bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability and Genome-Wide Linkage Scan of Subjective Happiness
Authors: Bartels Meike , Saviouk Viatcheslav , de Moor Marleen H. M. , Willemsen Gonneke , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , de Geus Eco J. C. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: April 2010

Causes of individual differences in happiness, as assessed with the Subjective Happiness Scale, are investigated in a large of sample twins and siblings from the Netherlands Twin Register. Over 12,000 twins and siblings, average age 24.7 years (range 12 to 88), took part in the study. A genetic model with an age by sex design was fitted to the data with structural equation modeling in Mx. The heritability of happiness was estimated at 22% for males and 41% in females. No effect of age was observed. To identify the genomic regions contributing to this heritability, a genome-wide linkage study for happiness was conducted in sibling pairs. A subsample of 1157 offspring from 441 families was genotyped with an average of 371 micro-satellite markers per individual. Phenotype and genotype data were analyzed in MERLIN with multipoint variance component linkage analysis and age and sex as covariates. A linkage signal (logarithm of odds score 2.73, empirical p value 0.095) was obtained at the end of the long arm of chromosome 19 for marker D19S254 at 110 cM. A second suggestive linkage peak was found at the short arm of chromosome 1 (LOD of 2.37) at 153 cM, marker D1S534 (empirical p value of .209). These two regions of interest are not overlapping with the regions found for contrasting phenotypes (such as depression, which is negatively associated with happiness). Further linkage and future association studies are warranted.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 (CDKL5) Mutation Screening in Rett Syndrome and Related Disorders
Authors: White Rose , Ho Gladys , Schmidt Swetlana , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Fischer Alexandra , Yendle Simone C. , Bienvenu Thierry , Nectoux Juliette , Ellaway Carolyn J. , Darmanian Artur , Tong XingZhang , Cloosterman Desiree , Bennetts Bruce , Kalra Veena , Fullston Tod , Gecz Jozef , Cox Timothy C. , Christodoulou John
Published: April 2010

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder affecting females almost exclusively and is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene have been found in up to 95% of classical RTT cases and a lesser proportion of atypical cases. Recently, mutations in another X-linked gene, CDKL5 (cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5) have been found to cause atypical RTT, in particular the early onset seizure (Hanefeld variant) and one female with autism. In this study we screened several cohorts of children for CDKL5 mutations, totaling 316 patients, including individuals with a clinical diagnosis of RTT but who were negative for MECP2 mutations (n = 102), males with X-linked mental retardation (n = 9), patients with West syndrome (n = 52), patients with autism (n = 59), patients with epileptic encephalopathy (n = 33), patients with Aicardi syndrome (n = 7) and other patients with intellectual disability with or without seizures (n = 54). In all, seven polymorphic variations and four de novo mutations (c.586C>T [p.S196L]; c.58G>C [p.G20R]; c.2504delC [p.P835fs]; deletion of exons 1 - 3) were identified, and in all instances of the latter the clinical phenotype was that of an epileptic encephalopathy. These results suggest that pathogenic CDKL5 mutations are unlikely to be identified in the absence of severe early-onset seizures and highlight the importance of screening for large intragenic and whole gene deletions.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Height and Body Mass Index in Australian Twin Families
Authors: Liu Jimmy Z. , Medland Sarah E. , Wright Margaret J. , Henders Anjali K. , Heath Andrew C. , Madden Pamela A. F. , Duncan Alexis , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , McRae Allan F.
Published: April 2010

Human height and body mass index are influenced by a large number of genes, each with small effects, along with environment. To identify common genetic variants associated with these traits, we performed genome-wide association studies in 11,536 individuals composed of Australian twins, family members, and unrelated individuals at ∼550,000 genotyped SNPs. We identified a single genome-wide significant variant for height (Pvalue = 1.06 × 10–9) located inHHIP, a well-replicated height-associated gene. Suggestive levels of association were found for other known genes associated with height (Pvalues < 1 × 10–6):ADAMTSL3,EFEMP1,GPR126, andHMGA2; and BMI (Pvalues < 1 × 10–4):FTOandMC4R. Together, these variants explain less than 2% of total phenotypic variation for height and 0.5% for BMI.
Exploring Genetic and Environmental Influences on Miscarriage Rates: A Twin Study
Authors: Burri Andrea V. , Cherkas Lynn , Spector Timothy D.
Published: April 2010

Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, occurring in up to 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Our understanding of the etiology is still limited but is believed to be multifactorial, including endocrine and anatomical abnormalities, immunologic, genetic and lifestyle factors. The aim of this study was to explore whether genetic variability in miscarriage is under any genetic influence. 3234 MZ and DZ female twins completed postal self-completion questionnaires on pregnancies. Rates were adjusted for total number of pregnancies. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variation in miscarriage was assessed using twin intra-pair correlations and quantified using a variance components model fitting approach. We found 22.7% of our twins reporting having suffered at least one miscarriage. Current age, age at first pregnancy and higher number of pregnancies all had a significant influence on reported miscarriage. The concordance of miscarriage was similar in identical and non-identical twins, 26% and 27%, respectively. Shared environment and predominantly random error and unique environment rather than genetic factors best explained the total variation of miscarriage. To our knowledge, this is the first large twin study exploring heritability of miscarriage which unlike the vast majority of common variable traits, shows no significant genetic influence. In the absence of clear environmental factors, these results suggest the influence of random factors.
Temporal and Territorial Analysis of Multiple Deliveries in Spain (1900–2006)
Authors: Fuster Vicente , Zuluaga Pilar , Román-Busto Jorge , Colantonio Sonia E.
Published: April 2010

