bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ecology of lizard reproductive output
Authors: Meiri Shai , Brown James H. , Sibly Richard M.
Published: August 2011

Aim  We provide a new quantitative analysis of lizard reproductive ecology. Comparative studies of lizard reproduction to date have usually considered life‐history components separately. Instead, we examine the rate of production (productivity hereafter) calculated as the total mass of offspring produced in a year. We test whether productivity is influenced by proxies of adult mortality rates such as insularity and fossorial habits, by measures of temperature such as environmental and body temperatures, mode of reproduction and activity times, and by environmental productivity and diet. We further examine whether low productivity is linked to high extinction risk.

Location  World‐wide.

Methods  We assembled a database containing 551 lizard species, their phylogenetic relationships and multiple life history and ecological variables from the literature. We use phylogenetically informed statistical models to estimate the factors related to lizard productivity.

Results  Some, but not all, predictions of metabolic and life‐history theories are supported. When analysed separately, clutch size, relative clutch mass and brood frequency are poorly correlated with body mass, but their product – productivity – is well correlated with mass. The allometry of productivity scales similarly to metabolic rate, suggesting that a constant fraction of assimilated energy is allocated to production irrespective of body size. Island species were less productive than continental species. Mass‐specific productivity was positively correlated with environmental temperature, but not with body temperature. Viviparous lizards were less productive than egg‐laying species. Diet and primary productivity were not associated with productivity in any model. Other effects, including lower productivity of fossorial, nocturnal and active foraging species were confounded with phylogeny. Productivity was not lower in species at risk of extinction.

Main conclusions  Our analyses show the value of focusing on the rate of annual biomass production (productivity), and generally supported associations between productivity and environmental temperature, factors that affect mortality and the number of broods a lizard can produce in a year, but not with measures of body temperature, environmental productivity or diet.
Native and alien floras in urban habitats: a comparison across 32 cities of central Europe
Authors: Lososová Zdeňka , Chytrý Milan , Tichý Lubomír , Danihelka Jiří , Fajmon Karel , Hájek Ondřej , Kintrová Kateřina , Kühn Ingolf , Láníková Deana , Otýpková Zdenka , Řehořek Vladimír
Published: August 2011

Aim  To determine relative effects of habitat type, climate and spatial pattern on species richness and composition of native and alien plant assemblages in central European cities.

Location  Central Europe, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Methods  The diversity of native and alien flora was analysed in 32 cities. In each city, plant species were recorded in seven 1‐ha plots that represented seven urban habitat types with specific disturbance regimes. Plants were classified into native species, archaeophytes (introduced before ad 1500) and neophytes (introduced later). Two sets of explanatory variables were obtained for each city: climatic data and all‐scale spatial variables generated by analysis of principal coordinates of neighbour matrices. For each group of species, the effect of habitat type, climate and spatial variables on variation in species composition was determined by variation partitioning. Responses of individual plant species to climatic variables were tested using a set of binomial regression models. Effects of climatic variables on the proportion of alien species were determined by linear regression.

Results  In all cities, 562 native plant species, 188 archaeophytes and 386 neophytes were recorded. Proportions of alien species varied among urban habitats. The proportion of native species decreased with increasing range and mean annual temperature, and increased with increasing precipitation. In contrast, proportions of archaeophytes and neophytes increased with mean annual temperature. However, spatial pattern explained a larger proportion of variation in species composition of the urban flora than climate. Archaeophytes were more uniformly distributed across the studied cities than the native species and neophytes. Urban habitats rich in native species also tended to be rich in archaeophytes and neophytes.

Main conclusions  Species richness and composition of central European urban floras are significantly affected by urban habitat types, climate and spatial pattern. Native species, archaeophytes and neophytes differ in their response to these factors.
Spurious thresholds in the relationship between species richness and vegetation cover
Authors: Maron Martine , Bowen Michiala , Fuller Richard A. , Smith Geoffrey C. , Eyre Teresa J. , Mathieson Michael , Watson James E. M. , McAlpine Clive A.
Published: August 2011

Aim  Thresholds often exist in the relationship between species richness and the area of remaining habitat in human‐modified landscapes, prompting debate about the mechanisms responsible. We hypothesize that if species–area relationships differ with underlying factors such as landscape productivity, and such factors correlate with patterns of habitat clearance, then spurious thresholds can arise where the separate species–area relationships intersect. We assessed whether this phenomenon could explain landscape‐level species–area relationships for birds occupying 31 landscapes of 100 km2 in eastern Australia.

Location  Eastern Australia.

Methods  Landscape‐level species richness estimates were modelled as a function of the percentage of native vegetation remaining in the study landscapes. The performance of traditional species–area curves and continuous and discontinuous piecewise models was compared using an information theoretic approach. Separate models for high‐ and low‐productivity and high‐ and low‐fragmentation landscapes were examined to determine whether they implied different species–area relationships.

