bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemispherical Brillouin zone imaging of a diamond-type biological photonic crystal
Authors: Wilts Bodo D. , Michielsen Kristel , De Raedt Hans , Stavenga Doekele G.
Published: December 2011

The brilliant structural body colours of many animals are created by three-dimensional biological photonic crystals that act as wavelength-specific reflectors. Here, we report a study on the vividly coloured scales of the diamond weevil,
Entimus imperialis
. Electron microscopy identified the chitin and air assemblies inside the scales as domains of a single-network diamond (
Fd
3
m
) photonic crystal. We visualized the topology of the first Brillouin zone (FBZ) by imaging scatterometry, and we reconstructed the complete photonic band structure diagram (PBSD) of the chitinous photonic crystal from reflectance spectra. Comparison with calculated PBSDs indeed showed a perfect overlap. The unique method of non-invasive hemispherical imaging of the FBZ provides key insights for the investigation of photonic crystals in the visible wavelength range. The characterized extremely large biophotonic nanostructures of
E. imperialis
are structurally optimized for high reflectance and may thus be well suited for use as a template for producing novel photonic devices, e.g. through biomimicry or direct infiltration from dielectric material.
A control engineering approach to understanding the TGF-β paradox in cancer
Authors: Chung Seung-Wook , Cooper Carlton R. , Farach-Carson Mary C. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A.
Published: December 2011

TGF-β, a key cytokine that regulates diverse cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis, appears to function paradoxically as a tumour suppressor in normal cells, and as a tumour promoter in cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying such contradictory roles remain unknown. In particular, given that this cytokine is primarily a tumour suppressor, the conundrum of the unusually high level of TGF-β observed in the primary cancer tissue and blood samples of cancer patients with the worst prognosis, remains unresolved. To provide a quantitative explanation of these paradoxical observations, we present, from a control theory perspective, a mechanistic model of TGF-β-driven regulation of cell homeostasis. Analysis of the overall system model yields quantitative insight into how cell population is regulated, enabling us to propose a plausible explanation for the paradox: with the tumour suppressor role of TGF-β unchanged from normal to cancer cells, we demonstrate that the observed increased level of TGF-β is an
effect
of cancer cell phenotypic progression (specifically, acquired TGF-β resistance), not the
cause
. We are thus able to explain precisely why the clinically observed correlation between elevated TGF-β levels and poor prognosis is in fact consistent with TGF-β's original (and unchanged) role as a tumour suppressor.
Why are not all chilies hot? A trade-off limits pungency
Authors: Haak David C. , McGinnis Leslie A. , Levey Douglas J. , Tewksbury Joshua J.
Published: December 2011

Evolutionary biologists increasingly recognize that evolution can be constrained by trade-offs, yet our understanding of how and when such constraints are manifested and whether they restrict adaptive divergence in populations remains limited. Here, we show that spatial heterogeneity in moisture maintains a polymorphism for pungency (heat) among natural populations of wild chilies (Capsicum chacoense) because traits influencing water-use efficiency are functionally integrated with traits controlling pungency (the production of capsaicinoids). Pungent and non-pungent chilies occur along a cline in moisture that spans their native range in Bolivia, and the proportion of pungent plants in populations increases with greater moisture availability. In high moisture environments, pungency is beneficial because capsaicinoids protect the fruit from pathogenic fungi, and is not costly because pungent and non-pungent chilies grown in well-watered conditions produce equal numbers of seeds. In low moisture environments, pungency is less beneficial as the risk of fungal infection is lower, and carries a significant cost because, under drought stress, seed production in pungent chilies is reduced by 50 per cent relative to non-pungent plants grown in identical conditions. This large difference in seed production under water-stressed (WS) conditions explains the existence of populations dominated by non-pungent plants, and appears to result from a genetic correlation between pungency and stomatal density: non-pungent plants, segregating from intra-population crosses, exhibit significantly lower stomatal density (p= 0.003), thereby reducing gas exchange under WS conditions. These results demonstrate the importance of trait integration in constraining adaptive divergence among populations.
Ankle joint mechanics and foot proportions differ between human sprinters and non-sprinters
Authors: Baxter Josh R. , Novack Thomas A. , Van Werkhoven Herman , Pennell David R. , Piazza Stephen J.
Published: December 2011

Recent studies of sprinters and distance runners have suggested that variations in human foot proportions and plantarflexor muscle moment arm correspond to the level of sprint performance or running economy. Less clear, however, is whether differences in muscle moment arm are mediated by altered tendon paths or by variation in the centre of ankle joint rotation. Previous measurements of these differences have relied upon assumed joint centres and measurements of bone geometry made externally, such that they would be affected by the thickness of the overlying soft tissue. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we found that trained sprinters have shorter plantarflexor moment arms (p= 0.011) and longer forefoot bones (p= 0.019) than non-sprinters. The shorter moment arms of sprinters are attributable to differences in the location of the centre of rotation (p< 0.001) rather than to differences in the path of the Achilles tendon. A simple computer model suggests that increasing the ratio of forefoot to rearfoot length permits more plantarflexor muscle work during plantarflexion that occurs at rates expected during the acceleration phase following the sprint start.
Heads or tails: staged diversification in vertebrate evolutionary radiations
Authors: Sallan Lauren Cole , Friedman Matt
Published: December 2011