Temporal variations in the frequency of multiple maternities in many Western European countries have been described. However, within a single country, regional differences are observed. Urban industrialized regions and rural agricultural areas have experienced in recent decades a distinct decline in multiple deliveries, which in cases have been related to maternal age and parity changes. Research on multiple deliveries in Spain is scarce and none of the studies go back to the beginning of the 20th century or consider regional variation over an extended period of time. The present paper is a yearly study on multiple deliveries in Spain since 1900 including a geographical analysis. Rather than dealing with recent changes in multi-parity, this paper is concerned with Spain's long-term national variation (between 1900 and 2006). The changing pattern of double and triple deliveries was analyzed using data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). Twinning rates in Spain are low in comparison to those of equivalent periods in other countries, and the minimum rates correspond to the 1980s decade. Results were interpreted by taking into account the influence of age at maternity and reproductive variation up to 1990. A good fit between observed and predicted rates was obtained after the application of models, which besides maternal age and parity, include their interaction. Regarding territorial variability, the values corresponding to southern, northern and insular Spanish provinces are consistent with an earlier reduction of the crude birth rate in the north-east regions and latter in the southern regions and the Canary Islands.
Experimental and Numerical Analyses of Fatigue Behavior of Welded Cruciform Joints
Authors: Erny C. , Thévenet D. , Cognard J. Y. , Korner M.
Published: April 2010

Ship structures are commonly assembled by using welding process. Due to the swell, all ships are submitted to some variable and complex loadings. The welding process creates specific geometries at the weld toe where local stress concentrations are generated and also creates various mechanical properties in the heat affected zone. Accordingly, welded joints could be a critical area for fatigue damage. In a previous work, a methodology to predict fatigue life has been developed and tested on butt-welded joints. To go further, the present work focuses on more complex assemblies in order to validate this strategy and be able to estimate the fatigue life of representative naval structures. First, the methodology consists of the elastic shakedown study and then of a post-treatment which predicts the fatigue crack initiation. A comparison between experimental and numerical results is proposed in order to present the accuracy of the proposed strategy to predict fatigue life time of welded assemblies typical of shipbuilding applications.
ModalCAD—Interactive Dynamic Characteristic Identification Software for Experimental and Operational Modal Analysis of Engineering Structures
Authors: Şahin Abdurrahman , Bayraktar Alemdar
Published: April 2010

In this paper the development of interactive and comparative dynamic characteristic identification software titled as the ModalCAD is described. The software is developed for vibration monitoring of civil engineering structures and constructed by using MATLAB, which is a mathematical tool developed by The Mathworks. The modal analysis of structures consists of four distinct steps: Data collection, digital signal processing, determination of the modal parameters (eigenfrequencies, damping ratios, mode shapes, and modal scaling factors) with modal data presentation/validation and model updating. The ModalCAD software is a powerful tool that deals with modal parameter identification and validation procedure. The ModalCAD offers extensive functionalities for the visualization and processing of the measurement data, the identification of system models, and the determination and visualization of the structure’s modal parameters. The program disposes of a graphical user interface, which what makes it very intuitive and easy to handle. The most common modal parameter estimation techniques have been used in the ModalCAD. The Operating Vectors method, Complex Exponential method, and Polyreference Time Domain method are implemented in a user-friendly way. By pushing buttons the user is guided through the whole process of input-output and output-only modal analysis: Preprocessing the data, system identification, extracting modal parameters, animating mode shapes, and evaluating model validation tools. The possibilities of the program are demonstrated with a three dimensional frame model. It can be said that the ModalCAD software can be used as a scientific tool in future structural health monitoring studies of researchers.
Der deutsche Bauernverband 1945 bis 1990. Vom Gestus des Unbedingten zur Rettung durch Europa
Authors: Patel Kiran Klaus
Published: April 2010

Vorspann

Der Deutsche Bauernverband gilt als erzkonservativ, stur interessenorientiert und europaskeptisch – als altmodische Lobby mit Stallgeruch. Die Wirklichkeit sieht anders aus, wie der in Florenz lehrende Historiker Kiran Klaus Patel in einem zupackenden Essay zu zeigen vermag. Der DBV entpuppte sich – trotz mancher derber Anleihen beim rechten Lager – rasch als Stütze der Bonner Demokratie, und er verstand es früher und besser als andere Interessenverbände, die Chancen zu nutzen, die Brüssel und der gemeinsame Agrarmarkt boten.
Des Kaisers Fünfte Kolonne? Kriegsgefangene aus dem Zarenreich im Kalkül deutscher Kolonisationskonzepte (1914 bis 1922)
Authors: Nagornaja Oxana
Published: April 2010

