bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigator‐driven study of everolimus in surgical lung biopsy confirmed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: MALOUF MONIQUE A. , HOPKINS PETER , SNELL GREGORY , GLANVILLE ALLAN R.
Published: March 2011

Background and objective:  We evaluated the efficacy and safety of everolimus, a macrocyclic proliferation signal inhibitor with anti‐fibroproliferative activity to prevent disease progression or death in patients with IPF, a progressive, fatal disease with no known effective therapy.

Methods:  Eighty‐nine patients with surgical lung biopsy confirmed IPF were enrolled in a 3‐year investigator‐driven, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, multicentre study of everolimus.

Results:  The everolimus (n = 44) and placebo (n = 45) groups were matched for demographic variables (gender, P = 0.46) and baseline lung function parameters (FVC, P = 0.29; TLC, P = 0.45; DLCO, P = 0.41 and PaO2, P = 0.34). Independent risks for disease progression were everolimus (hazard ratio (HR) 2.37, 95% CI: 1.40–4.00, P < 0.01, log rank) and male gender (HR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.47–5.17, P < 0.01, log rank). Three‐year transplant‐free survival was 36 ± 7% (everolimus) versus 51 ± 8% (placebo) (Kaplan–Meier, P = 0.11, log rank). Independent risks for transplant‐free survival were male gender (HR 2.33, 95% CI: 1.07–5.05, P = 0.03, log rank) and baseline DLCO (% predicted) (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99, P = 0.02, log rank).

Conclusions:  Everolimus use was associated with more rapid disease progression in a well‐defined cohort of patients with IPF confirmed by surgical lung biopsy followed for 3 years.
Carbon monoxide pollution and lung function in urban compared with rural Mongolian children
Authors: DASHDENDEV BAIGALMAA , FUKUSHIMA LYNN K. , WOO MARLYN S. , GANBAATAR ERDENETUYA , WARBURTON DAVID
Published: March 2011

Background and objective:  Mongolia is experiencing rapid urbanization, and this presents a unique opportunity to assess the effects of this process on the lung health of children.

Methods:  Two cross‐sectional cohorts of school‐age children (5–15 years of age) from the capital (Ulaanbaatar) (n = 116) and a rural district (Tuv Aimag) (n = 108) were studied. Demographical information, exposure to tobacco smoke, and ambient and exhaled CO, as well as FEV1 and FEF25–75% were recorded for each child.

Results:  Ambient CO levels were threefold higher in the capital city than in the rural Aimag (0.63 vs 0.21 parts per million (ppm), P < 0.00005), while exhaled CO was twofold higher (0.94 vs 0.47 ppm, P < 0.00001). Rural Mongolian children were 6 cm shorter on average than urban children. However, when adjusted for age and height, FEV1 was 140% of predicted in rural children compared with 106% of predicted in urban children (P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in small airway expiratory flow (FEF25–75%; 104 in urban children, 100 in rural children, P = 0.63).

Conclusions:  ‘Normal’ FEV1 was actually 40% higher in rural Mongolian children than in urban children, suggesting that the FEV1 of apparently healthy children living in urbanized societies may in fact not be normal, but may instead reflect the deleterious effects of air pollution in cities, as indicated by increased levels of both environmental and exhaled CO.
Accumulation of recombinant cellobiohydrolase and endoglucanase in the leaves of mature transgenic sugar cane
Authors: Harrison Mark D. , Geijskes Jason , Coleman Heather D. , Shand Kylie , Kinkema Mark , Palupe Anthony , Hassall Rachael , Sainz Manuel , Lloyd Robyn , Miles Stacy , Dale James L.
Published: March 2011

A major strategic goal in making ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass a cost‐competitive liquid transport fuel is to reduce the cost of production of cellulolytic enzymes that hydrolyse lignocellulosic substrates to fermentable sugars. Current production systems for these enzymes, namely microbes, are not economic. One way to substantially reduce production costs is to express cellulolytic enzymes in plants at levels that are high enough to hydrolyse lignocellulosic biomass. Sugar cane fibre (bagasse) is the most promising lignocellulosic feedstock for conversion to ethanol in the tropics and subtropics. Cellulolytic enzyme production in sugar cane will have a substantial impact on the economics of lignocellulosic ethanol production from bagasse. We therefore generated transgenic sugar cane accumulating three cellulolytic enzymes, fungal cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), CBH II and bacterial endoglucanase (EG), in leaves using the maize PepC promoter as an alternative to maize Ubi1 for controlling transgene expression. Different subcellular targeting signals were shown to have a substantial impact on the accumulation of these enzymes; the CBHs and EG accumulated to higher levels when fused to a vacuolar‐sorting determinant than to an endoplasmic reticulum‐retention signal, while EG was produced in the largest amounts when fused to a chloroplast‐targeting signal. These results are the first demonstration of the expression and accumulation of recombinant CBH I, CBH II and EG in sugar cane and represent a significant first step towards the optimization of cellulolytic enzyme expression in sugar cane for the economic production of lignocellulosic ethanol.
General Spectral Camera Lens Simulation
Authors: Steinert B. , Dammertz H. , Hanika J. , Lensch H. P. A.
Published: March 2011

