bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kangaroo Mother Care in Kangaroo ward for improving the growth and breastfeeding outcomes when reaching term gestational age in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Ghavane Sunil , Murki Srinivas , Subramanian Sreeram , Gaddam Pramod , Kandraju Hemasree , Thumalla Sridevi
Published: September 2012

Aim:  To study the effect of Kangaroo mother care in the Kangaroo ward in comparison with conventional care at neonatal unit on growth and breastfeeding in very low birth weight infants at 40 weeks’ corrected gestational age.

Methods:  One hundred and forty neonates with birth weight <1500 g were randomized. The primary outcome was the average weight gain (g/kg/day) from the time of randomization to term gestational age.

Results:  Mean birth weight, age in days and weight at randomization were similar in both the groups. At term gestational age, average weight gain (g/kg/day) post randomization (23.3 ± 8.7 g vs. 22.64 ± 9.1 g, p = 0.67) and breastfeeding rate (85.9% vs. 87.0%) were comparable. There was no difference in weight gain (g/kg/day) from randomization to hospital discharge between the Kangaroo care group and conventional care group (18.01 g vs. 15.64 g, p = 0.12). Mortality, morbidities like sepsis, hypothermia, apnoea, hypoglycaemia and duration of hospitalization were equally distributed. On average, 11.5 days of intermediate care were saved in the kangaroo group.

Conclusion:  Kangaroo mother care in the Kangaroo ward is as effective as conventional care in the neonatal unit without any increase in morbidity or mortality in stable VLBW infants.
Systematic comparison between ecological momentary assessment and day reconstruction method for fatigue and mood states in healthy adults
Authors: Kim Jinhyuk , Kikuchi Hiroe , Yamamoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2012

Objectives

While both ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and the day reconstruction method (DRM) have been used to overcome recall bias, a full systematic comparison of these methods has not been conducted. This study was aimed to investigate the differences and correlations between momentary fatigue and mood states recorded by EMA and reconstructed ones recorded by simultaneous DRM in healthy adults.

Design

Each of two different designs (time‐based and episode‐based) of EMA and DRM were simultaneously conducted.

Methods

Twenty‐five healthy adults recorded momentary fatigue and mood states with EMA, and then, reconstructed them with DRM. Differences between the mean and the variability of momentary and reconstructed recordings, and the correlations between them, are analysed for different EMA designs.

Results

No significant differences are found between the mean or the variability of EMA and DRM estimated over the monitoring period. However, correlations between EMA and DRM are low, albeit statistically significant.

Conclusions

Although the overall mean and variability of EMA recordings may be accessible with DRM, detailed changes over time of momentary fatigue and mood states are not retrieved by DRM.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Day reconstruction method (DRM) may be a reliable substitute strategy for the measurement of subjective symptoms instead of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Remembering the context of daily activities with DRM is assumed to be helpful in reconstructing subjective symptoms without recall bias.

What does this study add? We are not able to reconstruct our diurnal time course (i.e. detailed changes over time) of subjective symptoms (e.g. fatigue and mood states in this study) with DRM, while their approximate mean and overall variability during the study period may be accessible with DRM. Reconstructed depression by DRM could be biased when the subjects remembered whether their behaviour was active or inactive.
Allergen‐specific CD4+ T cell responses in peripheral blood do not predict the early onset of clinical efficacy during grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Bonvalet M. , Moussu H. , Wambre E. , Ricarte C. , Horiot S. , Rimaniol A.‐C. , Kwok W. W. , Horak F. , de Beaumont O. , Baron‐Bodo V. , Moingeon P.
Published: September 2012

Background

Surrogate biomarkers of efficacy are needed in support of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to relate changes in peripheral CD4+ T cell responses to clinical efficacy during sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods

Allergen‐specific CD4+ T cell responses were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 89 grass pollen‐allergic individuals enrolled in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled SLIT study conducted in an allergen exposure chamber (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00619827). Surface phenotype, proliferative responses, cytokine production and gene expression were analysed in coded samples at baseline, and after 2 and 4 months of SLIT, in PBMCs after in vitro allergen stimulation or among MHC class II/peptide (pMHCII)‐tetramer‐positive CD4+ T cells.

Results

SLIT induced a 29.3% improvement of the average rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score in the active group, when compared to the placebo group. In parallel, only minor changes in proportions of CD4+ T cells expressing Th1 (CCR5+, CXCR3+), Th2 (CRTh2+, CCR4+) and Treg (CD25+, CD127‐, Foxp3+) markers were detected. A down‐regulation of IL‐4 and IL‐10 gene expression and IL‐10 secretion (P < 0.001) were observed, as well as a decrease in the frequency of potential “pro‐allergic” CD27‐ Th2 cells from patients receiving active tablets (P < 0.001), but without any correlation with clinical benefit. pMHCII‐tetramer analyses failed to document any major impact in both numbers and polarization of circulating Phl p 1‐ and Phl p 5‐specific CD4+ T cells, confirming that early clinical improvement during SLIT is not associated with dramatic alterations in T lymphocyte responses.