Vorspann

Dass das Deutsche Reich während des Ersten Weltkriegs Russland zu unterminieren und auszuschalten suchte, indem es das Unabhängigkeitsstreben der Polen, Balten, Ukrainer und anderer Ethnien im Russischen Reich förderte, ist seit langem bekannt. Weniger bekannt ist dagegen, dass die deutsche Armee auch die Kriegsgefangenen aus der Zarenarmee in diesem Sinne beeinflussen und instrumentalisieren wollte. Auf der Grundlage unbekannter deutscher Quellen vermittelt die Autorin erstmals eine Vorstellung von der Dimension dieses Unternehmens, von seinen Erfolgen und Misserfolgen und schließlich auch von seinen Konsequenzen, die so ganz anders waren, als es sich die deutsche Seite erhofft hatte.
Ein Cheers auf das schlechte Gewissen. Gesellschaftliche Trinkkultur und Geschmacksverfall in der amerikanischen Prohibitionszeit 1920 bis 1933
Authors: Welskopp Thomas
Published: April 2010

Vorspann

Amerika sollte trocken sein, erlebte aber nach 1920 die Herausbildung einer neuen Trinkkultur, die wiederum der modernen Konsumgesellschaft zum Durchbruch verhalf. Alkohol avancierte zu einer Art Modedroge, die nicht zuletzt in den urbanen Mittelklassen viel Anklang fand, dort aber – aller rauschhaften Hingabe und rhetorischen Dicktuerei zum Trotz – nur mit schlechtem Gewissen konsumiert wurde. Thomas Welskopp, ein in Bielefeld lehrender Historiker, schildert diese schalen Exzesse und begibt sich damit auf die Spuren von Sinclair Lewis, der die Ambivalenz der amerikanischen Prohibitionszeit in seinen Romanen meisterhaft beschrieben hat.
Risk-stratified screening for diabetes in adult subjects: results of the first investigation in Hungary
Authors: Winkler Gábor , Hidvégi Tibor , Vándorfi Győző , Jermendy György
Published: April 2010

A cukorbetegség − különösen 2-es típusú formája − előfordulása világszerte fokozatosan nő, ezt tükrözik a hazai adatok is. A késői prognózis szempontjából meghatározó jelentőségű érszövődmények megelőzésének, illetve késleltetésének egyik előfeltétele az anyagcserezavar időben történő kórismézése. Ezt segítheti a célzott szűrés, költség-hatékonysági szempontokat szem előtt tartva elsősorban a diabetesre fokozott kockázattal rendelkezők körében. A Magyar Diabetes Társaság, a 77 Elektronika Kft. támogatásával, az országban először, kockázatalapú szűrővizsgálatot indított az alapellátásban dolgozók bevonásával. A szűrés két lépésben történt. Első fázisában a nemzetközileg validált FINDRISC kérdőív magyar változatának kitöltésére került sor, a kérdésekre adott válaszokat pontozási rendszerrel értékeltük (maximálisan elérhető pontszám 26). A ≥12 pontértékkel rendelkező személyek esetében az Egészségügyi Világszervezet előírásait követve éhomi vércukorvizsgálat, kétes értéke esetén 75 grammos glükózterhelés történt, vénás plazmából történő, laboratóriumban végzett vércukormérésekkel. A szűrővizsgálatban 2008. április 1.–2009. március 31. között 8921 személy (59,7% nő, 40,3% férfi) vett részt. A ≥12 pontszámmal rendelkező 4286 személy [életkor: 53,4±11,4 év, testtömegindex (BMI): 29,9±4,9 kg/m
2
, haskörfogat: 101,1±12,7 cm] közül 3733 (87,1%) az éhomi vércukor meghatározása alapján normális glükóztoleranciájúnak bizonyult, míg 283 főnél (6,6%) IFG, 122 esetben (2,85%) IFG, 19 személynél (0,44%) izolált IGT volt megállapítható. Manifeszt, de a szűrés megtörténtéig nem ismert diabetest ismertünk fel 129 személy (3,01%) esetében. Ha a laboratóriumi vizsgálat szükségességét jelentő ponthatárt magasabb értékben (≥15, illetve ≥20 pont) határoztuk meg, nőtt a glükózintoleranciában szenvedők aránya. Az antropometriai paraméterek közül legkifejezettebben a BMI növelte a kóros pontszám-kategóriába kerülés esélyét [egységnyi (1 kg/m
2
) BMI-növekedés a kockázatot 24,7%-kal növelte (95%-os megbízhatósági tartomány: 23,3–26,2%)]. A kockázatalapú diabetesszűrés egyszerű és hatékony módszer a szénhidrátanyagcsere-zavarok korai felismerésére, ezért annak szélesebb körű, egészségbiztosítói támogatással történő bevezetése indokolt.
Fetal pain and intrauterine analgesia/anesthesia – long-term pathologic effects, causes and alleviation of intrauterine pain
Authors: Deli Tamás , Szeverényi Péter
Published: April 2010