We present a camera lens simulation model capable of producing advanced photographic phenomena in a general spectral Monte Carlo image rendering system. Our approach incorporates insights from geometrical diffraction theory, from optical engineering and from glass science. We show how to efficiently simulate all five monochromatic aberrations, spherical and coma aberration, astigmatism, field curvature and distortion. We also consider chromatic aberration, lateral colour and aperture diffraction. The inclusion of Fresnel reflection generates correct lens flares and we present an optimized sampling method for path generation.
Divided We Stand? Democracy as a Method of Processing Conflicts1
Authors: Przeworski Adam
Published: March 2011

Conflicts, liberty and peace do not coexist easily. Through most of history, civil peace was maintained by the threat of force. Contemporary ideologues of authoritarian regimes maintain that political conflicts inevitably result in violence, and the founders of modern representative institutions in the West have shared this view. Yet we now know that political institutions can cope with conflicts, that conflicts can be structured, regulated and contained, and that purely procedural rules can be effective in processing conflicts. Most importantly, we have come to realise that choosing governments through competitive elections is the only way to foster political freedom in divided societies. Competitive elections support social peace by enabling political forces to think in inter‐temporal terms. In turn, civil peace is maintained between elections when when opposition groups expect to be reasonably successful within the halls of representative institutions.
THE PROXIMITY–CONCENTRATION TRADE‐OFF WITH ASYMMETRIC COUNTRIES*
Authors: TOULEMONDE ERIC
Published: March 2011

In a model with two countries of different size, we examine the effects of a fall in trade costs on firms' location, on their number of plants, on their production and on regional production and welfare. The possibility to run several plants reduces the strength of the home market effect. Regional production and welfare may move non‐monotonically with trade costs. We extend the model to endogenize country sizes. We show that there exists a continuum of equilibria with multinational firms and that a rent can be taxed by governments. We precisely identify how different parameters affect the results.
Chinese Singaporean attitudes towards poverty and inequality: A comparative analysis
Authors: Ng Irene Y.H. , Koh Grace
Published: March 2011

Ng IYH, Koh G. Chinese Singaporean attitudes towards poverty and inequality: a comparative analysis

Based on a survey of 191 Chinese respondents, this article discusses the attitudes of Singaporean Chinese towards poverty, inequality and government intervention. Using the Z‐test for two proportions and cluster analysis, findings were compared with similar studies in the USA and the UK. Chinese Singaporeans were found to be very aware of the growing inequality, but they adopted a narrower definition of poverty than British respondents. This might be the reason why they were more sympathetic towards the poor and supportive of more government anti‐poverty efforts than were American respondents. From the cluster analysis, the Singaporean sample produced a third group who were ‘satisfied but concerned’, on top of the two polar groups, ‘sceptics’ and ‘liberals’, present in the British study. A majority of respondents also supported the view that more should be done to help the poor and were willing to pay more taxes for that purpose.
Single vs. fractionated photodynamic therapy for face and scalp actinic keratoses: a randomized, intraindividual comparison trial with 12‐month follow‐up
Authors: Sotiriou E. , Apalla Z. , Chovarda E. , Goussi C. , Trigoni A. , Ioannides D.
Published: March 2011

Objective  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a single ALA‐PDT illumination scheme with that of a fractionated ALA‐PDT illumination scheme in face and scalp actinic keratoses (AKs).

Methods  Eligible patients received either a single ALA‐PDT illumination or a fractionated illumination scheme randomly allocated to alternate sides of face/scalp. The side allocated to a single illumination received 75 J/cm2. This side received 2 sessions performed 7 days apart. Lesions on the fractionated illumination scheme side received 20 and 80 J/cm2, 4 and 6 hours after a single ALA application. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at 3 and 12 months after treatment. Efficacy end point included the individual AK lesion clearance rate.

Results  Thirty three patients with 266 lesions were enrolled in the study. Three months after treatment the overall lesion complete response rate was 89.05% for the single scheme and 96.12% for the fractionation scheme while at the 12‐months follow‐up response rate decreased to 85.4% for the single illumination and to 93.79% for the fractionated illumination group. Looking at lesion response based on lesion grade fractionated photodynamic therapy (PDT) resulted in larger rates of cured grade I as well as grade II lesions. Recorded adverse events were transient and did not demand additional therapy.

