bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of a higher-tier flow-through system and population modeling to assess the effects of time-variable exposure of isoproturon on the green algae Desmodesmus subspicatus and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata
Authors: Weber Denis , Schaefer Dieter , Dorgerloh Michael , Bruns Eric , Goerlitz Gerhard , Hammel Klaus , Preuss Thomas G. , Ratte Hans Toni
Published: February 2012

A flow-through system was developed to investigate the effects of time-variable exposure of pesticides on algae. A recently developed algae population model was used for simulations supported and verified by laboratory experiments. Flow-through studies with Desmodesmus subspicatus and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under time-variable exposure to isoproturon were performed, in which the exposure patterns were based on the results of FOrum for Co-ordination of pesticide fate models and their USe (FOCUS) model calculations for typical exposure situations via runoff or drain flow. Different types of pulsed exposure events were realized, including a whole range of repeated pulsed and steep peaks as well as periods of constant exposure. Both species recovered quickly in terms of growth from short-term exposure and according to substance dissipation from the system. Even at a peak 10 times the maximum predicted environmental concentration of isoproturon, only transient effects occurred on algae populations. No modified sensitivity or reduced growth was observed after repeated exposure. Model predictions of algal growth in the flow-through tests agreed well with the experimental data. The experimental boundary conditions and the physiological properties of the algae were used as the only model input. No calibration or parameter fitting was necessary. The combination of the flow-through experiments with the algae population model was revealed to be a powerful tool for the assessment of pulsed exposure on algae. It allowed investigating the growth reduction and recovery potential of algae after complex exposure, which is not possible with standard laboratory experiments alone. The results of the combined approach confirm the beneficial use of population models as supporting tools in higher-tier risk assessments of pesticides. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:899–908. © 2012 SETAC
Credit Spread Changes and Monetary Policy Surprises: The Evidence from the Fed Funds Futures Market
Authors: Zhu Xiaoneng
Published: February 2012

This study analyzes the impact of monetary policy actions on credit spreads of various rating categories and maturities, using federal funds futures to distinguish between anticipated and unanticipated changes in the federal funds rate. Two proxies for monetary policy shocks are the surprise change to the current federal funds target rate (target surprise) and the shock to the future path of policy (path surprise). Although credit spreads consistently respond to the target surprises, they rarely respond to the path surprises after controlling for the effect of the target surprises. The way that credit spreads respond to the target surprises changes across the maturities of corporate bonds. In addition, the empirical analysis indicates that the effect of the target surprises on credit spreads is more significant in economic recessions than in economic booms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 33:103–128, 2013
The role of substituents of chlorostannoxanes on the reactivity of the catalysts during the synthesis of cyclic carbonates using epoxides and carbon dioxide
Authors: Pulla Sharon , Ramidi Punnamchandar , Jarvis Benjamin L. , Munshi Pradip , Griffin William O. , Darsey Jerry A. , Dallas Jerry L. , Pokala Vedavalli , Ghosh Anindya
Published: February 2012

We report a study on the effect of substituents on the activity of chlorostannoxane catalysts in coupling epoxides and carbon dioxide for cyclic carbonate synthesis. All butyl‐substituted (1a) chlorostannoxane was found to yield cyclic carbonates in high turnover number (TON 2340) at 300 psi CO2, 130 °C in 2 h. All the reactions were performed under solvent‐free conditions in the presence of a Lewis base which acts as a co‐catalyst. The activity was found to change with change in the substituents on the catalysts. The effect of change in substituents was studied with respect to variation in essential parameters, such as time, temperature, pressure, and difference in catalyst to co‐catalyst ratio. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Zinc homeostasis and signaling in glia
Authors: Sekler Israel , Silverman William F.
Published: February 2012