Conclusion & Clinical Relevance

Changes in patterns of peripheral CD4+ T cells are not markers for the early onset of efficacy during SLIT.
Integrating next‐generation sequencing into the diagnostic testing of inherited cancer predisposition
Authors: Ku CS , Cooper DN , Iacopetta B , Roukos DH
Published: September 2012

The clinical application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) as a diagnostic tool has become increasingly evident. The coupling of NGS technologies with new genomic sequence enrichment methods has made the sequencing of panels of target genes technically feasible, at the same time as making such an approach cost‐effective for diagnostic applications. In this article, we discuss recent studies that have applied NGS in the diagnostic setting in relation to hereditary cancer.
‘Monster cell’ melanoma with pulmonary metastasis and cyclin D1 amplification
Authors: Hawryluk Elena B. , Baran Johanna L. , Gerami Pedram , Sepehr Alireza
Published: September 2012

Markedly pleomorphic epithelioid cells with high mitotic activity, giant cell formation, very large atypical nuclei, multiple nucleoli and abundant cytoplasm characterize ‘monster’ cells and may indicate aggressive tumor behavior. Very rare reports of melanomas comprised of ‘monster cells’ or cells with comparable histomorphological features, found in tissue samples from skin, lymph nodes, CNS, oral cavity and ileum have been published in the literature. This case is the first such description in the lung, and it is characterized with a battery of immunohistochemical stains; BRAF mutation status was negative, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed increased copy number gains in 11q (cyclin D1), which is associated with poor prognosis in melanoma. The presence of monster cells in melanoma was associated with aggressive behavior in the reported patient.
Shrubby today but not tomorrow? Structure, composition and regeneration dynamics of direct seeded revegetation
Authors: Schneemann Barton , McElhinny Chris
Published: September 2012

Summary  The establishment of direct seeded revegetation is well researched. However, there is little understanding of whether revegetation simplifies with age and loses many of the short‐lived understorey shrub species that provide critical resources for birds and other fauna, or regenerates sufficiently to be self‐sustaining. We sought to address this by investigating the change in structure and composition of 33 direct seeded sites established by Greening Australia between 1990 and 1996 in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Transects were used to collect data describing the abundance and richness of woody plants in 1998 and 2008, and the abundance of woody plant regeneration in 2008. Our analysis showed the predicted number of live stems per metre declined exponentially from 5.8 stems/m (∼17 000 stems/ha) at age 1.5 years to 1.5 stems/m (∼4500 stems/ha) at age 17.5 years. Predicted woody plant species richness also declined with age, with a linear relationship. The number of species in the seed mix affected predicted woody plant species richness. However, large increases in seed mix richness produced relatively small increases in predicted species richness. Regeneration (new stems) was present at high levels (>100 stems/ha); however, 82% of regeneration appeared to originate from delayed germination of sown seed rather than seed from established plants (recruitment). The predicted abundance of new stems (delayed germination and recruitment) declined with age, and for a given age increased with row width. Young stands (11.5 years), seeded with wide rows (4 m), had approximately six times the new stems of similar aged stands seeded with narrow rows (2 m). Our results indicate direct seeded stands simplify with age, becoming less dense and containing fewer species. Maintaining a diversity of shrub species in direct seeded sites may therefore require ongoing disturbances (scarifying, scalping, fire, thinning) of established sites and changes to establishment techniques for new sites. We suggest further research to establish the status of soil seed banks in direct seeded sites, testing different forms of disturbances to trigger regeneration in older revegetation sites and establishing new sites using wide rather than narrow rows and seed mixes enriched with species from genera other than Eucalyptus or Acacia.
High incidence of DNA ploidy abnormalities and increased Mcm2 expression may predict malignant change in oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Authors: Gouvêa Adriele F , Santos Silva Alan R , Speight Paul M , Hunter Keith , Carlos Román , Vargas Pablo A , de Almeida Oslei P , Lopes Márcio A
Published: September 2012

Aims

To assess the DNA content of cases of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) and correlate the DNA ploidy findings with the expression of Mcm2, geminin, and Ki67, and with clinicopathological data.

Methods and results

DNA quantification was performed by image cytometry using the ACIS III Automated Cellular Imaging System. Expression of Ki67, Mcm2 and geminin was determined by immunohistochemistry. There were 21 cases of PVL, the female/male ratio was 6:1, and the average age was 65.5 years. Seventeen patients (81.0%) did not report tobacco and alcohol consumption. Nine patients (42.9%) developed verrucous or squamous cell carcinoma. Levels of Mcm2 expression showed a positive correlation with increasingly severe epithelial changes (P = 0.03). Twenty patients had their DNA examined by ACIS III, and 19 (95%) showed aneuploidy. The frequency and severity of aneuploidy (P < 0.0001), the mean values of the DNA heterogeneity index (P < 0.0001) and the 5n‐exceeding fractions (P = 0.0007) increased according to epithelial alterations. Abnormal DNA content was observed even in the more indolent lesions.

