Results.  The critical thinking ability of clinical nurses was at the middle level. The highest score for the subscales of the WGCTA was ‘interpretation ability’ and the lowest was ‘inference ability’. The nursing competence of clinical nurses was at the middle level and above. The highest score for the subscales was ‘caring ability’ and the lowest was ‘research ability’. Critical thinking ability had a significantly positive correlation with nursing competence. Critical thinking, working years, educational levels and position/title were the significant predictors of nursing competence, accounting for 32·9% of the variance.

Conclusions.  Critical thinking ability had a significantly positive correlation with nursing competence. The critical thinking ability of clinical nurses with a master’s degree was significantly better than those with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma and nurses with over five working years was significantly better than those with under five years.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study can further serve as a reference for nursing education to improve nursing curricula and teaching strategies for nurse preparation. It could also be a guideline for nursing administration personnel in on‐the‐job training and orientation programs for nursing staff.
Is discharge knee range of motion a useful and relevant clinical indicator after total knee replacement? Part 1
Authors: Naylor Justine M. , Ko Victoria , Rougellis Steve , Green Nick , Hackett Danella , Magrath Ann , Barnett Anne , Kim Grace , White Megan , Nathan Priya , Harmer Alison , Mackey Martin , Heard Rob , Yeo Anthony E. T. , Adie Sam , Harris Ian A. , Mittal Rajat , Cho Adam
Published: March 2011

Objectives  Knee range of motion (ROM) at the point of discharge from acute care is used as a clinical indicator to benchmark performance between hospital services after total knee replacement (TKR). The utility of the current benchmark, including whether discharge ROM varies between hospitals, is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the benchmark [≥80 degrees flexion and ≤5 degrees fixed flexion (extension)] is realistic and whether the service provider is a predictor of knee ROM.

Methods  A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted involving 176 TKR patients from four hospitals. Knee ROM was photographically assessed preoperatively and at discharge. ‘Hospital’, typical patient demographic data and preoperative ROM were identified a priori as potential predictors of knee ROM.

Results  Overall, 2% [95% CI (confidence interval) 1–6] of patients attained the ROM benchmark. Individual hospital attainment of the benchmark ranged 0–7% with a significant difference (P = 0.047) evident between the best performer and the remaining hospitals. The overall rates of attainment of the individual flexion (25%, 95% CI 19–32) and extension (15%, 95% CI 10–21) components were similarly low, although the scatter between hospitals was large [flexion (2–47%); extension (8–44%)]. Preoperative flexion and hospital were significant (P = 0.002) predictors of discharge flexion, explaining 21% of the variance. Similarly, hospital and preoperative extension together with gender were significant (P < 0.001) predictors of discharge extension, explaining 26% of the variance.

Conclusions  A small minority of patients attained the knee ROM benchmark, indicating the existing standard is unrealistic. Nevertheless, that ‘hospital’ is an important predictor confirms the potential of ROM for benchmarking purposes. Differences in physiotherapy practices may contribute to inter‐hospital variation in discharge knee ROM together with other undefined factors. The causal relationships explaining the variation and the relationship between discharge ROM and longer‐term outcome are avenues for future exploration which will help define the clinical relevance of the indicator.
High‐throughput, subpixel precision analysis of bacterial morphogenesis and intracellular spatio‐temporal dynamics
Authors: Sliusarenko Oleksii , Heinritz Jennifer , Emonet Thierry , Jacobs‐Wagner Christine
Published: March 2011

Bacteria display various shapes and rely on complex spatial organization of their intracellular components for many cellular processes. This organization changes in response to internal and external cues. Quantitative, unbiased study of these spatio‐temporal dynamics requires automated image analysis of large microscopy datasets. We have therefore developed MicrobeTracker, a versatile and high‐throughput image analysis program that outlines and segments cells with subpixel precision, even in crowded images and mini‐colonies, enabling cell lineage tracking. MicrobeTracker comes with an integrated accessory tool, SpotFinder, which precisely tracks foci of fluorescently labelled molecules inside cells. Using MicrobeTracker, we discover that the dynamics of the extensively studied Escherichia coli Min oscillator depends on Min protein concentration, unveiling critical limitations in robustness within the oscillator. We also find that the fraction of MinD proteins oscillating increases with cell length, indicating that the oscillator has evolved to be most effective when cells attain an appropriate length. MicrobeTracker was also used to uncover novel aspects of morphogenesis and cell cycle regulation in Caulobacter crescentus. By tracking filamentous cells, we show that the chromosomal origin at the old‐pole is responsible for most replication/separation events while the others remain largely silent despite contiguous cytoplasm. This surprising position‐dependent silencing is regulated by division.
The HtrA/DegP family protease MamE is a bifunctional protein with roles in magnetosome protein localization and magnetite biomineralization
Authors: Quinlan Anna , Murat Dorothée , Vali Hojatollah , Komeili Arash
Published: March 2011