The role of zinc in neurobiology has been the subject of intense interest particularly because of zinc's presence in and release from glutamatergic synapses, and its association with major neurological disorders. Initially considered inert to Zn2+ signaling and resistant to Zn2+ toxicity, glia, like neurons, is now known to be vulnerable to Zn2+, albeit to a lesser degree and in ways that are type‐specific. The discovery of Zn2+ transporters and the development of highly sensitive zinc sensors has led to a new understanding regarding the role of this metal ion in glial physiology. Dynamic changes in Zn2+ content are now linked to executive functions, signaling and fate in glia. In this review, we focus on these issues and discuss the broader implication of glial Zn2+ signaling in neuron glial‐interactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical characteristics of native tendon slices for tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Qin Ting‐Wu , Chen Qingshan , Sun Yu‐Long , Steinmann Scott P. , Amadio Peter C. , An Kai‐Nan , Zhao Chunfeng
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanical behavior of tendon slices with different thicknesses. Tendon slices of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μm thickness were mechanically tested. The 300 μm slices were further tested for strength and modulus after 21,000‐cycle fatigue testing under different applied strain levels (0, 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12%). The tendon slice structure, morphology, and viability of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) seeded onto the slices were also examined with histology, scanning electron microscopy, and vital cell labeling, respectively. Tendon slices 300 μm or more in thickness had similar ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus to the intact tendon bundle. A strain of 5% or less did not cause any structural damage, nor did it change the mechanical properties of a 300 μm‐thick tendon slice after 21,000‐cycle fatigue testing. BMSCs were viable between and on the tendon slices after 2 weeks in tissue culture. This study demonstrated that, if tendon slices are used as a scaffold for tendon tissue engineering, slices 300 μm or more in thickness would be preferable from a mechanical strength point of view. If mechanical stimulation is performed for seeded‐cell preparations, 5% strain or less would be appropriate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
“Statistical correctness”: Do demographic‐based strategies bring about corporate diversity?
Authors: Bigo Vinca , Martin Virginie
Published: February 2012

Questioning the usefulness of naïve conceptions of gender and diversity that run in much of the managerial literature, the authors used a series of qualitative interviews with women in top managerial positions in large French corporations to examine corporate gender diversity discourses and strategies. They found that recruiting women in top management positions does not systematically produce the sort of diversity targeted by corporate strategies. Moreover, evidence shows that the corporate diversity strategies and gender conceptions in play tend to reproduce gender stereotypes and fail to democratize access to high‐ranking positions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The strategy‐focused IT organization: A ten‐year track record of success
Authors: Gold Robert S.
Published: February 2012

During the past 40 years, complex organizations have evolved within enterprises to manage information technology. Yet the relationship between the IT organization and its stakeholders is often strained. IT leaders seeking a seat at the table of business strategy often struggle to establish their competency in managing costs and delivering quality services in line with overall performance. The concepts of the strategy‐focused IT organization (SFITO) address this tension. A practical set of ideas and vocabulary for driving change, both in the IT organization and how it is viewed by its parent enterprise, SFITO concepts have been employed by dozens of organizations in a wide variety of industries during the last ten years and have proven to offer a robust discipline for IT organization improvement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of legume grains as a source of dietary protein on the quality of organic lamb meat
Authors: Bonanno Adriana , Tornambè Gabriele , Di Grigoli Antonino , Genna Vincenzo , Bellina Vincenzo , Di Miceli Giuseppe , Giambalvo Dario
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects on lamb growth, carcass traits and meat quality of replacing conventional soybean meal in the diet with alternative legume grains.

RESULTS: Twenty‐eight male lambs of Comisana breed weighing 16.9 ± 2.7 kg at weaning (66 ± 6 days old) were assigned to one of four diets. Until slaughter at 129 ± 6 days of age, each group received ad libitum pelleted alfalfa hay and concentrates differing in the source of protein: chickpea, faba bean, pea or soybean meal. Lambs fed chickpea showed higher dry matter and protein intakes from concentrate than those fed soybean. Lambs' growth, carcass weight and net dressing percentage did not vary by protein source, although chickpea lambs had more perirenal and pelvic fat than those in the soybean group. Diet did not affect chemical composition, colour, thawing and cooking losses, tenderness, and sensory properties of meat. Chickpea increased trans‐vaccenic and linoleic acid, and chickpea and faba bean increased the isomers of conjugated linoleic acid.