A magzat intrauterin élete során és perinatalisan számos, potenciálisan fájdalmas beavatkozáson eshet át. Az elmúlt években a magzati fájdalom létével és csillapításának szükségességével foglalkozó tudományos állásfoglalások kereteit túllépve széles körű társadalmi, politikai, vallási, erkölcsi, filozófiai vita bontakozott ki – leginkább a művi abortusz során a magzat által megélt szenvedést helyezve a középpontba. Munkánkban összefoglaljuk a magzati fájdalommal kapcsolatos orvosi szakirodalomban fellelhető ismereteket. AzOrvosi Hetilap11. számában megjelent cikkben definiáltuk a fájdalmat, majd a szubjektív fájdalomérzet kialakulásában szerepet játszó neuroanatómiai struktúrák rövid ismertetése után utóbbiak ontogenezis során bekövetkező fejlődését ismertettük. Ezt követően a noxa kiváltotta stresszválasz objektív (neuroendokrin-vegetatív, cardiovascularis, reflexes és viselkedési) komponensének intrauterin megfigyelhető bizonyítékait vettük sorra. Ebben a második közleményben részletesen tárgyaljuk a korai fájdalom- és stresszélmény későbbi életkorban tapasztalható hosszú távú patológiás hatásait. Végül áttekintjük a magzatnak fájdalmat és stresszt okozni képes prae- és perinatalis beavatkozásokat, valamint az elméletileg lehetséges és a szülészeti gyakorlatban is alkalmazható intrauterin fájdalomcsillapító eljárások körét.
Patient information and results of training program in the treatment of plantar fasciitis
Authors: Szabó Gábor , Marcsik Ákos , Farkas Csaba
Published: April 2010

A sarokfájdalmak egyik leggyakoribb okozója a plantaris fasciitis. Kezelésére számos nem invazív eljárás ismert, amelyek gyakran nem hozzák meg a várt eredményt. Ilyen esetekben elhamarkodottan kerülhet sor helyi szteroidinfiltrációra vagy a műtéti beavatkozásra.
Célkitűzés:
Kidolgoztunk egy könnyen elsajátítható, otthon alkalmazható betegtájékoztató-tréning programot, melynek hatásosságát kívántuk vizsgálni a hagyományos kezelésünkkel összevetve.
Módszer:
A program Achilles-ín- és plantarisfascia-nyújtó, masszázs- és krioterápiás gyakorlatokat tartalmaz, cipőviselési tanácsokat nyújt, amelyet saját képanyagunkkal illusztráltunk. A betegeinket 3 különböző csoportra osztva kezeltük.
Eredmények:
Hathetes kezelést követően a csak iontoforézist kapott betegekhez képest lényegesen javultak a boka- és lábízületi funkciók, ezzel párhuzamosan a betegek panaszai jobban csökkentek a gyógytorna hatására.
Következtetés:
Az általunk kidolgozott betegtájékoztató-tréning program hasznos segítség a mindennapi ortopédiai és a háziorvosi gyakorlat számára is. Műtéti kezelés csak korrektül véghezvitt és eredménytelen konzervatív kezelés után jöhet szóba.
Primary care research in Hungary. Results and experiences in comparison with Europe
Authors: Kalabay László
Published: April 2010

A közlemény a magyar alapellátási rendszerben korábban körzeti, ma háziorvosok által végzett tudományos kutatások történetét, eredményeit és a jelenlegi helyzetet tekinti át, előremutató javaslatokkal a jövőre nézve. Beavatja az olvasót ennek a területnek sajátosságaiba, vizsgálómódszereibe, céljaiba. Áttekinti és összehasonlítja az Európában és Magyarországon vizsgált kutatási témákat, eredményeket, infrastrukturális különbségeket és perspektívákat, információt ad a téma iránt érdeklődő olvasónak a további tájékozódás forrásaihoz.
High prevalence and association of HIV-1 non-B subtype with specific sexual transmission risk among antiretroviral naïve patients in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Authors: Dias Cláudia Fontoura , Nunes Cynara Carvalho , Freitas Isabela Osório , Lamego Isabel Saraiva , Oliveira Ilda Maria Rodrigues de , Gilli Sabrina , Rodrigues Rosângela , Brigido Luis Fernando
Published: April 2010

In South Brazil the circulation of two HIV-1 subtypes with different characteristics represents an important scenario for the study of the impact of HIV-1 diversity on the evolution of the HIV-1 epidemic and AIDS disease. HIV-1 B, the predominant variant in industrialized countries and HIV-1 C, the most prevalent subtype in areas with rapid epidemic growth, are implicated in most infections. We evaluated blood samples from 128 antiretroviral (ARV) naïve patients recruited at entry to the largest HIV outpatient service in Porto Alegre. Based on partial pol region sequencing, HIV-1 C was observed in 29%, HIV-1 B in 22.6% and, the recently identified CRF31_BC, in 23.4% of 128 volunteers. Other variants were HIV-1 F in 10% and other mosaics in 5.5%. In order to evaluate the association of socio-behavioral characteristics and HIV-1 subtypes, interviews and laboratory evaluation were performed at entry. Our data suggest an established epidemic of the three major variants, without any evidence of partitioning in either of the subgroups analyzed. However, anal sex practices were associated with subtype B, which could indicate a greater transmissibility of non-B variants by vaginal intercourse. This study provides baseline information for epidemiologic surveillance of the changes of the molecular characteristics of HIV-1 epidemics in this region.
HTLV- I infection is not associated with a higher risk of death in peruvian HIV-infected patients
Authors: Collins Jaime A. , Hernández Adrián V. , Hidalgo José A. , Salazar Raúl
Published: April 2010

