bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regression modelling of correlated data in ecology: subject‐specific and population averaged response patterns
Authors: Fieberg John , Rieger Randall H. , Zicus Michael C. , Schildcrout Jonathan S.
Published: July 2009

1. Statistical methods that assume independence among observations result in optimistic estimates of uncertainty when applied to correlated data, which are ubiquitous in applied ecological research. Mixed effects models offer a potential solution and rely on the assumption that latent or unobserved characteristics of individuals (i.e. random effects) induce correlation among repeated measurements. However, careful consideration must be given to the interpretation of parameters when using a nonlinear link function (e.g. logit). Mixed model regression parameters reflect the change in the expected response within an individual associated with a change in that individual’s covariates [i.e. a subject‐specific (SS) interpretation], which may not address a relevant scientific question. In particular, a SS interpretation is not natural for covariates that do not vary within individuals (e.g. gender).

2. An alternative approach combines the solution to an unbiased estimating equation with robust measures of uncertainty to make inferences regarding predictor–outcome relationships. Regression parameters describe changes in the average response among groups of individuals differing in their covariates [i.e. a population‐averaged (PA) interpretation].

3. We compare these two approaches [mixed models and generalized estimating equations (GEE)] with illustrative examples from a 3‐year study of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) nest structures. We observe that PA and SS responses differ when modelling binary data, with PA parameters behaving like attenuated versions of SS parameters. Differences between SS and PA parameters increase with the size of among‐subject heterogeneity captured by the random effects variance component. Lastly, we illustrate how PA inferences can be derived (post hoc) from fitted generalized and nonlinear‐mixed models.

4. Synthesis and applications. Mixed effects models and GEE offer two viable approaches to modelling correlated data. The preferred method should depend primarily on the research question (i.e. desired parameter interpretation), although operating characteristics of the associated estimation procedures should also be considered. Many applied questions in ecology, wildlife management and conservation biology (including the current illustrative examples) focus on population performance measures (e.g. mean survival or nest success rates) as a function of general landscape features, for which the PA model interpretation, not the more commonly used SS model interpretation may be more natural.
Climate change, connectivity and conservation decision making: back to basics
Authors: Hodgson Jenny A. , Thomas Chris D. , Wintle Brendan A. , Moilanen Atte
Published: July 2009

1. The challenge of climate change forces us to re‐examine the assumptions underlying conservation planning.

2. Increasing ‘connectivity’ has emerged as the most favoured option for conservation in the face of climate change.

3. We argue that the importance of connectivity is being overemphasized: quantifying the benefits of connectivity per se is plagued with uncertainty, and connectivity can be co‐incidentally improved by targeting more concrete metrics: habitat area and habitat quality.

4. Synthesis and applications. Before investing in connectivity projects, conservation practitioners should analyse the benefits expected to arise from increasing connectivity and compare them with alternative investments, to ensure as much biodiversity conservation and resilience to climate change as possible within their budget. Strategies that we expect to remain robust in the face of climate change include maintaining and increasing the area of high quality habitats, prioritizing areas that have high environmental heterogeneity and controlling other anthropogenic threatening processes.
Specimen thickness dependence of hydrogen evolution during cryo‐transmission electron microscopy of hydrated soft materials
Authors: YAKOVLEV S. , MISRA M. , SHI S. , LIBERA M.
Published: July 2009

The evolution of hydrogen from many hydrated cryo‐preserved soft materials under electron irradiation in the transmission electron microscope can be observed at doses of the order of 1000 e nm−2 and above. Such hydrogen causes artefacts in conventional transmission electron microscope or scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging as well as in analyses by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy. Here we show that the evolution of hydrogen depends on specimen thickness. Using wedge‐shaped specimens of frozen‐hydrated Nafion, a perfluorinated ionomer, saturated with the organic solvent DMMP together with both thin and thick sections of frozen‐hydrated porcine skin, we show that there is a thickness below which hydrogen evolution is not detected either by bubble observation in transmission electron microscope image mode or by spectroscopic analysis in STEM electron energy‐loss spectroscopy mode. We suggest that this effect is due to the diffusion of hydrogen, whose diffusivity remains significant even at liquid nitrogen temperature over the length scales and time scales relevant to transmission electron microscopy analysis of thin specimens. In short, we speculate that sufficient hydrogen can diffuse to the specimen surface in thin sections so that concentrations are too low for bubbling or for spectroscopic detection. Significantly, this finding indicates that higher electron doses can be used during the imaging of radiation‐sensitive hydrated soft materials and, consequently, higher spatial resolution can be achieved, if sufficiently thin specimens are used in order to avoid the evolution of hydrogen‐based artefacts.
Impact of rituximab‐associated B‐cell defects on West Nile virus meningoencephalitis in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Levi Marilyn E. , Quan Dianna , Ho Joseph T. , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters B. K. , Tyler Kenneth L. , Grazia Todd J.
Published: July 2009