CONCLUSIONS: Legume grains can completely replace soybean meal in concentrate, resulting in lamb carcasses and meat of comparable quality. Chickpea leads to an increase in feed intake of lambs and in fat depots in the carcass, and a more beneficial fatty acid profile. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Partner violence perpetration and victimization and HIV risk behaviors in St. Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Zhan Weihai , Hansen Nathan B. , Shaboltas Alla V. , Skochilov Roman V. , Kozlov Andrei P. , Krasnoselskikh Tatiana V. , Abdala Nadia
Published: February 2012

Whether intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization are associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors is seldom investigated in Russia. The present study hypothesized that patients from a sexually transmitted infection center in Russia who perpetrated IPV or were victims of IPV would be more likely to have HIV risk behaviors including injection drug use, multiple partners, and inconsistent condom use than those who were not involved with IPV. We used a self‐administered questionnaire to collect information from 381 patients on demographics, health status, injection drug use, sexual behaviors, and violence involving sexual partners between 2008 and 2009. After including sociodemographics, lifetime IPV perpetration was significantly associated with having had multiple sexual partners among male patients (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61, p < .05). IPV victimization was significantly associated with injection drug use among male and female patients (OR = 5.22, p < .05) and with inconsistent condom use among female patients (OR = 8.93, p < .05). IPV perpetration and victimization were common among male and female study participants and were associated with greater HIV risk behaviors. HIV prevention programs in Russia should address the risks associated with IPV among people at risk for HIV.
A detailed surface analytical study of degradation processes in (meth)acrylic polymers
Authors: Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Trouillet Vanessa , Bennet Francesca , Bruns Michael , Whittaker Michael R. , Boyer Cyrille , Barker Philip J. , Davis Thomas P. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: February 2012

The present study investigates the degradation behavior of various high‐molecular‐weight acrylic polymers (50,000 < Mn/g mol−1 < 100,000), namely poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA), and poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA), under extreme environmental conditions. These polymers were synthesized via various polymerization techniques to create different end‐groups. The polymers chosen are readily applicable in the formulation of surface coatings and were degraded under conditions which replicate the harsh Australian climate, where surface coatings may reach temperatures of up to 95 °C and are exposed to broad‐spectrum UV radiation of up to 1 kW m−2. The degradation behavior of the polymeric materials on their surface was followed via ATR‐IR spectroscopy, high resolution FTIR microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The extent of the observed thermal and photo‐oxidation is directly related to the length of the ester side group, with the degradation susceptibility decreasing in the order of PLMA > PBMA/PBA > PMMA, with PMMA still stable even after 5 months exposure to the harshest condition used (UV light at 95 °C). The general degradation mechanism involves the loss of the ester side groups to form methacrylic acid followed by cross‐linking. The effect of the variable end groups was found to be minimal. The results from this study are in good agreement with previous studies of low‐molecular‐weight model polymers under identical conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Non‐invasive measurements of carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Caboot Jason B. , Jawad Abbas F. , McDonough Joseph M. , Bowdre Cheryl Y. , Arens Raanan , Marcus Carole L. , Mason Thornton B.A. , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Ohene‐Frempong Kwaku , Allen Julian L.
Published: February 2012

Assessment of oxyhemoglobin saturation in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is vital for prompt recognition of hypoxemia. The accuracy of pulse oximeter measurements of blood oxygenation in SCD patients is variable, partially due to carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb), which decrease the oxygen content of blood. This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of a non‐invasive pulse co‐oximeter in measuring COHb and MetHb percentages (SpCO and SpMet) in children with SCD. We hypothesized that measurements of COHb and MetHb by non‐invasive pulse co‐oximetry agree within acceptable clinical accuracy with those made by invasive whole blood co‐oximetry. Fifty children with SCD‐SS underwent pulse co‐oximetry and blood co‐oximetry while breathing room air. Non‐invasive COHb and MetHb readings were compared to the corresponding blood measurements. The pulse co‐oximeter bias was 0.1% for COHb and −0.22% for MetHb. The precision of the measured SpCO was ±2.1% within a COHb range of 0.4–6.1%, and the precision of the measured SpMet was ±0.33% within a MetHb range of 0.1–1.1%. Non‐invasive pulse co‐oximetry was useful in measuring COHb and MetHb levels in children with SCD. Although the non‐invasive technique slightly overestimated the invasive COHb measurements and slightly underestimated the invasive MetHb measurements, there was close agreement between the two methods. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:808–815. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laryngeal obstruction in congenital plasminogen deficiency
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Cohen Shlomo , Cymberknoh Malena Cohen , Gross Menachem , Hirshoren Nir , Shoseyov David
Published: February 2012