Conclusions  Our results demonstrate that higher responses are achieved with fractionated PDT compared with single illumination PDT. The study data indicate that fewer treatment sessions may be needed with fractionated PDT increasing that way the comfort of the patient regarding number of visits, treatment cost and treatment‐related downtime.
Topical niacin cream‐assisted 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment for facial flushing: retrospective analysis of 25 Korean patients
Authors: Lee S.J. , Roh M.R. , Lee S.H. , Chung W.S. , Lee J.E. , Oh S.H. , Cho S.B.
Published: March 2011

Background  Flushing is defined clinically as a transient reddening of the face and other areas. Due to the transient nature of flushing, a patient may not show signs of flushing during laser treatment.

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment of flushing or erythema after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream.

Methods  We retrospectively reviewed a total of 25 Korean patients with facial flushing who were treated with three sessions of 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser after the application of topical niacin cream.

Results  Follow‐up results revealed that 12 of the 25 patients demonstrated marked (51–75%) clinical improvement of baseline facial erythema. Eight patients had moderate (26–50%) improvement and three demonstrated near total (≥75%) improvement. Two patients showed minimal to no (0–25%) improvement. We observed that the reactivity to topical niacin cream was markedly reduced in 64% of our patients after 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatments. Minimal post‐therapy facial oedema was noted in most of the patients, which usually resolved spontaneously within 2 days. Pronounced facial swelling was observed in four patients.

Conclusion  We suggest that 595‐nm pulsed‐dye laser treatment after provocation of flushing by topical niacin cream may provide a new treatment algorithm for facial flushing in Asians.
When the brain tames the tongue: Covert editing of inappropriate language
Authors: Severens Els , Janssens Ine , Kühn Simone , Brass Marcel , Hartsuiker Robert J.
Published: March 2011

We investigated whether speakers can use an internal channel to monitor their speech for taboo utterances and prevent these from being spoken aloud. Therefore event‐related potentials were measured while participants carried out the SLIP task. In this task, speech errors were elicited that could either result in taboo words (taboo‐eliciting trials) or neutral words (neutral‐eliciting trials). In taboo‐eliciting trials, there was an augmented negative wave around 600 ms after the pronunciation cue even though there were no overt errors. This component has previously been interpreted as reflecting conflict. These results indicate that taboo utterances can indeed be detected and corrected internally.
Preference for place‐of‐death among terminally ill cancer patients in Denmark
Authors: Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Jensen Anders Bonde , Sondergaard Jens , Sokolowski Ineta , Olesen Frede , Vedsted Peter
Published: March 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 627–636

Preference for place‐of‐death among terminally ill cancer patients in Denmark

Achieving home death is often seen as an important endpoint in palliative care, but no studies of the preferred place‐of‐death have yet been conducted in Scandinavia. Furthermore, we do not know if professionals’ report on deceased patients’ preference of place‐of‐death is a valid information. The aim of this study was to describe where terminally ill Danish cancer patients prefer to die and to determine if their preference changed during the palliative period, as reported retrospectively by bereaved relatives, general practitioners (GPs) and community nurses (CNs) and to assess the agreement of their accounts. The study was a population‐based, cross‐sectional combined register and questionnaire study in Aarhus County, Denmark. The population comprised 599 deceased adult cancer patients who had died from 1 March to 30 November 2006 and were identified through merging of health registers. Relatives returned 198 questionnaires about patients’ preferred place‐of‐death, GPs 333 and CNs 201. The study showed that most terminally ill cancer patients preferred home death (up to 80.7%). The reported preference for home death weakened as death approached (down to 64.4%). A better congruence was seen between relatives’ and GPs’ accounts of preference for place of death at the end of the palliative period (κ 0.71) than between relatives’ and CNs’ accounts (κ 0.37). In conclusion, bereaved relatives (and GPs and CNs) report retrospectively that most terminally ill cancer patients wish to die at home. The preference weakened significantly as death approached. The agreement between relatives’ and GPs’ accounts on patients’ preferences at the end of the palliative period was ‘substantial’, whereas the agreement between relatives’ and CNs’ accounts at the same time was significantly less outspoken. This indicates that CNs may be facing a problem in assessing their patients’ wishes retrospectively.
Children’s experiences of a drama programme in social and emotional learning
Authors: Joronen Katja , Häkämies Annukka , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: March 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 671–678

Children’s experiences of a drama programme in social and emotional learning

The aim of the school‐based drama programme was to enhance child social and emotional learning. The programme was implemented by class teachers or teacher–school nurse dyads among fourth and fifth graders (10–12 years old) during the school year 2007–2008. Teachers and school nurses received training before the implementation. One hundred and four students participated. The purpose of the pilot study was to explore student experiences concerning the programme and the learning experiences. After the program, questionnaires with structured and open‐ended questions were completed by 90 students (response rate 87%). Additionally, four focus group interviews were conducted. The research data were analysed statistically and by using qualitative data analysis. The quantitative results indicate that most students liked the programme and were enthusiastic about it. According to the qualitative data, students described, e.g. enhanced social and emotional learning and increased understanding of diversity and consequences of bullying. Additionally, drama transformed prosocial behaviour.
Cognitive screening tests as experienced by older hospitalised patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Krohne Kariann , Slettebø Åshild , Bergland Astrid
Published: March 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 679–687
 