Adaptive radiations, bouts of morphological divergence coupled with taxonomic proliferation, underpin biodiversity. The most widespread model of radiations assumes a single round, or ‘early burst’, of elevated phenotypic divergence followed by a decline in rates of change or even stasis. A vertebrate-specific model proposes separate stages: initial divergence in postcranial traits related to habitat use, followed by diversification in cranial morphology linked to trophic demands. However, there is little empirical evidence for either hypothesis. Here, we show that, contrary to both models, separate large-scale radiations of actinopterygian fishes proceeded through distinct cranial and later postcranial stages of morphological diversification. Early actinopterygians and acanthomorph teleosts dispersed in cranial morphospace immediately following the end-Devonian extinction and the Cretaceous origin of the acanthomorph clade, respectively. Significant increases in postcranial morphological variation do not occur until one interval after cranial diversification commenced. Therefore, our results question the universality of the ‘general vertebrate model’. Based on the results of model-fitting exercises and application of the divergence order test, we find little evidence that the early onset of cranial diversification in these two radiations is due to elevated rates of cranial change relative to postcranial change early in their evolutionary histories. Instead, postcranial and cranial patterns are best fit by an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model, which is characterized by constant evolutionary rates coupled with a strong central tendency. Other groups have been reported to show early saturation of cranial morphospace or tropic roles early in their histories, but it is unclear whether these patterns are attributable to dynamics similar to those inferred for our two model radiations.
Regulation of cell growth by Notch signaling and its differential requirement in normal vs. tumor-forming stem cells inDrosophila
Authors: Song Yan , Lu Bingwei
Published: December 2011

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are postulated to be a small subset of tumor cells with tumor-initiating ability that shares features with normal tissue-specific stem cells. The origin of CSCs and the mechanisms underlying their genesis are poorly understood, and it is uncertain whether it is possible to obliterate CSCs without inadvertently damaging normal stem cells. Here we show that a functional reduction of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) inDrosophilaspecifically eliminates CSC-like cells in the brain and ovary without having discernable effects on normal stem cells. Brain CSC-like cells can arise from dedifferentiation of transit-amplifying progenitors upon Notch hyperactivation. eIF4E is up-regulated in these dedifferentiating progenitors, where it forms a feedback regulatory loop with the growth regulator dMyc to promote cell growth, particularly nucleolar growth, and subsequent ectopic neural stem cell (NSC) formation. Cell growth regulation is also a critical component of the mechanism by which Notch signaling regulates the self-renewal of normal NSCs. Our findings highlight the importance of Notch-regulated cell growth in stem cell maintenance and reveal a stronger dependence on eIF4E function and cell growth by CSCs, which might be exploited therapeutically.
PDB-2-PB: a curated online protein block sequence database
Authors: Suresh V. , Ganesan K. , Parthasarathy S.
Published: December 2011