Magnetotactic bacteria contain nanometre‐sized, membrane‐bound organelles, called magnetosomes, which are tasked with the biomineralization of small crystals of the iron oxide magnetite allowing the organism to use geomagnetic field lines for navigation. A key player in this process is the HtrA/DegP family protease MamE. In its absence, Magnetospirillum magneticum str AMB‐1 is able to form magnetosome membranes but not magnetite crystals, a defect previously linked to the mislocalization of magnetosome proteins. In this work we use a directed genetic approach to find that MamE, and another predicted magnetosome‐associated protease, MamO, likely function as proteases in vivo. However, as opposed to the complete loss of mamE where no biomineralization is observed, the protease‐deficient variant of this protein still supports the initiation and formation of small, 20 nm‐sized crystals of magnetite, too small to hold a permanent magnetic dipole moment. This analysis also reveals that MamE is a bifunctional protein with a protease‐independent role in magnetosome protein localization and a protease‐dependent role in maturation of small magnetite crystals. Together, these results imply the existence of a previously unrecognized ‘checkpoint’ in biomineralization where MamE moderates the completion of magnetite formation and thus committal to magneto‐aerotaxis as the organism's dominant mode of navigating the environment.
An actin‐based cytoskeleton in archaea
Authors: Ettema Thijs J. G. , Lindås Ann‐Christin , Bernander Rolf
Published: March 2011

In eukaryotic and bacterial cells, spatial organization is dependent upon cytoskeletal filaments. Actin is a main eukaryotic cytoskeletal element, involved in key processes such as cell shape determination, mechanical force generation and cytokinesis. We describe an archaeal cytoskeleton which forms helical structures within Pyrobaculum calidifontis cells, as shown by in situ immunostaining. The core components include an archaeal actin homologue, Crenactin, closely related to the eukaryotic counterpart. The crenactin gene belongs to a conserved gene cluster denoted Arcade (actin‐related cytoskeleton in Archaea involved in shape determination). The phylogenetic distribution of arcade genes is restricted to the crenarchaeal Thermoproteales lineage, and to Korarchaeota, and correlates with rod‐shaped and filamentous cell morphologies. Whereas Arcadin‐1, ‐3 and ‐4 form helical structures, suggesting cytoskeleton‐associated functions, Arcadin‐2 was found to be localized between segregated nucleoids in a cell subpopulation, in agreement with possible involvement in cytokinesis. The results support a crenarchaeal origin of the eukaryotic actin cytoskeleton and, as such, have implications for theories concerning the origin of the eukaryotic cell.
Depositional processes of the Zhushadong and Mantou formations (Early to Middle Cambrian), Shandong Province, China: roles of archipelago and mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sedimentation on cycle genesis during initial flooding of the North China Platform
Authors: LEE HYUN SUK , CHOUGH SUNG KWUN
Published: March 2011

To understand the depositional processes and environmental changes during the initial flooding of the North China Platform, this study focuses on the Lower to Middle Cambrian Zhushadong and Mantou formations in Shandong Province, China. The succession in the Jinan and Laiwu areas comprises mixed carbonate and siliciclastic deposits composed of limestone, dolostone, stromatolite, thrombolite, purple and grey mudstone, and sandstone. A detailed sedimentary facies analysis of seven well‐exposed sections suggests that five facies associations are the result of an intercalation of carbonate and siliciclastic depositional environments, including local alluvial fans, shallowing‐upward carbonate–siliciclastic peritidal cycles, oolite dominant shoals, shoreface and lagoonal environments. These facies associations successively show a transition from an initially inundated tide‐dominated carbonate platform to a wave‐dominated shallow marine environment. In particular, the peritidal sediments were deposited during a large number of depositional cycles. These sediments consist of lime mudstone, dolomite, stromatolite and purple and grey mudstones. These shallowing‐upward cycles generally resulted from carbonate production in response to an increase of accommodation during rising sea‐level. The carbonate production was, however, interrupted by frequent siliciclastic input from the adjacent emergent archipelago. The depositional cycles thus formed under the influence of both autogenetic changes, including sediment supply from the archipelago, and allogenic control of relative sea‐level rise in the carbonate factory. A low‐relief archipelago with an active tidal regime allowed the development of tide‐dominated siliciclastic and carbonate environments on the vast platform. Siliciclastic input to these tidal environments terminated when most of the archipelago became submerged due to a rapid rise in sea‐level. This study provides insights on how a vast Cambrian carbonate platform maintained synchronous sedimentation under a tidal regime, forming distinct cycles of mixed carbonates and siliciclastics as the system kept up with rising relative sea‐level during the early stage of basin development in the North China Platform.
Actinomycetoma: dramatic response to modified two‐step regimen
Authors: Palit Aparna , Ragunatha Shivanna , Inamadar Arun C.
Published: March 2011