Type 1 congenital plasminogen deficiency (CPD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease which causes formation of fibrin pseudomembranes that affect multiple systems/organs: the eyes, respiratory system, urinary and genital systems, gastrointestinal system, and the central nervous system. We present a rare manifestation of the disease—severe upper airway obstruction due to a rapidly growing mass in the supraglottic region—6 months after dental treatment under general anesthesia. The management of such a manifestation has not been discussed in the current literature. Due to deterioration in his clinical status, the patient eventually underwent both a tracheotomy in order to bypass the obstruction, and excision of the supraglottic mass. Within a few days the mass recurred with complete obstruction of the upper airway. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:923–925. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in pathologic outcomes after introduction of active surveillance in the UK: Implication for focal therapy
Authors: Karavitakis Markos , Ahmed Hashim U. , Abel Paul D. , Livni Naomi , Hazell Steven , Winkler Mathias H.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the trends in pathologic outcomes of clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy prior to and after national guidelines placing active surveillance as the primary management in men with low‐risk prostate cancer. Further, we examined whether there was a coincident change in the proportion of men potentially suitable for focal therapy.

METHODS

All cancer foci in 195 whole mount radical prostatectomy samples during two periods (Period 1: 07/2001‐10/2003, n = 100 and Period 2: 01/2007‐11/2009, n = 95) were examined. Individual tumor volumes, Gleason grade, and extracapsular extension/positive surgical margins were evaluated. The index lesion was defined as the largest by volume.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of Gleason score ≥7 tumors (31–69%; P < 0.001) and pathologically non‐organ confined disease (21–37%; P = 0.008), between period 1 and 2, respectively. The proportion of patients with unifocal prostate cancer potentially suitable for focal ablation was stable (14–13.7%; P = 0.9). Although there was a decrease in the proportion of patients potentially suitable for index lesion ablation (51–43%; P = 0.4) and unilateral prostate cancer potentially suitable for hemi‐ablation (11–6.3%; P = 0.3), these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The increasing use of active surveillance in the UK may be responsible for a trend towards higher grade and stage prostate cancer in whole mount specimens. Despite this, there remain a significant proportion of men who currently undergo radical surgery who may be suitable for focal therapy, if that included index lesion ablation. Prostate 72:1464–1468, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defatted Sesame Seed Extract Reduces Brain Oedema by Regulating Aquaporin 4 Expression in Acute Phase of Transient Focal Cerebral Ischaemia in Rat
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Jo In‐Young , Park Si Hyung , Kim Kwan Su , Bae Jinhyun , Park Jae‐Woo , Lee Beom‐Joon , Choi Ho‐Young , Bu Youngmin
Published: February 2012

Brain oedema is the volumetric increase of brain tissue and is known to be linked to vascular factors, including the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and vascular permeability. Besides neuroprotection, inhibition of brain oedema also can be a method to protect the brain against ischaemic insult. Sesame is reported to have various beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. The neuroprotective effects of defatted sesame seed extract (DSE) in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) rat model were reported previously. The current study was planned to investigate whether the neuroprotective effects of DSE is related to brain oedema. The tMCAo rat model was used to investigate the brain water content (BWC) and Evans blue (EB) leakage. Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 expressions at 4 and 24 h after ischaemia were analysed. In vitro zymography was performed to investigate the effects on MMPs activities. DSE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced BWC but not EB leakage. DSE inhibited AQP4 expression at 4 h but not at 24 h after ischaemia. It did not show any effects on MMPs expressions and activities. Therefore, DSE might be effective on brain oedema by AQP4 regulation during the acute phase of ischaemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rhynchophylline Attenuates LPS‐induced Pro‐inflammatory Responses through Down‐regulation of MAPK/NF‐κB Signaling Pathways in Primary Microglia
Authors: Song Yu , Qu Rong , Zhu Shenghua , Zhang Ruiguo , Ma Shiping
Published: February 2012

Excessive activation of microglial cells has been implicated in various types of neuroinflammation. Suppression of microglial activation would have therapeutic benefits, leading to the alleviation of the progression of neurodegeneration. In this study, the inhibitory effects of rhynchophylline (RIN), a tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid component isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks., on the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated microglia. The results showed that RIN markedly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP‐1), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in LPS‐activated microglia. The mRNA expression levels of iNOS and COX‐2 were also depressed by RIN in a concentration‐dependent manner. Further studies revealed that RIN blocked IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In summary, these data suggest that RIN suppresses inflammatory responses of microglia and may act as a potential therapeutic agent for various neurodegenerative diseases involving neuroinflammation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender segregation of adolescent science career plans in 50 countries
Authors: Sikora Joanna , Pokropek Artur
Published: February 2012