This article describes the development of a curated online protein block sequence database, PDB-2-PB. The protein block sequences for protein structures with complete backbone coordinates have been encoded using the encoding procedure of de Brevern, Etchebest & Hazout [Proteins(2000),41, 271–287]. In the current release of the PDB-2-PB database (version 1.0), the protein entries from a recent release of the World Wide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB), which has 74 297 solved PDB entries as of 7 July 2011, have been used as a primary source. The PDB-2-PB database stores the protein block sequences for all the chains present in a protein structure. PDB-2-PB version 1.0 has the curated protein block sequences for 103 252 PDB chain entries (93 547 X-ray, 7033 NMR and 2672 other experimental chain entries). From the PDB-2-PB database, users can extract the curated protein block sequence and its corresponding amino acid sequence, which is extracted from the PDB ATOM records. Users can download these sequences either by using the PDB code or by using various parameters listed in the database. The PDB-2-PB database is freely available at http://bioinfo.bdu.ac.in/~pb/.
The outcome of endometrial ablation in women with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: HUQ F. Y. , AL‐HADERI M. , KADIR R. A.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  There are currently limited data on the use of endometrial ablation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs). A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Twelve women with IBDs who had received endometrial ablation for the treatment of HMB were identified and their records reviewed. Details of their menstrual history; quality of life (QOL) and amount of menstrual blood loss [as assessed by pictorial blood‐loss assessment chart (PBAC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration] pre and post‐ablation were collected. Twelve women were included. The median duration of follow‐up post‐ablation was 32 months (range, 6–76). The median duration of menstruation decreased from 11 to 0 days after treatment (P = 0.004). Median PBAC scores decreased from 1208 preop to 0 post‐ablation (P = 0.002).The median Hb concentrations (10.5–13.1 g dL−1) and QOL scores (median, 17–54) improved significantly after endometrial ablation (P < 0.01). Endometrial ablation appears to be a safe and effective long‐term treatment for HMB in women with IDBs. It significantly decreases menstrual blood loss and improves QOL.
Health care expenditures for Medicaid‐covered males with haemophilia in the United States, 2008
Authors: GUH S. , GROSSE S. D. , McALISTER S. , KESSLER C. M. , SOUCIE J. M.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Although haemophilia is an expensive disorder, no studies have estimated health care costs for Americans with haemophilia enrolled in Medicaid as distinct from those with employer‐sponsored insurance (ESI). The objective of this study is to provide information on health care utilization and expenditures for publicly insured people with haemophilia in the United States in comparison with people with haemophilia who have ESI. Data from the MarketScan® Medicaid Multi‐State, Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases were used for the period 2004−2008 to identify cases of haemophilia and to estimate medical expenditures during 2008. A total of 511 Medicaid‐enrolled males with haemophilia were identified, 435 of whom were enrolled in Medicaid for at least 11 months during 2008. Most people with haemophilia qualified for Medicaid based on ‘disability’. Average Medicaid expenditures in 2008 were $142,987 [median, $46,737], similar to findings for people with ESI. Average costs for males with haemophilia A and an inhibitor were 3.6 times higher than those for individuals without an inhibitor. Average costs for 56 adult Medicaid enrollees with HCV or HIV infection were not statistically different from those for adults without the infection, but median costs were 1.6 times higher for those treated for blood‐borne infections. Haemophilia treatment can lead to high costs for payers. Further research is needed to understand the effects of public health insurance on haemophilia care and expenditures, to evaluate treatment strategies and to implement strategies that may improve outcomes and reduce costs of care.
Perioperative clotting factor replacement and infection in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: WONG J. M.‐L. , MANN H. A. , GODDARD N. J.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Total knee arthroplasty, or replacement (TKR), is now the most commonly performed surgical procedure performed in adults with haemophilia. It is indicated when end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy results in intractable pain and reduced function. In patients with haemophilia, however, there has always been a concern about the high risk of infection, which carries with it potentially catastrophic consequences. The aims of this study were to review the case series of TKR for haemophilic arthropathy published in the medical literature, comparing the published infection rates and the differing clotting factor replacement regimes employed. Nineteen retrospective case series were identified; representing 556 TKR’s in 455 patients with an overall infection rate of 7.9%. Case series which maintained a high level of clotting factor replacement throughout the first two postoperative weeks, however, had an infection rate of 2.15%, significantly lower than that of case series using the clotting factor replacement regime currently recommended in the World Federation of Hemophilia guidelines (9.22%P = 0.00545). We believe this study supports the use of a high level clotting factor replacement regime, replacing clotting factors to maintain them at a higher level for a longer period of time than currently recommended in international guidelines.
From Mediterranean shores to central Saharan mountains: key phylogeographical insights from the genus Myrtus
Authors: Migliore Jérémy , Baumel Alex , Juin Marianick , Médail Frédéric
Published: December 2011

Aim  The Mediterranean region is often regarded as a crossroads where species of various origins meet. However, the biogeographical relationships between this region and contiguous Saharan, Macaronesian and Irano‐Turanian regions have not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to characterize the phylogeography of the circum‐Mediterranean species Myrtus communis and to investigate the origin of isolated central Saharan populations of Myrtus nivellei.

Location  The distribution ranges of M. communis from Macaronesia to the Irano‐Turanian region (173 sampled populations) and of M. nivellei in the mountains (Hoggar, Tassili n’Ajjer, Immidir, Tibesti) of the central Sahara (23 populations).

Methods  Nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences of Myrtaceae were used to root the phylogeny of Myrtus, and to date its crown node, according to a detailed review of the palaeobotanical records used for multiple fossil calibration. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences were analysed through the determination of genetic diversity indices and by statistical phylogeography.

Results  Both cpDNA and nrDNA markers indicated east–west genetic differentiation within M. communis. During the late Miocene, a key vicariance event affected the previous circum‐Mediterranean distribution of Myrtus, leading to the isolation of eastern populations. During the late Miocene or early Pliocene, two clades diverged: one is now scattered in the Mediterranean Basin and adjacent regions, whereas the other evolved in the western Mediterranean region. The differentiation of lineages during the Plio‐Pleistocene occurred mainly in the western part of the Mediterranean Basin, which has been at the origin of migrations towards Macaronesian islands and Saharan mountains. This is one of the first plant phylogeographical studies to report migrations from the Mediterranean to the Sahara.