Conclusions

Mcm2 expression and DNA ploidy analysis could be used to predict areas of malignant transformation. The clinicopathological findings associated with the immunohistochemical and DNA ploidy results support the distinct and aggressive profile of this entity.
Consumers' knowledge and perceptions on utilization of theMorama bean (Tylosema esculentum) inBotswana
Authors: Mahgoub Salah E.O. , Mthombeni Fungi M. , Maswabi Elizabeth B. , Jackson Jose C.
Published: September 2012

Morama bean (Tylosema esculentum) is one of the wild legumes that grow in some parts of theSouthernAfrican countries likeBotswana,Namibia andSouthAfrica. A descriptive survey research design was conducted to assess consumers' knowledge, perceptions and utilization ofMorama bean inBotswana. A structured questionnaire was used for face to face interviews. Results indicated that a high percentage of families useMorama beans for food. Other minor uses included decoration and medicine. The majority of respondents indicated that they were unaware of the nutritional qualities of the bean and of any Morama products available in the market. However, they did indicate that they would like to seeMorama bean as part of some food products in the market. Development of viableMorama bean products can play a significant role in encouraging farmers to cultivateMorama on a commercial level – a wish expressed by some respondents. However, there is a need to embark on educational programmes that are aimed at creating and increasing awareness on the importance ofMorama bean and other similar uncultivated food crops. Knowledge about the role and benefits of indigenous foods in ensuring food security can help communities to utilize resources around them. The findings raised a number of issues that should be of interest to policy makers and the community as a whole. Follow‐up of these findings may help in better utilization ofMorama beans.
The use of FEIBA® in the correction of coagulation abnormalities induced by dabigatran
Authors: Khoo T.‐L. , Weatherburn C. , Kershaw G. , Reddel C.J. , Curnow J. , Dunkley S.
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Studies have shown dabigatran to be an effective anticoagulant with an acceptable bleeding profile. None the less, these patients do suffer from bleeding complications. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct reversal agents to dabigatran or established guidelines on the management of bleeding in these circumstances.

Methods

We examined the effects on thrombin generation parameters, after ex‐vivo spiking the plasma of patients on dabigatran (n = 8) with FEIBA®. These parameters were measured using the calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) machine.

Results

In our study, we showed the ability of FEIBA® to improve the abnormal thrombin generation parameters caused by dabigatran in these patients.

Conclusion

This provides evidence, lacking in the literature, that this agent may be able to provide haemostatic support in situations where dabigatran induced coagulopathy exists.
When herbivores come back: effects of repeated damage on induced resistance
Authors: Underwood Nora
Published: September 2012

Plants are known to respond to damage with subsequent changes in resistance. The consequences of these changes for plant fitness and herbivore populations will depend on both the response of a plant to a particular attack at a given moment and on how plants respond through time to varying levels of damage and varying numbers of attacks. While a small number of studies document how induced resistance changes with time after attack (time course of induction) and different levels of damage, few studies have examined the cumulative level of resistance after multiple attacks, and little is known about how the plant's response to damage changes with subsequent attacks.

Two experiments were conducted to address the consequences of repeated damage for resistance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, var Castlemart) to a common pest, the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). The first experiment documented the time course of resistance following a single damage event using both growth and choice bioassays. The second experiment examined whether the plant responded differently to one versus two damage events.

Results show that plants were significantly induced by day 1 and remained induced until 15 or 20 days later, suggesting that repeated damage during the response to initial damage is possible. Plants receiving a second bout of damage were able to further increase their resistance level over the level reached in response to a first bout of damage, but the magnitude of response to the second damage event was initially smaller and slower than the response to a single damage event.

There was no evidence in this study for immune‐like memory in induced resistance. Results of this study suggest that plants can respond to repeated damage, but that there is some limit on responses to repeated damage. Such limits on total plant resistance will affect the influence of induced resistance on herbivore populations and are consistent with assumptions of existing models of induced resistance and herbivore population dynamics, although models have not yet considered the consequences of slower rather than smaller responses to repeated damage.
Successful sidetracking of a well onshore Germany by integration of 3D vertical seismic profiling technology – a case study
Authors: Frehers S. , Ogliani F. , Rüth G. , Burg T. Ter
Published: September 2012

