bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Debrucing” the Link between Tax and Expenditure Limits and Special District Governments
Authors: BILLINGS STEPHEN B. , CARROLL DEBORAH A.
Published: May 2012

We provide a direct test of the extent to which the stringency of a Tax and Expenditure Limit (TEL) influences the creation of special district governments by examining one of the strictest TELs in U.S. history, the Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). Through analysis of panel data from 1993 to 2004 of general purpose and special district governments, we test the relationship between TABOR and the creation of special districts. The novelty of our research involves the use of successful and failed attempts to override TABOR to measure variation in TEL restrictiveness at the county and municipal geography. Our results indicate that counties and municipalities unable to override TABOR's restrictions and therefore bound by the TEL have no greater use of special district governments than local jurisdictions experiencing similar demand for services but not bound by TABOR. These results are robust to failed override attempts specific to tax revenue as well as debt proceeds. Furthermore, results are unaffected by the use of multiyear lagged measures of override attempts and the inclusion of county debrucing initiatives that passed or failed by a small margin—i.e., less than 60 percent of votes. Contrary to anecdotal evidence, our results find no relationship between tax and expenditure limits and the formation of special districts.
Applicant Reactions in Saudi Arabia: Organizational attractiveness and core‐self evaluation
Authors: Anderson Neil , Ahmed Sara , Costa Ana Cristina
Published: May 2012

This paper reports findings from a survey into applicant reactions of working adults in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 193 participants from four job functions was obtained, with measures of organizational attractiveness, core‐self evaluation, and applicant reactions to four popular selection methods in the country – interviews, résumés, work sample tests, and references – being included. Findings indicate a notably similar pattern of preference reactions to previous studies in other (Western) countries, affirming arguments for so‐called reaction generalizability. Work sample tests were rated the most favorably followed by interviews, résumés, and references. For specific procedural dimensions, résumés were perceived as the most favorable, followed by work sample tests, interviews, and references. Several significant differences were found across job functions, mostly for interviews and résumés. Significant effects were found between reactions and organizational attractiveness, and between reactions and core‐self evaluation, including some interaction effects. Implications for future research and for practice in employee selection are considered in the conclusion.
Donor‐Country Responses to the Migration–Development Buzz: From Ambiguous Concepts to Ambitious Policies?
Authors: Vammen Ida Marie , Brønden Birgitte Mossin
Published: May 2012

During the past decade, much attention has been paid to the migration–development nexus, both in academia and in the global development community. This has created what we argue in this paper can be characterized as an “international buzz” around the issue. In this paper, we explore how two donor countries, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, have approached the nexus in their policies and practices in recent years. We examine in what ways it has been feasible to work with migration–development links, taking into account various interests and the national political climates regarding development aid and immigration policies. Important themes of the nexus, which are discussed in detail going through the policies, are remittances, engagement with migrant associations, and temporary migration schemes and programmes addressing the so‐called “brain drain” problem. We argue that the two countries represent two different trends among donors: the one does not directly link migration management with migration and development policies, as these are conceived within the national donor agencies; while the other appears to be more focused on providing better migration management through development cooperation.

In the conclusion, we argue that the consensus‐orientated simplicity of the buzz surrounding migration and development can be said to have had a somewhat restricting effect on the policies, in the sense that it seems to have discouraged conflicting parts of the migration–development nexus from being taken up in the national contexts. Based on our analysis of the two countries’ policies, we discuss possible implications for the future, reflecting on the tendency of buzzwords to dip in and out of fashion.
Functional associations of genetic variants involved in the clinical manifestation of erythropoietic protoporphyria in the Argentinean population
Authors: Colombo F.P. , Rossetti M.V. , Méndez M. , Martínez J.E. , Enríquez de Salamanca R. , del C. Batlle A.M. , Parera V.E.
Published: May 2012

Background  Combined inheritance of genetic variants in ferrochelatase gene (FECH) are implicated in clinical manifestation of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP).

Objective  Identify the genetic variants in FECH gene and their associations in the expression of EPP in Argentina. Determine the allelic frequency of polymorphic variants, associations in cis and its linkage disequilibrium.

Methods  The FECH gene was PCR‐amplified and sequenced. Allelic variants of intragenic polymorphisms were identified by PCR followed by sequencing or restriction digestion analysis. Residual FECH activity was determined by prokaryotic expression in Escherichia coli JM109. Data were analyzed using Haploview and Statistix 9.

Results  Ten mutations were identified: three novel (p.S222N; p.R298X and p.R367X) and seven already known (g.12490_18067del; p.R115X; p.I186T; c.580_584delTACAG; c.598 + 1 G>T; p.Y209X and p.W310X). The p.R115X mutation was found in two families. The p.S222N mutation expressed 5% of normal activity. Only individuals who inherited a mutation combined in trans to a low expression allele c.1‐251G, c.68‐23T, and c.315‐48C, showed clinical symptoms. The absence of c.315‐48C variant was sufficient for not triggering EPP. However, these variants showed high levels of cosegregation and GTC haplotype is over‐represented in EPP patients.