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection of the subcutaneous tissue caused by fungi or fungus‐like bacteria. The infection eventually spreads to bone resulting in significant morbidity. Rarely, viscera may be involved through contiguous spread. It is common in tropical countries like India, though disease is worldwide in distribution. A 22‐year‐old male patient, a farmer by occupation, presented with multiple discharging sinuses over the left chest wall, shoulder, upper arm, and adjacent neck of eight months duration. A diagnosis of actinomycetoma was made based on clinical and histopathological features as culture was negative for both fungus and bacteria. The patient was treated with a modified two‐step regimen. It consisted of an intensive phase with intravenous gentamicin 80 mg 12th hourly and cotrimoxazole 320/1600 mg twice daily orally for four weeks. This was followed by a maintenance phase with oral cotrimoxazole and doxycycline 100 mg twice daily. Patient showed excellent response with healing of all sinuses after two months of therapy. Involvement of covered parts of the body such as chest wall and shoulders is common in actinomycetoma compared to eumycetoma. Early institution of long‐term combination therapy with antimicrobials results in excellent outcome.
DNA‐based prenatal diagnosis of plectin‐deficient epidermolysis bullosa simplex associated with pyloric atresia
Authors: Nakamura Hideki , Natsuga Ken , Nishie Wataru , McMillan James R. , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Sawamura Daisuke , Akiyama Masashi , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: March 2011

Background  Mutations in the plectin gene (PLEC) generally lead to epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) associated with muscular dystrophy. It has been recently demonstrated that PLEC mutations can also cause a different clinical subtype, EBS associated with pyloric atresia (EBS‐PA), which shows early lethality. Prenatal diagnosis (PND) of EBS‐PA using mutation screening of PLEC has not been described.

Objective  This study aimed to perform DNA‐based PND for an EBS‐PA family.

Materials and methods  The EBS‐PA proband was compound‐heterozygous for a paternal c.1350G>A splice‐site mutation and a maternal p.Q305X nonsense mutation. Genomic DNA was obtained from amniocytes taken from an at‐risk fetus of the proband’s family. Direct sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion of polymerase chain reaction products from the genomic DNA were performed.

Results  Mutational analysis showed that the fetus harbored both pathogenic mutations, suggesting that the fetus was a compound‐heterozygote and therefore affected with EBS‐PA. The skin sample obtained by autopsy from the abortus confirmed the absence of plectin expression at the dermal–epidermal junction.

Conclusions  This is the first successful DNA‐based PND for an EBA‐PA family.
Should we say NO to body piercing in children? Complications after ear piercing in children
Authors: Fijałkowska Marta , Pisera Paweł , Kasielska Anna , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2011

Background  The popularity of body piercing procedures is increasing around the world. The trend for body ornamentation is not free from risks. The percentage of various complications following such procedures is growing. The aim of this paper is to present a rare complication after earlobe piercing, which happened to a child.

Materials and methods  A 7‐year‐old girl was admitted to the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery complaining of inflammatory lesions, caused by the presence of foreign bodies in both of her earlobes, which developed after the body piercing procedure. Her earlobes had been pierced in a beauty parlor six weeks earlier.

Results  With regard to the child’s age, the embedded parts of the earrings were removed in the operating theatre. In our description, the hind parts of the earrings started to embed five weeks after the piercing procedure. Too strong and constant pressure caused by fixing clips led to skin ischemia, followed by inflammation and decubitus ulcer, and consequently to the penetration of clips into the earlobes.

Conclusions  Complications after body piercing are observed in adults, as well as in children, in whom the decision of piercing performance should be carefully considered and rather postponed until self care is achievable.
Prevalence of infection by JC and BK polyomaviruses in kidney transplant recipients and patients with chronic renal disease
Authors: Pires E.P. , Bernardino‐Vallinoto C.V. , Alves D.M. , Migone S.R.C. , Machado L.F.A. , Ishak M.O.G. , Ishak R. , Cayres‐Vallinoto I.M.V. , Vallinoto A.C.R.
Published: March 2011