Using data from the Program for International Student Assessment 2006 surveys for 50 countries, this paper explores gender segregation of adolescent science career plans. We ask whether, in different cultures, bridging the male–female gap in science self‐concept could reduce gender disparities in students' career preferences. Bringing together the theory of gender essentialism and the biased self‐concept thesis, we interpret the cross‐national variation in the relationship between self‐concept and occupational plans. To this end, we fit a series of random intercept regression models to country‐specific and pooled data. In all countries, science‐oriented girls prefer employment in biology, agriculture, or health (BAH), whereas boys favor careers in computing, engineering, or mathematics (CEM). Almost everywhere, boys have more confidence in their science ability than girls, even after science performance is taken into account. In advanced industrial countries the male–female gap in science self‐concept is larger than the corresponding gap in developing or transforming societies. The male–female segregation of preferences for science careers is also stronger in advanced industrial countries. Nevertheless, nowhere are gender disparities in science self‐assessment related to the gender segregation in preferences for BAH and CEM careers. We discuss the significance of these cross‐national patterns for science educators and educational policy makers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:234–264, 2012
“Doing science” through discourse‐in‐interaction: Young children's science investigations at the early childhood level
Authors: Siry Christina , Ziegler Gudrun , Max Charles
Published: February 2012

This research investigates the interconnectedness of scientific inquiring at the early childhood level, as we explore the discourse‐in‐interaction processes occurring within small inquiry groups of 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children. The rationale behind this research is to explore the nature of science‐related discourse, and to that end, this work focuses on student‐to‐student interactions as they collaboratively investigate water. As we document the nature of children's ways of explaining, imagining, and representing the properties of water, we demonstrate the constructions of understandings as displayed and emergent from these interactions. The study has generated outcomes about the discursive ways of young children's enacting of knowledge about science, as the analysis reveals that by positioning scientific inquiry as a fluid process children were able to enact science collaboratively and through multimodal means. As such, the study reveals a wide range of indicators to children's understandings about water and to the processes in which students worked together to construct science within discourse‐in‐interaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:311–336, 2012
Influence of the Shape of Nanostructured Metal Surfaces on Adsorption of Single Peptide Molecules in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Feng Jie , Slocik Joseph M. , Sarikaya Mehmet , Naik Rajesh R. , Farmer Barry L. , Heinz Hendrik
Published: February 2012

Self‐assembly and function of biologically modified metal nanostructures depend on surface‐selective adsorption; however, the influence of the shape of metal surfaces on peptide adsorption mechanisms has been poorly understood. The adsorption of single peptide molecules in aqueous solution (Tyr12, Ser12, A3, Flg‐Na3) is investigated on even {111} surfaces, stepped surfaces, and a 2 nm cuboctahedral nanoparticle of gold using molecular dynamics simulation with the CHARMM‐METAL force field. Strong and selective adsorption is found on even surfaces and the inner edges of stepped surfaces (–20 to –60 kcal/mol peptide) in contrast to weaker and less selective adsorption on small nanoparticles (–15 to –25 kcal/mol peptide). Binding and selectivity appear to be controlled by the size of surface features and the extent of co‐ordination of epitaxial sites by polarizable atoms (N, O, C) along the peptide chain. The adsorption energy of a single peptide equals a fraction of the sum of the adsorption energies of individual amino acids that is characteristic of surface shape, epitaxial pattern, and conformation constraints (often β‐strand and random coil). The proposed adsorption mechanism is supported and critically evaluated by earlier sequence data from phage display, dissociation constants of small proteins as a function of nanoparticle size, and observed shapes of peptide‐stabilized nanoparticles. Understanding the interaction of single peptides with shaped metal surfaces is a key step towards control over self‐organization of multiple peptides on shaped metal surfaces and the assembly of superstructures from nanostructures.
Does the presence of a Cesarean section scar influence the site of placental implantation and subsequent migration in future pregnancies: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Naji O. , Daemen A. , Smith A. , Abdallah Y. , Bradburn E. , Giggens R. , Chan D. C. Y. , Stalder C. , Ghaem‐Maghami S. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To describe placental location in the first trimester of pregnancy and subsequent placental migration in women with and without a history of previous Cesarean delivery.