Conclusion  In the dominant inheritance form of EPP, c.315‐48C variant in trans to the mutated allele is sufficient to trigger the disease. The presence of GTC haplotype in all patients with dominant EPP could be due to the high level of cosegregation of c.315‐48C with c.1‐251G and c.68‐23T variants in our population.
Influences on the behaviour of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities towards debt and bankruptcy
Authors: Ekanem Ignatius
Published: May 2012

This article sets out to examine the attitudes towards debt, bankruptcy and the bankruptcy process of black and minority ethnic (BME) entrepreneurs and individuals who are experiencing bankruptcy; and to assess the extent to which their attitudes towards debt and bankruptcy have been influenced by various external factors, including their cultural and religious practices. The paper uses a qualitative methodology that involves in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews and direct observation, where possible. The findings suggest that in many ethnic minority communities, there are strong cultural and religious imperatives to settle debts, and this can lead to a strong desire to resist at all costs the bankruptcy process. The main finding of this study is that there is a high level of ignorance and a lack of understanding of the actions that can be taken when they find themselves in financial difficulties. The main implication of this study is that education, which fosters financial literacy and pre‐bankruptcy counselling, can empower consumers and enhance responsible financial decision making. There is very little research work in this area, and the paper is based on qualitative research that captures for the first time why the attitudes and behaviour of BME groups towards debt and bankruptcy differ from those of the white population.
Learning electoral geography? Party campaigning, constituency marginality and voting at the 2010 British general election
Authors: Johnston Ron , Pattie Charles
Published: May 2012

Multi‐party single‐member constituency electoral systems such as Great Britain’s are characterised by the political parties carefully targeting their local campaigns to maximise the number of seats won. They focus their activities on constituencies where either victory is likely or defeat is possible, which involves ensuring that residents are aware of the local context and the party’s electoral prospects there. But how do voters assess a party’s chances of victory locally; how aware are they of the local situation and to what extent does party campaigning change this? Analysis of British Election Study internet panel survey data shows that although many voters had an accurate assessment of each party’s chance of victory locally in 2010 many either over‐ or under‐estimated its chances relative to the actual situation. Furthermore a substantial proportion changed their assessments as the election campaign progressed. Those contacted by a party during the various stages of the campaign tended to assess its chances of local victory as higher than those not contacted, especially if they also thought it had a good chance of winning the contest nationally, and such individuals were more likely to vote for the party than those not contacted.
Female dimorphism in Japanese diving beetle Dytiscus marginalis czerskii (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) evidenced by mitochondrial gene sequence analysis
Authors: INODA Toshio , SUZUKI Gaku , OHTA Makoto , KUBOTA Souichirou
Published: May 2012

Three species of the Japanese diving beetle Dytiscus have been identified: D. dauricus Gebler, 1832; D. marginalis czerskii Zeitzev, 1953; and D. sharpi. At present, the latter consists of the subspecies D. sharpi sharpi Wehncke, 1875 and D. sharpi validus Régimbart, 1899 based on the comparative data of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome‐c oxidase I (COI) sequences. Many Dytiscus species have smooth and grooved elytra, which are female dimorphic traits. For many years it has been thought that Japanese D. marginalis czerskii has a single morph, that is, only grooved females, although there were some collecting reports of smooth females occurring at the foot of Mt. Chokaisan in Yamagata and Akita Prefectures. However, the population of smooth females (smooth population) has not yet been identified by DNA markers. To understand the species status of the smooth population, we sequenced 769 bp of COI of a male derived from a smooth mother insect and compared it with the sequence from a known grooved female. The sequences of 769 bp of the COI gene in the smooth population were identical to that in the grooved female, indicating that Japanese D. marginalis czerskii has female dimorphic traits.
Dopamine Transporter (DAT1) VNTR Polymorphism and Alcoholism in Two Culturally Different Populations of South India
Authors: Bhaskar Lakkakula V. K. S. , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Wasnik Samiksha , Singh Lalji , Raghavendra Rao Vadlamudi
Published: May 2012