Cognitive screening tests as experienced by older hospitalised patients: a qualitative study

Older people admitted to geriatric wards in hospitals are often screened for cognitive impairments. The validity and diagnostic concerns of cognitive screening tests have been subjected to comprehensive research. However, the qualitative knowledge available on how older patients themselves experience these screening tests is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the cognitive screening test experience from the older patients’ perspective. Drawing on fieldwork, qualitative interviews were performed with 18 older patients who had completed cognitive screening tests while hospitalised. Data from the interviews were analysed according to a phenomenological approach. The results were supported by Nordenfelt’s theory on dignity of identity, which underscores that dignity is related to integrity, autonomy, life history and relationships. The findings suggest that the occupational therapists’ initial presentation of the screening test is not fully understood by the older patient, leaving the patient to interpret the experience in light of the questions answered and the tasks solved in the screening. The significance of the screening may, thus, not be understood by the patient until it is over. The patients found the screening strenuous, mostly due to a felt pressure to perform. Depending on how patients assessed their own performance, feelings ranging from shame and irritation to pride and relief were stirred up. Voicing these experiences proved difficult and, for some, was even an emotional challenge. Our material reflects the impact the screening had on the older patients’ dignity. Furthermore, the threat the screening experience poses to individuals’ dignity and, more specifically, to their self‐respect should be monitored and dealt with by healthcare professionals.
St Joseph, St Peter, Jean Gerson and the Guelphs
Authors: RICHARDSON CAROL M.
Published: March 2011

The representation of St Joseph in Renaissance art has attracted scholarly attention in recent years, but not that of St Peter. Considering his prevalence in late antique and medieval art, Peter's artistic representation in the early modern period is remarkably rare. This article finds that the two saints were inextricably linked, particularly after the period of councils in the first half of the fifteenth century. It examines the significance of their conflation through the writings of Jean Gerson at the Council of Constance when the role and nature of a single pope to replace the three of the Great Schism was being debated. Joseph, as protector of the Holy Family and of the infant Jesus, was paralleled with Peter who accompanied the adult Christ: Joseph's marriage to the Virgin Mary was a model for the metaphorical marriage of Christ to his Church which he delegated Peter to look after as his vicar. Therefore Joseph was a model for the successors of Peter – the popes – to follow. The imagery was particularly relevant in a Guelph context, which ensured its prevalence until the period of the Italian Wars.
Accountability and Patterns of Alternation in Pluralitarian, Majoritarian and Consensus Democracies
Authors: Lundell Krister
Published: March 2011

One of the core values in a democracy is the possibility for citizens to bring about alternation in power if they disapprove of the governmental policy. This article examines patterns of alternation and the degree of accountability in three different democratic systems: pluralitarian (characterized by a two-party system), majoritarian (moderately fragmented party system) and consensus (very fragmented party system) democracies. The extent of non-alternation as well as wholesale alternation decreases as we move from pluralitarian to majoritarian and further on to consensus democracy. When alternation is related to election results, majoritarian systems are the most responsive ones, whereas consensus systems generate the lowest degree of accountability.
Governing Mega-Events: Tools of Security Risk Management for the FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany and London 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Jennings Will , Lodge Martin
Published: March 2011

Mega-events present a special venue for the practice of risk management. This article analyses the management of security risks in the case of two sporting mega-events, the London 2012 Olympic Games and the FIFA 2006 World Cup in Germany. To what extent do strategies and practices of risk management resemble each other across events? And what explains similarities or differences in the tools of risk management observed in each of these cases? First, this article explores three theoretical explanations for the choice of particular policy tools or instruments. Second, it introduces the tools of government approach as a means of conducting a direct comparative analysis of risk management across political and organizational settings and over time. The tools used for security risk management at the two mega-events are then compared and the different logics of tool choice are evaluated. This analytical approach offers a basis for future comparative inquiry into tools of risk management used in public and private organizations. The empirical findings highlight the particular importance of national political systems in influencing tool choice.
Where Do Distrusting Voters Turn if There is No Viable Exit or Voice Option? The Impact of Political Trust on Electoral Behaviour in the Belgian Regional Elections of June 2009
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Marien Sofie , Pauwels Teun
Published: March 2011