Limited and contradictory information exists regarding the prognosis of HIV/HTLV-I co-infection. Our goal was to estimate the effect of HTLV-I infection on mortality in HIV-infected patients at a HIV reference center in Peru. We studied a retrospective cohort of HIV-infected patients, who were exposed or unexposed to HTLV-I. Exposed patients were Western Blot (WB) positive for both retroviruses. Unexposed patients were WB positive for HIV, and had least one negative EIA for HTLV-I. These were selected among patients who entered our Program immediately before and after each exposed patient, between January 1990 and June 2004. Survival time was considered between the diagnosis of exposure to HTLV-I and death or censoring. Confounding variables were age, gender, baseline HIV clinical stage, baseline CD4+ T cell count, and antiretroviral therapy. We studied 50 exposed, and 100 unexposed patients. Exposed patients had a shorter survival compared to unexposed patients [median survival: 47 months (95% CI: 17-77) vs. 85 months (95% CI: 70-100), unadjusted p = 0.06]. Exposed patients had a higher rate of mortality compared to unexposed patients (HIV/HTLV-I (24/50 [48%]) vs. HIV only (37/100 [37%]), univariable p = 0.2]. HTLV-I exposure was not associated to a higher risk of death in the adjusted analysis: HR: 1.2 (0.4-3.5). AIDS clinical stage and lack of antiretroviral therapy were associated to a higher risk of dying. In conclusions, HTLV-I infection was not associated with a higher risk of death in Peruvian HIV-infected patients. Advanced HIV infection and lack of antiretroviral therapy may explain the excess of mortality in this population.
Antiviral activity of the green marine alga Ulva fasciata on the replication of human metapneumovirus
Authors: Mendes Gabriella da Silva , Soares Angélica Ribeiro , Martins Fernanda Otaviano , Albuquerque Maria Carolina Maciel de , Costa Sonia Soares , Yoneshigue-Valentin Yocie , Gestinari Lísia Mônica de Souza , Santos Norma , Romanos Maria Teresa Villela
Published: April 2010

We evaluated the antiviral activity of the marine alga, Ulva fasciata, collected from Rasa beach and Forno beach, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the replication of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The algae extracts were prepared using three different methodologies to compare the activity of different groups of chemical composites obtained through these different methodologies. Four out of the six extracts inhibited nearly 100% of viral replication. The results demonstrated that the majority of the extracts (five out of six) possess virucidal activity and therefore have the ability to interact with the extracellular viral particles and prevent the infection. On the other hand, only two extracts (from Forno beach, obtained by maceration and maceration of the decoction) were able to interact with cell receptors, hindering the viral entry. Finally, only the extract of algae collected at Forno beach, obtained by maceration presented intracellular activity. To our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on antiviral activity of marine algae against HMPV. It is also the first on antiviral activity against HMPV ever done in Brazil. The study also shows the effect of different environment factors and different chemical procedures used to obtain the extract on its biological properties.
The Platinum Development Initiative: Platinum-Based Alloys for High Temperature and Special Applications: Part IV
Authors: Potgieter J. H. , Maledi N. B. , Sephton M. , Cornish L. A.
Published: April 2010

Under the Platinum Development Initiative, platinum-based alloys were being developed for high-temperature and special applications for good corrosion and oxidation resistance. Parts I–III of the present series of papers dealt with the development of the ternary and quaternary Pt alloys (–). In this final paper (Part IV), the corrosion behaviour of selected Pt alloys treated with sodium sulfate salt was compared with that of coated and uncoated CMSX-4®nickel-based superalloy (NBSA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that protective alumina scales of different integrities formed on the Pt alloys, whereas the NBSAs failed rapidly even with an additional Ptaluminide protective coating. Although there were pits on the Pt alloys, they were minor and not visible to the unaided eye. The potential for application of these Pt alloys in the aerospace gas turbine industry was assessed based on their hot corrosion performance.
‘Ossification’– A Novel Approach for Immobilisation of Platinum Group Metal Complex Catalysts
Authors: Sarkar Bibhas R. , Chaudhari Raghunath V.
Published: April 2010

The technique known as ‘ossification’ has emerged as one of the most promising approaches for immobilisation of metal complexes, generating highly selective, stable and recyclable heterogeneous counterparts of homogeneous catalysts.‘Ossification’ involves modifying the ligand(s) in a metal complex catalyst to achieve inherently insoluble forms of the metal complexes, without destroying the configuration responsible for their catalytic properties. The ossified catalysts have been demonstrated to show high catalytic activity and selectivity for a number of industrially important reaction classes such as palladium-catalysed carbonylation and Suzuki coupling and rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation. The characterisation of these catalysts has also shown that the key features of their homogeneous metal complex analogues are retained on immobilisation. The approach is very useful for the design and development of immobilised catalysts with specific features and functionality for various applications. It is also advantageous for catalyst–product separation. This article reviews the recent work on ossification involving platinum group metal complex catalysts in our research group.
Niche differentiation and neutral theory: an integrated perspective on shrub assemblages in a parkland savanna
Authors: Stokes C. J. , Archer S. R.
Published: April 2010