Levi ME, Quan D, Ho JT, Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters BK, Tyler KL, Grazia TJ. Impact of rituximab‐associated B‐cell defects on West Nile virus meningoencephalitis in solid organ transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01044.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Evidence suggests that West Nile virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease occurs more frequently in both solid organ and human stem cell transplant recipients. The effect of concomitant anti‐B‐cell therapy with rituximab, a CD20+ monoclonal antibody, on WNV infection in this population, however, has not been reported. We describe a case of a patient with alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency who underwent single lung transplantation in 2005 and was maintained on tacrolimus, cytoxan and prednisone. More recently, she had received two courses of rituximab for recurrent A2–A3 grade rejection with concomitant capillaritis and presented six months later with rapid, fulminant WNV meningoencephalitis. Her diagnosis was made by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR but serum and CSF WNV IgM and IgG remained negative. She received WNV‐specific hyperimmune globulin (Omr‐Ig‐Am®) through a compassionate protocol. She experienced a rapidly progressive and devastating neurological course despite treatment and died three wk after onset of her symptoms. Autopsy revealed extensive meningoencephalomyelitis.
Late conversion of tacrolimus to sirolimus in a prednisone‐free immunosuppression regimen in renal transplant patients
Authors: Chhabra Darshika , Grafals Monica , Cabral Brian , Leventhal Joseph , Parker Michele , Gallon Lorenzo
Published: July 2009

Chhabra D, Grafals M, Cabral B, Leventhal J, Parker M, Gallon L. Late conversion of tacrolimus to sirolimus in a prednisone‐free immunosuppression regimen in renal transplant patients. Clin Transplant 2009: DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01047.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  One of the most important causes of graft loss is chronic nephrotoxicity from calcineurin inhibitors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and to assess the impact on rejection risk, graft loss and renal allograft function of converting patients from tacrolimus (Tac) to sirolimus (SRL) at one yr post‐transplantation (Tx) using a prednisone‐free immunosuppressive regimen.

Methods:  Two hundred fifty‐five kidney transplant patients were induced with Alemtuzumab and maintained on a steroid‐free regimen with Tac and mycophenolate mofetil. Thirty‐seven stable patients (14%) were converted from Tac to SRL at one yr post‐Tx.

Results:  The two groups were demographically similar. Mean post‐tx follow‐up was 2.8 ± 0.2 yr. Patient and graft survival were not statistically different. There was no significant difference in acute rejection episodes between the SRL and Tac groups (21% vs. 15%, p = 0.2). Calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), in the SRL group at 2.8 yr post‐tx, was 69 ± 13 mL/min from the one month post‐tx GFR of 53 ± 19 and 59 ± 23 mL/min from the one month post‐tx GFR of 56 ± 21 mL/min in the Tac group.

Conclusions:  Using a prednisone‐free regimen, the conversion of Tac to SRL at one yr post‐Tx was not associated with an increased risk of acute rejection or graft loss.
Influence of Exogenous Glycine Betaine on Gas Exchange and Biomass Production in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Water Limited Conditions
Authors: Iqbal N. , Ashraf M. , Ashraf M. Y.
Published: July 2009

This study investigated whether the exogenous application of glycine betaine (GB) could alleviate the adverse effects of water deficit on sunflower. Two sunflower lines, Gulshan‐98 and Suncross, were subjected to water deficit at the vegetative or the reproductive stages of plant growth. Three levels (0, 50 and 100 mmol l−1) of GB were applied as a pre‐sowing seed treatment or as a foliar spray at the time of initiation of water deficit at the vegetative or reproductive stages. Foliar application of GB at the time of initiation of water deficit treatments showed a marginal increase in shoot biomass in drought‐stressed plants. Exogenously supplied GB as a foliar spray also showed a positive role in reducing the effects of water deficit on net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate and sub‐stomatal CO2 concentration in both sunflower lines. Pre‐sowing seed treatment with GB had no effects on the above‐mentioned physiological and growth attributes in both normally irrigated and drought‐stressed plants. Taken together, foliar application of GB increased net CO2 assimilation rate which in turn showed a slight increase in growth of water‐stressed plants but this increase was not related to stomatal regulation.
Effects of simulated tidal and deep breathing on immature airway contraction to acetylcholine and nerve stimulation
Authors: ANSELL Thomas K. , NOBLE Peter B. , MITCHELL Howard W. , WEST Adrian R. , FERNANDES Lynette B. , MCFAWN Peter K.
Published: July 2009

Background and objective: In adults, respiratory movements, such as tidal and deep breaths, reduce airway smooth muscle force and cause bronchodilation. Evidence suggests that these beneficial effects of oscillatory strain do not occur in children, possibly because of reduced coupling of the airways to lung tissue or maturational differences in the intrinsic response of the airways to oscillatory strain.

Methods: The bronchodilator effects of oscillatory strain were compared in isolated airway segments from immature (3–4 weeks and 8–10 weeks old) and mature (18–20 weeks old) pigs. The lumen of fluid‐filled bronchi was volume‐oscillated to simulate tidal breaths and 0.5×, 2× and 4× tidal volumes. Contractions to acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation were recorded from the lumen pressure and were compared under oscillating and static conditions. Airway stiffness was determined from the amplitude of the lumen pressure cycles and the volume of oscillation.