It is well established that the central dopaminergic reward pathway is likely involved in alcohol intake and the progression of alcohol dependence. Dopamine transporter (DAT1) mediates the active re‐uptake of DA from the synapse and is a principal regulator of dopaminergic neurotransmission. The gene for the human DAT1 displays several polymorphisms, including a 40‐bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) ranging from 3 to 16 copies in the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of the gene. To assess the role of this gene in alcoholism, we genotyped the VNTR of DAT1 gene in a sample of 206 subjects from the Kota population (111 alcohol dependence cases and 95 controls) and 142 subjects from Badaga population (81 alcohol dependence cases and 61 controls). Both populations inhabit a similar environmental zone, but have different ethnic histories. Phenotype was defined based on the DSM‐IV criteria. Genotyping was performed using PCR and electrophoresis. The association of DAT1 with alcoholism was tested by using the Clump v1.9 program which uses the Monte Carlo method. In both Kota and Badaga populations, the allele A10 was the most frequent allele followed by allele A9. The genotypic distribution is in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both cases and control groups of Kota and Badaga populations. The DAT1 VNTR was significantly associated with alcoholism in Badaga population but not in Kota population. Our results suggest that the A9 allele of the DAT gene is involved in vulnerability to alcoholism, but that these associations are population specific. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1–5)
Crack Users Show High Rates of Antisocial Personality Disorder, Engagement in Illegal Activities and Other Psychosocial Problems
Authors: Paim Kessler Felix Henrique , Barbosa Terra Mauro , Faller Sibele , Ravy Stolf Anderson , Carolina Peuker Ana , Benzano Daniela ,   Brazilian ASI Group, Pechansky Flavio
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to compare three groups of Brazilian psychoactive substance (PAS) abuse patients (crack cocaine users, cocaine snorters, and non‐cocaine PAS users) in terms of psychiatric comorbidities and severity of psychosocial problems. A cross‐sectional, multi‐center study was conducted at five Brazilian research centers. A total of 738 current PAS abusers seeking specialized treatment (outpatient and inpatient clinics) were assessed using the sixth version of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI‐6): 293 patients using crack cocaine were compared with 126 using powder cocaine and 319 using non‐cocaine PAS (mostly alcohol and marijuana). Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed in a smaller sample (290 cases), originating from three of the centers, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI‐Plus). Crack and powder cocaine users were significantly younger than non‐cocaine PAS users (31.1 ± 8.1 and 32.9 ± 8.8 vs. 42.4 ± 12, respectively; p < .001). Crack users presented a higher rate of antisocial personality disorder (25%) than powder cocaine (9%) and non‐cocaine PAS users (9%), even when adjusted for confounding factors (Pr = 2.6; 95% CI 1.10–6.40). According to ASI‐6 summary scores, crack users presented a significantly higher rate of occupational, family, and legal problems and reported more illegal and violent activities such as burglary and theft (23%) and threatening or assaulting (32%) than non‐cocaine PAS users. Our findings, combined with the recent increase observed in the prevalence of crack use in Brazil, highlight the severity of psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial problems related to this powerful drug and corroborate the already suggested association between crack/cocaine, violence, and legal problems. Treatment programs for crack users should routinely consider the possibility of associated psychiatric comorbidities, such as antisocial personality disorder, which may affect treatment outcomes. (Am J Addict 2012;00:1–11)
Experimental Evidence for the Effects of Chronic Anthropogenic Noise on Abundance of Greater Sage‐Grouse at Leks
Authors: BLICKLEY JESSICA L. , BLACKWOOD DIANE , PATRICELLI GAIL L.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Increasing evidence suggests that chronic noise from human activities negatively affects wild animals, but most studies have failed to separate the effects of chronic noise from confounding factors, such as habitat fragmentation. We played back recorded continuous and intermittent anthropogenic sounds associated with natural gas drilling and roads at leks of Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). For 3 breeding seasons, we monitored sage grouse abundance at leks with and without noise. Peak male attendance (i.e., abundance) at leks experimentally treated with noise from natural gas drilling and roads decreased 29% and 73%, respectively, relative to paired controls. Decreases in abundance at leks treated with noise occurred in the first year of the study and continued throughout the experiment. Noise playback did not have a cumulative effect over time on peak male attendance. There was limited evidence for an effect of noise playback on peak female attendance at leks or male attendance the year after the experiment ended. Our results suggest that sage‐grouse avoid leks with anthropogenic noise and that intermittent noise has a greater effect on attendance than continuous noise. Our results highlight the threat of anthropogenic noise to population viability for this and other sensitive species.
Efficient Species‐Level Monitoring at the Landscape Scale
Authors: NOON BARRY R. , BAILEY LARISSA L. , SISK THOMAS D. , MCKELVEY KEVIN S.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Monitoring the population trends of multiple animal species at a landscape scale is prohibitively expensive. However, advances in survey design, statistical methods, and the ability to estimate species presence on the basis of detection–nondetection data have greatly increased the feasibility of species‐level monitoring. For example, recent advances in monitoring make use of detection–nondetection data that are relatively inexpensive to acquire, historical survey data, and new techniques in genetic evaluation. The ability to use indirect measures of presence for some species greatly increases monitoring efficiency and reduces survey costs. After adjusting for false absences, the proportion of sample units in a landscape where a species is detected (occupancy) is a logical state variable to monitor. Occupancy monitoring can be based on real‐time observation of a species at a survey site or on evidence that the species was at the survey location sometime in the recent past. Temporal and spatial patterns in occupancy data are related to changes in animal abundance and provide insights into the probability of a species' persistence. However, even with the efficiencies gained when occupancy is the monitored state variable, the task of species‐level monitoring remains daunting due to the large number of species. We propose that a small number of species be monitored on the basis of specific management objectives, their functional role in an ecosystem, their sensitivity to environmental changes likely to occur in the area, or their conservation importance.
Parental Perceptions of the Neighborhood Context and Adolescent Depression
Authors: Ford Jodi L. , Rechel Maggie
Published: May 2012

Objective

To examine the associations between parental perceptions of the neighborhood context and adolescent depression including potential gender differences in outcomes.