Main conclusions  The genus Myrtus has persisted in the Mediterranean region since at least the Neogene and its biogeography reflects the cumulation of the species’ responses to successive palaeoenvironmental changes. The current distribution of the genus Myrtus in the Mediterranean Basin and in isolated areas, such as the Macaronesian islands and Saharan mountains, can be explained by the striking ability of this plant not only to persist locally in various refugia, but also to migrate.
Abiotic and biotic determinants of tick burdens in the eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus)
Authors: LUTERMANN H. , MEDGER K. , HORAK I. G.
Published: December 2011

Ticks are important vectors of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance worldwide. In spite of their economic importance, our current knowledge about the factors affecting tick prevalence and abundance in tropical and subtropical regions is rather limited. Both abiotic (e.g. temperature) as well as biotic variables (e.g. host sex) have been identified as key determinants of distributions. Eastern rock sengis or elephant shrews (Elephantulus myurus, Macroscelidea: Cacroscelididae, Thomas & Schwann) are widely distributed throughout Africa and can harbour a large number of tick species and substantial tick burdens. In the present study, we evaluated the contribution of climate and host factors on tick burdens of sengis. Throughout the year sengis carried high abundances of immature stages of a single tick species, Rhipicephalus sp. near warburtoni. There was no evidence that host parameters affected tick burdens. However, larval abundance decreased with increasing ambient temperatures and both larvae and nymphs were negatively affected by rainfall 2 months before the sampling month. In addition, nymphal burdens decreased with increasing minimum temperatures. Our results suggest that climate factors are the largest constraint for the immature stages of R. sp. near warburtoni and that eastern rock sengis could play a crucial role in the dynamics of tick‐borne diseases as a result of the large tick burdens they can sustain.
Characterization of the canine skin barrier restoration following acute disruption by tape stripping
Authors: Vidémont Emilie , Mariani Claire , Vidal Stéphanie , Pin Didier
Published: December 2011

The stratum corneum (SC) forms the main part of the permeability barrier of the skin. In mice and in humans, cutaneous barrier disruption can be generated by removing the SC with tape stripping (TS) and the skin barrier function can be assessed by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the present study was to characterize the skin barrier restoration in the dog following mechanical disruption and to analyse the correlation between the skin barrier recovery and TEWL measurement. Thirty sequential TS were performed on 12 sites on four healthy beagle dogs. The number of TS was chosen to ensure a sufficient barrier disruption with a slow recovery. Skin repair was assessed for 72 h by clinical and histological examinations, and TEWL measurements. The results showed that performing 30 TS was adequate to disrupt the skin barrier in the dog. The homeostatic repair response, initiated in the skin, was rapid and characterized by complete restoration of the SC within 72 h, accompanied by greater basal cell proliferation, and dermal eosinophilic inflammation. TEWL was significantly increased by complete removal of the SC but recovered along with restoration of the SC (Scheffe test, P ≤ 0.05). Characterization of a canine model of barrier disruption and restoration and assessment of the skin barrier function by TEWL measurements could help better understand the events implied in skin barrier function. Development of this canine model is also necessary for future studies on the effects of treatments aimed at restoring the skin barrier.
Characterization of a novel allele, HLA‐DQB1*05:03:05
Authors: Zhang W. , Wang W. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: December 2011

HLA‐DQB1*05:03:05 differs from DQB1*05:03:01 at nucleotide position 336 A>G in exon 2.
Seeking an optimal eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota
Published: December 2011

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 59–61.
Mediastinal staging of non‐small‐cell lung cancer among Australasian thoracic physicians: clinical practice and constraints on minimally invasive techniques
Authors: Dabscheck E. J. , Steinfort D. P. , Irving L. B. , Hew M.
Published: December 2011

Background/Aim:  We determined current practice among Australasian thoracic physicians in the mediastinal staging of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We focused on the availability of endobronchial ultrasound‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and constraints to its use, as there has been no systematic analysis regarding the availability and uptake of this new technology among thoracic physicians.

Methods:  Physician members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand were emailed a survey seeking their current approach to three scenarios requiring mediastinal staging of NSCLC. Respondents were also asked for their preferred investigation for each scenario if any current constraints were removed. Relevant demographic information was sought.

Results:  We received 164 responses from 512 Australasian physicians (34%). Without constraints, EBUS‐TBNA was the preferred investigation for all three clinical scenarios, but only 33% of respondents had access to EBUS‐TBNA. Constraints included lack of availability and lack of expertise. Reduced EBUS‐TBNA access was associated with a number of clinician factors.

Conclusions:  Australasian thoracic physicians prefer EBUS‐TBNA for the mediastinal staging of NSCLC, but access to EBUS‐TBNA services is limited. We recommend targeted measures to improve access to EBUS‐TBNA use and optimise mediastinal staging of NSCLC.
The selective use of splenic flexure mobilization is safe in both laparoscopic and open anterior resections
Authors: Marsden M. R. , Conti J. A. , Zeidan S. , Flashman K. G. , Khan J. S. , O’Leary D. P. , Parvaiz A.
Published: December 2011

Aim  Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is standard practice in anterior resections. No previous studies have compared outcomes with and without SFM in laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to determine whether routine or selective SFM should be advised.

Method  Data were collected prospectively on all elective anterior resections for cancer in our unit between October 2006 and November 2009.