Results: Volume oscillation reduced contractions to acetylcholine and electrical field stimulation in an amplitude‐dependent manner and the percentage reduction was the same for the different stimuli across all age groups. There was no difference in the relaxed dynamic stiffness of airways from the different age groups.

Conclusions: The intrinsic response of the airway wall to equivalent dynamic strain did not differ in airways from pigs of different ages. These findings suggest that mechanisms external to the airway wall may produce age‐related differences in the response to lung inflation during development.
Residual fraction as a parameter to predict bladder outlet obstruction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Ku Ja Hyeon , Cho Sung Yong , Oh Seung‐June
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To determine whether noninvasive tests including the residual fraction are reliable for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods:  A total of 212 men (median age 68, range 44–89 years) were included in the present study. The median serum prostate‐specific antigen level and prostate volume were 1.3 ng/mL (range 0.2 to 9.4) and 37.9 mL (range 11.3 to 148.0), respectively.

Results:  Among the variables analyzed in the multivariate model, the likelihood of BOO varied by the total prostate volume, with a 3.6‐fold higher odds for ≥40 mL than for <40 mL (odds ratio [OR], 3.616; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.217–10.749; P = 0.021). In the same model, a low maximal flow rate (Qmax) (OR, 2.840; 95% CI, 1.260–6.401; P = 0.012) and high residual fraction (OR, 7.103; 95% CI, 1.924–26.225; P = 0.003) were associated with an increased likelihood of BOO. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting BOO using a total prostate volume of 40 mL or greater were 73.7% and 65.2%, respectively. Using a Qmax cut‐off of 12 mL/s or less for predicting BOO, the sensitivity and specificity were 77.2% and 54.2%, respectively. Prediction of the BOO by the residual fraction only had a sensitivity and specificity, for a residual fraction of less than 20%, of 75.4% and 67.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:  The presence or absence of BOO might be predicted using non‐invasive methods. The residual fraction may help with patient management by better predicting the likely patient classification from pressure‐flow studies.
Detection of drug‐resistant Escherichia coli in patients with complicated cystitis: Analysis of risk factors
Authors: Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Uchibayashi Tadao , Maeda Emi , Namiki Mikio
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To determine the prevalence and risk factors for isolation of drug‐resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in patients with complicated cystitis.

Methods:  We analyzed 170 patients with complicated cystitis and urine culture was positive for E. coli in all of them. Detailed clinical features were identified and risk factors for isolation of drug‐resistant E. coli were determined.

Results:  The drug susceptibilities of 170 isolates to levofloxacin and cefotaxime or cefpirome were 77% and 96%, respectively. Fluoroquinolone‐resistant E. coli (FQREc) was detected at least once in 39 patients. Prior use of fluoroquinolones within 1 month, between 1 and 3 months, and hospitalization were risk factors for FQREc infection (P < 0.05), with odds ratios of 24 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.4–89), 4.7 (95% CI 1.8–12), and 3.1 (95% CI 1.4–6.8), respectively. All six organisms resistant to cephems were extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing E. coli. The isolation of ESBL‐producing E. coli tended to be more frequent in patients who were hospitalized (P < 0.05), with an odds ratio of 7.9 (95% CI 1.4–45). There was no significant correlation between growth rate of ESBL‐producing E. coli and prior use of antibiotics.

Conclusions:  The frequencies of FQREc and ESBL‐producing E. coli were 23% and 4%, respectively. Prior use of fluoroquinolones within 3 months and hospitalization were risk factors for FQREc. Hospitalization was a risk factor for ESBL‐producing E. coli infection.
Restoring a rainforest habitat linkage in north Queensland: Donaghy’s Corridor
Authors: Tucker Nigel I. J. , Simmons Tania
Published: July 2009

Summary  Donaghy’s Corridor is a 1.2 km × 100 m planting of rain forest species on the Atherton Tableland, Queensland, designed to link an isolated fragment (498 ha) to adjacent continuous forest (80 000 ha). Vegetation and fauna monitoring commenced immediately after the linkage was completed. Vegetation surveys showed 119 plant species established in the linkage in 3 years, and 35 of these were not known to occur within the extant linkage either as planted stock or as natural individuals existing prior to project commencement. There were differences between the fauna trapped within the restoration, adjacent open pasture habitats, forest interior sites and forest edge sites. Differences likely reflect variation in species habitat preferences and the habitat suitability of the planted vegetation. Now over 10 years old, Donaghy’s Corridor has developed a complex forest structure, with the tallest planted stems exceeding 20 m in height. This feature article provides information about the planning, implementation and monitoring of the linkage, and shows how restoring landscape and ecological connectivity can be a locally effective strategy to counter forest fragmentation.
Sulfur assimilation byOxyrrhis marinafeeding on a35S‐DMSP‐labelled prey
Authors: Saló Violeta , Simó Rafel , Vila‐Costa Maria , Calbet Albert
Published: July 2009