Design and Sample

Descriptive correlational study. A total of 32,499 parents of adolescents aged 12–17 years.

Measures

Descriptive and multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. Neighborhood context was operationalized as physical disorder, social isolation, and lack of safety. Two depression outcomes (current depression diagnosis and current depression symptoms) were analyzed.

Results

Parental perceptions of neighborhood physical disorder were positively associated with adolescent depression diagnosis (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.80) and an increase in depression symptoms (0.186, p < 0.001). In addition, parental perceptions of neighborhood social isolation (0.061, p < 0.001) and lack of safety (0.037, p < 0.01) were associated with adolescent depression symptoms, and the measures modestly attenuated the relationship between neighborhood physical disorder and adolescent depression symptoms (0.117, p < 0.05). No significant gender differences were found.

Conclusions

Public health interventions to reduce neighborhood physical disorder, social isolation, and lack of safety should be considered in efforts to promote adolescent mental health. Further research exploring other mechanisms through which neighborhood physical disorder may contribute to adolescent depression also is needed, including potential gender differences.
Renewable Eco‐industrial Development
Authors: Wells Peter , Zapata Clóvis
Published: May 2012

This article reviews the scope of the discipline of industrial ecology and, in the context of an urgent requirement for substantial and rapid change in the face of global sustainability challenges, argues that the discipline could embrace a more proactive, interventionist stance in the form of renewable eco‐industrial development. Existing eco‐industrialism is presented as flawed, with many cases premised on the use of nonrenewable resources. Renewable eco‐industrial development, while still nascent, has the potential both to resolve some sustainability challenges and to offer a new area of endeavor for industrial ecology, albeit one with its own unique difficulties, such as conflict with food production. Renewable eco‐industrial development is further argued to bring industrial ecology into a more socially critical stance as it concerns the future allocation of scarce resources.
Multicenter evaluation of a commercial multiplex polymerase chain reaction test for screening plasma donations for parvovirus B19 DNA and hepatitis A virus RNA
Authors: Koppelman Marco H.G.M. , Cuijpers H. Theo M. , Wessberg Susanna , Valkeajärvi Anne , Pichl Lutz , Schottstedt Volkmar , Saldanha John
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Three European laboratories evaluated the TaqScreen DPX test (DPX test), a multiplex nucleic acid test assay for the simultaneous detection and quantitation of parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA and the detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 95% limit of detection of the test for B19V and HAV was determined using the respective WHO International Standards. The reproducibility of the test was evaluated by testing replicate samples of B19V at log 4.0 and 40 IU/mL and HAV at 5 IU/mL. The accuracy of the DPX test for B19V was evaluated by replicate testing of B19V samples containing log 3.0, log 4.0, and log 5.0 IU/mL. Panels of B19V Genotypes 1, 2, and 3 and HAV genotypes were evaluated. Cross‐contamination was evaluated. For comparison of the DPX test and the established tests, the sites tested plasma samples in pools of either 96 or 480 donations.

RESULTS: The mean 95% lower limits of detection of the three laboratories for B19V and HAV were 20.30 and 1.85 IU/mL. The test showed good reproducibility with the major part of the variance of the test being attributed to intermediate assay variation. The test showed great accuracy for B19V, especially at log 4.0 IU/mL. Spiking of test pools of 480 donations and manufacturing pools with log 4.0 IU/mL B19 DNA and 4 IU/mL HAV RNA showed that the DPX assay was robust. The test was able to detect the three genotypes of B19V and HAV genotypes. No cross‐contamination was seen. Test results of routine samples correlated well with those of the established tests.

CONCLUSION: The DPX test is a robust and sensitive test for the detection of B19V and HAV in plasma samples. The quantitative B19V results obtained with the test are accurate, and the test is able to detect all the known genotypes of B19V and HAV and fulfills all the European Pharmacopoeia and Food and Drug Administration requirements for a B19V and HAV test for screening of plasma donations and samples from plasma pools for manufacture.
Adsorption of chain type–specific ABO antibodies on Sepharose‐linked A and B tetrasaccharides
Authors: Lindberg Linda , Theinert Katharina , Liu Jining , Holgersson Jan
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Antigen‐specific removal of anti‐A and anti‐B on immunoadsorption columns carrying the blood group A and B trisaccharides is one important component of some protocols used in ABO‐incompatible organ transplantation. Because ABO antibodies exist requiring parts of the core saccharide chain for binding, the anti‐A and ‐B–binding capacity of individual and combined, Sepharose‐linked Types 1 through 4 A and B tetrasaccharides with that of the A and B trisaccharides was compared.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sepharose‐linked A and B tri‐ and tetrasaccharides were used to adsorb anti‐A and ‐B from pooled blood group O serum. Remaining chain type–specific anti‐A and ‐B were detected and quantified in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays using wells coated with neoglycoproteins or recombinant mucins carrying A and B determinants on defined core saccharide chains.