Results  The species–area relationship exhibited a rapid change‐point at approximately 40% vegetation cover, but this was most parsimoniously explained by two disjunct slopes rather than a continuous threshold model or a classic species–area curve. Exploration of models fitted separately to high‐ and low‐productivity landscapes suggested that such landscapes may differ in their characteristic species–area relationships.

Main conclusions  The observed pattern is consistent with the spurious threshold hypothesis, and opens a new avenue of enquiry into the processes behind apparent ecological thresholds. This hypothesis may be valid in other regions where clearing history is confounded by underlying factors such as landscape productivity, and demands further research. In such systems, real thresholds for different landscape types may occur at different levels of cover, or might not exist at all. If so, a simple space‐for‐time substitution may not be valid, and management prescriptions based on threshold values (e.g. 40%) will be flawed.
Identification, characterization and interpretation of single‐nucleotide sequence variation in allopolyploid crop species
Authors: Kaur Sukhjiwan , Francki Michael G. , Forster John W.
Published: August 2011

An understanding of nature and extent of nucleotide sequence variation is required for programmes of discovery and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which provide the most versatile class of molecular genetic marker. A majority of higher plant species are polyploids, and allopolyploidy, because of hybrid formation between closely related taxa, is very common. Mutational variation may arise both between allelic (homologous) sequences within individual subgenomes and between homoeologous sequences among subgenomes, in addition to paralogous variation between duplicated gene copies. Successful SNP validation in allopolyploids depends on differentiation of the sequence variation classes. A number of biological factors influence the feasibility of discrimination, including degree of gene family complexity, inbreeding or outbreeding reproductive habit, and the level of knowledge concerning progenitor diploid species. In addition, developments in high‐throughput DNA sequencing and associated computational analysis provide general solutions for the genetic analysis of allopolyploids. These issues are explored in the context of experience from a range of allopolyploid species, representing grain (wheat and canola), forage (pasture legumes and grasses), and horticultural (strawberry) crop. Following SNP discovery, detection in routine genotyping applications also presents challenges for allopolyploids. Strategies based on either design of subgenome‐specific SNP assays through homoeolocus‐targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, or detection of incremental changes in nucleotide variant dosage, are described.
WELLBEING, SCHIZOPHRENIA AND EXPERIENCE MACHINES
Authors: BIRKS DAVID RHYS
Published: August 2011

In the USA and England and Wales, involuntary treatment for mental illness is subject to the constraint that it must be necessary for the health or safety of the patient, if he poses no danger to others. I will argue against this necessary condition of administering treatment and propose that the category of individuals eligible for involuntary treatment should be extended. I begin by focusing on the common disorder of schizophrenia and proceed to demonstrate that it can be a considerable harm to a person's life without causing the person to be a danger to himself. I illuminate this claim by constructing a thought experiment concerning a person who slips on a banana peel and falls into a malfunctioning version of Robert Nozick's experience machine. I propose that the reasons why we should remove the person from the machine are the same reasons why we should administer involuntary treatment to individuals with schizophrenia. I rebut three objections to the analogy and conclude that if we believe that we have a duty to provide treatment for reasons relating to a person's wellbeing, it follows that we should reject the health or safety requirement and instead broaden the category of individuals who are eligible for involuntary treatment.
‘It’s got so politically correct now’: parents’ talk about empowering individuals with learning disabilities
Authors: Jingree Treena , Finlay W.M.L.
Published: August 2011

Over the last decade the UK Government has made proposals to empower individuals with learning disabilities. Strategies have been implemented to reduce institutionalisation and social segregation. Consequently, some learning disability services are being phased out and the focus of care has moved away from institutions and into the community and family domain. Focusing on discourse as a site for social action and identity construction, we used critical discursive psychology to examine focus group discussions between family carers about facilitating the independence of adult family members with learning disabilities. Unlike official UK Government and learning disability services’ constructions of empowerment policy, we found that parents invoked empowerment talk: (1) as a resource to construct the facilitation of independence as an abstract, irresponsible, politically correct professional trend; (2) dilemmatically with meritocratic or practical arguments to undermine notions of facilitating choices; and (3) as a resource to construct new service developments as contrary to the preferences of people with learning disabilities. Parents also described individuals with learning disabilities as unable to cope, and drew stark contrasts between their practice and those of service‐professionals when expressing concerns about empowerment. We discuss possible implications of such discourses and contrasts on opportunities for empowering individuals with learning disabilities.
An evaluation of the Team‐Teach behaviour support training programme in New Zealand
Authors: GRIGGS JAMES , WALKER LAWRENCE , HORNBY GARRY
Published: August 2011