A laboratory grazing experiment was conducted with the aim of quantifying the sulfur assimilation by a herbivore protist feeding on a dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP)‐containing phytoplankter. When supplied with dissolved35S‐DMSP, cultures of an axenic strain of the diatomThalassiosira pseudonanatook up 60–95% of the added radioisotope and accumulated it untransformed in the cytoplasm. Radiolabelled diatom cells were offered as prey to the heterotrophic dinoflagellateOxyrrhis marina. After 32 h in the dark, all the prey had been grazed and digested, leaving only radiolabelledO. marinain the grazing bottles and thus providing an estimate of the percentage of DMSP‐sulfur retained by the predator. Subsequent precipitation with cold trichloroacetic acid (TCA) provided the fraction of retained DMSP‐S that had been assimilated into the micrograzer macromolecules. In parallel incubations with predator and dissolved35S‐DMSP only (no prey),O. marina(and their closely associated bacteria) took up the radiolabelled substrate osmotrophically to an activity of 0.04 dpm cell−1and assimilated it all into macromolecules. By correcting grazing35S‐DMSP assimilation for osmotrophic35S‐DMSP assimilation, and comparing it with the ingested radioisotope, the percentage of ingested DMSP‐sulfur retained and assimilated by the predator was determined to be 32 ± 4%. This is the first study that provides direct evidence that ingestion of a DMSP‐containing prey supplies structural sulfur to a herbivore protist and that quantifies this assimilative supply at one‐third of ingested DMSP.
The timing of penile rehabilitation after bilateral nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy affects the recovery of erectile function
Authors: Mulhall John P. , Parker Marilyn , Waters Bedford W. , Flanigan Robert
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To define if erectile function (EF) outcomes were better in men with early institution of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP), as one of the mechanisms by which patients fail to recover EF after RP is collagenization of corporal smooth muscle with subsequent venous leak development, and rehabilitation is aimed at preventing these structural alterations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population comprised patients who: (i) had clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer; (ii) had fully functional erections, corroborated by the partner; (iii) had bilateral nerve‐sparing RP; and (iv) committed to pharmacological penile rehabilitation. Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) serially after RP. Patients were instructed to obtain three erections/week using initially sildenafil, and if unsuccessful, then intracavernous injections. Patients were subdivided into those starting rehabilitation at <6 months after RP (early) and those starting at ≥6 months after RP (delayed).

RESULTS

There were 48 patients in the early group and 36 in the delayed group; patients in both groups were matched for age, comorbidity status and baseline EF. The mean duration after RP at the time of starting penile rehabilitation was 2 and 7 months in the early and delayed groups, respectively (P < 0.01). At 2 years after surgery there was a highly statistically significant difference in IIEF EF domain score between the early and delayed groups (22 vs 16, P < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences between the groups in the percentage of men at 2 years after RP who had unassisted functional erections and sildenafil‐assisted functional erections (58% vs 30%, P < 0.01; 86% vs 45%, P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that delaying the start of penile rehabilitation after RP is associated with poorer outcomes for EF.
Diabetes‐specific family conflict and psychological distress in paediatric Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Williams L. B. , Laffel L. M. B. , Hood K. K.
Published: July 2009

Aims  Diabetes‐specific family conflict is associated with suboptimal adherence and glycaemic control. Little is known about the individual and family factors associated with diabetes‐specific family conflict. The purpose of this study was to examine whether background factors (e.g. age, gender), diabetes variables (e.g. duration of diabetes, adherence, glycaemic control) and psychological distress (i.e. depression and anxiety) in parents and children and adolescents were associated with diabetes‐specific family conflict.

Methods  Participants were 187 children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents. Study measures assessed diabetes‐specific family conflict, youth depression and parent depression and anxiety. Demographic and disease‐specific data (adherence, glycaemic control) were also collected.

Results  Findings suggested a close link between psychological distress in parents and children and adolescents and reports of increased diabetes‐specific family conflict. In the presence of suboptimal glycaemic control, children and adolescents and parents reported more family conflict. Adherence was not significantly associated with family conflict.

Conclusions  This study highlights the importance of considering the impact of individual psychological functioning on family conflict and also suggests a bidirectional relationship between conflict and glycaemic control.
U‐shape association between white blood cell count and the risk of diabetes in young Chinese adults
Authors: Du X. , Zhu B. , Hu G. , Mao W. , Wang S. , Zhang H. , Wang F. , Shi Z.
Published: July 2009

Background  Chronic low‐grade inflammation is related to diabetes risk in population studies. Elevated levels of white blood cells (WBC) were related to the risk of diabetes in cross‐sectional studies in the Chinese population. The objective of the study is to assess the prospective association between WBC and the risk of diabetes in the Chinese population.

Methods  We examined 7445 manual workers aged 18–59 years free from diabetes at baseline. Fasting glucose concentrations and white cell count were measured at annual health examinations from 1997 to 2007. Anthropometric measurements were taken by health workers. In the present study, each participant had at least two measurements of fasting blood glucose.