E.P. Pires, C.V. Bernardino‐Vallinoto, D.M. Alves, S.R.C. Migone, L.F.A. Machado, M.O.G. Ishak, R. Ishak, I.M.V. Cayres‐Vallinoto, A.C.R. Vallinoto. Prevalence of infection by JC and BK polyomaviruses in kidney transplant recipients and patients with chronic renal disease. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 633–637. All rights reserved

Abstract: The present study investigated the prevalence of infection by JC and BK polyomaviruses (JCV and BKV) in patients with chronic renal disease (CRD), kidney transplant recipients, and a control group of asymptomatic subjects. We tested a total of 295 urine samples. After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction assay was used to amplify a fragment of 173 bp of the polyomavirus T antigen, followed by analysis using the BamHI restriction endonuclease. Infection by polyomavirus was detected in 17.6% (52/295 subjects) of the subjects. Whereas 30.5% (18/59) of transplant recipients were infected, the frequency was only 22.4% (30/134) in the control subjects, and 3.9% (4/102) in the CRD group (all JCV). The vast majority of infections (88.9%; 16/18) in transplant recipients were of the BKV type, whereas this type was absent in CRD patients, and made up only 10.0% (3/30) of infections in the control group. The risk of BKV infection was 72 times greater in renal transplant patients than in asymptomatic subjects. The low frequency of infection found in CRD patients may have been related to elevated levels of urea excreted in the urine, together with reduced urine volume and cell content. These factors may combine to reduce viral load or inhibit amplification. The results of the study indicate a need for the routine screening for polyomavirus in pre‐ and post‐transplant patients, as well as organ donors, considering that BKV infection has been associated with graft rejection in kidney transplants.
Allometry and sexually dimorphic traits in male anurans
Authors: SCHULTE‐HOSTEDDE A. I. , KUULA S. , MARTIN C. , SCHANK C. C. M. , LESBARRÈRES D.
Published: March 2011

Allometry of secondary sexual traits has been the subject of recent debate, and the generality of positive allometry and its association with sexual selection have been recently questioned. Whereas some studies suggest an almost universal positive allometry for traits under sexual selection and isometry or a negative allometry for traits not under such pressure, other studies argue that this pattern results from the study of exaggerated (ornamental) traits. To answer the call for an examination of the allometry of less‐exaggerated sexually selected traits, we have examined morphological data from 14 sexually dimorphic traits and six monomorphic traits from three anuran species. Although we found evidence of positive allometry in male secondary sexual traits of several species and populations, not all nonsexual traits were isometric or exhibited negative allometry. Furthermore, our results indicate that larger traits in the populations that we studied were not associated with greater allometric slopes. Therefore, our study is in line with the contention suggesting no specific kind of allometric pattern for sexual and nonsexual characters, and we can only advocate for further investigation of trait allometry and sexual selection to understand the complexity underlying the evolution of allometry in sexual traits.
Neuroanatomical correlates of therapeutic efficacy of low‐frequency right prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Kito Shinsuke , Hasegawa Takashi , Koga Yoshihiko
Published: March 2011

Aims:  Low‐frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the right prefrontal cortex has been shown to be effective in treatment‐resistant depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) after low‐frequency right prefrontal stimulation (LFRS), and neuroanatomical correlates of therapeutic efficacy of LFRS in treatment‐resistant depression.

Methods:  Twenty‐six patients with treatment‐resistant depression received five 60‐s 1‐Hz trains over the right prefrontal cortex, and 12 treatment sessions were administered during 3 weeks. Brain scans were acquired before and after LFRS using single photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc‐ethyl cysteinate dimer. Severity of depression was assessed on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).

Results:  Significant decreases in rCBF after LFRS were seen in the prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, subgenual cingulate cortex, globus pallidus, thalamus, anterior and posterior insula, and midbrain in the right hemisphere. Therapeutic efficacy of LFRS was correlated with decreases in rCBF in the right prefrontal cortex, bilateral orbitofrontal cortex, right subgenual cingulate cortex, right putamen, and right anterior insula.

Conclusion:  The antidepressant effects of LFRS in treatment‐resistant depression may be associated with decreases in rCBF in the orbitofrontal cortex and the subgenual cingulate cortex via the right prefrontal cortex.
Palliative resection of the primary tumour in stage IV rectal cancer
Authors: Verberne C. J. , de Bock G. H. , Pijl M. E. J. , Baas P. C. , Siesling S. , Wiggers T.
Published: March 2011

Aim  The aim of this study was to investigate the use of resection in a cohort of palliatively treated patients with stage IV rectal cancer. To avoid selection bias, particular attention was paid to correction for comorbidity and extent of disease.