Results  Of 263 resections, SFM data were recorded in 216; 138 were laparoscopic (32% with SFM, 3.6% converted) and 78 open (68% with SFM). Eighty‐eight were low anterior resections (LARs) for mid‐low rectal cancers, with 54 laparoscopic (50% with SFM) and 34 open (91% with SFM). Comparing laparoscopic with SFM to without, differences were found in the proportion of LARs (61%vs 29%, P < 0.001), defunctioning ileostomy rates (75%vs 46%, P = 0.001) and operative time (median 255 vs 185 min, P < 0.001), with no differences in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology score, preoperative treatment, length of stay, lymph node yield, conversion rate, mortality, anastomotic leakage, reoperation, readmission and R0 resection. No differences in outcomes were seen between laparoscopic LARs with and without SFM or between open resections with and without SFM.

Conclusion  Our results show no disadvantage in short‐term clinical or oncological outcomes when SFM was avoided. Laparoscopic anterior resections with SFM take longer. A selective approach to SFM is safe during anterior resection (open or laparoscopic), including mid‐low rectal cancers.
Why the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia is not a credible partner for the Australian government in making alcohol policy
Authors: MUNRO GEOFFREY
Published: December 2011

In 2008 the Australian government increased the excise rate on ready‐to‐drink premixed spirits or ‘alcopops’ by 70% to reduce their attraction to young people. A campaign against the decision was led by the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia, whose members include representatives of the world's largest spirits producers and which aspires to partner the government in making alcohol policy. Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia's central thesis appeared to lack substance and sincerity: first, it promoted industry data that were evidently premature and misleading; second, it claimed ready‐to‐drinks were a safer alternative to the consumption of full‐strength spirits because spirits pose a threat to drinkers due to their higher alcoholic content. For spirits producers to concede that drinking spirits is generically hazardous may be unprecedented and contradicts the spirits industry's long‐standing opposition to the introduction of health warnings on product labels. Although that admission did not survive the resolution of the case, the effect may be profound, as it might justify the demand for greater control of the labelling and marketing of spirits, and reduce the credibility of spirits producers, and the broader alcohol industry, on matters of policy.[Munro G. Why the Distilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia is not a credible partner for the Australian government in making alcohol policy. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:365–369]
THE INFLUENCE OF CHANGING HOURS OF WORK ON WOMEN'S LIFE SATISFACTION*
Authors: GASH VANESSA , MERTENS ANTJE , GORDO LAURA ROMEU
Published: December 2011

This paper asks whether moving to part‐time work makes women happy. Previous research on labour supply has assumed that as workers freely choose their optimal working hours on the basis of their innate preferences and the hourly wage rate, outcome reflects preference. This paper tests this assumption by measuring the impact of changes in working hours on life satisfaction in two countries (the UK and Germany using the German Socio‐Economic Panel and the British Household Panel Survey). We find decreases in working hours bring about positive and significant improvement on well‐being for women.
Trade, Technology and the Labour Market: The Case of South Africa*
Authors: Fedderke Johannes , Shin Yongcheol , Vaze Prabhat
Published: December 2011

This study advances previous work on the effects of trade and technological change on labour markets within the framework of Heckscher–Ohlin trade theory. We provide evidence for an unskilled labour abundant developing country by employing dynamic heterogeneous panel estimation techniques. For South African manufacturing, trade‐mandated increases in earnings are positive for labour and negative for capital whilst technology‐mandated increases are negative for both factors. We also find it important to take account of endogeneity issues in analysing the impact of technology and price changes on factor returns and in isolating factor‐ and sector‐bias of technological changes.
In Defence of Quasi‐Contract
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: December 2011

Restitution scholars are almost unanimous in rejecting the term quasi‐contract. This essay challenges this view. It begins by demonstrating that many debates among restitution scholars are in fact debates about the boundaries of consent‐based liability. This serves as an introduction to the main thesis advanced, which is that the idea of quasi‐contract, which is supposed to cover cases in which the parties would have made a contract if conditions allowed them to do so, helps to explain the doctrine better than the conclusory language of unjust enrichment. The essay concludes by situating the argument within the growing literature on the normative foundations of restitution. It argues that quasi‐contractual liability should be understood not as part of unjust enrichment, but as a different basis of liability that can help us see what liability for unjust enrichment might be: liability grounded in notions of fairness.
Identification of infants with major cognitive delay using parental report
Authors: MARTIN ANDREW J , DARLOW BRIAN A , SALT ALISON , HAGUE WENDY , SEBASTIAN LUCILLE , MANN KRISTY , TARNOW‐MORDI WILLIAM ,   ON BEHALF OF THE INIS TRIAL COLLABORATIVE GROUP
Published: December 2011

Aim  The collection of data on longer‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes within large neonatal randomized controlled trials by trained assessors can greatly increase costs and present many operational difficulties. The aim of this study was to develop a more practical alternative for identifying major cognitive delay in infants at the age of 24 months, based on parental reports.

