bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feedbacks between inundation, root production, and shoot growth in a rapidly submerging brackish marsh
Authors: Kirwan Matthew L. , Guntenspergen Glenn R.
Published: February 2012

1. Ecogeomorphic feedbacks between mineral sediment deposition and above‐ground plant growth are thought to have dominated the evolution of many coastal ecosystems and landforms. However, land‐use‐related reductions in sediment delivery rates to estuaries world‐wide suggest that these above‐ground feedbacks may not apply in some of the world’s most vulnerable coastal landscapes.

2. To understand the relationships between sea level rise and marsh survival, we measured root and shoot growth over experimentally manipulated elevations in a rapidly submerging, sediment deficient marsh.

3. Root growth was highest at a distinct optimum elevation in both Schoenoplectus americanus and Spartina patens. S. americanus shoot growth was highest at an optimum elevation, but S. patens shoot growth increased with elevation throughout the intertidal zone.

4. For marsh elevations that are higher than optimum (expected at low sea level rise rates), we propose that an acceleration in the rate of sea level rise will lead to enhanced root growth, organic accretion and wetland stability. For suboptimum marsh elevations (expected at rapid sea level rise rates and/or low sediment supply), increases in the water level will lead to reduced root growth and a decrease in the rate of elevation gain.

5. More than 80% of the marshland in our study area has an elevation below the optimum for root growth, suggesting that this previously unknown feedback could explain observations of rapid marsh deterioration in the region.

6.
Synthesis. Below‐ground responses of marshes to sea level rise are more broadly applicable than above‐ground feedbacks because they are consistent among different species and do not depend on the availability of mineral sediment.
Urban landscape genetics: canopy cover predicts gene flow between white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) populations in New York City
Authors: MUNSHI‐SOUTH JASON
Published: February 2012

In this study, I examine the influence of urban canopy cover on gene flow between 15 white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) populations in New York City parklands. Parks in the urban core are often highly fragmented, leading to rapid genetic differentiation of relatively nonvagile species. However, a diverse array of ‘green’ spaces may provide dispersal corridors through ‘grey’ urban infrastructure. I identify urban landscape features that promote genetic connectivity in an urban environment and compare the success of two different landscape connectivity approaches at explaining gene flow. Gene flow was associated with ‘effective distances’ between populations that were calculated based on per cent tree canopy cover using two different approaches: (i) isolation by effective distance (IED) that calculates the single best pathway to minimize passage through high‐resistance (i.e. low canopy cover) areas, and (ii) isolation by resistance (IBR), an implementation of circuit theory that identifies all low‐resistance paths through the landscape. IBR, but not IED, models were significantly associated with three measures of gene flow (NmfromFST, BayesAss+ and Migrate‐n) after factoring out the influence of isolation by distance using partial Mantel tests. Predicted corridors for gene flow between city parks were largely narrow, linear parklands or vegetated spaces that are not managed for wildlife, such as cemeteries and roadway medians. These results have implications for understanding the impacts of urbanization trends on native wildlife, as well as for urban reforestation efforts that aim to improve urban ecosystem processes.
Spatial and temporal patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic variation in the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
Authors: MARSDEN CLARE D. , WOODROFFE ROSIE , MILLS MICHAEL G. L. , McNUTT J. WELDON , CREEL SCOTT , GROOM ROSEMARY , EMMANUEL MASENGA , CLEAVELAND SARAH , KAT PIETER , RASMUSSEN GREGORY S.A. , GINSBERG JOSHUA , LINES ROBIN , ANDRÉ JEAN‐MARC , BEGG COLLEEN , WAYNE ROBERT K. , MABLE BARBARA K.
Published: February 2012

Deciphering patterns of genetic variation within a species is essential for understanding population structure, local adaptation and differences in diversity between populations. Whilst neutrally evolving genetic markers can be used to elucidate demographic processes and genetic structure, they are not subject to selection and therefore are not informative about patterns of adaptive variation. As such, assessments of pertinent adaptive loci, such as the immunity genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), are increasingly being incorporated into genetic studies. In this study, we combined neutral (microsatellite, mtDNA) and adaptive (MHC class II DLA‐DRB1 locus) markers to elucidate the factors influencing patterns of genetic variation in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus); an endangered canid that has suffered extensive declines in distribution and abundance. Our genetic analyses found all extant wild dog populations to be relatively small (Ne < 30). Furthermore, through coalescent modelling, we detected a genetic signature of a recent and substantial demographic decline, which correlates with human expansion, but contrasts with findings in some other African mammals. We found strong structuring of wild dog populations, indicating the negative influence of extensive habitat fragmentation and loss of gene flow between habitat patches. Across populations, we found that the spatial and temporal structure of microsatellite diversity and MHC diversity were correlated and strongly influenced by demographic stability and population size, indicating the effects of genetic drift in these small populations. Despite this correlation, we detected signatures of selection at the MHC, implying that selection has not been completely overwhelmed by genetic drift.
The red queen coupled with directional selection favours the evolution of sex
Authors: HODGSON E. E. , OTTO S. P.
Published: February 2012