RESULTS: Significantly more anti‐A Type 3‐ and 4‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G remained after adsorption on the A trisaccharide and the A Type 1 and A Type 2 tetrasaccharide than after adsorption on the A Types 3 and 4 tetrasaccharides. Selective adsorption of chain type–specific IgG anti‐B was detected on Sepharose‐linked B tetrasaccharides. In contrast, there were no chain type–specific IgM anti‐A or ‐B. A combination of the A or B tetrasaccharides adsorbed a larger fraction of the IgG anti‐A and ‐B repertoires than the corresponding trisaccharides.

CONCLUSION: There are chain type–specific anti‐A and anti‐B IgG, and an adsorber based on a combination of Types 1 through 4 A or B tetrasaccharides will be a more efficient adsorber than an adsorber based on the A or B trisaccharides.
Quantile Uncertainty and Value‐at‐Risk Model Risk
Authors: Alexander Carol , Sarabia José María
Published: May 2012

This article develops a methodology for quantifying model risk in quantile risk estimates. The application of quantile estimates to risk assessment has become common practice in many disciplines, including hydrology, climate change, statistical process control, insurance and actuarial science, and the uncertainty surrounding these estimates has long been recognized. Our work is particularly important in finance, where quantile estimates (called Value‐at‐Risk) have been the cornerstone of banking risk management since the mid 1980s. A recent amendment to the Basel II Accord recommends additional market risk capital to cover all sources of “model risk” in the estimation of these quantiles. We provide a novel and elegant framework whereby quantile estimates are adjusted for model risk, relative to a benchmark which represents the state of knowledge of the authority that is responsible for model risk. A simulation experiment in which the degree of model risk is controlled illustrates how to quantify Value‐at‐Risk model risk and compute the required regulatory capital add‐on for banks. An empirical example based on real data shows how the methodology can be put into practice, using only two time series (daily Value‐at‐Risk and daily profit and loss) from a large bank. We conclude with a discussion of potential applications to nonfinancial risks.
Intralipid Fat Emulsion Decreases Respiratory Failure in a Rat Model of Parathion Exposure
Authors: Dunn Courtney , Bird Steven B. , Gaspari Romolo
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 504–509 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Background:  Therapies exist for acute organophosphate (OP) exposure but mortality rates remain high (10% to 20%). Currently, treatment focuses on reversing the resultant cholinergic excess effects through the use of atropine. Intralipid fat emulsion (IFE) has been used to treat lipophilic drug ingestions and theoretically would be beneficial for some OP agents.

Objectives:  The hypothesis was that IFE would decrease the acute respiratory depressant effects following lethal OP exposure using a lipophilic OP agent (parathion).

Methods:  The authors used a previously validated animal model of OP poisoning with detailed physiologic respiratory recordings. The model consisted of Wistar rats anesthetized but spontaneously breathing 100% oxygen. Airflow, respiratory rate, tidal volume, mean arterial pressure, and pulse rate were digitally recorded for 120 minutes following OP exposure or until respiratory failure. Three study groups included parathion alone (n = 6), parathion and IFE 5 minutes after poisoning (n = 6), and parathion and IFE 20 minutes after poisoning (n = 6). In all groups, parathion was given as a single oral dose of 54 mg/kg (four times the rat oral 50% population lethal dose [LD50]). Three boluses of IFE (15 mg/kg/min) were given over 3 minutes, 20 minutes apart, starting either 5 or 20 minutes after poisoning. Timing of IFE was based on parathion kinetics. In one study group IFE was initiated 5 minutes after poisoning to coincide with initial absorption of parathion. In another study group IFE was given at 20 minutes to coincide with peak intravenous (IV) parathion concentration. Primary outcome was percentage of animals with apnea. Secondary outcome was time to apnea.

Results:  Animals exposed to parathion alone demonstrated a steady decline in respiratory rate and tidal volume postexposure, with apnea occurring a mean of 51.6 minutes after poisoning (95% confidence interval [CI] = 35.8 to 53.2 minutes). Animals treated with IFE 5 minutes postexposure demonstrated no difference in mean time to apnea (44.5 minutes vs. 51.6 minutes, p = 0.29) or number of animals with respiratory arrest (100% vs. 100%, p = 1.00). Animals treated with IFE 20 minutes postexposure demonstrated a significantly prolonged mean time to apnea (95.3 minutes vs. 51.6 minutes, p = 0.002), but there was no difference in number of animals with respiratory arrest (100% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.45).

Conclusions:  All animals exposed to 4 × LD50 of oral parathion demonstrate apnea and respiratory arrest. IFE given immediately after oral parathion does not prolong time to apnea. IFE given 20 minutes after oral exposure to parathion decreases the acute effects of the OP and prolongs the time to apnea.
The Association Between Insurance Status and Emergency Department Disposition of Injured California Children
Authors: Arroyo Anna Chen , Ewen Wang N. , Saynina Olga , Bhattacharya Jay , Wise Paul H.
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 541–551 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  This study examined the relationship between insurance status and emergency department (ED) disposition of injured California children.