It has been suggested that political distrust is associated with lower levels of voter turnout and increased votes for challenger or populist parties. We investigate the relationship between political (dis)trust and electoral behaviour using the 2009 Belgian Election Study. Belgium presents an interesting case because compulsory voting (with an accompanying turnout rate of 90.4 per cent) compels distrusting voters to participate in elections. Nevertheless, distrusting voters are significantly more inclined to cast a blank or invalid vote. Second, distrust is positively associated with a preference for extreme right (Vlaams Belang) and populist (Lijst Dedecker) parties. Third, in party systems where there is no supply of viable challengers (i.e. the French-speaking region of Belgium), the effect of political trust on party preference is limited. We conclude that electoral effects of political distrust are determined by the electoral and party system and the supply of electoral protest.
Successional patterns of the insect fauna on a pig carcass in southern Italy and the role of Crematogaster scutellaris (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) as a carrion invader
Authors: BONACCI Teresa , ZETTO BRANDMAYR Tullia , BRANDMAYR Pietro , VERCILLO Vannio , PORCELLI Francesco
Published: March 2011

The sarcosaprophagous fauna plays a key role in organic matter decomposition. Moreover, the biological, ecological and behavioral specificities of the taxa are useful to reconstruct the decay history of a corpse or carcass, often back to the lethal event. Here we report the seasonal succession of the insect fauna on a pig carcass exposed in a rural area in Calabria (southern Italy) during summer 2007 and 2008. The aim is to identify and qualitatively assess the major taxa of forensic importance in this region. The principal fly invaders were Lucilia caesar (L.), L. sericata (Meigen, 1826), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), Sarcophaga (Meigen, 1826) spp. and Amobia (Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830) spp., Musca domestica (L.) and Muscina stabulans (Fallen, 1817). The primary beetle species collected in summer belonged to Dermestidae, Dermestes maculatus (De Geer, 1774) and Cleridae, Necrobia rufipes (De Geer, 1775). This paper also examined the ecological role of ants in the insect succession and describes the evidence of skin injuries directly inflicted by the acrobat ant Crematogaster (Acrocoelia) scutellaris (Olivier, 1791) (Hymenoptera Formicidae) while feeding on pig carrion. Ants belonging to two other species were also collected: Camponotus aethiops (Latreille, 1798) and Tetramorium semilaeve (André, 1881). Ants can invade carcasses and corpses directly, disrupting blowfly egg laying or preying on their larvae. Our data on the carrion faunal composition and role of ants as invaders should be useful for further forensic cases in Calabria (southern Italy). This is among the few reports of ants as forensically relevant species.
Axial Pattern Flap Based on a Cutaneous Branch of the Facial Artery in Cats
Authors: Milgram Joshua , Weiser Maya , Kelmer Efrat , Benzioni Hadas
Published: March 2011

Objective:To describe the cutaneous portion of the facial artery in cats and an axial pattern flap based on a branch of this artery.

Study Design:Ex vivo study.

Sample Population:Cat cadavers (n=12).

Methods:The common carotid artery was identified, cannulated, and infused with methylene blue to assist in the identification of the facial artery, which was subsequently cannulated and selectively infused with methylene blue. The main trunk of the artery and its branches were dissected. The extent of blue coloration of the skin was evaluated on the contralateral side of the same specimen after infusing methylene blue into the facial artery. In 4 specimens, the flap was raised along previously defined borders and adequacy of perfusion was evaluated.

Results:The area of skin perfused by the facial artery extended from the lower eyelid dorsally, to the angularis oris cranially, and the wing of the atlas caudally. Borders of the skin flap were defined on the basis of the anatomic dissection and skin coloration after selective infusion of the facial artery with methylene blue. A skin flap of 6 cm × 3.4 cm, based on the first caudally directed cutaneous branch of the facial artery was shown to be well perfused. The viability of this flap was confirmed in a clinical case.

Conclusion:The facial artery flap is useful for repair of skin defects of the head in cats.
In Vitro Comparison of Proximal Ulnar Osteotomy and Distal Ulnar Osteotomy with Release of the Interosseous Ligament in a Canine Model
Authors: Might Kelly R. , Hanzlik Kimberly A. , Case Joseph Brad , Duncan Colleen G. , Egger Erick L. , Rooney Matthew B. , Duerr Felix M.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To determine the effect of proximal ulnar osteotomy (PUO), distal ulnar osteotomy (DUO), and DUO with release of the interosseous ligament (DOLR) on displacement of the proximal ulna at the radioulnar joint.

Study Design: Experimental mechanical study.

Sample Population: Cadaveric, skeletally mature canine thoracic limb pairs (n=11).

Methods: Thoracic limbs disarticulated at the elbow were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (A) limbs were tested with no treatment (NOTX), then with PUO; (B) limbs were tested with DUO followed by DOLR. A distraction force was applied to the proximal ulna with the distal limb secured in a frame, and displacement of the proximal ulnar segment at the radioulnar joint was recorded.

Results: Mean displacement was 0.36 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0−1.12 mm) in the NOTX group, 4.68 mm (95% CI: 3.82–5.55 mm) for PUO limbs, 0.95 mm (95% CI: 0.52–1.39 mm) for the DUO group, and 4.36 mm (95% CI: 3.71–5.02 mm) for the DOLR group. Mean ulnar displacement of the DOLR group was significantly different compared with the DUO group, but there was no significant difference between the PUO and DOLR groups.