Method  A sample of 476 infants (206 female, 270 male) previously diagnosed with neonatal sepsis (mean birthweight 1329g [SD 865g], mean gestational age at birth 28.7wks [SD 4.5wks]) from the International Neonatal Immunotherapy Study were assessed using the Parent Report of Children’s Abilities – Revised and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd edition. Logistic regression was used to model the association between the risk of major cognitive delay (i.e. Bayley Scales of Infant Development Mental Development Index <55) and the Parent Report of Children’s Abilities – Revised data.

Results  The receiver operating characteristic curves for a number of predictive models were constructed – each achieved an area under the curve of at least 90%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a number of points on the receiver operating characteristic curves are presented.

Interpretation  The Parent Report of Children’s Abilities – Revised is a practical tool for identifying major cognitive delay in infants at 24 months.
Prediction of cognitive abilities at the age of 5 years using developmental follow‐up assessments at the age of 2 and 3 years in very preterm children
Authors: POTHARST EVA S , HOUTZAGER BREGJE A , van SONDEREN LOEKIE , TAMMINGA PIETER , KOK JOKE H , LAST BOB F , van WASSENAER ALEID G
Published: December 2011

Aim  This study investigated prediction of separate cognitive abilities at the age of 5 years by cognitive development at the ages of both 2 and 3 years, and the agreement between these measurements, in very preterm children.

Methods  Preterm children (n=102; 44 males; 58 females) with a gestational age less than 30 weeks and/or birthweight less than 1000g were assessed at the ages of 2 and 3 years using the second edition of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, the Child Behaviour Checklist, and a neurological examination, and at the age of 5 years using the third edition of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence.

Results  Cognitive development at ages 2 and 3 years explained 44% and 57% respectively of full‐scale intelligence at the age of 5 years. Adding psychomotor, neurological, and behavioural outcomes to the regression model could not or only marginally improve the prediction; adding perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics to the regression model increased the explained variance to 57% and 64% respectively. These percentages were comparable for verbal intelligence. Processing speed quotient and especially performance intelligence were predicted less accurately.

Interpretation  Not all aspects of intelligence are predicted sufficiently by the Mental Development Index at ages 2 and 3 years. Follow‐up of very preterm children until at least the age of 5 years is needed to distinguish between different aspects of cognitive development.
THE PROVENANCE OF OBSIDIAN ARTEFACTS FROM THE WĀDĪ ATH‐THAYYILAH 3 NEOLITHIC SITE (EASTERN YEMEN PLATEAU) BY LA–ICP–MS
Authors: BARCA D. , LUCARINI G. , FEDELE F. G.
Published: December 2011

The geological sources of obsidian in the Red Sea region provide the raw material used for the production of obsidian artefacts found in prehistoric sites on both sides of the Red Sea, as far afield as Egypt, the Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia. This paper presents the chemical characterization of five obsidian geological samples and 20 prehistoric artefacts from a systematically excavated Neolithic settlement in highland Yemen. The major element concentrations were determined by SEM–EDS analysis and the trace element concentrations were analysed by the LA–ICP–MS method, an almost non‐destructive technique capable of chemically characterizing the volcanic glass. A comparison of archaeological and geological determinations allows the provenance of the obsidian used for the Neolithic artefacts to be traced to definite sources in the volcanic district of the central Yemen Plateau.
Strategic adaptation to new electoral systems
Authors: SELB PETER
Published: December 2011

How quickly, to what extent and under what conditions do voters and elites adapt to new electoral institutions in order to not waste their votes and effort on hopeless competitors? A latent‐curve model of strategic adaptation is developed and fitted to district‐level election data from Spain. The extent of strategic adaptation is generally found to vary with the strength of the electoral system. However, grave ethnic tensions are demonstrated to seriously retard adaptation even under favourable institutional conditions.
A New Bioreactor Adapts to Materials State and Builds a Growth Model for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Couet Frédéric , Mantovani Diego
Published: December 2011

Bioreactors are a promising enabling technology for vascular tissue engineering. Beyond their value for the scale‐up and manufacturing of tissue‐engineered blood vessels, bioreactors represent a potential path toward the understanding of the regeneration process of tissues in vitro, toward the development of mathematical models for growth and remodeling in tissue engineering, and toward the study of pathological conditions. To achieve these promises, bioreactors must overcome the paradigm of a black box for the growth of tissues and become a tool for the study of growth in tissue engineering. An advanced control strategy was developed to study and maximize growth in bioreactors. The aim of this paper is to validate experimentally the ability of this controller to build knowledge during the culture of a tissue‐engineered blood vessel. During the experiments, the controller proposed linear regression models, therefore making hypotheses on the parameters that influence growth; then, it chose experiments to refine these models, therefore verifying these hypotheses. These results show that tissue maturation in bioreactors can become more efficient by acquiring information about the process, and by dynamically adapting culture conditions according to this information input.
An Experimental, Simplified Method for Intradialytic Cardiac Output Measurement
Authors: Cordtz Joakim , Sternby Jan
Published: December 2011