The exploration for and exploitation of deep Lower Rotliegend gasfields onshore in North Germany often suffers from poor surface seismic imaging. This is owing to the depth of the reservoirs and a thick and complex Zechstein salt overburden. RWE Dea conducted a 3D vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey in a low‐performing production well after the borehole was plugged near total depth. Our main objective was to improve the seismic image of the reservoir zone in the vicinity of the well to determine a new landing point for a planned sidetrack. Because acquisition was in a densely populated and also partially environmentally protected area, there were surface restrictions concerning source deployment. Additionally, due to the complex geological setting, we conducted two 2D VSP field tests and thorough pre‐survey modelling to achieve the best results in terms of seismic imaging, environmental impact and reasonable cost. Deformation bands in the drill core suggest that the initial well was drilled close to a major fault, which was regarded as the main reason for the disappointing production rate. Therefore, we put special emphasis on fault detection in our processing and interpretation. Our interpretation approach used an enhanced structural mapping workflow that helped to design a sidetrack. When the sidetrack was drilled two years later, it ended up being one of the most productive wells in the field.
Circumarctic dispersal and long‐distance colonization of South America: the moss genus Cinclidium
Authors: Piñeiro Rosalía , Popp Magnus , Hassel Kristian , Listl Daniela , Westergaard Kristine B. , Flatberg Kjell I. , Stenøien Hans K. , Brochmann Christian
Published: September 2012

Aim

Arctic plant phylogeography has largely focused on seed plants, and studies on other plant groups are necessary for comparison. Bryophytes have a unique life cycle and can be resistant to extreme conditions, suggesting that their phylogeographic patterns may differ from those of vascular plants. We address the history of the bryophyte genus Cinclidium in order to assess: (1) interspecific relationships, (2) whether its current broad circumarctic distribution results from recent dispersal or has been maintained by long‐term local survival under severe glacial conditions, and (3) the origin of its bipolar disjunction.

Location

Arctic/boreal and bipolar.

Methods

We sequenced three plastid regions (atpH–atpI, rpl32–trnL and clpP1.1–clpP1.2) in 129 accessions covering the entire geographical range of all four described species, and inferred phylogenetic relationships and phylogeographical patterns using maximum parsimony, statistical parsimony and Bayesian inference.

Results

Cinclidium subrotundum was inferred to be monophyletic, in agreement with its distinct morphology and ecology. The three remaining known species (the haploids C. latifolium and C. arcticum, and the diploid C. stygium) shared a number of closely related or identical haplotypes despite their clear morphological differentiation. In all species, identical haplotypes occurred across the entire circumpolar region, including North Atlantic islands. In the bipolar species C. stygium, the haplotype observed in South America (Tierra del Fuego) was identical to one found in Iceland. Three populations originally referred to C. latifolium harboured highly divergent haplotypes and may represent a new species.

Main conclusions

The extensive haplotype sharing suggests a polyploid origin of C. stygium from C. arcticum, as well as incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization between the two haploids C. arcticum and C. latifolium. We interpret the finding of identical haplotypes over vast areas, including isolated islands, as a result of recent dispersal causing the circumpolar distribution of all species in the Northern Hemisphere and the extreme bipolar disjunction in C. stygium. The patterns in the bryophyte genus Cinclidium resemble those previously documented in arctic–alpine and bipolar vascular plants, suggesting that similar mechanisms have shaped species distributions in bryophytes and higher plants.
Development and validation of a novel Taqman‐based real‐time RT‐PCR assay suitable for demonstrating freedom from viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
Authors: Jonstrup S P , Kahns S , Skall H F , Boutrup T S , Olesen N J
Published: September 2012

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is a serious disease in several fish species. VHS is caused by the rhabdovirus viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV). To prevent spreading of the pathogen, it is important to use a fast, robust, sensitive and specific diagnostic tool to identify the infected fish. Traditional diagnosis based on isolation in cell culture followed by identification using, for example, ELISA is sensitive and specific but slow. By switching to RT‐PCR for surveillance and diagnosis of VHS the time needed before a correct diagnosis can be given will be considerably shortened and the need for maintaining expensive cell culture facilities reduced. Here we present the validation, according to OIE guidelines, of a sensitive and specific Taqman‐based real‐time RT‐PCR. The assay detects all isolates in a panel of 79 VHSV isolates covering all known genotypes and subtypes, with amplification efficiencies of approximately 100%. The analytical and diagnostic specificity of the real‐time RT‐PCR is close to 1, and the analytical and diagnostic sensitivity is comparable with traditional cell‐based methods. In conclusion, the presented real‐time RT‐PCR assay has the necessary qualities to be used as a VHSV surveillance tool on par with cell culture assays.
Centaurea cyanus as a biological indicator of segetal species richness in arable fields
Authors: BELLANGER S , GUILLEMIN J‐P , BRETAGNOLLE V , DARMENCY H
Published: September 2012

Bellanger S, Guillemin J‐P, Bretagnolle V & Darmency H (2012). Centaurea cyanus as a biological indicator of segetal species richness in arable fields. Weed Research52, 551–563.