Methods:  Multivariate regression models were built using data obtained from the 2005 through 2009 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) data sets for all ED visits by injured children younger than 19 years of age.

Results:  Of 3,519,530 injury‐related ED visits, 52% were insured by private, and 36% were insured by public insurance, while 11% of visits were not insured. After adjustment for injury characteristics and demographic variables, publicly insured children had a higher likelihood of admission for mild, moderate, and severe injuries compared to privately insured children (mild injury adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34 to 1.39; moderate and severe injury AOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.28 to 1.41). However, uninsured children were less likely to be admitted for mild, moderate, and severe injuries compared to privately insured children (mild injury AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.66; moderate and severe injury AOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.55). While publicly insured children with moderate and severe injuries were as likely as privately insured children to experience an ED death (AOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.18), uninsured children with moderate and severe injuries were more likely to die in the ED compared to privately insured children (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI = 2.38 to 4.06).

Conclusions:  Privately insured, publicly insured, and uninsured injured children have disparate patterns of ED disposition. Policy and clinical efforts are needed to ensure that all injured children receive equitable emergency care.
Self‐Engagement Moderates the Mediated Relationship Between Organizational Constraints and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors Via Rated Leadership
Authors: BRITT THOMAS W. , MCKIBBEN ERIC S. , GREENE‐SHORTRIDGE TIFFANY M. , ODLE‐DUSSEAU HEATHER N. , HERLEMAN HAILEY A.
Published: May 2012

We examined self‐engagement in job performance in a moderated mediation model where engagement moderated the relationship between organizational constraints and ratings of leadership effectiveness, and ratings of leadership effectiveness mediated the relationship between organizational constraints and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). University employees representing diverse occupations completed measures of self‐engagement, organizational constraints, and leader effectiveness. Supervisors provided ratings of OCB. Tests of mediated moderation using random coefficient modeling revealed that leadership mediated the relationship between constraints and OCB for highly engaged employees. Results are discussed in terms of highly engaged workers being attuned to stressors in the work environment that may compromise performance, potentially blaming leaders for the presence of these obstacles, thus causing withdrawal of effort on nonessential performance tasks.
Microscopical and chemical surface characterization of the gingival portion and connection of an internal hexagon abutment before and after different technical stages of preparation
Authors: Canullo Luigi , Micarelli Costanza , Iannello Giuliano
Published: May 2012

Aim

This study was aimed to assess contaminants on the abutment surface close to the implant‐abutment interface and the connection, after common technical protocols.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 abutments were divided into four groups: control group (abutment removed from the plastic envelop), test group1 (milled), test group2 (milled and polished), test group3 (milled, polished and steamed). Groups were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Pollution particles were counted and measured. Mean values and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. To evaluate any difference between groups Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was conducted. In addition, contaminant chemical characterization was investigated by Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX).

Results

Control group presented minimal amount of pollution (mean value of 2.1 spots [SD: 1.66] covering 0.004% of the surface). On the other hand, SEM analysis revealed on the abutment surface a mean value of 115.9 (SD: 32.27), 162 (SD: 21.17), and 32.5 (SD: 9.73) spots, respectively, in Test group 1, 2, and 3. Micro‐particles covered the 0.025%, 0.057%, 0.0404% of the surface, respectively, in Test group 1, 2, and 3. On the connection, SEM analysis revealed a mean value of 61.9 (SD: 9.07), 39 (SD: 12.35), 42.1 (SD: 8.59) spots, respectively, in Test group 1, 2, and 3. Micro‐particles covered the 0.0774%, 0.0869%, and 0.0392% of the surface, respectively, in Test group 1, 2, and 3. Spots were identified by EDX as micro‐particles of lubricant and titanium smear layer. All differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions

After technical procedures, presence of contaminants on the abutment surface in contact with the peri‐implant tissues was confirmed. To prevent that such debris could interfere with biological stability of peri‐implant tissues and, thus, enhance the implant‐prosthesis integration, different cleaning protocols should be evaluated.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of myeloproliferative neoplasms displaying a PDGFRB rearrangement
Authors: Arefi Maryam , García Juan L. , Peñarrubia María J. , Queizán José A. , Hermosín Lourdes , López‐Corral Lucía , Megido Marta , Giraldo Pilar , de las Heras Natalia , Vanegas Raúl J. , Gutiérrez Norma C. , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús M.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The myeloproliferative neoplasms displaying a PDGFRB rearrangement are rare diseases derived from a haematopoietic stem cell. The goals of the study were to assess the incidence of these disorders and to define the clinical and biological characteristics as well as the response to the imatinib therapy.

Methods

A total of 556 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms were studied by means of molecular cytogenetics.