Results  During a mean of 4.94 years follow‐up, 178 participants developed diabetes. After controlling for known risk factors for diabetes (age, gender, smoking, drinking, parental history of diabetes, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, hepatitis B surface antigen and liver function), a U‐shaped association between WBC count and diabetes was found. The hazard ratios (HR) of diabetes across quartiles of WBC count were 1.87 (95% CI 1.15–3.05), 1.00, 1.46 (0.88–2.42) and 2.04 (1.28–3.25). The association was stronger among non‐smokers: compared with the second quartile, the HR of diabetes for the first and fourth quartiles of WBC were 3.00 (1.28–7.03) and 3.16 (1.33–7.53). Adjusting for hepatitis B virus infection and liver function did not change the association.

Conclusion  Both low and high levels of WBC count were associated with an increased risk of diabetes in young workers.
Risk prediction models for the development of diabetes in Mauritian Indians
Authors: Gao W. G. , Qiao Q. , Pitkäniemi J. , Wild S. , Magliano D. , Shaw J. , Söderberg S. , Zimmet P. , Chitson P. , Knowlessur S. , Alberti G. , Tuomilehto J.
Published: July 2009

Aims  To develop risk prediction models of future diabetes in Mauritian Indians.

Methods  Three thousand and ninety‐four Mauritian Indians (1141 men, aged 20–65 years) without diabetes in 1987 or 1992 were followed up to 1992 or 1998. Subjects underwent repeated oral glucose tolerance tests and diabetes was diagnosed according to 2006 World Health Organization/International Diabetes Federation criteria. Cox regression models for interval censored data were performed using data from 1544 randomly selected participants. Predicted probabilities for diabetes were calculated and validated in the remaining 1550 subjects.

Results  Over 11 years of follow‐up, there were 511 cases of diabetes. Among variables tested, family history of diabetes, obesity (body mass index, waist circumference) and glucose were significant predictors of diabetes. Predicted probabilities derived from a simple model fitted with sex, family history of diabetes and obesity ranged from 0.05 to 0.64 in men and 0.03 to 0.49 in women. To predict the onset of diabetes, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AROC) of predicted probabilities was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.68) in men and 0.64 (0.59–0.69) in women. At a cut‐off point of 0.12, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 (0.71–0.74) and 0.47 (0.45–0.49) in men and 0.77 (0.75–0.78) and 0.50 (0.48–0.52) in women, respectively. Addition of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) to the model improved the prediction slightly [AROC curve 0.70 (0.65–0.76) in men, 0.71 (0.67–0.76) in women].

Conclusions  A diabetes prediction model based on obesity and family history yielded moderate discrimination in Mauritian Indians, which was slightly inferior to the model with the FPG but may be useful in low‐income countries to promote identification of people at high risk of diabetes.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MEETS ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY: GLOBALIZATION, INEQUALITY, AND INNOVATION STRATEGIES
Authors: Spinesi Luca
Published: July 2009

I perform a Schumpeterian analysis of a world economy in which heterogenous individuals and firms endogenously respond to stronger global competition by undertaking more education and by spending more in research and development (R&D). A more globalized economy is predicted to exacerbate wage inequality, but to spur human capital accumulation within each country. However, despite its positive level effects on consumption and output, globalization can reduce each country's per‐capita output growth rate. R&D specialization allows each country to positively invest in manufacturing, variety proliferation R&D, and product quality upgrading R&D. The existence of such an R&D specialization – jointly with domestic size – allows us to explain some different economic performance about inequality and R&D effort of developed regions, such as the US and the EU countries.
Does Work Always Pay in Germany?
Authors: Scheicher Christoph
Published: July 2009

Income redistribution in Germany is the result of a combination of several redistribution instruments: there is a complex income tax law, different obligatory social insurances and supplementary benefits. This paper estimates income redistribution by quantile regression, using German EVS data. Two results are obtained: income after redistribution does not always increase in line with income before redistribution, i.e. for people with a low income before redistribution, it does not make sense to increase their efforts, since more work means less earnings. Further, an increasing redistribution rate for higher incomes is not always observable from the data.
The effect of the type and the concentration of the lipophilic surfactant on the stability and release kinetics of the W/O/W multiple emulsions
Authors: Özer Ö. , Baloglu E. , Ertan G. , Muguet V. , Yazan Y.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

Stable multiple emulsions that contain different lipophilic surfactants in the internal aqueous phase have been formulated. The multiple systems were assessed by evaluating several parameters such as macroscopic aspect, droplet size, percent release and accelerated stability under centrifugation or elevated temperature. The effect of polymeric and monomeric surfactants on the release mechanism and stability was examined. An excess of monomeric surfactant in the oil phase enhances the release rate and decreases stability. The release rate can be decreased by an increase of the lipophilic surfactant concentration. It appears that the more the oil globule swells, the less hydrosoluble drug is released. As a result a high swelling capacity is associated with better stability.