Hypotension during hemodialysis (HD) is a frequent and troublesome treatment complication. A decrease in the cardiac output (CO) due to an imbalance in the rates of fluid ultrafiltration vs. tissue reabsorption is a major cause of such episodes; thus, routine repeated measurements of CO during HD sessions could be of use in preventing its occurrence. We tested an experimental method (EXP) for measuring CO during HD using hardware already supplied with current Gambro dialysis machines. In 12 HD patients, CO was measured twice during dialysis by injecting a small (2 mL) bolus of highly concentrated saline into the patient's bloodstream and measuring the subsequent increase in dialysate conductivity using the Diascan technology. CO was calculated with the Stewart–Hamilton method using the area under the conductivity curve, measured dialysate flow rate, and dialyzer clearance. Compared with ultrasound hemodilution measurements, the EXP showed no bias and limits of agreement of ±34.6%. The intradialytic trend correlated well between the two methods (r2 = 0.63, concordance rate 100%). We propose that with further development and refining, reliable measurements of CO could be performed easily during routine HD treatment using this new methodology.
Transfusion of older stored blood and risk of death: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Dong , Sun Junfeng , Solomon Steven B. , Klein Harvey G. , Natanson Charles
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Blood for transfusion is stored for up to 42 days. Older blood develops lesions and accumulates potentially injurious substances. Some studies report increasing toxicity as blood ages. We assessed the safety of transfused older versus newer stored blood.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched using terms new and old and red blood cell and storage through May 6, 2011, for observational and randomized controlled studies comparing outcomes using transfused blood having longer and shorter storage times. Death was the outcome of interest.

RESULTS: Twenty‐one studies were identified, predominantly in cardiac surgery (n = 6) and trauma (n = 6) patients, including 409,966 patients. A test for heterogeneity of these studies' results was not significant for mortality (I2 = 3.7%, p = 0.41). Older blood was associated with a significantly increased risk of death (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.24). Using available mortality data, 97 (95% CI, 63‐199) patients need to be treated with only new blood to save one life. Subgroup analysis of these trials indicated that the increased risk was not restricted to a particular type of patient, size of trial, or amount of blood transfused.

CONCLUSION: Based on available data, use of older stored blood is associated with a significantly increased risk of death.
Right here, right now: the impact of the blood donation context on anxiety, attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, and intention to donate blood
Authors: Clowes Rebekah , Masser Barbara M.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: While research has established the role of anticipated emotions in augmented Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) models of donor behavior, research has yet to consider the impact of immediate emotions that may be triggered by the blood donor context on respondents' intentions to donate blood. This study explored the impact of blood donor paraphernalia on respondents' positivity toward blood donation and on the interrelationships typically observed in TPB blood donation studies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy‐six participants were randomly allocated to complete TPB questionnaires assessing attitudes, subjective norm, and self‐efficacy along with intention to donate blood in either an affectively “hot” (blood donation paraphernalia) or a cold (control) condition. Anxiety about donating blood was also assessed.

RESULTS: Respondents in the affectively hot condition reported significantly greater anxiety about donating blood along with less positive attitudes, weaker subjective norms, lower self‐efficacy, and lower intention to donate than respondents in the cold control condition. In support of extant TPB research, correlational analyses indicated that the relationships between attitudes, self‐efficacy, and intention were not impacted upon by condition.

CONCLUSION: Blood donation paraphernalia induces anxiety in donors and results in diminished positivity toward donating. An awareness of what donors experience as a function of the context of blood donation may allow blood services to effectively intervene to bolster donors' positivity toward blood donation at the point where donation can take place.
In‐Hospital Outcome of Patients with Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation Classified as Inoperable and Treated with the MitraClip® Device
Authors: DIVCHEV DIMITAR , KISCHE STEPHAN , PARANSKAYA LILIYA , SCHNEIDER HENRIK , REHDERS TIM , ORTAK JASMIN , AKIN IBRAHIM , TURAN GÖKMEN , TURAN CEM HAKAN , STEINHOFF GUSTAV , NÖLDGE‐SCHOMBURG GABRIELE , NIENABER CHRISTOPH A. , INCE HÜSEYIN
Published: December 2011

Background: To evaluate the short‐term outcome of patients predominantly at high risk treated with the MitraClip® device for severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) using one or more clips.

Methods: We prospectively analyzed patients with highly symptomatic MR classified as inoperable (logistic EuroSCORE 24.16 ± 13.64%; STS‐score 29.9 ± 14.5%) but subject to mitral valve repair with MitraClip® between May 2010 and January 2011. Thirty‐three consecutive patients (57.6% male; age 77.8 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled and treated with either 1 (n = 7; 21.2%), 2 (n = 20; 60.6%), 3 (n = 4; 12.1%), or 4 (n = 2, 6.1%) clips. Grading of MR was performed by two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D‐TEE) prior to TEE‐guided clipping and before discharge.