Why sexual reproduction has evolved to be such a widespread mode of reproduction remains a major question in evolutionary biology. Although previous studies have shown that increased sex and recombination can evolve in the presence of host–parasite interactions (the ‘Red Queen hypothesis’ for sex), many of these studies have assumed that multiple loci mediate infection vs. resistance. Data suggest, however, that a major locus is typically involved in antigen presentation and recognition. Here, we explore a model where only one locus mediates host–parasite interactions, but a second locus is subject to directional selection. Even though the effects of these genes on fitness are independent, we show that increased rates of sex and recombination are favoured at a modifier gene that alters the rate of genetic mixing. This result occurs because of selective interference in finite populations (the ‘Hill–Robertson effect’), which also favours sex. These results suggest that the Red Queen hypothesis may help to explain the evolution of sex by contributing a form of persistent selection, which interferes with directional selection at other loci and thereby favours sex and recombination.
Genetic diversity and differentiation of five Cuban cattle breeds using 30 microsatellite loci
Authors: Acosta A.C. , Uffo O. , Sanz A. , Ronda R. , Osta R. , Rodellar C. , Martin‐Burriel I. , Zaragoza P.
Published: February 2012

Conservation and improvement strategies in farm animals should be based on a combination of genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Genotype data from 30 microsatellites were used to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among five Cuban cattle breeds (Siboney de Cuba, Criollo Cubano, Cebú Cubano, Mambí de Cuba and Taíno de Cuba). All microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic in all the breeds. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.67 ± 0.02 in the Taíno de Cuba breed to 0.75 ± 0.02 in the Mambí de Cuba breed, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.66 ± 0.03 in the Cebú Cubano breed to 0.73 ± 0.02 in the Siboney de Cuba breed. The genetic differentiation between the breeds was significant (p < 0.01) based on the infinitesimal model (FST). The exact test for Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium within breeds showed a significant deviation in each breed (p < 0.0003) for one or more loci. The genetic distance and structure analysis showed that a significant amount of genetic variation is maintained in the local cattle population and that all breeds studied could be considered genetically distinct. The Siboney de Cuba and Mambí de Cuba breeds seem to be the most genetically related among the studied five breeds.
Hepatic stellate cell progenitor cells
Authors: Asahina Kinji
Published: February 2012

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are recognized as a major player in liver fibrogenesis. Upon liver injury, HSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts and participate in progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Additional cell types such as resident liver fibroblasts/myofibroblasts or bone marrow cells are also known to generate myofibroblasts. One of the major obstacles to understanding the mechanism of liver fibrogenesis is the lack of knowledge regarding the developmental origin of HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells. Recent cell lineage analyses demonstrate that HSCs are derived from mesoderm during liver development. MesP1‐expressing mesoderm gives rise to the septum transversum mesenchyme before liver formation and then to the liver mesothelium and mesenchymal cells, including HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells around the veins during liver development. During the growth of embryonic liver, the mesothelium, consisting of mesothelial cells and submesothelial cells, migrates inward from the liver surface and gives rise to HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells, including portal fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells around the portal vein, and fibroblasts around the central vein. Cell lineage analyses indicate that mesothelial cells are HSC progenitor cells capable of differentiating into HSCs and other liver mesenchymal cells during liver development.
Autologous bone marrow cell infusions suppress tumor initiation in hepatocarcinogenic mice with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Maeda Masaki , Takami Taro , Terai Shuji , Sakaida Isao
Published: February 2012

We have previously reported the efficacy and safety of autologous bone marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy for liver cirrhosis patients without hepatocellular carcinoma in a multicenter clinical trial. However, since liver cirrhosis is highly oncogenic, evaluation of the effects of ABMi on the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis is of great importance. Therefore, frequent ABMi was performed in hepatocarcinogenic mice, and its effects on hepatocarcinogenesis were analyzed. The N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)/green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model was developed by administering DEN once, followed by repeated administration of CCl4 intraperitoneally as for the control group. In the administration (ABMi) group, GFP‐positive bone marrow cells were infused through a tail vein. The kinetics of hepatocarcinogenesis were evaluated histologically 4.5 months after DEN treatment. At 4.5 months, there was significantly lower incidence of foci and tumors in the ABMi group, and they were smaller in number, while their size was almost equal. No GFP‐positive tumors were found in ABMi livers. Moreover, ABMi livers showed significantly reduced liver fibrosis, consistent with significantly lower 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels, higher superoxide dismutase activity, and increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2 p45‐related factor 2. These results demonstrate that frequent ABMi might contribute to suppressed tumor initiation during stages of hepatocarcinogenesis, consistent with improvements in liver fibrosis and stabilization of redox homeostasis.
Risk prediction using a neonatal therapeutic intervention scoring system in VLBW and ELBW preterm infants
Authors: Oygur Nihal , Ongun Hakan , Saka Osman
Published: February 2012

Background:  The Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS) is a therapy‐based severity‐of‐illness index, The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether: (i) NTISS can predict the severity of illness with the same accuracy both in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants, using all parameters; and (ii) the performance of NTISS can be increased by using only the significant variables.