Résumé

Des émulsions multiples stables ont été mises au point dans lesquelles des différentes tensioactif lipophiles en différentes concentrations sont incorporés dans la phase aqueuse interne. Les aspects macroscopiques, la taille des globules, le rendement d’encapsulation, la stabilitéà la centrifugation et à différentes températures ont été optimisés. L’effet des tensioactifs polymères et monomères sur la libération et la stabilité a été envisagé. Le tensioactif monomère en excés aurait plutôt une action déstabilisante, et l’augmentation de la libération. La capacité de gonflement des globules huileux augmente et la libération du marqueur est ralentie. En consequénce, la stabilité croit parallélement à l’augmentation de la capacité de gonflement.
Habituation of Visual and Intensity Dependence of Auditory Evoked Cortical Potentials Tends to Normalize Just Before and During the Migraine Attack
Authors: Judit Á , Sándor PS , Schoenen J
Published: July 2009

Between attacks, migraine with (MO) or without aura (MA) patients show deficient habituation of pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (PR-VEP) and a strong intensity dependence of auditory evoked cortical potentials (IDAP). Clinical observations of migraine prodromes and previously published electrophysiological studies suggest that cortical information processing may vary in close temporal relationship to the attack. We studied PR-VEP and IDAP just before (11 MO pts), during (23 MO, 3 MA), 1 day following (27 MO, 1 MA) and 2 days following (14 MO) a migraine attack. The results were compared with a large group of MO patients recorded at a distance of at least 3 days from an attack ( n = 66 for IDAP; n = 39 for VEP). Patients recorded the day before the attack had on average an habituation of −13.6 ± 20.5% (mean ± sd) between the 5th and 1st block of 100 averaged VEP responses and a flat (0.38 ± 1.06 µV/10 dB) amplitude-stimulus intensity function (ASF) slope of the auditory evoked cortical potential. Both values were significantly different from those obtained in the attack interval ( P = 0.003; P = 0.020). During the attack, VEP habituation was less pronounced (−0.17 ± 26.2%) and ASF slopes remained flat (0.32 ± 1.44 µV/10 dB; P = 0.002 compared to interval). During the 2 days following the attack, VEP habituation was replaced by potentiation (+ 0.09 ± 29.1% the 1st day; 19.5 ± 45.7% the 2nd day) and ASF slopes increased markedly (0.87 ± 1.39 and 1.14 ± 1.12 µV/10 dB). The normalization of evoked cortical responses just before and during the attack, might reflect an increase in the cortical preactivation level due to enhanced activity in raphe-cortical serotonergic pathways.
Dopamine and Migraine: Does Parkinson's Disease Modify Migraine Course?
Authors: Barbanti P , Fabbrini G , Vanacore N , Rum A , Lenzi GL , Meco G , Cerbo R.
Published: July 2009

As brainstem mechanisms and dopaminergic neurotransmission are involved in migraine pathophysiology, we decided to investigate the course of migraine in Parkinson's disease (PD), the paradigm of brainstem dopaminergic disease. We screened 237 consecutive PD out-patients by direct interview to assess the prevalence of lifetime and current migraine. Moreover, we compared the course of migraine in PD patients with that of otherwise healthy age- (± 3 years) and sex-paired migraine controls in a cross-sectional study. PD patients showed a lifetime migraine prevalence of 27.8% and a current migraine prevalence of 13.1%. A positive family history of migraine was less frequent in PD patients than in controls. The frequency of current migraine was significantly lower in PD patients than in controls (47.0% vs. 68.2%; odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.19–0.89). Approximately two-thirds of PD patients reported an improvement in or remission of migraine after PD onset. Effects of menopause on migraine course were similar in patients and controls. These findings suggest that PD might somehow shorten the clinical course of migraine. Possible explanations include a prolonged prophylactic effect by chronic dopaminergic therapy or a positive effect of PD pathophysiology, namely nigral degeneration, on migraine mechanisms.
Understanding invasion history: genetic structure and diversity of two globally invasive plants and implications for their management
Authors: Prentis P. J. , Sigg D. P. , Raghu S. , Dhileepan K. , Pavasovic A. , Lowe A. J.
Published: July 2009

Aim  Resolving the origin of invasive plant species is important for understanding the introduction histories of successful invaders and aiding strategies aimed at their management. This study aimed to infer the number and origin(s) of introduction for the globally invasive species, Macfadyena unguis‐cati and Jatropha gossypiifolia using molecular data.

Location  Native range: Neotropics; Invaded range: North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands and Australia.

Methods  We used chloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs) to elucidate the origin(s) of introduced populations and calculated the genetic diversity in native and introduced regions.

Results  Strong genetic structure was found within the native range of M. unguis‐cati, but no genetic structuring was evident in the native range of J. gossypiifolia. Overall, 27 haplotypes were found in the native range of M. unguis‐cati. Only four haplotypes were found in the introduced range, with more than 96% of introduced specimens matching a haplotype from Paraguay. In contrast, 15 haplotypes were found in the introduced range of J. gossypiifolia, with all invasive populations, except New Caledonia, comprising multiple haplotypes.