Results

The incidence of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) with PDGFRB rearrangement was low (10 cases, 1.8% of all MPN). Most of the patients showed moderate anaemia (median Hb was 10.0 gr/dL; range from 7.5 to 13 g/dL), leukocytosis (median white blood cells was 21.7 × 109/L with a range from 4 to 43 × 109/L) and eosinophilia (median circulating eosinophils was 2.4 × 109/L with a range of 1.1–5.7 × 109/L) with a median of bone marrow infiltration cells displaying PDGFRB rearrangement of 55% (range, 37–85%). In three cases, a t(5;12) was observed while two patients showed rearrangements of 17q21 region. In two cases, a del(5)(q31) was observed. Most of the patients responded to standard dosage of imatinib, and the response was maintained in the time in those patients with a follow‐up higher than 9 years.

Conclusions

The incidence of patients with PDGFRB rearrangement is low. These patients showed leukocytosis with eosinophilia and anaemia. The efficacy of imatinib therapy in patients showing PDGFRB rearrangement is high. For this reason, in all patients with MPN without any other molecular aberration, PDGFRB rearrangement should be ascertained.
Modulation of T‐cell Reactivity During Equine Pregnancy is Antigen Independent
Authors: Noronha Leela E. , Antczak Douglas F.
Published: May 2012

Problem

Pregnant mares demonstrate a reduction in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) reactivity against cells from the breeding stallion. We investigated whether this effect is limited to activity against paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and whether it occurs during MHC‐compatible pregnancy.

Method of Study

Mares were mated to carry MHC‐compatible or MHC‐incompatible pregnancies. CTL activity of these mares when pregnant and non‐pregnant was measured against cells from horses with MHC haplotypes unrelated to the mare or breeding stallion.

Results

While carrying MHC‐incompatible pregnancies, mares demonstrated reduced CTL activity against lymphocytes from third‐party horses in addition to those from the breeding stallion. This effect was also observed in mares carrying MHC‐compatible pregnancies.

Conclusions

The decrease in maternal T‐cell reactivity characteristic of normal equine pregnancy is not restricted to paternal alloantigen, and occurs during MHC‐matched matings. This suggests that antigen‐independent mechanisms may be responsible for this reduction in cell‐mediated immune activity.
The effect of an oxygenating agent on chlorhexidine‐induced extrinsic tooth staining: a systematic review
Authors: van Maanen‐Schakel NWD , Slot DE , Bakker EWP , Van der Weijden GA
Published: May 2012

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene10, 2012; 198–208  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2012.00555.x van Maanen‐Schakel NWD, Slot DE, Bakker EWP, Van der Weijden GA. The effect of an oxygenating agent on chlorhexidine‐induced extrinsic tooth staining: a systematic review.

Background:  Although chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) is currently the most effective mouthwash for reducing plaque and gingivitis, one of its side effects is extrinsic tooth staining. Interes‐tingly, oxygenating agents may reduce this staining.

Objective:  The aim of this review was to systematically search the literature for data concerning the inhibiting effect of an oxygenating agent (OA) on CHX‐induced tooth staining.

Methods:  MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, EMBASE and other relevant electronic databases were searched for articles that were published up to November 2011. Articles were included if they were randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials conducted with healthy subjects ≥ 16 years of age that compared the effects of CHX mouthrinse combined with an OA with the effects of CHX alone.

Results:  An independent screening of 1183 titles and abstracts resulted in 4 publications that met the inclusion criteria. The extracted data allowed meta‐analyses of intermediate length studies and showed that combining an OA with CHX mouthrinses led to a significant reduction in tooth staining (mean difference: 0.27; P = 0.02) and plaque scores (mean difference: 0.10; P = 0.003) when compared with CHX alone. One of the included studies reported a side effect for one participant. The present review was limited by the availability of data, and the included studies were methodologically and clinically heterogeneous, which affected the quality and interpretation of the evidence.

Conclusion:  There is moderate evidence that a combination of CHX and an OA reduces tooth staining without interfering with plaque growth inhibition.
Impact on wound healing and efficacy of various leg ulcer debridement techniques
Authors: Doerler Martin , Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Altmeyer Peter , Stücker Markus
Published: May 2012

Aim: To evaluate the evidence on the impact of different debridement techniques on healing and their efficacy in the treatment of leg ulcers.

Methods: Web‐based search (PubMed) for trials investigating surgical, enzymatic, autolytic, osmotic, ultrasound‐assisted, and biosurgical wound debridement on leg ulcers with regard to healing and efficacy.

Results: Both surgical and hydrosurgical methods proved to be effective debridement techniques. For conventional surgical debridement, a significantly greater reduction of the wound surface area and a higher healing rate were reported. Studies on autolytic, osmotic, and enzymatic wound debridement showed effective debridement for krill enzymes, dextranomer and manuka honey. Only for manuka honey was there a significantly greater reduction of the wound surface area compared to standard treatment. One study comparing fibrinolysin/DNAse with placebo and one comparing autolytic with enzymatic debridement showed no significant differences between the respective techniques. Trials on ultrasound‐assisted wound debridement reported a positive impact on healing. A significant wound surface area reduction was demonstrated in one of them. Maggot therapy led to effective debridement. The largest trial showed no significantly improved healing.