Conclusions: No significant difference was observed in displacement of the proximal ulnar segment after DOLR compared with PUO.
Locking Compression Plate Osteosynthesis of Sacral Fractures in Three Heifers
Authors: Schmid Tanja C. , Kummer Martin R. , Hagen Regine U. , Auer Jörg A. , Nuss Karl A.
Published: March 2011

Objective:To describe a technique used for reduction and internal fixation of sacral fractures in cattle.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Three heifers aged 19–32 months with deformation of the tail head and tail paralysis attributable to a closed fracture of S5 or S4 and S5.

Methods:Fractures were reduced and repaired under general anesthesia. A narrow, 6–10‐hole, locking compression plate (LCP) was placed on the spinous processes of S5 and the first coccygeal (Co1) using 5.0 mm locking head screws. Follow‐up inquiries were made by telephone (3/3), and cows were examined clinically and radiographically 2 (1 cow) to 9 (1cow) months postoperatively.

Results:No complications were encountered. The range of movement of the tail improved so that soiling of the tail during defecation was no longer a problem. In all heifers, the normal top line was restored and there was no narrowing of the pelvic canal. Unassisted calving occurred in all heifers, and follow‐up radiographs for 2 cows showed complete fracture healing.

Conclusion:LCP‐osteosynthesis of the spinous processes provided sufficient stability for internal fixation of sacral fractures. Marked improvement in tail function occurred postoperatively without decompression by laminectomy.
Desmotomy of the Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon in the Forelimb of 24 Horses 2 Years and Older
Authors: Yiannikouris Stavros , Schneider Robert K. , Sampson Sarah N. , Roberts Greg
Published: March 2011

Objective:To report outcome after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) in adult horses (≥2 years) for treatment of desmitis of the ALDDFT or flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (FDDIJ).

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Horses with desmitis of the ALDDFT (n=9) and FDDIJ (n=15).

Methods:Records (April 1996–July 2008) of 24 adult horses (mean age, 6.7 years) that had ALDDFT desmotomy were reviewed. Follow‐up data was obtained 12–120 months after desmotomy.

Results:Outcome was available for 22 horses; 18 (82%; 6 of 8 horses with desmitis of the ALDDFT and 12 of 14 with FDDIJ) returned to their intended use within 6–24 months (mean, 12 months).

Conclusion:In mature horses, ALDDFT desmotomy resulted in successful return to intended use in most horses with ALDDFT desmitis (75%) or FDDIJ (86%).
Integrating Illiquid Assets into the Portfolio Decision Process
Authors: Anglin Paul M , Gao Yanmin
Published: March 2011

We consider the issues associated with modeling the decision to invest in an illiquid asset, such as real estate, over an extended period of time. Markets for illiquid assets tend to display certain characteristics: for example, significant time‐till‐sale and correlation in the rates of return over time. More importantly, as the liquidity of a market cannot be an issue if an investor never needs to liquidate an asset, we focus on how the liquidity of a market interacts with an individual's uncertain need to liquidate. We show that the optimal strategy is state contingent, if possible. We also show that the penalty associated with an illiquid investment depends on the characteristics of other assets being held in the portfolio, on the characteristics of liquidity shocks and on the interaction between time and behavior. We show that borrowing to pay for a liquidity shock cannot overcome all of the costs of owning an illiquid asset. In contrast, borrowing at t = 0 benefits from the complementarity in the assets. In a simpler model, we show that the portfolio perspective makes illiquid assets more valuable to an investor with a longer time horizon.
The Walkability Premium in Commercial Real Estate Investments
Authors: Pivo Gary , Fisher Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2011

This article examines the effects of walkability on property values and investment returns. Walkability is the degree to which an area within walking distance of a property encourages walking for recreational or functional purposes. We use data from the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries and Walk Score to examine the effects of walkability on the market value and investment returns of more than 4,200 office, apartment, retail and industrial properties from 2001 to 2008 in the United States. We found that, all else being equal, the benefits of greater walkability were capitalized into higher office, retail and apartment values. We found no effect on industrial properties. On a 100‐point scale, a 10‐point increase in walkability increased values by 1–9%, depending on property type. We also found that walkability was associated with lower cap rates and higher incomes, suggesting it has been favored in both the capital asset and building space markets. Walkability had no significant effect on historical total investment returns. All walkable property types have the potential to generate returns as good as or better than less walkable properties, as long as they are priced correctly. Developers should be willing to develop more walkable properties as long as any additional cost for more walkable locations and related development expenses do not exhaust the walkability premium.
Corporate Transparency and Firm Growth: Evidence from Real Estate Investment Trusts
Authors: An Heng , Cook Douglas O. , Zumpano Leonard V.
Published: March 2011