This study examines the perceptions of teachers and other professionals of Team‐Teach behaviour support training in New Zealand. Analysis of course evaluations, questionnaires, interviews and documents provide the findings. Comparisons are made with Team‐Teach training in the UK and similarities and differences between New Zealand training providers are reported. The article concludes with some recommendations for improving Team‐Teach training in New Zealand.
Learning together: collaboration to develop curriculum assessment that promotes belonging
Authors: MORTON MISSY , MCMENAMIN TRISH
Published: August 2011

In this article we describe the processes and outcomes of the development of the New Zealand Curriculum Exemplars for Students with Special Education Needs. The project focused on teachers working with students described as working long term at Level 1 in the New Zealand Curriculum. Earlier research had shown that teachers were often puzzled about how to include some students with special education needs in their planning, teaching and assessment. The development of the Exemplars provides an example of a framework that supports educators and families to work collaboratively and the positive outcomes that are possible when working in this way. We pay particular attention to new understandings about curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that emerged as together we learned to use narrative assessment.
Supporting young adolescent students from minority cultural groups who are underachieving in learning
Authors: FLETCHER JO , PARKHILL FAYE , HARRIS CHRISTINE
Published: August 2011

Establishing appropriate learning environments for culturally diverse underachieving students continues to challenge educators across a range of international contexts. A synthesis of findings from our studies in New Zealand indicated that teachers and students from Pasifika and Māori backgrounds considered that learning is facilitated by the establishment of positive student–teacher relationships in which their culture and language is acknowledged and valued. Collaboration and co‐operation within small groups also supported learning, which influenced engagement as well as achievement. We contend that developing effective and culturally sensitive pedagogical practices that are informed by research offers a way forward, not only for practitioners, but also for teacher education.
NATURAL SELECTION AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: AN EVOLUTIONARY MODEL WITH APPLICATION TO AN ANCIENT DEBATE
Authors: Fleck Robert K.
Published: August 2011

Abstract.  Since Darwin, scholars have contemplated what our growing understanding of natural selection, combined with the fact that great suffering occurs, allows us to infer about the possibility that a benevolent God created the universe. Building on this long line of thought, I develop a model that illustrates how undesirable characteristics of the world (stylized “evils”) can influence long‐run outcomes. More specifically, the model considers an evolutionary process in which each generation faces a risk from a “natural evil” (e.g., predation, disease, or a natural disaster) subsequent to a basic resource allocation game. This allows both resource allocation and the natural evil to influence the number of surviving offspring. As the model shows, when the risk from the natural evil can be mitigated through the benevolent behavior of neighbors, the population may have increasing benevolence as a result of (1) greater risk from the natural evil and (2) a greater degree to which selfish individuals transfer resources to themselves in the resource allocation game. The main implication is that a world with evolutionary processes (in contrast to a world of static design) can allow two factors that have traditionally been considered “evils”—namely, the indiscriminate cruelty of the natural world and the capacity for humans to harm each other—to promote desirable long‐run outcomes.
Interlinked Contracts: An Empirical Study
Authors: Koo Hui‐wen , Huang Chen‐ying , Kan Kamhon
Published: August 2011

This study investigates contractual relations between farmers and sugar mills in Japanese colonial Taiwan. Our investigation is based on a model of interlinked contracts that is adapted from Gangopadhyay and Sengupta (1998). The validity of our model's predictions is verified by analysing a dataset consisting of contracts between Taiwan's cane farmers and sugar mills. Our data suggest that the contractual relationship is consistent with a scenario in which the interest rates charged by sugar mills on cash loans to farmers are set in order to prevent the diversion of funds to other uses.
Development of a semi‐permanent mascara technology
Authors: Dempsey J.H. , Fabula A.M. , Rabe T.E. , Lubbers J.M. , Ye M.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

Many women would like their mascara beauty benefits to be available all day, every day. One way to address this desire is through a semi‐permanent mascara technology that provides full mascara benefits of long, dark beautiful lashes for multiple days. To date, products promising multi‐day benefits have acted more as either ‘lash dyes’, providing a lash darkening benefit but failing to provide fullness and length, or waterproof mascaras that do not maintain the initial beauty look over multiple days. Here, a formulation approach is described for a mascara product that is designed to be abrasion resistant, flexible and insoluble in soap and water so that the initial beauty look is maintained for multiple days. The new semi‐permanent formula technology uses rosinate polymers that have a superior combination of flexibility, abrasion resistance and water and surfactant resistance. Based on principles used by the paint industry for creating durable films, the levels of the polymers and other non‐volatile ingredients are balanced such that the product forms a continuous polymer film on the eyelash. Cryo‐SEM is used to demonstrate that the new semi‐permanent formula technology forms a film different from those formed by current mascara products. A stretch test and rub test are used to demonstrate that the new semi‐permanent formula technology has superior flexibility and abrasion resistance to current mascara products. Finally, a multi‐day consumer study with daily imaging of the eyes is used to demonstrate the superior wear performance of the new semi‐permanent formula technology in actual usage.
Infrared spectroscopic studies of sodium dodecyl sulphate permeation and interaction with stratum corneum lipids in skin
Authors: Saad P. , Flach C. R. , Walters R. M. , Mendelsohn R.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