Method  Patients with stage IV rectal cancer in two hospitals in Groningen were consecutively included over a 5‐year period. Comorbidity was defined as major (dementia, cardiac failure or left ventricle ejection fraction < 30%, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), minor (diabetes, hypertension, mild renal disease or mild pulmonary disease) or none. The effect of patient and disease characteristics on survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results  Of 88 patients, 11 (13%) underwent elective surgical resection without chemotherapy, 15 (17%) received both elective resection and chemotherapy, 21 (24%) underwent palliative chemotherapy only and 41 (47%) had supportive care only. The extent of disease (P < 0.01), hospital (P = 0.02) and comorbidity (P = 0.04) were correlated with worse survival. Patients treated surgically survived for longer than patients treated nonsurgically, when the data were corrected for age, comorbidity, extent of disease and hospital [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.4 (95% CI = 0.2–0.7)]. Perioperative morbidity was seen in 38% of the patients, and 30‐day mortality was 0%.

Conclusion  In this retrospective cohort, resection was associated with longer survival independently of the extent of distant metastases, age and comorbidity.
On Prosody and Focus in Object Shift
Authors: Mikkelsen Line
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Recent work on object shift in the Scandinavian languages has rejected earlier syntactic analyses in favor of prosodic or information‐structural accounts. In this paper I present new evidence from Danish copular clauses that argues against a prosodic analysis of the phenomenon. In particular, I show that specificational copular clauses do not allow object shift and that this fact cannot be accounted for in prosodic terms. I propose that the observed lack of object shift is due to the fixed information structure of specificational clauses: the object is invariably focused and that is what prevents it from shifting. This account dovetails with the focus‐based analysis of object shift proposed byHolmberg (1999), and is also compatible with the syntactic analysis developed bySells (2001).
A Time‐series Approach to the Feldstein–Horioka Puzzle with Panel Data from the OECD Countries
Authors: Kumar Saten , Bhaskara Rao B.
Published: March 2011

This paper estimates the Feldstein–Horioka equation from 1960–2007 with a panel of 13 OECD countries with the Pedroni method. It is found that the Feldstein–Horioka puzzle exists in a weaker form. Structural break tests indicated that there was a break in the mid‐1970s or in the early 1990s. These break dates seem to capture the effects of the last decade of the Bretton Woods agreement and the early years of the Maastricht agreement. In the post‐break periods, this relationship is weaker and the saving retention coefficient has declined, implying that capital mobility has increased between these OECD countries. It is likely that these two agreements may have decreased investor uncertainty and improved capital mobility. However, this conclusion should be interpreted cautiously because alternative explanations for the observed correlation between the saving–investment ratios are possible. For example, Byrne et al. (2009) have argued that the observed correlation between investment–saving ratios could be due to common global factors and therefore may not be useful for testing whether capital mobility has decreased or increased.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Determinants of Export and FDI: Firm‐level Evidence from Japan
Authors: Todo Yasuyuki
Published: March 2011

Using firm‐level data for Japan, this paper examines the determinants of the export and foreign direct investment (FDI) decision. We contribute to the literature by employing a mixed logit model, i.e. a multinomial logit model with random intercepts and random coefficients, to incorporate any unobserved firm heterogeneity and by paying special attention to the quantitative significance of the determinants. We find that while the impact of productivity on the export and FDI decision is positive and statistically significant, it is economically negligible. The effect of firm size, credit constraints and information spillovers from experienced firms is also small in magnitude. A quantitatively dominant determinant of the export and FDI decision is instead the prior status of firms in terms of internationalisation. In addition, the use of the mixed logit model enables us to find a substantial role of unobserved firm characteristics in internationalisation of the firm. These findings suggest that entry costs to foreign markets, which substantially vary in size across firms, play an important role in the export and FDI decision. In addition, given that the negligible effect of productivity and the dominant effect of prior status appear to be more prominent in Japan than in some other countries, this study helps highlight the uniqueness of Japanese firms.
A Vicious Cycle of Manias, Crises and Asymmetric Policy Responses – An Overinvestment View
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas , Schnabl Gunther
Published: March 2011

Over the past three decades, we find that asymmetric policy responses heavily contributed to manias and bursting bubbles that eventually trapped the major industrial economies into near zero short‐term interest rates with rapidly rising public indebtedness. The article uses the endogenous business cycle theories of Wicksell, Mises, Schumpeter, Hayek and Minsky to show how ostensible counter‐cyclical monetary policies are asymmetric, as central banks are less willing to raise interest rates in booms than cut them when bubbles collapse. After interest rates have fallen towards zero, fiscal policy is called on which sooner or later becomes bounded by extraordinary debt to GDP ratios. Central banks hesitate to raise interest rates even in the face of a partial economic recovery because the cost of public debt service would become prohibitive. The economies then languish at very low interest rates that encourage low productivity real investments and a continual threat of bubbles in asset and raw material markets. This makes them unable to deal with further macroeconomic shocks.
Analysis of Subgroup Effects in Randomized Trials When Subgroup Membership is Missing: Application to the Second Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Intervention Trial
Authors: Scharfstein Daniel , Onicescu Georgiana , Goodman Steven , Whitaker Rachel
Published: March 2011