Results: MR was classified as functional in 23 (69.7%) and organic in 10 (30.3%) of the patients with MR‐grade ≥ 3+ in 32 (97%) and = 4 in 1 patients (3%) before repair. Reduction in MR grade to grade ≤1+ was achieved in 81.7% and to 2 in 12.1% (P = 0.00072). Invasive pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PAPsyst) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) v‐wave decreased from 59.2 ± 18.6 to 46.9 ± 15.3 mmHg (P = 0.00014) and 21.2 ± 6.7 to 8.0 ± 3.3 mmHg (P = 0.0093), respectively, as measured immediately after clipping. Functional NYHA class improved from mean 3 (range 3 [90.9%] to 4 [9.1%]) to 2 in 84.9% (P = 0.00081) as obtained at discharge.

Conclusions: Mitral valve repair with MitraClip® using multiple clips is appropriate and safe in unselected patients resulting in reduced MR with positive impact on short‐term functional capacity. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:180–189)
Vertical coordination, access to capital, and producer loyalty in the Polish dairy sector
Authors: Fałkowski Jan
Published: December 2011

Numerous studies have shown that processing and retail industries have actively assisted farmers in joining the modern food marketing systems. Data from the Polish dairy sector show that assistance is provided not only for the traditional‐channel farmers wishing to modernize, but also for farmers already included in the modern marketing channel. Two explanations can be provided to account for this phenomenon. One, even modern‐channel farmers may lack sufficient funds to maintain required quality/quantity on their own. Two, it may be the case that even after undertaking necessary adjustments, modern‐channel farmers are more likely to quit their relationship with a processor and turn elsewhere, in which case assistance is provided to prevent them from defecting. Using farm‐level data, we investigate the impact of supply chain modernization on farmers’ access to credit and their loyalty toward processors. Our results do not provide compelling evidence to support either hypothesis, suggesting at most a partial explanation for the existence of vertical linkages between processors and modern‐channel farmers in Poland.
Spatial autocorrelation analysis allows disentangling the balance between neutral and niche processes in metacommunities
Authors: Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Siqueira Tadeu , Padial André Andrian , Rangel Thiago Fernando , Landeiro Victor Lemes , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: December 2011

One of the most popular approaches for investigating the roles of niche and neutral processes driving metacommunity patterns consists of partitioning variation in species data into environmental and spatial components. The logic is that the distance decay of similarity in communities is expected under neutral models. However, because environmental variation is often spatially structured, the decay could also be attributed to environmental factors that are missing from the analysis. Here, we use a spatial autocorrelation analysis protocol, previously developed to detect isolation‐by‐distance in allele frequencies, to evaluate patterns of species abundances under neutral dynamics. We show that this protocol can be linked with variation partitioning analyses. Moreover, in an attempt to test the neutral model, we derive three predictions to be applied both to original species abundances and to abundances predicted by a pure spatial model species abundances will be uncorrelated; Moran's I correlograms will reveal similar short‐distance autocorrelation patterns; an increasing degree of non‐neutrality will tend to generate patterns of correlation among abundances within groups of species with similar correlograms (i.e. within species with neutral and non‐neutral dynamics). We illustrate our protocol by analyzing spatial patterns in abundance of 28 terrestrially breeding anuran species from Central Amazonia. We recommend that researchers should investigate spatial autocorrelation patterns of abundances predicted by pure spatial models to identify similar patterns of spatial autocorrelation at short distances and lack of correlation between species abundances. Therefore, the hypothesis that spatial patterns in abundances are primarily due to pure neutral dynamics (rather than to missing spatiallystructured environmental factors) can be confirmed after taking environmental variables into account.
Stem Cells and Stroke: Are we Further Away than anyone is Willing to Admit?
Authors: Savitz Sean I.
Published: December 2011

Harnessing the potential of stem cells or other types of cell therapies to regenerate brain tissue lost from a stroke is a long way off, and a far more complicated process than is understood. There are critical safety issues regarding stem cells in stroke and many clinical trials have only just begun. We are at least 5–10 years away from knowing if cell therapies will improve clinical outcome in stroke patients. The use of stem cells in stroke therapy remains investigational only.
Climate Information and Agricultural Practice in Adaptation to Climate Variability: The Case of Climate Field Schools in Indramayu, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Prakarma Raja , Crane Todd A.
Published: December 2011

Inspired by the Farmer Field School methodology, a “Climate Field School” was conducted with farmers in the Indramayu region of Indonesia in 2003 to promote adaptive application of climate forecasts to crop selection decisions. However, five years after the Climate Field School, use of the forecasts is still virtually nonexistent. Analysis of farmers' production practices and rationales reveals lack of understanding of climate information is not a primary limiting factor. Instead, we find that the social and technical conditions of agricultural production influence farmers' ability and willingness to apply seasonal climate forecasts as adaptive tools. Furthermore, we analyze the ways that the attempted mode of capacity building affected outcomes in farmers' practices. The implications of our findings bear upon the development of climate information applications and the processes of local level adaptations to climate change and climate variability.