The barrier function of skin is primarily provided by the lamellar lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC), which has been shown in previous infrared (IR) and related studies to consist predominantly of ordered lipids packed in orthorhombic and hexagonal domains. In the current work, we investigate the effects of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), on SC lipid packing and phase behaviour, using FT‐IR spectroscopy. The use of acyl chain perdeuterated SDS allows unequivocal spectroscopic detection of both endogenous lipid and exogenous material in intact tissue. IR spectra were acquired as a function of temperature from isolated human SC exposed to SDS for various incubation periods at 34°C. SDS is found to enter the SC and is observed to be in a more ordered state in the SC than in solution, indicating that the SDS interacts with the ordered SC lipids. The results reveal that SDS reduces the amount of orthorhombic phase in the SC and increases the amount of hexagonally packed lipid at physiologically relevant temperatures. In addition, a small decrease in the lipid Tm (acyl chain melting temperature) is observed. Furthermore, these SDS‐induced changes were found to be strongly dependent on the time of exposure.
Predicting the efficacy of sunscreens in vivo veritas
Authors: Pissavini M. , Diffey B. , Marguerie S. , Carayol T. , Doucet O.
Published: August 2011

Synopsis

A novel in vitro technique for measuring the efficacy of sunscreens over the skin surface is described. It is demonstrated that those products that spread easily are associated with both a low variance in delivered SPF and a subjective assessment of a product that is pleasing to use, which in turn results in a higher application thicknesses and greater delivered photoprotection leading to improved health benefits of sunscreen use.
Sustained clinical effectiveness and favorable safety profile of topical sirolimus for tuberous sclerosis – associated facial angiofibroma
Authors: Salido R. , Garnacho‐Saucedo G. , Cuevas‐Asencio I. , Ruano J. , Galán‐Gutierrez M. , Vélez A. , Moreno‐Giménez J.C.
Published: August 2011

Background  Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the development of multisystem hamartomatous tumours. Facial angiofibroma appears in up to 80% of patients and has a considerable psychological impact. Various invasive procedures have been used, although they show limited effectiveness and potential adverse effects.

Objectives  To evaluate the sustained clinical benefits and safety profile of topical sirolimus applied to treat facial angiofibromas.

Methods  This study was a non‐blinded, uncontrolled case‐series comprising 10 patients with TSC‐associated facial angiofibroma that was treated with 0.4% sirolimus ointment 3 times a week for 9 months. Patients were clinically evaluated at baseline and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. Plasma levels of sirolimus were determined.

Results  A sustained improvement was observed in erythema and in the size and extension of the lesions as early as the first weeks of treatment. Sirolimus plasma levels remained below detection limits (0.3 ng/mL) in all cases. The formula was well‐tolerated with no local or systemic adverse effects.

Conclusions  Topical sirolimus seems to be an effective and safe medical alternative to surgery or laser‐based treatments in patients with TSC‐associated facial angiofibromas.
Development of MGUS in psoriatic patients: a possible undiagnosed event during anti‐TNF‐α‐treatment
Authors: Prignano F. , Pescitelli L. , Ricceri F. , Ermini A. , Lotti T.
Published: August 2011

Background  Monoclonal gammopathies are haematological conditions characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells which produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin that accumulates in the blood. They have already been reported during treatment with a range of drugs but never before during treatment with the anti‐TNF‐α treatments: adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab currently used in the therapy of moderate‐severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Objective  This is a case series describing the development of MGUS in psoriatic patients treated with anti‐TNF‐α.

Methods  Three hundred patients receiving an anti‐TNF‐α treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in a clinical setting in Italy, These patients were screened through serum protein electrophoresis to investigate the possible development of MGUS.

Results  Eight patients were found to have developed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The median treatment duration for the eight patients was 1 year with excessive IgG present in five patients, IgM accumulation in one patient and a double monoclonal component in two patients.