Methods:  All inborns <1500 g, and all outborns <1500 g transferred in the first 12 h of postnatal life, were included. NTISS using 63 variables was assessed for all infants at the 24th hour. Predictive performance for the overall variables was assessed using area under the curve (AUC) for group 1 (500–1499 g), 2 (1000–1499 g) and 3 (500–999 g). Variables with good prediction were identified for each group and a second AUC was assessed using only sensitive variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area for all variables was compared with the ROC area for sensitive variables.

Results:  A total of 364 preterm infants fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The AUC of groups 1, 2 and 3 with all variables were 0.851; 0.834 and 0.749, respectively. The number of parameters with good prediction was 33 in group 1, 30 in group 2 and 18 in group 3. The AUC for sensitive variables was 0.848 in group 1; 0.821 in group 2 and 0.823 in group 3. When compared, increase in the description of outcome was significant only for group 3 patients (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:  NTISS using all parameters seems to be less predictive in ELBW infants. It is probably related to the use of some interventions, done as a routine procedure in almost all ELBW preterm infants, therefore NTISS may be modified according to birthweight in order to obtain a more sensitive prediction.
Reliability of standardized patients used in a communication study on international nurses in the United States of America
Authors: Bolstad Anne L. , Xu Yu , Shen Jay J. , Covelli Margaret , Torpey Miriam
Published: February 2012

As an evaluation method, standardized patients have a long history in medical education and research yet are less established in nursing. This paper explores the reliability of using standardized patients as the evaluative method in a communication competence pilot study with international nurses. Standardized patients and second raters scored the same encounters. We examined the scores by intraclass correlation coefficients. Anecdotal comments by the two types of raters were assessed qualitatively to highlight similarities and areas of difference between them. The results of reliability analysis for standardized patients scores for the composite variables of Establishing Communicative Rapport, Therapeutic Communication, Non‐Verbal Communication, and Overall Satisfaction ranged from 0.755 (P < 0.01) to 0.42 (P = 0.09). In this study, the results showed standardized patient evaluation has moderate to substantial reliability when compared to second raters of the same set of clinical encounters. This is similar to the reliability established over many decades of medical research. Greater use of this dynamic and interactive technique may be beneficial to nursing education and research.
Examination of midlife women's attitudes toward menopause in Turkey
Authors: Kısa Sezer , Zeyneloğlu Simge , Ozdemir Nurgul
Published: February 2012

This study used a cross‐sectional descriptive design to examine the attitudes of 154 Turkish women aged ≥ 40 years towards menopause. A questionnaire and the Menopause Attitudes scale were used. The mean score of the attitudes was determined as 34.70 ± 8.56. Most women in the study had negative attitudes towards menopause. The majority of women with positive attitudes were older, well educated and had used hormone replacement therapy (P < 0.05). Using multiple linear regression analysis, age and education level were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the women in the premenopausal and menopausal years in terms of sexuality after menopause (P < 0.05). This study suggests that Turkish women 40 years and older have negative attitudes towards menopause and their primary concern in the premenopausal period is sexuality after menopause. Counseling of women on menopause‐related issues in gynecology clinics is recommended.
Involvement of angiotensin II type 1 receptor on pathological remodeling and dysfunction in obstructed bladder
Authors: Aikawa Ken , Sakai Takio , Ishibashi Kei , Shiomi Homare , Sagawa Koji , Kumagai Shin , Kataoka Masao , Akaihata Hidenori , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: February 2012

Objectives:  To determine whether long‐term administration of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist improves morphology and function in obstructed bladders.

Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent surgery to produce bladder outlet obstruction (bladder outlet obstruction group; n = 32) or sham surgery (sham group; n = 16). A total of 2 weeks later, 16 bladder outlet obstruction‐rats were given the AT1 antagonist, candesartan, subcutaneously (candesartan group) using an osmotic pump for 4 weeks; the remaining bladder outlet obstruction‐rats received vehicle (bladder outlet obstruction group). A total of 6 weeks after surgery, we compared continuous cystometry, bladder weight, strip contraction, histology and messenger ribonucleic acid expression of growth factors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 and renin–angiotensin system components among the three groups.