Using a panel data set of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), we find corporate transparency to be positively associated with REIT growth. These results suggest that greater transparency facilitates firm growth by relaxing information‐based constraints on external financing. The magnitude of this effect is larger in the equity market than in the debt market. Moreover, the sensitivity of investment to cash flows is decreasing in transparency, evidence that transparency relaxes liquidity constraints. Finally, we find more transparent REITs are less likely to crash.
Return and Volatility Transmission in U.S. Housing Markets
Authors: Miao Hong , Ramchander Sanjay , Simpson Marc W.
Published: March 2011

This article uses the Case‐Shiller U.S. Home Price Indices to analyze spatial dependencies across 16 metropolitan markets for the period January 1989 to June 2006. Return transmission patterns establish New York, San Francisco and Miami as among the most influential markets. In terms of volatility linkages, there is a considerable amount of transmission in the East between New York, Boston and Washington, DC, and innovations in the housing markets of Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco play an influential role within their respective regions. In comparison, markets in the Central and Mountain regions appear to be relatively independent from external influences. Overall, the linkages appear to be more intensive during the active phase of the real estate market (1999–2006) than during the calm phase (1989–1998).
Entrepreneurial Effectuation: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Perry John T. , Chandler Gaylen N. , Markova Gergana
Published: March 2011

Effectuation represents a paradigmatic shift in the way that we understand entrepreneurship. Since its introduction, however, few researchers have attempted to empirically test effectuation. Our purpose is to encourage effectuation research. To do so, we review the effectuation literature and make suggestions for how to design and conduct empirically rigorous effectuation studies consistent with the developmental state of the research stream.
The Emotional Embeddedness of Corporate Entrepreneurship: The Case of Envy
Authors: Biniari Marina G.
Published: March 2011

This article argues for the emotional embeddedness of the entrepreneurial act as a moderator of its social embeddedness. Building on the theoretical grounds of the sociology of emotions, we propose the study of entrepreneurial affect as an element of the social–emotional interaction between the entrepreneur and the others who are influenced by the entrepreneurial process. The empirical context of corporate entrepreneurship is used to illustrate how the emotion cycle around the entrepreneurial act, involving the emotions of corporate entrepreneurs and others, indicates the emotional embeddedness of the latter. The emergence of envy toward members of two venturing programs is used to exemplify low levels of emotional and consequently social embeddedness.
Can a preservationist ideology halt the process of creative destruction? Evidence from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Authors: Halpern Claire , Mitchell Clare J. A.
Published: March 2011

For more than 50 years, rural municipalities across the developed world have struggled to redefine themselves in the face of declining primary sector employment. In some places, this struggle has led to the creation of landscapes that provide heritage‐seekers with tangible commodities and intangible experiences reflecting a by‐gone past. Recent research suggests that these post‐productivist heritage‐scapes may evolve into leisure‐scapes of mass consumption, if profit or economic growth are the key motives underlying development (Mitchell and Vanderwerf 2010). This article questions whether a dominant ideology of preservation can prevent this scenario. We studied Salt Spring Island, British Columbia: (i) to determine if the island displays the characteristics of a heritage‐scape, (ii) to discover if a preservationist ideology has contributed to its current state, and (iii) to ponder if this state can be maintained, in light of recent regional and provincial discourse. Our analysis reveals that the creation, and maintenance, of this heritage‐scape has been guided largely by public discourse underlain by a preservationist ideology. This prolonged state, however, may be drawing to an end. Recent provincial directives to double tourist revenues suggest that local (and regional) discourse soon may be overshadowed by the province's mandate to promote economic growth. The response of local stakeholders will ultimately dictate the Island's ability to maintain its present state as a post‐productivist heritage‐scape.
Prevalence of Undiagnosed and Suboptimally Controlled Diabetes by Point‐of‐care HbA1C in Unselected Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Menchine Michael D. , Arora Sanjay , Camargo Carlos A. , Ginde Adit A.
Published: March 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:326–329 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to estimate the glycemic control of patients with known diabetes and to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in an unselected emergency department (ED) population. Secondary objectives include evaluating the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in high‐risk groups of ED patients such as Hispanic patients, African Americans, and patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Methods:  A convenience sample of adult ED patients was screened for diabetes using a National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program–certified point‐of‐care (POC) glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) meter at a single academic medical center during eight 24‐hour periods. Diabetes was defined as HbA1C ≥ 6.5%, consistent with new American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines.