Conclusion  Our data suggest that there may be an association between anti‐TNF‐α therapy and development of MGUS.
Ambivalence, pride and shame: conceptualisations of German nationhood
Authors: MILLER‐IDRISS CYNTHIA , ROTHENBERG BESS
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT. This article examines complex everyday expressions and understandings of nationhood in Germany, focusing on citizens' articulations of national pride and their relationship with the nation. Through an analysis of ninety semi‐structured interviews with ‘ordinary’ Germans conducted between 2000 and 2002, we argue that the prevailing, elite‐centred approach to studying nationhood has not adequately captured the complex relationships that individuals have to the nation. We examine how individuals actively process and interpret nationhood in ways that reveal ambivalence, confusion and contradictory emotions towards the nation. Such individual variation is not neatly captured by official, elite, public or institutional presentations of the nation. We argue for further research on everyday understandings of nationhood and on ordinary people's views on national pride and national identity.
Antiplatelet function variability in clopidogrel‐treated patients: need for new antiplatelet agents
Authors: Höchtl Thomas , Tentzeris Iannis , Schrör Karsten , Huber Kurt
Published: August 2011

Antiplatelet therapy is obligatory in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) both in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and in secondary prevention. Aspirin in combination with clopidogrel has been recommended as the main therapeutic regimen for many years. However, the high inter‐individual variability of platelet aggregation seen with clopidogrel, caused by the underlying disease (more pronounced in diabetic patients and patients with ACS), drug interactions as well as by genetic variants leading to a reduced formation of the active metabolite of the prodrug clopidogrel, has confronted clinical practice with increasing numbers of adverse clinical events in patients following an ACS. Therefore, new antiplatelet agents have been investigated showing a more favorable efficacy/safety profile. Prasugrel as well as ticagrelor are meanwhile part of the recently published revascularization guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology based on their favorable results with respect to reducing a combined ischemic efficacy endpoint in patients with ACS in the TRITON‐TIMI‐38 (prasugrel) and PLATO (ticagrelor) trials. Different to clopidogrel, their effects are independent of genetic variants and also drug interactions seem neglectable. This article discusses the reasons for antiplatelet function variability of clopidogrel and presents clinical data of the new ADP‐receptor inhibitors by reviewing the recently published trials and prespecified post hoc analyses of these trials as well as the potential use of the new antiplatelet agents in the near future.
Digestion of fruit of invasive alien plants by three southern African avian frugivores
Authors: JORDAAN LORINDA A. , JOHNSON STEVEN D. , DOWNS COLLEEN T.
Published: August 2011

Many highly invasive plants are fleshy‐fruited and owe their invasiveness largely to mutualisms formed with local dispersers. The energetic benefits gained by frugivores from ingestion of fruits of invasive alien plants remain poorly documented. We assess whether avian frugivores process fruits of invasive alien plants effectively to meet their daily energetic requirements. Four fleshy‐fruited plant species that are invasive in southern Africa were considered –Solanum mauritianum, Cinnamomum camphora, Lantana camara and Psidium guajava. Their fruits were fed to three common generalist frugivores – Red‐winged Starling Onychognathus morio, Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus and Dark‐capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor– to determine the efficiency of digestion. Energetic parameters calculated for all fruit diets varied significantly between frugivore species. Speckled Mousebirds and Dark‐capped Bulbuls maintained body mass and efficiently processed all four fruit types, whereas Red‐winged Starlings only did so on C. camphora and S. mauritianum diets. These results explain why these fruits are attractive to local avian frugivores. Furthermore, these avian frugivores processed large quantities of invasive fruits, thereby serving as potentially efficient dispersers.
Fertilizer value of nitrogen in hen and broiler manure after application to spring barley using different application timing
Authors: Delin S.
Published: August 2011

The nitrogen (N) fertilizer effect of layer hen and broiler manure applied at different times on spring barley yield was studied in seven Swedish field experiments during 2005–2008. Two experiments had parallel field incubations to study N release after fertilizer application. The effect of total N in manure on N offtake was 30–40% that of mineral N, except in a dry year, when the effect was very low. Although the relative proportions of ammonium N, uric acid N and other N differed between the hen and broiler manure, the effect of total N was similar for both. In field incubations, mineral N decreased from 75 to 60% of total N applied in hen manure, whereas it increased from 20 to 50% in broiler manure, because of net immobilization and release, respectively. The limited fertilizer nitrogen replacement value, corresponding to only 30–40% of total N, could be as a result of ammonia volatilization after rather shallow incorporation with harrow. Net N release from broiler manure lasted for 6–8 weeks after application, after which it generally ceased. In some cases, manure application in early spring gave better yield effects than application at sowing, probably because of better synchronization of the N release with crop N requirements. The residual N effect on the N offtake in crop in the year after manure application was on average 3% of the total N applied, equivalent to a fertilizer replacement value of about 6%.
Fossil water‐penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Eocene of Europe, with remarks on their phylogenetic position and biogeography
Authors: WEDMANN S. , HÖRNSCHEMEYER T. , SCHMIED H.
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  A species of water‐penny beetles is recorded from larval instars from the Middle Eocene Messel pit fossil site in Germany. This species clearly belongs to the psephenid subfamily Eubrianacinae, but its precise systematic affinities remain unclear. It is the second fossil species of this taxon recorded from Europe. The holotype of the first fossil species, Eubrianax vandeli Bertrand and Laurentiaux, 1963, is lost. The high number of fossil specimens from Messel allowed discussion of stratigraphic and spatial occurrence of the eubrianacine species in the Messel pit, but its larval ontogeny could not be unravelled. Because of the high number of fossils and their wide occurrence, it is inferred that the species from Messel gen. sp. 1 was an autochthonous faunal element of the Eocene Lake Messel, which might indicate that some parts of the former Lake Messel had a shore area with stones. The analysis of the phylogenetic position of both Eocene eubrianacine species showed that their phylogenetic placement cannot be resolved because preservational influences limit the evaluation of characters. The historical biogeography of Psephenidae and Eubrianacinae is analysed and discussed. The fossil record shows that psephenid beetles have fossil members occurring outside their current distribution range, so interpretations of their biogeography based only on extant members can be misleading.
Examining Multiple Sources of Differential Item Functioning on the Clinician & Group CAHPS® Survey
Authors: Rodriguez Hector P. , Crane Paul K.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To evaluate psychometric properties of a widely used patient experience survey.