Conclusions: Further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence for a significant impact of wound debridement on the healing of leg ulcers.
Exploring the sequence–function relationship in transcriptional regulation by the lac O1 operator
Authors: Maity Tuhin S. , Jha Ramesh K. , Strauss Charlie E. M. , Dunbar John
Published: May 2012

Understanding how binding of a transcription factor to an operator is influenced by the operator sequence is an ongoing quest. It facilitates discovery of alternative binding sites as well as tuning of transcriptional regulation. We investigated the behavior of the Escherichia coli Lac repressor (LacI) protein with a large set of lac O1 operator variants. The 114 variants examined contained a mean of 2.9 (range 0–4) mutations at positions −4, −2, +2 and +4 in the minimally required 17 bp operator. The relative affinity of LacI for the operators was examined by quantifying expression of a GFP reporter gene and Rosetta structural modeling. The combinations of mutations in the operator sequence created a wide range of regulatory behaviors. We observed variations in the GFP fluorescent signal among the operator variants of more than an order of magnitude under both uninduced and induced conditions. We found that a single nucleotide change may result in changes of up to six‐ and 12‐fold in uninduced and induced GFP signals, respectively. Among the four positions mutated, we found that nucleotide G at position −4 is strongly correlated with strong repression. By Rosetta modeling, we found a significant correlation between the calculated binding energy and the experimentally observed transcriptional repression strength for many operators. However, exceptions were also observed, underscoring the necessity for further improvement in biophysical models of protein–DNA interactions.
The case for union
Authors: Kidd Colin
Published: May 2012

With a referendum on Scottish independence planned for autumn 2014, leading historian Colin Kidd makes the positive case for preserving the 300‐year‐old union between England and Scotland. Unionism – a Scottish idea in the first place – is, he argues, as authentically Scottish as nationalism.
Building a responsible capitalism
Authors: Miliband Ed
Published: May 2012

Ed Miliband develops his argument about how Britain needs a responsible capitalism, not an economy based on predatory, short‐term speculation. This will mean a more active role for government in making the market economy work.
The Basal Level Ethylene Response is Important to the Wall and Endomembrane Structure in the Hypocotyl Cells of Etiolated Arabidopsis Seedlings
Authors: Xu Chan , Gao Xiaoyan , Sun Xiaobin , Wen Chi‐Kuang
Published: May 2012

The sub‐cellular events that occur during the ethylene‐modulated cell elongation were characterized by examining the ultra‐structure of etiolated Arabidopsis seedling hypocotyl cells. Preventing the basal level ethylene response facilitated cell elongation, and the cells exhibited wall loosening and separation phenotype. Nearby the wall separation sites were frequently associated with an increase in the cortical rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) membranes, the presence of paramural bodies, and the circular Golgi formation. The cortical rER proliferation and circular Golgi phenotype were reverted by the protein biosynthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. The cortical rER membranes were longer when the ethylene response was prevented and shortened with elevated ethylene responses. Proteomic changes between wild type and the ethylene‐insensitive mutant ethylene insensitive2 (ein2) seedling hypocotyls indicated that distinct subsets of proteins involving endomembrane trafficking, remodeling, and wall modifications were differentially expressed. FM4‐64 staining supported the proteomic changes, which indicated reduced endocytosis activity with alleviation of the ethylene response. The basal level ethylene response has an important role in endomembrane trafficking, biological materials transport and maintenance of the endomembrane organization. It is possible that endomembrane alterations may partly associate with the wall modifications, though the biological significance of the alterations should be addressed in future studies.
Discovery of Novel Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Using a Hybrid Protocol of Virtual Screening Approaches Based on SVM Model, Pharmacophore and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wan Hua‐Lin , Wang Ze‐Rong , Li Lin‐Li , Cheng Chuan , Ji Pan , Liu Jing‐Jing , Zhang Hui , Zou Jun , Yang Sheng‐Yong
Published: May 2012

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase has emerged as a potential target for the treatment for B‐cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Discovery of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors has thus attracted much attention recently. In this investigation, we introduced a hybrid protocol of virtual screening methods including support vector machine model‐based virtual screening, pharmacophore model‐based virtual screening and docking‐based virtual screening for retrieving new Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors from commercially available chemical databases. Performances of the hybrid virtual screening approach were evaluated against a test set, which results showed that the hybrid virtual screening approach significantly shortened the overall screening time, and considerably increased the hit rate and enrichment factor compared with the individual method (SB‐VS, PB‐VS and DB‐VS) or their combinations by twos. This hybrid virtual screening approach was then applied to screen several chemical databases including Specs (202 408 compounds) and Enamine (980 000 compounds) databases. Thirty‐nine compounds were selected from the final hits and have been shifted to experimental studies.