We develop and implement a methodology for drawing inference about subgroup effects in a two-arm randomized trial when subgroup status is known only for a non-random sample in each of the trial arms. Since the subgroup effects are not point identified from the distribution of the observed data, we show how to compute bounds on these effects by using scientifically plausible assumptions. We characterize the uncertainty of our procedure by using the Bayesian paradigm. The methodology is developed in the context of the second Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Intervention Trial, which was a randomized trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of implantable defibrillators on survival.
Genetic variation in complement component C3 shows association with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Olsson S. , Stokowska A. , Holmegaard L. , Jood K. , Blomstrand C. , Pekna M. , Jern C.
Published: March 2011

Background and purpose:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variation at the third complement component (C3) locus is associated with ischaemic stroke (IS).

Methods:  The Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischaemic Stroke comprises 844 patients with IS, and 668 healthy controls. Sixteen SNPs were analyzed.

Results:  Two SNPs, rs2277984 and rs3745565, showed a significant association with overall IS. The SNP rs2277984 also showed association with the IS subtype cryptogenic stroke. These associations were independent of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. The independent association between rs3745565 and overall IS withstands correction for multiple testing.

Conclusion:  In this sample of patients with IS, genetic variation in C3 is associated with IS.
The Flag or the Pocketbook: To What are Immigrants a Threat
Authors: Aksoy Deniz
Published: March 2011

An increasing number of immigrants and rising unemployment rates are widely thought to contribute to the electoral success of extreme right parties in Western Europe. However, no study explicitly posits the causal mechanism that links the aggregate level factors of immigration and unemployment to the electoral success of extreme right parties, and systematically analyzes whether and how this mechanism works. Thus, the causal connection between immigration, unemployment and extreme right success remains at best ambiguous. I argue that the causal mechanism linking immigration and unemployment to extreme right electoral performance is the development of anti‐immigrant attitudes at the individual level. In this paper, I examine how unemployment and immigration affect individuals’ attitudes toward immigrants. This examination furthers our understanding of the actual dynamics of how unemployment and immigration influences the electoral success of extreme right parties. I find that greater unemployment rates increase the probability that an individual will have an anti‐immigrant attitude only when immigration is already at a high level. Similarly, increasing immigration alone does not always increase the probability that an individual will have an anti‐immigrant attitude.
Complex pigment evolution in the Caryophyllales
Authors: Brockington Samuel F. , Walker Rachel H. , Glover Beverley J. , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: March 2011

Carotenoids and flavonoids including anthocyanins are the predominant pigments in flowering plants, where they play important roles in pollination, seed dispersal, protection against stress and signalling. In certain families within the Pentapetalae order Caryophyllales, an unusual class of pigments, known as betalains, replaces the more common anthocyanins. This isolated occurrence of betalains in the Caryophyllales has stimulated over half a century of debate and experimentation. Numerous hypotheses have been suggested to explain the phylogenetically restricted occurrence of betalains and their apparent mutual exclusion with anthocyanins. In this review, we evaluate these hypotheses in the face of a changing interpretation of Caryophyllales phylogeny and new comparative genetic data. Phylogenetic analyses expose substantial gaps in our knowledge of the early evolution of pigments in the Caryophyllales and suggest pigmentation to be much more labile than previously recognized. Reconstructions of character evolution imply multiple switches from betalain to anthocyanin pigmentation, but also allow for possible multiple origins of betalains. Comparative genetic studies propose possible mechanisms underlying switches between pigment types and suggest that transcriptional down‐regulation of late‐acting enzymes is responsible for a loss of anthocyanins. Given these insights from molecular phylogenetics and comparative genetics, we discuss outstanding questions and define key goals for future research.
Ecohydrological Source‐Sink Interrelationships between Vegetation Patches and Soil Hydrological Properties along a Disturbance Gradient Reveal a Restoration Threshold
Authors: Merino‐Martín Luis , Breshears David D. , Moreno‐de las Heras Mariano , Villegas Juan Camilo , Pérez‐Domingo Silvia , Espigares Tíscar , Nicolau Jose M.
Published: March 2011