Agricultural intensification has resulted in a loss of biological diversity within European agroecosystems. Biological indicator species are important tools for monitoring species diversity. The aim of this study was to determine whether cornflower, Centaurea cyanus, an arable land specialist segetal species that is easily identified in the countryside, is an appropriate indicator of weed species diversity in the Poitou‐Charentes region of western France. The study zones selected were those in which C. cyanus was present in agricultural fields when monitoring was conducted in both 2006 and 2007. All plant species in sample fields sown with winter crops (cereals and oilseed rape) within the study zones were then inventoried in two consecutive years: 2008 and 2009. For these winter crops, C. cyanus presence was not a good indicator of overall species richness within the fields. However, C. cyanus presence did correlate with the presence of other arable land specialists, herein called segetal species. Reciprocally, the presence of most other segetal species found at low frequencies in the study zones also correlated with higher segetal richness. We discuss the conditions for using C. cyanus as an indicator of segetal diversity with regards to conservation and ecosystem services.
Does growth under elevated CO2 moderate photoacclimation in rice?
Authors: Hubbart Stella , Bird Susannah , Lake Janice A. , Murchie Erik H.
Published: September 2012

Acclimation of plant photosynthesis to light irradiance (photoacclimation) involves adjustments in levels of pigments and proteins and larger scale changes in leaf morphology. To investigate the impact of rising atmospheric CO2 on crop physiology, we hypothesize that elevated CO2 interacts with photoacclimation in rice (Oryza sativa). Rice was grown under high light (HL: 700 µmol m−2 s−1), low light (LL: 200 µmol m−2 s−1), ambient CO2 (400 µl l−1) and elevated CO2 (1000 µl l−1). Leaf six was measured throughout. Obscuring meristem tissue during development did not alter leaf thickness indicating that mature leaves are responsible for sensing light during photoacclimation. Elevated CO2 raised growth chamber photosynthesis and increased tiller formation at both light levels, while it increased leaf length under LL but not under HL. Elevated CO2 always resulted in increased leaf growth rate and tiller production. Changes in leaf thickness, leaf area, Rubisco content, stem and leaf starch, sucrose and fructose content were all dominated by irradiance and unaffected by CO2. However, stomata responded differently; they were significantly smaller in LL grown plants compared to HL but this effect was significantly suppressed under elevated CO2. Stomatal density was lower under LL, but this required elevated CO2 and the magnitude was adaxial or abaxial surface‐dependent. We conclude that photoacclimation in rice involves a systemic signal. Furthermore, extra carbohydrate produced under elevated CO2 is utilized in enhancing leaf and tiller growth and does not enhance or inhibit any feature of photoacclimation with the exception of stomatal morphology.
Effect of habitat disturbance on pollination biology of the columnar cactus Stenocereus quevedonis at landscape‐level in central Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Oseguera A. G. , Casas A. , Herrerías‐Diego Y. , Pérez‐Negrón E.
Published: September 2012

Stenocereus quevedonis (‘pitire’) is a columnar cactus endemic to central Mexico, grown for its edible fruit. Phenology, pollination biology and behaviour of flower visitors of this species were compared in six conserved and disturbed sites, hypothesising that: (i) pitire pollination is self‐incompatible, requiring animal vectors; (ii) higher incidence of radiation on plants in cleared forest may lead to a higher number of flowers per pitire plant and longer blooming season, and disturbing and differential spatial availability of flower resources may determine differential attraction of pollinators to conserved and disturbed areas; (iii) if pitire pollination system is specialised, reproductive success would decrease with pollinator scarcity, or other species may substitute for main pollinators. In all sites, pitire reproduction started in January, flowering peak occurring in April, anthesis duration was 15 h and predominantly nocturnal (9 h), pollen was released at 23:00 h, nectar was produced throughout anthesis, and breeding system was self‐incompatible. Flower production per plant was similar in disturbed and conserved sites, but flower availability was higher (because of higher tree density) and longer in disturbed sites. Pollination is nocturnal, the most frequent legitimate pollinator being the bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae; diurnal pollination is rare but possible, carried out by bee species. Fruit and seed set in control and nocturnal pollination treatments at disturbed sites were higher than in conserved sites. Frequency of L. yerbabuenae visits was similar among site types, but more visits of complementary nocturnal and diurnal pollinators were recorded in disturbed sites, which could explain differences in reproductive success.
Spatial genetic structure of aquatic bryophytes in a connected lake system
Authors: Korpelainen H. , von Cräutlein M. , Kostamo K. , Virtanen V.
Published: September 2012