Investigations of structure in ecological communities need to move beyond the dichotomy between niche and neutral theory to broader conceptual frameworks that accommodate both neutral stochastic and biological structuring processes in organizing species assemblages. We propose and test a framework that integrates niche and neutral‐assembly perspectives and determines their relative contributions in structuring diverse shrub species assemblages in a parkland savanna. Our approach proposes that stochastic dispersal processes initially govern the assemblage of species in discrete shrub clusters developing in grassland, but that community structure subsequently develops through the progressive action of first positive, then negative interactions among species. A comparison of observed patterns of occurrence and niche models for 12 shrub cluster species against neutral predictions revealed that neutral stochastic, island biogeographic processes accounted for most patterns of species occurrence. One species showed strong evidence of successional differentiation, whereas evidence of slight recruitment biases for five others was equivocal. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of an approach that accommodates contributions of both neutral and niche assembly rather than assuming either process alone is sufficient to account for community structure. Further development and testing of robust and falsifiable neutral theory will allow ecologists to critically evaluate the relative roles of niche differentiation and neutral, stochastic processes in structuring communities.
Leaves of pioneer and later‐successional trees have similar lifetime carbon gain in tropical secondary forest
Authors: Selaya N. Galia , Anten Niels P. R.
Published: April 2010

Different life history strategies among tropical rain forest species are generally related to inherent trade‐offs in leaf and crown traits, with early‐successional species having traits that facilitate high productivity but a relatively wasteful use of resources and shade‐tolerant later‐successional species exhibiting the opposite strategy. But the degree to which these trait differences contribute to short‐ and long‐term carbon gain of different species that coexist in natural forest has not been quantitatively scaled. We applied a canopy model in combination with measurements of canopy structure, mass distribution, and leaf photosynthesis to determine whole‐plant daily photosynthesis (Ppl) of individuals of three short‐lived pioneers (SLP), four later‐successional species, and three lianas growing together in a 0.5‐, 2‐, and 3‐yr‐old secondary tropical forest stand. Whole‐plant daily photosynthesis per unit leaf mass (Plfm) and aboveground mass (Pm) were assumed to indicate daily returns on investment at the leaf and crown level. By integrating these calculations with measured leaf longevities, we determined the lifetime carbon gain per unit leaf mass. Vegetation height and leaf area index increased with stand age. Two of the SLPs, Trema and Ochroma, increasingly dominated the top of the vegetation. In the 0.5‐yr‐old stand, these species also had the highest Pm and Plfm values. Whole‐plant daily photosynthesis per unit leaf mass tended to decline with stand age but much more strongly so in the later‐successional species than in the SLP. Leaf longevity was not significantly correlated with individual leaf traits (e.g., specific leaf area or leaf N content) but was strongly and negatively correlated with Plfm in the youngest stand. Later‐successional species had considerably greater leaf longevities than SLP. Lifetime carbon gain per unit leaf mass, however, was relatively similar between the different species. Thus due to the strong negative correlation that exists between daily leaf productivity (Plfm) and longevity, short‐lived pioneers and later‐successional species achieve similar lifetime carbon gain per unit leaf mass in natural secondary forest. This could help explain why the slower‐growing later‐successional species are able to persist during the first years of succession.
Photoacclimatization by the coral Montastraea cavernosa in the mesophotic zone: light, food, and genetics
Authors: Lesser Michael P. , Slattery Marc , Stat Michael , Ojimi Michiko , Gates Ruth D. , Grottoli Andrea
Published: April 2010

Most studies on coral reefs have focused on shallow reef (<30 m) systems due to the technical limitations of conducting scientific diving deeper than 30 m. Compared to their shallow‐water counterparts, these mesophotic coral reefs (30–150 m) are understudied, which has slowed our broader understanding of the biodiversity, ecology, and connectivity of shallow and deep coral reef communities. We know that the light environment is an important component of the productivity, physiology, and ecology of corals, and it restricts the distribution of most species of coral to depths of 60 m or less. In the Bahamas, the coral Montastraea cavernosa has a wide depth distribution, and it is one of the most numerous corals at mesophotic depths. Using a range of optical, physiological, and biochemical approaches, the relative dependence on autotrophy vs. heterotrophy was assessed for this coral from 3 to 91 m. These measurements show that the quantum yield of PSII fluorescence increases significantly with depth for M. cavernosa while gross primary productivity decreases with depth. Both morphological and physiological photoacclimatization occurs to a depth of 91 m, and stable isotope data of the host tissues, symbionts, and skeleton reveal a marked decrease in productivity and a sharp transition to heterotrophy between 45 and 61 m. Below these depths, significant changes in the genetic composition of the zooxanthellae community, including genotypes not previously observed, occur and suggest that there is strong selection for zooxanthellae that are suited for survival in the light‐limited environment where mesophotic M. cavernosa are occurring.
Fire and mice: Seed predation moderates fire's influence on conifer recruitment
Authors: Zwolak RafaŁ , Pearson Dean E. , Ortega Yvette K. , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: April 2010

In fire‐adapted ecosystems, fire is presumed to be the dominant ecological force, and little is known about how consumer interactions influence forest regeneration. Here, we investigated seed predation by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and its effects on recruitment of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings in unburned and recently burned fire‐adapted montane forests in west‐central Montana, USA. Deer mice were almost twice as abundant in burned than unburned stands. Deer mouse removal of seeds from petri dishes was two times higher in burned than in unburned stands, and seed removal levels were 8% higher for ponderosa pine than for the smaller Douglas‐fir seeds. In seed‐addition experiments, emergence of seedlings in deer mouse‐exclusion cages was almost six times higher in burned compared to unburned forest. In both burned and unburned forest, emergence was lower for ponderosa pine than for Douglas‐fir. Seedling survival to establishment did not differ between conifer species but was considerably higher in burned than in unburned forest. However, effects of seed predation on recruitment prevailed over fire effects: in cages allowing access by deer mice, emergence and establishment were extremely rare for both conifer species in both burned and unburned forest. This research suggests that consumer interactions can substantially influence recruitment even in fire‐adapted forest ecosystems.
Genetic variation within a dominant shrub species determines plant species colonization in a coastal dune ecosystem
Authors: Crutsinger Gregory M. , Strauss Sharon Y. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: April 2010