Main conclusions  These data show that two invasive plant species from the same native range have had vastly different introduction histories in their non‐native ranges. Invasive populations of M. unguis‐cati probably came from a single or few independent introductions, whereas most invasive J. gossypiifolia populations arose from multiple introductions or alternatively from a representative sample of genetic diversity from a panmictic native range. As introduced M. unguis‐cati populations are dominated by a single haplotype, locally adapted natural enemies should make the best control agents. However, invasive populations of J. gossypiifolia are genetically diverse and the selection of bio‐control agents will be considerably more complex.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in combination with either amlodipine or atenolol compared to respective monotherapies in healthy subjects
Authors: Bolbrinker Juliane , Huber Matthias , Scholze Jürgen , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate any influence on olmesartan plasma pharmacokinetics from amlodipine or atenolol. We analysed pharmacokinetics and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in combination with either amlodipine or atenolol compared to respective monotherapies in two separate studies. In one study, 18 subjects received once daily treatment for 7 days with olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg alone or with amlodipine 5 mg or amlodipine 5 mg alone. In the other study, atenolol 50 mg once daily replaced amlodipine. Concentration vs. time profiles for olmesartan monotherapy were similar to combination therapy. Mean olmesartan AUCss,τ for olmesartan alone and with amlodipine were 2439 and 2388 ng h/mL and for olmesartan alone and with atenolol were 2340 and 2247 ng h/mL. Corresponding olmesartan Css,max values were 465.7 and 439.5 ng/mL for amlodipine, and 447.4 and 423.8 ng/mL for atenolol. Median tmax values for olmesartan were 1.5 h for each group in each study. Bioequivalence was established for all pharmacokinetic parameters. Lack of significant pharmacokinetic interactions between olmesartan and amlodipine or atenolol provides a basis for combination therapy.
Market Orientation, Internal Process, and External Network: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Key Decisional Alternatives in the New Service Development*
Authors: Ordanini Andrea , Maglio Paul P.
Published: July 2009

Scholars from different disciplines acknowledge the importance of studying new service development (NSD), which is considered a central process for sustaining a superior competitive advantage of service firms. Although extant literature provides several important insights into how NSD processes are structured and organized, there is much less evidence on what makes NSD processes successful, that is, capable of contributing to a firm's sales and profits. In other words, which are the decisions that maximize the likelihood of developing successful new services? Drawing on the emerging “service‐dominant logic” paradigm, we address this question by developing an NSD framework with three main decisional nodes: market orientation, internal process organization, and external network. Using a qualitative comparative analysis technique, we discovered combinations of alternatives that maximize likelihood of establishing a successful service innovation. Specifically, we tested our NSD framework in the context of hospitality services and found that successful NSD can be achieved through two sets of decisions. The first one includes the presence of a proactive market orientation (PMO) and a formal top‐down innovative process, but the absence of a responsive market orientation. The second one includes the presence of both responsive and PMO and an open innovation model. No single element was a sufficient condition for NSD success, though PMO was a necessary condition. Several implications for theory and decision‐making practice are discussed on the basis of our findings.
Toward a Contextually Anchored Service Innovation Typology
Authors: Paswan Audhesh , D'Souza Derrick , Zolfagharian Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2009

In an increasingly service‐centered economy, service innovation is crucial to maintaining a firm's competitive advantage. While service innovation has attracted much attention and has resulted in the development of several service innovation typologies, these attempts remain rooted in the goods‐versus‐services perspective. In addition, limited attention has been devoted to theoretically anchoring these typologies in the key determinants of service innovation. Our study aims to close these gaps by developing a service innovation typology that is embedded in the service‐dominant logic (SDL) and anchored by contextually relevant dimensions—environmental uncertainty, strategic orientation, and market orientation. This article presents an eight‐cell service innovation typology and discusses its managerial and research implications. It is our belief that framing the typology along three contextually important dimensions and embedding in the SDL provides a richer and more appropriately specified articulation that is theoretically robust and will be useful to managers responsible for service innovation.
Unfolded protein response suppresses CEBPA by induction of calreticulin in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Schardt Julian A. , Eyholzer Marianne , Timchenko Nikolai A. , Mueller Beatrice U. , Pabst Thomas
Published: July 2009

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered by the accumulation of misfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The role of the UPR during leukemogenesis is unknown so far. Here, we studied the induction of mediators of the UPR in leukaemic cells of AML patients. Increased expression of the spliced variant of the X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) was detected in 17.4% (16 of 92) of AML patients. Consistent with activated UPR, this group also had increased expression of ER‐resident chaperones such as the 78 kD glucose‐regulated protein (GRP78) and of calreticulin. Conditional expression of calreticulin in leukaemic U937 cells was found to increase calreticulin binding to the CEBPA mRNA thereby efficiently blocking translation of the myeloid key transcription factor CEBPA and ultimately affecting myeloid differentiation. Consequently, leukaemic cells from AML patients with activated UPR and thus increased calreticulin levels showed in fact suppressed CEBPA protein expression. We identified two functional ER stress response elements (ERSE) in the calreticulin promoter. The presence of NFY and ATF6, as well as an intact binding site for YY1 within these ERSE motifs were essential for mediating sensitivity to ER stress and activation of calreticulin. Thus, we propose a model of the UPR being activated in a considerable subset of AML patients through induction of calreticulin along the ATF6 pathway, thereby ultimately suppressing CEBPA translation and contributing to the block in myeloid differentiation.
Sodium–calcium exchange mediated contraction in left anterior descending and left ventricular branch arteries
Authors: Qayyum Fareeha , Al‐Bondokji Imtisal , Kuszczak Iwona , Samson Sue E. , Grover Ashok K.
Published: July 2009