Results:  Bladder weights markedly increased with bladder outlet obstruction (578 ± 159 mg), and candesartan (344 ± 111 mg) suppressed this increase. Micturition pressure, which was significantly higher with bladder outlet obstruction, was unaffected by candesartan. The shortened micturition interval and decreased micturition volume with bladder outlet obstruction were significantly prolonged and increased by candesartan. Candesartan also significantly decreased residual urine. Histologically, the collagen fiber‐to‐muscle ratio was significantly increased with bladder outlet obstruction (0.85 ± 0.25) compared with the sham group (0.53 ± 0.18); this increase was suppressed by candesartan (0.49 ± 0.21). The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 significantly increased with bladder outlet obstruction, but it was significantly reduced by candesartan. Compared with the bladder outlet obstruction group, candesartan increased the maximal contraction of bladder strips for all stimuli except for angiotensin II.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that bladder angiotensin II type 1 receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of remodeling and dysfunction in obstructed bladder.
Metabolic outcomes of matched patient populations initiating exenatide BID vs. insulin glargine in an ambulatory care setting
Authors: Pawaskar M. , Li Q. , Hoogwerf B. J. , Reynolds M. W. , Faries D. , Engelman W. , Bruhn D. , Bergenstal R. M.
Published: February 2012

Aim: This observational study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of exenatide BID (exenatide) vs. insulin glargine (glargine) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in ambulatory clinical practice.

Methods: Retrospective analyses were conducted using an electronic medical record (EMR) database among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating exenatide or glargine between 1 November 2006 and 30 April 2009. The cohorts were propensity‐score matched to control baseline demographics, clinical measures, health status and medication use. The changes from baseline to a 12‐month follow‐up period for A1C (primary outcome), weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lipid levels were compared between the matched cohorts using paired tests.

Results: Propensity‐score matching between the exenatide (n = 4494) and glargine (n = 5424) cohorts led to 2683 matched pairs with comparable characteristics, including age, gender and baseline clinical values. The exenatide cohort achieved a greater mean reduction in A1C (−0.6% vs. −0.4%, p < 0.01), weight (−2.6 kg vs. −0.2 kg, p < 0.01), BMI (−0.8 kg/m2 vs. −0.04 kg/m2, p < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (−1.8 mmHg vs. −0.1 mmHg, p < 0.01) in the follow‐up period. The changes in diastolic blood pressure and lipid levels were not significantly different between cohorts.

Conclusions: Compared to glargine, exenatide‐treated patients experienced significant reductions in A1C, weight, BMI and SBP. Acknowledging the limitations of observational research, exenatide showed greater clinical effectiveness than glargine from a large EMR database in the ambulatory care setting.
Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis and asbestos exposure
Authors: Mensi Carolina , Pellegatta Marco , Sieno Claudia , Consonni Dario , Riboldi Luciano , Bertazzi Pier Alberto
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is a rare tumour.

From 2000 to 2010, 13 mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis cases were reported in the most populated and industrialized region in Italy.

Asbestos exposure was documented in two‐thirds of these cases.

OBJECTIVE

To describe cases of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) recorded in the Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry between 2000 and 2010.

METHODS

The Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry, established in 2000, collects data regarding all incident cases of mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis that have been diagnosed in the population of the Lombardy region.

These data include a detailed clinical report and a complete occupational history for each MTVT patient, with the latter including details of the industrial sector involved, the patient's job, and the specific tasks performed. To address the potential for asbestos exposure outside the work environment, the residential history, lifestyle habits and hobbies of the patient, as well as job information for all subjects living with the patient, are also collected.

Records were reviewed and discussed by a panel of experts.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases of MTVT were reported between 2000 and 2010.

The age‐standardized incidence rate of MTVT for the Lombardy region of Italy is 0.2 cases per million individuals/year.

Asbestos exposure was documented in 8 of the 12 (67%) interviewed cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Asbestos exposure was associated with a higher proportion of MTVT cases than previously reported in the literature. These results confirm the aetiological role for asbestos in the pathogenesis of MTVT.

The results of this study also highlight the importance of obtaining detailed occupational histories and lifestyle habits from patients, particularly by trained interviewers.
Maladaptively High and Low Openness: The Case for Experiential Permeability
Authors: Piedmont Ralph L. , Sherman Martin F. , Sherman Nancy C.
Published: February 2012

The domain of Openness within the Five‐Factor Model (FFM) has received inconsistent support as a source for maladaptive personality functioning, at least when the latter is confined to the disorders of personality included within the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV‐TR; APA, ). However, an advantage of the FFM relative to the DSM‐IV‐TR is that the former was developed to provide a reasonably comprehensive description of general personality structure. Rather than suggest that the FFM is inadequate because the DSM‐IV‐TR lacks much representation of Openness, it might be just as reasonable to suggest that the DSM‐IV‐TR is inadequate because it lacks an adequate representation of maladaptive variants of both high and low Openness. This article discusses the development and validation of a measure of these maladaptive variants, the Experiential Permeability Inventory.
Tokyo at 10: establishing difference through the friendship networks of women executives in Japan
Authors: HO SWEE‐LIN
Published: February 2012

Despite a significant increase in the number of white‐collar female workers in post‐war Japan, scant attention has been paid to the importance of Japanese women's social relations that are work‐related, and unconnected to the family or the local community. This article examines how two groups of Japanese women with professional careers innovatively mobilize their after‐work friendship networks as a strategic site for mitigating the disappointing gaps between their expectations and actual experiences, and for negotiating a greater sense of self‐worth and self‐esteem. It argues that work‐related relations for women can prove rewarding in their own right, and that work can also shape their understandings of self and of friendships, as women respond to transformations to the broader social, economic, and political conditions that shape their experiences.