Data Sources

English‐language responses to the Clinician & Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG‐CAHPS®) survey (n = 12,244) from a 2008 quality improvement initiative involving eight southern California medical groups.

Methods

We used an iterative hybrid ordinal logistic regression/item response theory differential item functioning (DIF) algorithm to identify items with DIF related to patient sociodemographic characteristics, duration of the physician–patient relationship, number of physician visits, and self‐rated physical and mental health. We accounted for all sources of DIF and determined its cumulative impact.

Principal Findings

The upper end of the CG‐CAHPS® performance range is measured with low precision. With sensitive settings, some items were found to have DIF. However, overall DIF impact was negligible, as 0.14 percent of participants had salient DIF impact. Latinos who spoke predominantly English at home had the highest prevalence of salient DIF impact at 0.26 percent.

Conclusions

The CG‐CAHPS® functions similarly across commercially insured respondents from diverse backgrounds. Consequently, previously documented racial and ethnic group differences likely reflect true differences rather than measurement bias. The impact of low precision at the upper end of the scale should be clarified.
An Assessment of Patient‐Based and Practice Infrastructure–Based Measures of the Patient‐Centered Medical Home: Do We Need to Ask the Patient?
Authors: Gray Bradley Michael , Weng Weifeng , Holmboe Eric S.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To examine the importance of patient‐based measures and practice infrastructure measures of the patient‐centered medical home (PCMH).

Data Sources

A total of 3,671 patient surveys of 202 physicians completing the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) 2006 Comprehensive Care Practice Improvement Module and 14,457 patient chart reviews from 592 physicians completing ABIM's 2007 Diabetes and Hypertension Practice Improvement Module.

Methodology

We estimated the association of patient‐centered care and practice infrastructure measures with patient rating of physician quality. We then estimated the association of practice infrastructure and patient rating of care quality with blood pressure (BP) control.

Results

Patient‐centered care measures dominated practice infrastructure as predictors of patient rating of physician quality. Having all patient‐centered care measures in place versus none was associated with an absolute 75.2 percent increase in the likelihood of receiving a top rating. Both patient rating of care quality and practice infrastructure predicted BP control. Receiving a rating of excellent on care quality from all patients was associated with an absolute 4.2 percent improvement in BP control. For reaching the maximum practice‐infrastructure score, this figure was 4.5 percent.

Conclusion

Assessment of physician practices for PCMH qualification should consider both patient based patient‐centered care measures and practice infrastructure measures.
Investigation of a screening programme and the possible identification of biomarkers for early disseminated histiocytic sarcoma in Bernese Mountain dogs
Authors: Nielsen L. N. , McEvoy F. , Jessen L. R. , Kristensen A. T.
Published: August 2011

The aim of the study was to construct a screening programme for disseminated histiocytic sarcoma (DHS) in Bernese Mountain dogs using diagnostic imaging and blood analysis and evaluate blood borne biomarkers as early disease detection biomarkers. Healthy Bernese Mountain dogs were screened on four occasions in an attempt to detect early disease. Eleven blood borne biomarkers were examined for their worth as early tumour biomarkers. During 2.5 years, five dogs with early DHS were identified; four of these by diagnostic imaging. No dogs developed symptomatic DHS without being detected within 6 months of the screening programme. Only serum ferritin showed potential as a blood borne marker of the disease. Median survival times for the dogs with early DHS were 226 days. Screening programmes every 6 months for Bernese Mountain dogs over 4 years of age including diagnostic imaging and ferritin measurements may identify early DHS.
Policy Networks and Governance Networks: Towards Greater Conceptual Clarity
Authors: Blanco Ismael , Lowndes Vivien , Pratchett Lawrence
Published: August 2011