The diversity and structure of plant communities is often determined by the presence and identity of competitively dominant species. Recent studies suggest that intraspecific variation within dominants may also have important community‐level consequences. In a coastal dunes ecosystem of northern California, we use a decade‐old common garden experiment to test the effects of a genetically based architectural dimorphism within a dominant native shrub, Baccharis pilularis, on plant colonization success and understory plant diversity. We found that erect Baccharis morphs had higher richness and cover of colonizing plant species (both native and exotic species) compared to prostrate morphs, as well as higher biomass of a dominant exotic dune grass (Ammophila arenaria). Trait differences between architectural morphs influenced the abiotic understory environment (light availability, soil surface temperature, and litter depth) and were associated with species colonization success. Taken together, our results demonstrate that incorporating within‐species variation, particularly within dominant species, into community ecological research can increase the ability to predict patterns of species diversity and assembly within communities.
Individual heterogeneity in studies on marked animals using numerical integration: capture–recapture mixed models
Authors: Gimenez O. , Choquet R.
Published: April 2010

In conservation and evolutionary ecology, quantifying and accounting for individual heterogeneity in vital rates of open populations is of particular interest. Individual random effects have been used in capture–recapture models, adopting a Bayesian framework with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to carry out estimation and inference. As an alternative, we show how numerical integration via the Gauss‐Hermite quadrature (GHQ) can be efficiently used to approximate the capture–recapture model likelihood with individual random effects. We compare the performance of the two approaches (MCMC vs. GHQ) and finite mixture models using two examples, including data on European Dippers and Sociable Weavers. Besides relying on standard statistical tools, GHQ was found to be faster than MCMC simulations. Our approach is implemented in program E‐SURGE. Overall, capture–recapture mixed models (CR2Ms), implemented either via a GHQ approximation or MCMC simulations, have potential important applications in population biology.
Measuring Parental Barriers to Childhood Immunizations: The Development and Validation of the Searching for Hardships and Obstacles to Shots (SHOTS) Instrument
Authors: Niederhauser Victoria P.
Published: April 2010

There is a plethora of literature on barriers to immunizations; however, these studies lack standardization of measurement. The aim of this study was to develop and establish an initial psychometric evaluation of an instrument to measure parental barriers to childhood immunizations. This was a cross-sectional study design. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, reliability estimates, item analysis, and factor analysis. Six hundred and fifty-five participants completed the survey. The Searching for Hardships and Obstacles to Shots instrument was developed with 60 items and reduced to 23 items thorough multiple statistical computations; the best factor model was a three-factor solution (Access to Shots, Concerns About Shots, and Importance of Shots) with a total variance explained of 59.4%. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability estimates ranged from .86 to .93, and temporal stability was adequate (r = .85). This study supports exceptional initial psychometric properties of an instrument to measure parental barriers to childhood immunizations.
Creating and Promoting a Positive Learning Environment among Culturally Diverse Nurses and Students
Authors: Adeniran Rita K. , Smith-Glasgow Mary Ellen
Published: April 2010

Nurse educators have the professional obligation to promote a positive learning environment for all nurses and students in our increasingly diverse society. In order for the future diverse nursing workforce to succeed, nurse educators must embrace diversity in its broader sense. This article discusses the role of nursing educators in promoting a culturally appropriate and inclusive learning environment and provides strategies for meeting the learning needs of an increasingly diverse nursing workforce.
Communication Challenges Faced by Foreign-Born Faculty
Authors: Nimoh Phygenia
Published: April 2010

Foreign-born educators face unique challenges teaching in American nursing schools. The purpose of this article is to create awareness about communication challenges they encounter and provide strategies they can implement to enhance teaching effectiveness and improve cross-cultural communication.
Faculty Role in Retaining Hispanic Nursing Students
Authors: Vélez-McEvoy Margarita
Published: April 2010

Hispanics, the fastest-growing minority population in the United States, make up only 5% of the nursing workforce. To help eliminate health care disparities, recruiting and retaining Hispanic nursing students is a necessary step. This article discusses barriers that Hispanic students encounter and responsibilities of nursing faculty in retaining Hispanic students, and proposes the use of frameworks that enhance a new paradigm to encourage more inclusive teaching in a positive environment.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effect of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 and Recombinant Human Beta‐Nerve Growth Factor on the Healing of Class III Furcation Defects in Dogs
Authors: Yan Xiang‐Zhen , Ge Shao‐Hua , Sun Qin‐Feng , Guo Hong‐Mei , Yang Pi‐Shan
Published: April 2010

Background: The quantity of regenerated bone induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP2) is encouraging, but sometimes the quality is inferior. Recombinant human beta‐nerve growth factor (rhβ‐NGF) plays a major role in bone remodeling. This study evaluates the quality and quantity of regenerated bone in periodontal regeneration following topical application of the two growth factors to Class III furcation defects.