Malgré l’augmentation significative du nombre de femmes parmi les employés « en col blanc » dans le Japon de l’après‐guerre, l’importance des relations sociales liées au travail et non à la famille ou à la vie de quartier de celle‐ci n’a guère suscité d’intérêt. Le présent article étudie la manière dont deux groupes de femmes actives japonaises mobilisent de façon novatrice leurs réseaux d’amitiés « d’après le travail » pour en faire un site stratégique où elles peuvent atténuer l’écart décevant perçu entre leurs attentes et leur vécu et négocier un sentiment amélioré de valeur personnelle et d’estime de soi. L’auteur avance que les relations de travail des femmes peuvent s’avérer gratifiantes par elles‐mêmes et que le travail peut modeler leur perception d’elles‐mêmes et de leurs amitiés, au fil des transformations des conditions sociales, économies et politiques générales qui façonnent leur vécu.
STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY MODELS AND THE PRICING OF VIX OPTIONS
Authors: Goard Joanna , Mazur Mathew
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we examine and compare the performance of a variety of continuous‐time volatility models in their ability to capture the behavior of the VIX. The “3/2‐ model” with a diffusion structure which allows the volatility of volatility changes to be highly sensitive to the actual level of volatility is found to outperform all other popular models tested. Analytic solutions for option prices on the VIX under the 3/2‐model are developed and then used to calibrate at‐the‐money market option prices.
Adopting a New Religion: The Case of Protestantism in 16th Century Germany
Authors: Cantoni Davide
Published: February 2012

Using a dataset of territories and cities of the Holy Roman Empire in the sixteenth century, this article investigates the determinants of adoption and diffusion of Protestantism as a state religion. A territory’s distance to Wittenberg, the city where Martin Luther taught, is a major determinant of adoption. This finding is consistent with a theory of strategic neighbourhood interactions: introducing the Reformation was a risky enterprise for territorial lords and had higher prospects of success if powerful neighbouring states committed to the new faith. The actual spatial and temporal patterns of expansion of Protestantism are analysed in a panel dataset.
Subsidiarity: A Political and Legal Analysis
Authors: CRAIG PAUL
Published: February 2012

The concept of subsidiarity was a notable addition to the Maastricht Treaty when it was first introduced. It continues to be of political and legal significance in the post‐Lisbon world. This article considers subsidiarity from a political and legal perspective. It analyses the diverse rationales behind its inclusion in the Treaty, and the reasons why it has proven difficult to realize the objectives of subsidiarity. The focus then shifts to the legal dimension and considers the role played by the EU courts in monitoring subsidiarity and suggestions that the EU courts should review subsidiarity through a form of competence‐proportionality control.
Can the Politicization of European Integration be Reversed?*
Authors: DE WILDE PIETER , ZÜRN MICHAEL
Published: February 2012

Following the failure of the Constitutional Treaty, executives of European Union (EU) Member States and the European Commission tried to take European integration as a political issue as much off the agenda as possible and limit involvement of citizens in EU decision‐making. This article assesses the viability of this attempt to combat politicization of European integration and comes to the conclusion that it is unlikely to succeed in the long run. Politicization, it is argued, is a direct consequence of the increasing authority of the EU. The executive response to reverse this trend, however, does not address its cause, but rather the intermediating factors in the form of political opportunity structure. Since the cause of politicization remains intact and intermediating factors are unlikely to be controlled by executives, this attempt to reverse politicization is not viable.
Spatial organization of the Pampas fox in a grassland relict of central Argentina: a flexible system
Authors: Luengos Vidal E. M. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Marino J. , Casanave E. B. , Lucherini M.
Published: February 2012