Vegetation, soil, and hydrology in drylands often collectively exhibit strong ecohydrological interrelationships in which vegetation both influences and is influenced by runoff, particularly on sites with more gradual slopes. These two‐way relationships have important implications for ecological restoration of disturbed sites, such as those being reclaimed following mining, yet studies from both ecological and hydrological perspectives specifically evaluating how the strength of ecohydrological interrelationships varies for a range of natural and restored conditions are still missing. We assessed two‐way relationships between vegetation and soil hydrological properties by evaluating patterns of both plant community structure and soil hydrological characteristics related to runoff for natural sites and restored sites following mining. At the plot scale, we identified eight ecohydrological units based on interrelationships between vegetation communities and hydrological properties associated with runoff along a progression from source to sink patch types. Similarly, at the hillslope scale, which included patches of different types, we found a correspondence between the proportions of source and sink patches and both vegetation community and hydrological properties. The relative strength of ecohydrological interrelationships in hillslope mosaics decreased with decreasing disturbance except for rilled hillslopes, likely because parts of the hillslope become isolated from the others. Our results highlight, in general, how ecohydrological interrelationships are related with degree of disturbance, and in particular, how rilling alters ecohydrological interrelationships, thereby precluding effective restoration.
Responses of Pioneer and Later‐Successional Plant Assemblages to Created Microtopographic Variation and Soil Treatments in Riparian Forest Restoration
Authors: Simmons Matthew E. , Wu Xinyuan Ben , Whisenant Steven G.
Published: March 2011

Riparian forest restoration generally involves introduction of later‐successional tree species, but poor species suitability to severely altered or degraded site conditions results in high mortality and poor community development. Additionally, while microtopographic heterogeneity plays a crucial role in the development of natural riparian forests, little is known regarding effects of restored or created microtopography on the development of introduced plant communities. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of created microtopography and soil treatments on early development of introduced pioneer and later‐successional plant communities in riparian forest restoration. Ridges, flats, and a mound‐and‐pool complex were created, and pioneer and later‐successional tree assemblages were planted within plots in each of these three microtopographic positions. Straw‐based erosion control mats were placed on half the plots as a source of mulch. After two growing seasons, growth and survival of the pioneer assemblage were equal among microtopographic positions, but survival of the later‐successional assemblage was significantly higher on ridges (59%) than on mounds and pools (22%) and flats (26%). A suitability index indicated that performance of the later‐successional assemblage on ridges was higher than that of the pioneer assemblage for all microtopographic positions. Flood duration explained much of the variation in plant assemblage survival, and erosion control mats had little influence on seedling survival. Restoring microtopographic features has the potential to enhance species survival and promote community development. Microtopographic restoration may be as important in riparian forest restoration as proper species selection and hydrologic reestablishment, especially at severely disturbed sites.
Testing the Performance of Fourteen Native Tropical Tree Species in Two Abandoned Pastures of the Lacandon Rainforest Region of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Román‐Dañobeytia Francisco J. , Levy‐Tacher Samuel I. , Aronson James , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro , Castellanos‐Albores Jorge
Published: March 2011

The rainforest of Mexico has been degraded and severely fragmented, and urgently require restoration. However, the practice of restoration has been limited by the lack of species‐specific data on survival and growth responses to local environmental variation. This study explores the differential performance of 14 wet tropical early‐, mid‐ or late‐successional tree species that were grown in two abandoned pastures with contrasting land‐use histories. After 18 months, seedling survival and growth of at least 7 of the 14 tree species studied were significantly higher in the site with a much longer history of land use (site 2). Saplings of the three early‐successional species showed exceptional growth rates. However, differences in performance were noted in relation to the differential soil properties between the experimental sites. Mid‐successional species generally showed slow growth rates but high seedling survival, whereas late‐successional species exhibited poor seedling survival at both the study sites. Stepwise linear regressions revealed that the species integrated response index combining survivorship and growth measurements, was influenced mostly by differences in soil pH between the two abandoned pastures. Our results suggest that local environmental variation among abandoned pastures of contrasting land‐use histories influences sapling survival and growth. Furthermore, the similarity of responses among species with the same successional status allowed us to make some preliminary site and species‐specific silvicultural recommendations. Future field experiments should extend the number of species and the range of environmental conditions to identify site “generalists” or more narrowly adapted species, that we would call “sensitive.”
Risk Compensation and Bicycle Helmets
Authors: Phillips Ross Owen , Fyhri Aslak , Sagberg Fridulv
Published: March 2011