Networks are central to both the practice and understanding of contemporary governance. But there is a tendency to conflate and confuse different concepts. Concepts of ‘policy network’ (PN) and ‘governance network’ (GN) are often used interchangeably, with an assumption that the latter has evolved from the former. Such indiscriminate borrowing fails to recognise the different antecedents, and distinctive analytical offer, of specific network theories. The article develops a systematic distinction between PN and GN theories, enabling those engaging with networks to select from, and even combine, alternative perspectives as they confront a new wave of change in policy making and governance. The more sceptical account provided by PN theory provides a valuable counterbalance to the ‘optimistic’ character of the GN literature, which tends to underestimate the continued hold of (albeit multi-sector) elites on policy making, and overstate the extent to which networks represent a new ‘stage’ in the evolution of governance.
What have we Learned from Policy Transfer Research? Dolowitz and Marsh Revisited
Authors: Benson David , Jordan Andrew
Published: August 2011

Over the last decade, policy transfer has emerged as an important concept within public policy analysis, guiding both theoretical and empirical research spanning many venues and issue areas. Using Dolowitz and Marsh's 1996 stocktake as its starting point, this article reviews what has been learned by whom and for what purpose. It finds that the literature has evolved from its rather narrow, state-centred roots to cover many more actors and venues. While policy transfer still represents a niche topic for some researchers, an increasing number have successfully assimilated it into wider debates on topics such as globalisation, Europeanisation and policy innovation. This article assesses the concept's position in the overall ‘tool-kit’ of policy analysis, examines some possible future directions and reflects on their associated risks and opportunities.
Acute Sleep Deprivation Is Associated with Increased Atrial Electromechanical Delay in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: ESEN ÖZLEM , AKÇAKOYUN MUSTAFA , AÇAR GÖKSEL , BULUT MUSTAFA , ALİZADE ELNUR , KARGIN RAMAZAN , EMİROĞLU MEHMET Y. , YAZICIOĞLU MEHMET V. , GEMİCİ KANI , ESEN ALI M.
Published: August 2011

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcome. Atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) calculated from tissue Doppler imaging has been shown to detect atrial impairment in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to investigate whether AEMD would increase in otherwise healthy young adults with acute SD.

Methods: Twenty‐seven healthy volunteers were included into the study (mean age: 26 ± 3 years). The participants underwent an echocardiographic examination after a night with SD. AEMD defined as the interval from the onset of P wave to the onset of late diastolic Am wave (PA) was calculated from the lateral and septal mitral annulus, and lateral tricuspid annulus (PA lateral, PA septum, and PA tricuspid, respectively).

Results: Subjects had similar values of PA tricuspid duration in milliseconds after the night of sleep debt when compared after regular sleep, whereas they had significantly higher values of PA lateral and PA septal durations (69.05 ± 10.64 ms vs 51.31 ± 11.32 ms, P < 0.001 and 51.75 ± 7.15 ms vs 41.37 ± 8.52 ms, P < 0.001; respectively). Moreover, participants had higher inter‐AEMD and intra‐AEMD values after the night of sleep debt when compared after regular sleep [30.19 ± 9.84 ms vs 14.72 ± 6.81 ms, P < 0.001 and 12.82 ± 7.09 ms vs 4.41 ± 3.60 ms, P < 0.001; respectively]. Pearson's correlation analyses suggest that inter‐AEMD and intra‐AEMD were inversely correlated with sleep time (r =−0.628, r =−0.499, r =−0.696, and r =−0.572, respectively [all P < 0.001]).

Conclusion: In conclusion, in this cross‐sectional study, we clearly found that even one night of SD is associated with higher values of inter‐AEMD and intra‐AEMD in healthy young adults. (PACE 2011; 34:1645–1651)
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization on Gradient Reduction in Patients with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Preliminary Study
Authors: LENARCZYK RADOSŁAW , WOŹNIAK ALEKSANDRA , KOWALSKI OSKAR , SOKAL ADAM , PRUSZKOWSKA‐SKRZEP PATRYCJA , SREDNIAWA BEATA , SZULIK MARIOLA , ZIELIŃSKA TERESA , KUKULSKI TOMASZ , STABRYŁA JOANNA , MAZUREK MICHAŁ , BIAŁKOWSKI JACEK , KALARUS ZBIGNIEW
Published: August 2011

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in terms of outflow tract gradient reduction and functional improvement in symptomatic patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) requiring implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation.

Methods: Eleven consecutive symptomatic HOCM patients with a significant (≥40 mmHg) gradient and indications for ICD, but without indications for resynchronization, underwent CRT‐D implantation. Nine of them (four female, median age of 50 years) in whom the procedure succeeded were screened for New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, outflow gradient, mechanical dyssynchrony, QRS‐width change, and 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) improvement after 6 months and remotely.