The Pampas fox (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) is a generalist South American canid that adapts well to the human‐dominated landscape of the Argentine pampas, which is largely converted to agriculture and pastures. However, little is known about its ranging behaviour and spatial organization in relict native grasslands. We captured and tracked 13 radio‐tagged adult foxes between December 1998 and June 2005 in Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, a protected area with a dense population of wild horses, an important food item for foxes. The home range of 10 adult males averaged 1.40 ± 0.96 km2 (mean ± sd; 95% minimum convex polygon, MCP) and was not significantly larger than that of three adult females, 1.20 ± 1.07 km2 (95% MCP). Evidence of individual's site fidelity over the study period is indicative of locally abundant food resources all year round. It is likely that the availability of horse carcasses is a main driver of the spatial organization of Pampas foxes in this population. Our population density estimate of 1.1–1.5 foxes per km2 falls within the know range of population densities for Pampas foxes, and was close to the upper limit, as also expected from an abundant and aggregated food resource such as horse carrion. Reduced hunting pressures, however, may also contribute to explain the relatively high population densities of foxes in this protected area.
Strontium ranelate rebalances bone marrow adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis in senescent osteopenic mice through NFATc/Maf and Wnt signaling
Authors: Saidak Zuzana , Haÿ Eric , Marty Caroline , Barbara Alain , Marie Pierre J.
Published: February 2012

With aging, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) osteoblast differentiation decreases whereas MSC differentiation into adipocytes increases, resulting in increased adipogenesis and bone loss. Here, we investigated whether activation of cell signaling by strontium ranelate (SrRan) can reverse the excessive adipogenic differentiation associated with aging. In murine MSC cultures, SrRan increased Runx2 expression and matrix mineralization and decreased PPARγ2 expression and adipogenesis. This effect was associated with increased expression of the Wnt noncanonical representative Wnt5a and adipogenic modulator Maf and was abrogated by Wnt‐ and nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT)c antagonists, implying a role for Wnt and NFATc/Maf signaling in the switch in osteoblastogenesis to adipogenesis induced by SrRan. To confirm this finding, we investigated the effect of SrRan in SAMP6 senescent mice, which exhibit decreased osteoblastogenesis, increased adipogenesis, and osteopenia. SrRan administration at a clinically relevant dose level increased bone mineral density, bone volume, trabecular thickness and number, as shown by densitometric, microscanning, and histomorphometric analyses in long bones and vertebrae. This attenuation of bone loss was related to increased osteoblast surface and bone formation rate and decreased bone marrow adipocyte volume and size. The restoration of osteoblast and adipocyte balance induced by SrRan was linked to increased Wnt5a and Maf expression in the bone marrow. The results indicate that SrRan acts on lineage allocation of MSCs by antagonizing the age‐related switch in osteoblast to adipocyte differentiation via mechanisms involving NFATc/Maf and Wnt signaling, resulting in increased bone formation and attenuation of bone loss in senescent osteopenic mice.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Infant with Double Outlet Right Ventricle and Mechanical Dyssynchrony
Authors: ORTEGA MARTA , MERINO JOSE LUIS L. , BLANCO FERNANDO V. , GUTIÉRREZ‐LARRAYA FEDERICO
Published: February 2012

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Infant.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is commonly used in adults with heart failure, poor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and wide QRS complex. CRT has rarely been applied in young patients. We report the case of a 10‐month‐old infant with congenital heart disease, postsurgical complete atrioventricular block, and severe refractory heart failure. The patient showed a significant clinical improvement and was withdrawn from the heart transplant list 2 months after epicardially established CRT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 781‐783, July 2012)
The Importance of Mode of Birth After Previous Cesarean: Success, Satisfaction, and Postnatal Health
Authors: Shorten Allison , Shorten Brett
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The recent National Institutes of Health consensus conference on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) recommended a focus on strategies that increase women's opportunities to make informed choices about VBAC. This study aimed to expand knowledge of women's experiences of planned VBAC by focusing on postnatal experiences of women who participated in an Australian birth‐after‐cesarean study.

Methods: At 6 to 8 weeks after birth, 165 women who experienced childbirth after a previous cesarean rated satisfaction with their birth experiences using a 10‐point visual analogue scale, reported on postnatal health problems, and indicated whether they would make the same birth choice again.

Results: Significant differences were found in satisfaction scores by mode of birth. Mean scores out of a possible score of 10 ranged from 8.86 for spontaneous vaginal birth, 7.86 for elective repeat cesarean delivery, 6.71 for emergency cesarean delivery, to 6.15 for instrumental vaginal birth (F= 5.33; P= .002). Mean satisfaction scores for spontaneous vaginal birth and elective repeat cesarean delivery were statistically higher than for instrumental vaginal birth and emergency cesarean birth. Women who experienced instrumental vaginal birth and emergency cesarean birth also reported a higher number of postnatal health‐related problems and were least likely to agree that they would make the same birth choice again.

Discussion: Mode of birth was the most important determinant of postnatal satisfaction, postnatal health, and whether women felt they would make the same birth choice again. Clinicians, researchers, and policymakers should identify effective labor management practices that enhance women's opportunities to achieve spontaneous vaginal birth during planned VBAC.
The Retrospective Pre–Post: A Practical Method to Evaluate Learning from an Educational Program
Authors: Bhanji Farhan , Gottesman Ronald , de Grave Willem , Steinert Yvonne , Winer Laura R.
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:189–194 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Program evaluation remains a critical but underutilized step in medical education. This study compared traditional and retrospective pre–post self‐assessment methods to objective learning measures to assess which correlated better to actual learning.