Using genetic markers, we investigated the genetic structure of three clonal aquatic moss species,Calliergon megalophyllumMikut.,Fontinalis antipyreticaHedw. andF. hypnoidesHartm. on two scales: among populations in a connected lake system (large‐scale spatial genetic structure) and among individuals within populations (fine‐scale spatial genetic structure). Mean genetic diversities per population were 0.138, 0.247 and 0.271, respectively, and total diversities equalled 0.223, 0.385 and 0.421, respectively. Relative differentiation levels (FSTvalues of 0.173, 0.280 and 0.142, respectively) were significant but showed that there is a moderate amount of gene flow taking place within the lake system connected with narrow streams. Bayesian STRUCTURE analysis provided some indication that the direction of water flow influences population genetic structuring in the studied aquatic mosses. We propose that dispersal leading to gene flow inC. megalophyllum, F. antipyreticaandF. hypnoidestakes place both along waterviaconnecting streams and by animal vectors, such as waterfowl. Nevertheless, the slight genetic structuring pattern along the direction of water flow suggests that dispersal of shoots or their fragments along water is a means of dispersal in these mosses. The absence of sexual reproduction and spores may have caused the observed spatial genetic structure within populations, including aggregations of similar genotypes (clones or closely related genotypes) at short distances in populations otherwise showing an isolation by distance effect. Regardless of the results pointing to the dominance of vegetative propagation, it is impossible to completely rule out the potential role of rare long‐distance spore dispersal from areas where the species are fertile.
Evaluating contemporary pollen dispersal in two common grassland species Ranunculus bulbosus L. (Ranunculaceae) and Trifolium montanum L. (Fabaceae) using an experimental approach
Authors: Matter P. , Kettle C. J. , Ghazoul J. , Hahn T. , Pluess A. R.
Published: September 2012

Pollen flow is a key biological process that connects plant populations, preventing genetic impoverishment and inbreeding. Pollen‐mediated long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events are especially important for plant species in increasingly fragmented landscapes. Patterns of pollen dispersal were directly estimated and dispersal kernels modelled in an experimental population of Ranunculus bulbosus and Trifolium montanum to determine the potential for LDD. Eight and 11 microsatellite markers were used for R. bulbosus and T. montanum, respectively, to run a likelihood‐based paternity analysis on randomly chosen offspring (Ntotal = 180 per species) from five maternal plants. High rates of selfing were found in R. bulbosus (average 45.7%), while no selfing was observed in T. montanum. The majority (60%) of mating events occurred at very short distances: the median of the observed dispersal distances was 0.8 m in both species, and the average distances were 15.9 and 10.3 m in R. bulbosus and T. montanum, respectively. Modelling the pollen dispersal kernel with four different distribution functions (exponential‐power, geometric, 2Dt and Weibull) indicated that the best fit for both species was given by a Weibull function. Yet, the tail of the T. montanum pollen dispersal kernel was thinner than in R. bulbosus, suggesting that the probability for LDD is higher in the latter species. Even though the majority of pollen dispersal occurred across short distances, the detection of several mating events up to 362 m (R. bulbosus) and 324 m (T. montanum) suggests that pollen flow may be sufficient to ensure population connectivity in these herb species across fragmented grasslands in Swiss agricultural landscapes.
Relationship of interleukin‐1β levels and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea
Authors: Kim Jin Joo , Kim Nayoung , Hwang Sungwook , Kim Jae Yeon , Kim Ji Yeon , Choi Yoon Jin , Lee Dong Ho , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Gastric mucosal expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β may alter acid secretion and influence the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The relationship of gastric mucosal IL‐1β level and GERD was evaluated in the Korean population.

Methods

Genotypes of IL‐1B‐511 and IL‐1RN VNTR polymorphism and clinical characteristics were analyzed in 44 patients with erosive esophagitis (EE), 32 patients with minimal change lesions (MCL), 54 patients with non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 113 controls. Gastric mucosal IL‐1β levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Significant differences were found between the EE and the control group with respect to sex, body mass index, and Helicobacter pylori infection. On the other hand, the MCL and the NERD group showed similar characteristics to that of the control group. IL‐1B‐511 genetic polymorphism showed relationship with gastric mucosal IL‐1β levels. That is, T/T group (112.4 ± 14.3 pg/mg) had higher IL‐1β level than C/C group (59.5 ± 11.6, P = 0.011). T carriers (92.8 ± 7.6 pg/mg) showed higher level than T non‐carrier group (P = 0.050). In addition, mucosal IL‐1β level of the EE group (52.3 ± 9.9 pg/mg) was lower than that of the control (107.8 ± 12.6 pg/mg, P = 0.001), the MCL (103.1 ± 13.5 pg/mg, P = 0.004), and the NERD group (83.8 ± 14.5 pg/mg, P = 0.079). However, genetic polymorphisms of IL‐1B‐511 and IL‐1RN VNTR did not reach statistical significance among four groups.

Conclusion

Gastric mucosal IL‐1β level might be one factor in the development of GERD.
Predictive factors for pancreatitis and cholecystitis in endoscopic covered metal stenting for distal malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Shimizu Shuya , Naitoh Itaru , Nakazawa Takahiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Kondo Hiromu , Yoshida Michihiro , Yamashita Hiroaki , Umemura Shuichiro , Hori Yasuki , Ohara Hirotaka , Joh Takashi
Published: September 2012

Background and Aim

Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are major complications after self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement in distal malignant biliary obstruction. We aimed to clarify predictive factors for pancreatitis and cholecystitis after covered SEMS placement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 74 consecutive patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction who underwent initial endoscopic drainage using covered SEMS. Predictive factors for pancreatitis and cholecystitis were evaluated in the 74 patients described above and in 66 patients who had not undergone cholecystectomy.