This study investigated risk compensation by cyclists in response to bicycle helmet wearing by observing changes in cycling behavior, reported experience of risk, and a possible objective measure of experienced risk. The suitability of heart rate variability (HRV) as an objective measure of experienced risk was assessed beforehand by recording HRV measures in nine participants watching a thriller film. We observed a significant decrease in HRV in line with expected increases in psychological challenge presented by the film. HRV was then used along with cycling pace and self‐reported risk in a field experiment in which 35 cyclist volunteers cycled 0.4 km downhill, once with and once without a helmet. Routine helmet users reported higher experienced risk and cycled slower when they did not wear their helmet in the experiment than when they did wear their helmet, although there was no corresponding change in HRV. For cyclists not accustomed to helmets, there were no changes in speed, perceived risk, or any other measures when cycling with versus without a helmet. The findings are consistent with the notion that those who use helmets routinely perceive reduced risk when wearing a helmet, and compensate by cycling faster. They thus give some support to those urging caution in the use of helmet laws.
Parental burnout in relation to sociodemographic, psychosocial and personality factors as well as disease duration and glycaemic control in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lindström Caisa , Åman Jan , Norberg Annika Lindahl
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To examine associations between burnout and sociodemographic, psychosocial, personality and medical factors in parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM).

Methods:  A total of 252 parents of children with T1DM participated in a population‐based study. We used self‐report questionnaires to assess symptoms of burnout and background factors.

Results:  Psychosocial background factors were significantly associated with burnout in parents, whereas there were no associations between sociodemographic or medical factors and burnout. For both genders, parental burnout was associated with low social support, lack of leisure time, financial concerns and a perception that the child’s disease affects everyday life. Low self‐esteem and high need for control were risk factors for maternal burnout.

Conclusion:  In the screening of risk factors for long‐term stress in parents of children with T1DM, we should recognize parents’ attitudes as well as situational psychosocial issues. In clinics, we need to pay attention to the day‐to‐day life circumstances in the support of these parents. Certain factors were associated with the risk for burnout only for mothers, which warrant further investigation of gender aspects. Continued research about the causal relationship between the parental responsibility, psychosocial factors and burnout is warranted.
Reducing prescribing errors in the paediatric intensive care unit: an experience from Egypt
Authors: Alagha Hala Zakaria , Badary Osama Ahmed , Ibrahim Hanan Mohammed , Sabri Nagwa Ali
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To investigate the impact of different measures, implemented by clinical pharmacists, on prescribing error rates in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Cairo, Egypt.

Methods:  We performed a pre–post study of prescribing errors in a 12 bed PICU. We utilized a chart review method for the detection of prescribing errors. The rate and potential severity of prescribing errors were determined before and then after the implementation of the medication error reducing measures. These measures included the use of a new structured medication order chart, physician education, provision of dosing assists and physician performance feedback.

Results:  We evaluated 1417 medication orders for 139 patients preintervention and 1097 orders for 101 patients postintervention. Of preintervention orders, 1107 (78.1%) had at least one prescribing error. The intervention resulted in significant reduction in prescribing error rate to 35.2% postintervention (p < 0.001). The intervention resulted also in a significant reduction in the rate of potentially severe errors from 29.7% preintervention to 7% postintervention (p < 0.001) and the rate of potentially moderate errors from 39.8% preintervention to 24.2% postintervention (p < 0.001). Besides, rates of all types of prescribing errors were declined to different degrees as a result of the intervention.

Conclusion:  Clinical pharmacists’ activities, focusing on improving physician‐nurse communication, physician drug knowledge and awareness of errors, were shown effective in reducing the rate of prescribing errors and their potential severity in a PICU.
Variation in prevalence of chromosome 22q11 deletion in subtypes of conotruncal defect in 254 children
Authors: Anilkumar A , Kappanayil M , Thampi MV , Nampoothiri S , Sundaram KR , Vasudevan DM
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To determine the frequency of chromosomal aberrations particularly 22q11 deletion in Indian children ≤2 years with different types of conotruncal malformations and their association with abnormal aortic arch. Additionally, extracardiac features were also studied.

Methods:  Conventional cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses were performed in 254 patients with conotruncal defects. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain extracardiac features helpful in identifying high‐risk patients with deletion.

Results:  Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 52 (21%) children, of whom 49 (94%) showed 22q11 deletion and 3 (6%) had abnormalities of chromosome 6, 2 and X. None of the 11/254 children with tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve showed deletion. The association of 22q11 deletion with right sidedness of the aortic arch varied with the type of conotruncal defect. The eight extracardiac features in combination showed 93.5% agreement with the presence of deletion.

Conclusion:  The extracardiac features along with specific type of conotruncal defect and associated cardiovascular anomaly should alert the clinician for 22q11 deletion testing. However, if deletion analysis is not possible, specific extracardiac features (six dysmorphic facial features, thin long fingers and hypocalcemia) can help to identify an increased risk of 22q11 deletion in patients with conotruncal defect.