Methods:  Forty‐seven medical students participated in a 4‐hour pediatric resuscitation course. They completed pre and post self‐assessments on pediatric resuscitation and two distracter topics. Postcourse, students also retrospectively rated their understanding as it was precourse (the “retrospective pre” instrument). Changes in traditional and retrospective pre‐ to postcourse self‐assessment measures were compared to an objectives‐based multiple‐choice exam.

Results:  The traditional pre to post self‐assessment means showed an increase from 1.9 of 5 to 3.7 of 5 (p < 0.001); the retrospective pre to post scores also increased from 1.9 of 5 to 3.7 of 5 (p < 0.001). Although the group means were the same, individual participants demonstrated a response shift by either increasing or decreasing their traditional pre to retrospective pre scores. Scores on the 22‐item objective multiple choice test also increased, from a median score of 13.0 to 18.0 (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the change in self‐assessments and objective measures as demonstrated by a Spearman correlation of −0.02 and −0.13 for the traditional and retrospective pre–post methods, respectively. Students reported fewer changes on the two distracters using the retrospective pre–post versus the traditional method (11 vs. 29).

Conclusions:  Students were able to accurately identify, but not quantify, learning using either traditional or retrospective pre–post “self‐assessment” measures. Retrospective pre–post self‐assessment was more accurate in excluding perceived change in understanding of subject matter that was not taught.
Ground Emergency Medical Services Requests for Helicopter Transfer of ST‐segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Decrease Medical Contact to Balloon Times in Rural and Suburban Settings
Authors: McMullan Jason T. , Hinckley William , Bentley Jared , Davis Todd , Fermann Gregory J. , Gunderman Matthew , Hart Kimberly Ward , Knight William A. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Miller Chris , Shackleford April , Brian Gibler W.
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:153–160 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care is time‐dependent. Many STEMI patients require interhospital helicopter transfer for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) if ground emergency medical services (EMS) initially transport the patient to a non‐PCI center. This investigation models potential time savings of ground EMS requests for helicopter EMS (HEMS) transport of a STEMI patient directly to a PCI center, rather than usual transport to a local hospital with subsequent transfer.

Methods:  Data from a multicenter retrospective chart review of STEMI patients transferred for primary PCI by a single HEMS agency over 12 months were used to model medical contact to balloon times (MCTB) for two scenarios: a direct‐to‐scene HEMS response and hospital rendezvous after ground EMS initiation of transfer.

Results:  Actual MCTB median time for 36 hospital‐initiated transfers was 160 minutes (range = 116 to 321 minutes). Scene response MCTB median time was estimated as 112 minutes (range = 69 to 187 minutes). The difference in medians was 48 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 33 to 62 minutes). Hospital rendezvous MCTB median time was estimated as 113 minutes (range = 74 to 187 minutes). The difference in medians was 47 minutes (95% CI = 32 to 62 minutes). No patient had an actual MCTB time of less than 90 minutes; in the scene response and hospital rendezvous scenarios, 2 of 36 (6%) and 3 of 36 (8%), respectively, would have had MCTB times under 90 minutes.

Conclusions:  In this setting, ground EMS initiation of HEMS transfers for STEMI patients has the potential to reduce MCTB time, but most patients will still not achieve MCTB time of less than 90 minutes.
Incidence of Immediate Hypersensitivity Reaction and Serum Sickness Following Administration of Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab Antivenom: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Schaeffer Tammi H. , Khatri Vaishali , Reifler Liza M. , Lavonas Eric J.
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:121–131 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) (FabAV) is commonly used in the treatment of symptomatic North American crotaline snake envenomation. When approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000, the incidences of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and serum sickness were reported as 0.14 and 0.18, respectively. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the incidence of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and serum sickness reported in studies of patients treated with FabAV therapy after North American crotaline envenomation.

Methods:  The authors searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE from January 1, 1997, to September 20, 2010, for English‐language medical literature and cross‐referenced bibliographies of reviewed articles. The published abstracts of the major toxicology conferences were also searched. All prospective and retrospective cohort studies with patients receiving FabAV therapy for North American crotaline envenomations were eligible for data abstraction. Two content experts reviewed full‐text articles and extracted relevant study design and outcome data. Proportions of immediate hypersensitivity and serum sickness for each study were analyzed in a random‐effects model to produce an overall estimate of immediate hypersensitivity and serum sickness incidence associated with FabAV administration.

Results:  The literature search revealed 11 unique studies of patients who received FabAV that contained information on immediate hypersensitivity reactions and serum sickness. The meta‐analysis produced a combined estimate of the incidence of immediate hypersensitivity of 0.08 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05 to 0.11) and a combined estimate of the incidence of serum sickness of 0.13 (95% CI = 0.07 to 0.21).