Results

The incidences of pancreatitis and cholecystitis were 10.8% (8/74) and 6.1% (4/66), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that non‐pancreatic cancer (P = 0.018) and contrast injection into the pancreatic duct (P = 0.030) were significant predictive factors for pancreatitis. Multivariate analysis revealed that non‐pancreatic cancer (odds ratio [OR], 4.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–14.18; P = 0.007) and contrast injection into the pancreatic duct (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.33–9.60; P = 0.016) were significant independent predictive factors for pancreatitis. On the other hand, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that tumor involvement to the orifice of the cystic duct (OCD) was a significant independent predictive factor for cholecystitis (OR, 5.85; 95% CI, 1.91–27.74; P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Non‐pancreatic cancer and contrast injection into the pancreatic duct were predictive factors for pancreatitis, and tumor involvement to the OCD was a positive predictive factor for cholecystitis after endoscopic covered SEMS placement for distal malignant biliary obstruction.
Reproductive morphology of Gastroclonium pacificum (Champiaceae, Rhodymeniales) from Japan
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Hashimoto Tetsuo , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: September 2012

Morphological studies were undertaken on Gastroclonium pacificum (E.Y. Dawson) C.F. Chang et B.M. Xia (Champiaceae, Rhodymeniales) from Japan. We describe the details of male reproductive structures, the procarp and early post‐fertilization stages. This species has a solid axis, with both tetrasporangia and polysporangia, spermatangia are cut off from spermatangial parent cells, and a procarp is composed of a 4‐celled carpogonial branch and two 2‐celled auxiliary cell branches. The mature cystocarp lacks a conspicuous ostiole, a characteristic of the genus Gastroclonium. The most distinctive characteristic of the species is the tela arachnoidea, which is lacking in other species of Gastroclonium.
Labour in Global Value Chains: Work Conditions in Football Manufacturing in China, India and Pakistan
Authors: Lund‐Thomsen Peter , Nadvi Khalid , Chan Anita , Khara Navjote , Xue Hong
Published: September 2012

A critical challenge facing developing country producers is to meet international labour standards and codes of conduct in order to engage in global value chains. Evidence of gains for workers from compliance with such standards and codes remains limited and patchy. This article focuses on the global football industry, a sector dominated by leading global brands that manage dispersed global value chains. It assesses the working conditions for football stitchers engaged in different forms of work organization, factories, stitching centres and home‐based settings in Pakistan, India and China. It draws on detailed qualitative primary field research with football‐stitching workers and producers in these three countries. The article explains how and why work conditions of football stitchers differ across these locations through an analytical framework that interweaves both global and local production contexts that influence work conditions. In doing so, it argues that current debates on the role of labour in global value chains have to go beyond a narrow focus on labour standards and corporate social responsibility compliance and engage with economic, technological and social upgrading as factors that could generate sustained improvements in real wages and workers’ conditions.
Legal Literacy and Immovable Property: Laws, Norms and Practices in Colombia
Authors: Friedemann‐Sánchez Greta
Published: September 2012

An equitable gender distribution of property ownership may be enhanced or limited by family law, individual knowledge of the law, and social norms. South America's laws of equal inheritance by sex and birth order and equal distribution of property upon divorce provide the basis of a gender‐equitable distribution of property ownership. This report of a qualitative case study exploring the gendered knowledge of immovable property laws and the practice of patterns of property ownership in central Colombia provides insights into the gap between law and practice caused by lack of information, social norms, gendered access to legal titles, a complex legal system and high transaction costs. It argues for greater attention to titling, legal procedures, legal education and legal advice to secure effective immovable property ownership for women.
Smart Scribbles for Sketch Segmentation
Authors: Noris G. , Sýkora D. , Shamir A. , Coros S. , Whited B. , Simmons M. , Hornung A. , Gross M. , Sumner R.
Published: September 2012

We present ‘Smart Scribbles’—a new scribble‐based interface for user‐guided segmentation of digital sketchy drawings. In contrast to previous approaches based on simple selection strategies, Smart Scribbles exploits richer geometric and temporal information, resulting in a more intuitive segmentation interface. We introduce a novel energy minimization formulation in which both geometric and temporal information from digital input devices is used to define stroke‐to‐stroke and scribble‐to‐stroke relationships. Although the minimization of this energy is, in general, an NP‐hard problem, we use a simple heuristic that leads to a good approximation and permits an interactive system able to produce accurate labellings even for cluttered sketchy drawings. We demonstrate the power of our technique in several practical scenarios such as sketch editing, as‐rigid‐as‐possible deformation and registration, and on‐the‐fly labelling based on pre‐classified guidelines.
Luck, Systematic Luck and Business Power: Lucky All the Way down or Trying Hard to get What it Wants without Trying?
Authors: Hindmoor Andrew , McGeechan Josh
Published: September 2012