Results:  Of the 1,611 patients evaluated in the ED during the study period, 313 were included in the study sample. Of these, 15% reported a history of diabetes, 42% of whom were suboptimally controlled. An additional 14% of the study sample was found to have previously undiagnosed diabetes. In our limited sample, the prevalence of previously undiagnosed diabetes in Hispanics, African Americans, and patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was 14, 27, and 22%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Patients in our sample had a high prevalence of suboptimally controlled and undiagnosed diabetes. New POC HbA1C devices and simplified diagnostic criteria for diabetes significantly enhance the possibility of ED‐based screening programs. Future research should validate our findings in a broader array of EDs and study the acceptance of such ED‐based diabetes screening programs.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1–4 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Does the peritumoral stroma of basal cell carcinoma recapitulate the follicular connective tissue sheath?
Authors: Sellheyer Klaus , Krahl Dieter
Published: March 2011

Background: There are compelling embryologic and anatomic relationships within adnexal tumors. However, these are mostly perceived within the epithelial component while the stromal component of the tumors is frequently overlooked. In postnatal skin, nestin is almost exclusively expressed in the perifollicular mesenchyme. This study examines the expression of this neuroepithelial stem cell protein in trichoblastoma/trichoepithelioma and in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is increasingly being viewed as follicular in nature.

Methods: We employed standard immunohistochemical methods with three different antibodies to examine the expression of nestin in 25 BCCs and compared the staining pattern with that of 7 trichoblastomas and 11 trichoepitheliomas.

Results: Nestin is expressed in the peritumoral stroma of all tumors examined and is limited to the immediate layer of mesenchymal cells surrounding the tumor epithelium. In BCC, nestin‐immunoreactive cells are found as a sheath of thin, spindled fibroblasts, while reactive cells are plump in trichoepitheliomas/trichoblastomas.

Conclusions: We postulate that the peritumoral stroma of BCC imitates the perifollicular connective tissue sheath, while in contrast that of trichoepithelioma/trichoblastoma is similar to the papillary and immediate peripapillary follicular mesenchyme. Further functional and animal experimental studies are needed to test this hypothesis.

Sellheyer K, Krahl D. Does the peritumoral stroma of basal cell carcinoma recapitulate the follicular connective tissue sheath? A comparative analysis of nestin expression in basal cell carcinoma, trichoepithelioma, trichoblastoma and the hair follicle.
Assessing habitat suitability for tiger in the fragmented Terai Arc Landscape of India and Nepal
Authors: Kanagaraj Rajapandian , Wiegand Thorsten , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie , Anwar Meraj , Goyal Surendra P.
Published: March 2011

TigerPanthera tigrispopulations have declined dramatically in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL; India and Nepal), and remaining populations are highly fragmented and endangered. As part of a research program to aid tiger management by identifying critical areas for conservation, we aimed to 1) identify the factors which affect the distribution of tigers in the TAL; 2) explore the role of spatial scale in habitat selection; 3) map potentially suitable habitats; and 4) assess the quality of potential corridors linking suitable habitats. We used an approach based on presence and pseudo‐absence data, combining ecological niche factor analysis and generalized linear models. We used an information‐theoretic approach to compare our data on tiger presence with different hypotheses on tiger habitat selection (i.e. protective habitat, prey species, human disturbance), and spatial scales. All hypotheses yielded models with high prediction accuracy (>79%). The most parsimonious model included variables characterizing habitat suitability of the 2 main prey species. More detailed assessment of potentially suitable areas using an extended source‐sink approach suggested that most of the habitats outside the protected areas were attractive sink‐like habitats (i.e. they suffered high levels of human disturbance in otherwise good habitats). Overall, 24% (ca 18 500 km2) of the study area was predicted as suitable (probability cut‐off p>0.5), approximately 7% of which is under protection. Our models showed that protecting the remaining concentrations of tigers requires focusing management efforts on specific areas outside the currently protected areas. These are characterized by good natural suitability; however, they suffer from a high level of human disturbance. Our models underscore the importance of minimizing human disturbances in these areas to avoid that they act as attractive sinks but act as corridors between existing subpopulations.
A review of ecological models for brown trout: towards a new demogenetic model
Authors: Frank Béatrice M. , Piccolo John J. , Baret Philippe V.
Published: March 2011

Abstract – Ecological models for stream fish range in scale from individual fish to entire populations. They have been used to assess habitat quality and to predict the demographic and genetic responses to management or disturbance. In this paper, we conduct the first comprehensive review and synthesis of the vast body of modelling literature on the brown trout,Salmo truttaL., with the aim of developing the framework for a demogenetic model, i.e., a model integrating both population dynamics and genetics. We use a bibliometric literature review to identify two main categories of models: population ecology (including population dynamics and population genetics) and population distribution (including habitat–hydraulic and spatial distribution). We assess how these models have previously been applied to stream fish, particularly brown trout, and how recent models have begun to integrate them to address two key management and conservation questions: (i) How can we predict fish population responses to management intervention? and (ii) How is the genetic structure of fish populations influenced by landscape characteristics? Because salmonid populations tend to show watershed scale variation in both demographic and genetic traits, we propose that models combining demographic, genetic and spatial data are promising tools for improving their management and conservation. We conclude with a framework for an individual‐based, spatially explicit demogenetic model that we will apply to stream‐dwelling brown trout populations in the near future.