Conclusions:  In this systematic literature review and meta‐analysis, the combined estimates of the incidence of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and serum sickness from FabAV in the treatment of symptomatic North American crotaline envenomations appear to be lower than previously reported, at 0.08 and 0.13, respectively.
Geographical Variation in Ambulance Calls Is Associated With Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Earnest Arul , Tan Say Beng , Shahidah Nur , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:180–188 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The main objective was to explore the relationship between socioeconomic status and the spatial distribution of ambulance calls, as modeled in the island nation of Singapore, at the Development Guide Plan (DGP) level (equivalent to census tracts in the United States).

Methods:  Ambulance call data came from a nationwide registry from January to May 2006. We used a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model to create smoothed maps of ambulance calls at the DGP level, as well as spatial regression models to evaluate the relationship between the risk of calls with regional measures of socioeconomic status, such as household type and both personal and household income.

Results:  There was geographical correlation in the ambulance calls, as well as a socioeconomic gradient in the relationship with ambulance calls of medical‐related (but not trauma‐related) reasons. For instance, the relative risk (RR) of medical ambulance calls decreased by a factor of 0.66 (95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.56 to 0.79) for every 10% increase in the proportion of those with monthly household income S$5000 and above. The top three DGPs with the highest risk of medical‐related ambulance calls were Changi (RR = 29, 95% CrI = 24 to 35), downtown core (RR = 8, 95% CrI = 6 to 9), and Orchard (RR = 5, 95% CrI = 4 to 6).

Conclusions:  This study demonstrates the utility of geospatial analysis to relate population socioeconomic factors with ambulance call volumes. This can serve as a model for analysis of other public health systems.
Identifying High‐risk Geographic Areas for Cardiac Arrest Using Three Methods for Cluster Analysis
Authors: Sasson Comilla , Cudnik Michael T. , Nassel Ariann , Semple Hugh , Magid David J. , Sayre Michael , Keseg David , Haukoos Jason S. , Warden Craig R. ,   (The Columbus Study Group)
Published: February 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:139–146 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to identify high‐risk census tracts, defined as those areas that have both a high incidence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and a low prevalence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), by using three spatial statistical methods.

Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of two prospectively collected registries in the city of Columbus, Ohio. Consecutive adult (≥18 years) OHCA patients, restricted to those of cardiac etiology and treated by emergency medical services (EMS) from April 1, 2004, to April 30, 2009, were studied. Three different spatial analysis methods (Global Empirical Bayes, Local Moran’s I, and SaTScan’s spatial scan statistic) were used to identify high‐risk census tracts.

Results:  A total of 4,553 arrests in 200 census tracts occurred during the study period, with 1,632 arrests included in the final sample after exclusions for no resuscitation attempt, noncardiac etiology, etc. The overall incidence for OHCA was 0.70 per 1,000 people for the 6‐year study period (SD = ±0.52). Bystander CPR occurred in 20.2% (n = 329), with 10.0% (n = 167) surviving to hospital discharge. Five high‐risk census tracts were identified by all three analytic methods.

Conclusions:  The five high‐risk census tracts identified may be possible sites for high‐yield targeted community‐based interventions to improve CPR training and cardiovascular disease education efforts and ultimately improve survival from OHCA.
Rates and clinical correlates of treatment non‐adherence in schizoaffective bipolar patients
Authors: Murru A. , Pacchiarotti I. , Nivoli A. M. A. , Bonnin C. M. , Patrizi B. , Amann B. , Vieta E. , Colom F.
Published: February 2012

Murru A, Pacchiarotti I, Nivoli AMA, Bonnin CM, Patrizi B, Amann B, Vieta E, Colom F. Rates and clinical correlates of treatment non‐adherence in schizoaffective bipolar patients.

Objective:  To analyze demographical, clinical, and therapeutic variables that may be associated with pharmacological non‐adherence in a sample of schizoaffective patients, bipolar type.

Method:  Adherence to treatment and its clinical correlates were assessed at the end of a 10‐year follow‐up in 76 patients meeting DSM‐IV‐TR diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Adherent and poorly adherent patients were compared regarding clinical and therapeutic variables.

Results:  The rate of poorly adherent patients was 32/76 (41.2%) of the sample. Adherent patients were more likely to have presented an affective episode at illness onset and to have fewer purely – non‐affective – psychotic episodes. Demographic or other clinical variables were not found to be associated to treatment adherence. Family history for psychiatric disorders or suicide did not correlate either, and neither did any specific pharmacological agent.

Conclusion:  Rates of non‐adherence in schizoaffective disorder are high. Adherence seems to be associated to a more affective course of illness (affective first episode and fewer purely psychotic episodes). Patients with more prominent schizophrenia‐like characteristics could be at higher risk for poor adherence and need to be closely followed and monitored. Even when properly treated, schizoaffective disorder is a disabling and severe disorder with high risk for recurrences.