Results: After 6 months of pacing, NYHA class decreased (median 1 vs 2, respectively); peak (33 vs 84 mmHg) and mean (13 vs 38 mmHg) outflow tract gradients were reduced; and QRS width (143 vs 105 ms), intraventricular dyssynchrony (35 vs 55 ms), and VO2peak (19.5 vs 14.2 mL/kg/min) increased significantly (all P < 0.05) compared to baseline. In six of nine patients (67%), the peak gradient was reduced >50% and reached <40 mmHg. After a median of 36 months, the outflow gradient decreased even more (8 mmHg) and was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than after 6 months of CRT.

Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that CRT seems to be an effective method of reducing the outflow tract gradient and improving the functional status of symptomatic HOCM patients requiring ICD implantation. Our findings need to be confirmed by more extensive studies. (PACE 2011; 34:1544–1552)
Effect of Temperature Gradient on Industrial Gasifier Coal Slag Infiltration into Alumina Refractory
Authors: Kaneko Tetsuya Kenneth , Bennett James P. , Sridhar Seetharaman
Published: August 2011

Infiltration characteristics of industrial coal slag into alumina (Al2O3) refractory material with a temperature gradient induced along the slag's penetration direction are compared to those obtained under near‐isothermal conditions. Experiments were conducted with a hot‐face temperature of 1450°C and a CO/CO2 ratio of 1.8, which corresponds to an oxygen partial pressure of ~10−8 atm. The refractory under the near‐isothermal temperature profile, with higher average temperatures, demonstrated a greater penetration depth than its counterpart that was under the steeper temperature gradient. Slag that did not infiltrate into the refractory due to the induced temperature gradient, pooled and solidified on the top of the sample. Within the pool, a conglomerated mass of troilite (FeS) formed separately from the surrounding slag. Microscopy of the cross‐sectioned infiltrated refractories revealed that the slag preferentially corroded the matrix regions closer to the top surface. Furthermore, the formation of a thick layer of hercynite (FeAl2O4) at the top of refractory/slag interface significantly depleted the slag of its iron‐oxide content with respect to its virgin composition. A qualitative description of the penetration process is provided in this article.
Change in hepatocyte growth factor concentration promote mesenchymal stem cell‐mediated osteogenic regeneration
Authors: Wen Qian , Zhou Liang , Zhou Chaoying , Zhou Mingqian , Luo Wei , Ma Li
Published: August 2011

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in tissue repair by secretion of tissue nutrient factors such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). However, studies examining the effects of HGF on the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs used different concentrations of HGF and reported conflicting conclusions. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms by which different concentrations of HGF regulate MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and validate the mechanism in an animal model of early stage avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH). Our results demonstrate that a low concentration of HGF (20 ng/ml) preferentially promotes MSC osteogenic differentiation through increased c‐Met expression and phosphorylation, Akt pathway activation, and increased expression of p27, Runx2 and Osterix. In contrast, a high concentration of HGF (100 ng/ml) strongly induced proliferation by inducing strong activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway. As validated by animal experiments, high localized expression of HGF achieved by transplantation of HGF transgenic MSCs into ANFH rabbits increased the number of MSCs. Subsequently, 2 weeks after transplantation, HGF levels decreased and MSCs differentiated into osteoblasts and resulted in efficient tissue repair. Our results demonstrate that sequential concentration changes in HGF control the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vivo. This phenomenon can be exploited therapeutically to induce bone regeneration and, in turn, improve the efficacy of pharmacological intervention for ANFH treatment.
Acceptability of behaviour therapy for dental phobia
Authors: Forbes M.D.L. , Boyle C.A. , Newton T.
Published: August 2011

Forbes MDL, Boyle CA, Newton T. Acceptability of behaviour therapy for dental phobia. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 1–7. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objective:  To determine how people with dental phobia rate the acceptability of behavioural therapy.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty individuals with dental phobia participated in a three‐factor experimental vignette‐based design. The three factors examined were dental treatment history, nature of intervention (intravenous sedation or behavioural therapy) and treatment outcome. There were eight different vignettes representing all combinations of the three experimental variables, and 15 participants completed each vignette.

Results:  Treatment outcome had a strong effect on rated acceptability (F = 115.76, P < 0.001). There was a weaker effect of treatment type (F = 5.49, P < 0.05) with behavioural therapy rated as more acceptable than intravenous sedation. Previous history of intravenous sedation was associated with a decreased perception that it is possible to overcome dental fear.

Conclusions:  The perceptions of individuals with dental phobia of the acceptability of behavioural approaches to management are influenced by the perceived outcome of the treatment.