Methods: Thirty‐six inflamed Class III furcation defects were created in six beagle dogs at sites of mandibular premolars 2, 3, and 4, and then biodegradable hydrogel incorporating rhBMP2 and rhβ‐NGF was topically applied to the defects. The groupings were as follows: G1, untreated (control group A); G2, carrier alone (control group B); G3, 0.4% rhBMP2 + carrier; G4, 2% rhβ‐NGF + carrier; G5, 0.4% rhBMP2 + 2% rhβ‐NGF + carrier; and G6, 0.2% rhBMP2 + 1% rhβ‐NGF + carrier. Eight weeks after application, the quality and quantity of regenerated tissue were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy observation, calcium/phosphorus ratio analysis, and histologic evaluation.

Results: The regenerated bone in G5 exhibited the highest calcium/phosphorus ratio among all groups and showed a denser structure with more calcified substances on the collagen fiber surface than that in the other groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that 0.4% rhBMP2 + 2% rhβ‐NGF promoted the highest percentage of periodontal regeneration among all groups.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that a topical application of rhBMP2 and rhβ‐NGF may improve the quality and quantity of regenerated bone in artificially created Class III furcation defects of beagle dogs.
Investigating the Effect of Social Changes on Age-Specific Gun-Related Homicide Rates in New York City During the 1990s
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Messner Steven F. , Tracy Melissa , Vlahov David , Goldmann Emily , Tardiff Kenneth J. , Galea Sandro
Published: April 2010

Objectives. We assessed whether New York City's gun-related homicide rates in the 1990s were associated with a range of social determinants of homicide rates.

Methods. We used cross-sectional time-series data for 74 New York City police precincts from 1990 through 1999, and we estimated Bayesian hierarchical models with a spatial error term. Homicide rates were estimated separately for victims aged 15–24 years (youths), 25–34 years (young adults), and 35 years or older (adults).

Results. Decreased cocaine consumption was associated with declining homicide rates in youths (posterior median [PM] = 0.25; 95% Bayesian confidence interval [BCI] = 0.07, 0.45) and adults (PM = 0.07; 95% BCI = 0.02, 0.12), and declining alcohol consumption was associated with fewer homicides in young adults (PM = 0.14; 95% BCI = 0.02, 0.25). Receipt of public assistance was associated with fewer homicides for young adults (PM = –104.20; 95% BCI = –182.0, –26.14) and adults (PM = –28.76; 95% BCI = –52.65, –5.01). Misdemeanor policing was associated with fewer homicides in adults (PM = –0.01; 95% BCI = –0.02, –0.001).

Conclusions. Substance use prevention policies and expansion of the social safety net may be able to cause major reductions in homicide among age groups that drive city homicide trends.
Trajectories of Change in Obesity and Symptoms of Depression: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Needham Belinda L. , Epel Elissa S. , Adler Nancy E. , Kiefe Catarina
Published: April 2010

Objectives. We investigated whether, over time, baseline obesity is associated with change in depressive symptoms or if baseline symptoms of depression are associated with change in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Methods. We used latent growth curve modeling to examine data from years 5, 10, 15, and 20 of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (n = 4643). We assessed depressive symptomatology with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.

Results. Respondents who started out with higher levels of depressive symptoms experienced a faster rate of increase in BMI (for Whites only) and waist circumference (for Blacks and Whites) over time than did those who reported fewer symptoms of depression in year 5. Initial BMI and waist circumference did not influence the rate of change in symptoms of depression over time.

Conclusions. Depressive symptomatology likely plays a role in the development of physical health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, through its association with increases in relative weight and abdominal obesity over time.
Tuberculosis Rates Among HIV-Infected Persons in New York City, 2001–2005
Authors: Trieu Lisa , Li Jiehui , Hanna David B. , Harris Tiffany G.
Published: April 2010

We calculated population-based tuberculosis (TB) rates among HIV-infected persons in New York City from 2001 through 2005 using data from the city's TB and HIV/AIDS surveillance registries, and we examined those rates using linear trend tests and incidence rate ratios (IRRs). HIV-infected individuals had 16 times the TB rate of a “non-HIV” population (HIV status negative or unknown; IRR = 16.0; 95% confidence interval = 14.9, 17.2). TB rates declined significantly among the US-born HIV-infected population (P trend < .001) but not among the foreign-born HIV-infected population (P trend = .355). Such disparities must be addressed if further declines are to be achieved.
Will Increasing Alcohol Availability By Lowering the Minimum Legal Drinking Age Decrease Drinking and Related Consequences Among Youths?
Authors: Wechsler Henry , Nelson Toben F.
Published: April 2010

Alcohol use health consequences are considerable; prevention efforts are needed, particularly for adolescents and college students. The national minimum legal drinking age of 21 years is a primary alcohol-control policy in the United States. An advocacy group supported by some college presidents seeks public debate on the minimum legal drinking age and proposes reducing it to 18 years.

We reviewed recent trends in drinking and related consequences, evidence on effectiveness of the minimum legal drinking age of 21 years, research on drinking among college students related to the minimum legal drinking age, and the case to lower the minimum legal drinking age.

Evidence supporting the minimum legal drinking age of 21 years is strong and growing. A wide range of empirically supported interventions is available to reduce underage drinking. Public health professionals can play a role in advocating these interventions.