Keith Dowding argues that business is systematically lucky in a capitalist society because it often gets what it wants without trying due to the way society is structured. But what ought to count here is not only how society is structured but why it is structured in certain ways and this means grappling with the dynamics of the structure—agency dialectic. Dowding overestimates the degree to which business is systematically lucky and underestimates the degree to which it is powerful because he fails to recognise the way in which business can shape the structures whose existence allows it to get what it wants without trying. We examine the position of two very different groups: British farmers and US bankers. British farmers were systematically lucky in the post-war years in the sense that they benefited from events outside their control. The US banking sector was lucky in 2008 because it was ‘too big to fail’. But the banks had previously used their power to shape this outcome.
A Democracy without a People? The ‘Rights of Man’ in French Contemporary Political Thought
Authors: Lacroix Justine
Published: September 2012

At the end of the 1970s, philosopher Claude Lefort emphasised – against the excessively restrictive Marxist vision – the political dynamics attached to the affirmation of human rights. This theme has remained predominant in theoretical debate about democracy in France until the present day. A first strand of thought considers the primacy of human rights as a driver of depoliticisation. Authors such as Marcel Gauchet and Pierre Manent have argued that the vitality of the plural society described by Lefort could ultimately backfire on democracy itself. This article argues that this school of thought rests on a narrow conception of rights and an insufficiently dialectical conception of the relationship between rights and practice. Consequently, it defends Lefort's position by relying heavily on a second strand of thought that conceives human rights as the way forward for a radicalisation of democratic ambitions.
Unifying Moral Methodology
Authors: Mcpherson Tristram
Published: September 2012

This article argues that the best way to pursue systematic normative ethical theorizing involves metaethical enquiry. My argument builds upon two central claims. First, I argue that plausible metaethical accounts can have implications that can help to resolve the methodological controversies facing normative ethics. Second, I argue that metaethical research is at least roughly as well supported as normative ethical research. I conclude by examining the implications of my thesis.Inter alia, it shows that the common practice of engaging in systematic normative theorizing uninformed by metaethical commitments offers a significant and troubling hostage to metaethical fortune.
The Rise of Ethnicity underChina's Market Reforms
Authors: Wu Jiaping
Published: September 2012

This article investigates the dynamic relationship between economic development and the identification of ethnic minorities and argues that identification ofChina's ethnic minorities manifests itself at various levels. At the national level, the introduction of market mechanisms and economic growth initiatives have been concentrated predominantly in the coastal areas and metropolises, and are thus increasingly distant from ethnic minorities, a disproportionate majority of which reside in the western parts of the country. This growing regional disparity has placed ethnic regions and populations in a distinctly unfavourable position in terms of economic engagement and development. Regional development in the ethnic‐minority homelands has been characterized by the representation and reinvention of ethnic cultural traditions and the production of cultural economies. Unequal economic growth has resulted in a massive migration of ethnic minorities to the cities. Simultaneously, urban development has reinforced ethnic identity, particularly through urban labour‐market development. Urban and regional development has, in turn, led to the production, activation and magnification of ethnic identity at individual and group levels.
Apolipoprotein E acts at pre‐synaptic sites… among others
Authors: Barger Steven W.
Published: September 2012

Read the full article ‘APOE genotype affects the pre‐synaptic compartment of glutamatergic nerve terminals’ on doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07908.x.
In search of legitimacy – registered nurses’ experience of providing palliative care in a municipal context
Authors: Törnquist Agneta , Andersson Magdalena , Edberg Anna‐Karin
Published: September 2012

Background:  The palliative care approach was originally developed for hospice care and for persons with cancer diseases, but has gradually expanded to embrace other contexts and people of all ages, with various life‐threatening diseases. The palliative care concept thus also applies to older people and the context of municipal care, where Registered Nurses (RNs) hold key care provision positions. The municipal context is not, however, focused primarily on advanced nursing care, and it is important to highlight RNs’ prerequisites for care provision.

Aim:  The study’s aim was to describe RNs’ experience of providing palliative care for older people in a municipal context. Data were collected through focus group discussions with 20 RNs from four different municipalities in southern Sweden and were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Findings:  The results showed that the nurses experienced that it was they who cushioned the effects of unclear responsibilities between different organizations, but had limited legitimacy in the municipal context and in relation to other care providers. The results also showed that nurses lacked proper support and prerequisites for providing high‐quality palliative care to older dying patients.

Conclusion:  The results pinpoint the importance of increased acknowledgement of nurses’ knowledge and skills and a critical view on the effects of moving towards an organization composed of different consultants, which can lead to even more unclear responsibility for nursing care provision.