We tested the hypothesis that the de‐endothelialized artery rings from the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and its left ventricular branch (LVB) differ in their contractile responses to Na+–Ca2+‐exchanger (NCX) mediated Ca2+‐entry, muscarinic receptor activation with carbachol, and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pump (SERCA) inhibition with thapsigargin. In LVB, the force of contraction (in N/g tissue) produced by the NCX mediated Ca2+‐entry (17.5 ± 1.4) and carbachol (18 ± 1.5) was only slightly smaller than that due to membrane depolarization with KCl (24.0 ± 1.0). In contrast, in LAD the force of contraction produced with NCX (8.7 ± 0.7) and carbachol (6.1 ± 1.1) was much smaller than with KCl (15.7 ± 0.7). Thapsigargin also contracted LVB with greater force than LAD. When isolated microsomes were used, the binding to the muscarinic receptor antagonist quinuclidinyl benzilate was greater in LVB than in LAD. Microsomes were also used for Western blots. The intensities of signals for both SERCA and NCX were greater in LVB than in LAD. These biochemical observations were consistent with the contractile experiments. Thus, it appears that the differences between LAD and the resistance arteries may begin as early as LVB.
Differential expression of galectin‐3, β‐catenin, and cyclin D1 in adenoid cystic carcinoma and polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma of salivary glands
Authors: Ferrazzo K. L. , Neto M. M. , Dos Santos E. , Dos Santos Pinto D. , De Sousa S. O. M.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Galectin‐3 has been implicated in tumor progression of some malignancies as thyroid, prostate, and salivary gland tumors. Recently, it has been suggested that this protein may be an important mediator of the β‐catenin/Wnt pathway. Moreover, nuclear galectin‐3 expression has been implicated in cell proliferation, promoting cyclin D1 activation. Thus, the present study aimed to correlate galectin‐3 expression with β‐catenin and cyclin D1 expressions in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and in polymorphous low‐grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA).

Methods:  Fifteen formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cases of each tumor were retrieved from the files of the Surgical Oral Pathology Service at the University of São Paulo and the proteins were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Adenoid cystic carcinoma showed galectin‐3 immunostaining mainly in the nuclei, while PLGA revealed a positive mostly cytoplasmic reaction to galectin‐3 in the largest part of tumor cells. Both tumors showed intense cytoplasmic/nuclear staining for β‐catenin in majority of cases. Cyclin D1 immunoreactivity was not detected in 14/15 PLGA and showed specific nuclear staining in 10/15 cases of ACC in more than 5% of the neoplastic cells. Cyclin D1 expression was correlated with cytoplasmic and nuclear galectin‐3 expression in ACC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that in ACC galectin‐3 may play a role in cellular proliferation through cyclin D1 activation. In addition, nuclear expression of galectin‐3 in ACC may be related to a more aggressive behavior of this lesion. Although β‐catenin seems to play a role in carcinogenesis in both lesions, it seems that it does not bind to galectin‐3 for cyclin D1 stimulation.
The Politics of the State in Contemporary Literary Studies
Authors: Hart Matthew
Published: July 2009

The relationship between literature and the state has been controversial since the time of Plato. Until recently, however, the few scholars to write on this subject considered it an underdeveloped topic in literary studies. This survey article argues that the last 10 years that have seen marked growth in literary‐critical interest in the state form of government. It explains this growth as a product of two, apparently contradictory, historical phenomena: (i) the way that government responses to political violence (especially after the 9/11 attacks) have demonstrated the awesome power of the state; and (ii) the way that, under the aegis of neoliberal economic policy, the long‐standing welfare and regulatory functions of the state have been eroded. These historical patterns have given rise to two strands of critical discourse, which the article describes as the ‘critique of sovereignty’ (i.e., the inherently coercive nature of state power) and the ‘defense of social citizenship’ (i.e., the right to welfare services). The article describes these trends and exemplifies them by reference to recent books and articles in literary theory and criticism; it also demonstrates their consequences for literary interpretation through illustrative readings of fiction by J. M. Coetzee, James Kelman, Louise Dean, and Hari Kunzru. It concludes by pointing out the contradictory nature of state power at the present time, where the state’s resort to sovereign violence is (at least in part) a response to the loss of the legitimating power of its welfare function. For this reason, the critique of sovereignty and the defense of social citizenship should be seen as distinct responses to the same historical situation.