Methods

In this prospective case–control study, placental location was defined according to five anatomical sites in relation to the endometrial cavity. Placental localization was carried out by transabdominal ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation. We recruited 738 women who had undergone one or more previous Cesarean sections (CS) and 1856 patients without previous Cesarean delivery. Comparative analysis was performed of placental location between the two groups, and to assess placental migration of those classified as being low lying at 20 and 32 weeks' gestation.

Results

There were significant differences in placental location between the two groups. In the CS group there were significantly more posterior and fewer fundal placentae than in the control group (47.2 vs 31.5% and 4.7 vs 15.5%, respectively). The number of previous Cesarean deliveries did not have a significant effect on placental location. There was no significant difference in the incidence of anterior low‐lying placenta between groups (1.5 vs 0.9%). Placental migration of the low‐lying subtypes was similar in both groups (62 vs 64%).

Conclusion

The presence of CS scars in the uterus are associated with an increase in the number of posterior placentae and a reduced number that implant in the fundus of the cavity. Migration of a low‐lying placenta is independent of the presence of a CS scar in the uterus.
Linear regression
Authors: Su Xiaogang , Yan Xin , Tsai Chih‐Ling
Published: February 2012

Linear regression plays a fundamental role in statistical modeling. This article provides a step‐by‐step coverage of linear models in the order of model specification, model estimation, statistical inference, variable selection, model diagnosis, and prediction. Computation issues in linear regression and intimately relevant extensions of linear models are also discussed.WIREs Comput Stat2012, 4:275–294. doi: 10.1002/wics.1198

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Least Squares
Estimating Response Modeling Methodology models
Authors: Shore Haim
Published: February 2012

An advanced review of Response Modeling Methodology (RMM) has recently summarized RMM core philosophy, modeling approach, and allied statistical expressions. This focus article complements the earlier review by presenting a step‐by‐step guide to estimating RMM models. The estimation procedure comprises two stages: first the median is estimated and then the rest of the RMM parameters are estimated. Three estimation procedures are presented for the latter stage: maximum likelihood, two‐moment matching, and nonlinear quantile regression. The three estimation methods, as applied to RMM, are first expounded and then demonstrated via a numerical example, using Monte‐Carlo simulated data from a γ distribution and an L4 orthogonal array design. Comparisons with generalized linear modeling and estimation, assuming γ distribution (correctly) and inverse Gaussian distribution (incorrectly), are given. A brief introduction to RMM is also provided. WIREs Comput Stat 2012, 4:323–333. doi: 10.1002/wics.1199

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Density Estimation

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical Models > Simulation Models
Utility of vocal formant spacing for monitoring sandhill crane subspecies
Authors: Jones Matthew R. , Witt Christopher C.
Published: February 2012

Three migratory subspecies of sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) occur in North America: greater (G. c. tabida), Canadian (G. c. rowani), and lesser (G. c. canadensis). These subspecies vary clinally in size from the large tabida to the small canadensis. All 3 subspecies co‐occur during the nonbreeding season, but field identification is challenging and census efforts typically do not even attempt to distinguish them. We developed a novel method to determine the subspecies composition of nonbreeding sandhill crane populations using formant spacing in vocalizations. Each note in a crane vocalization is comprised of several formants, or energy peaks in the frequency spectrum. Formant spacing is inversely proportional to the length of the sound‐emitting tube, or trachea. Analysis of formant‐spacing distributions for tabida and canadensis revealed that tabida has reduced formant spacing, as predicted based on its larger body size and correspondingly larger trachea. Comparisons of these subspecies‐specific formant‐spacing distributions to formant‐spacing distributions from calls recorded at 2 crane wintering areas in New Mexico, USA, showed that the wintering crane populations of the Middle Rio Grande Valley and the Lower Rio Grande Valley contain strikingly different proportions of the globally rare tabida (75.5% and 5.6%, respectively). These findings are concordant with crane subspecies composition estimates derived from hunter check stations in New Mexico. Formant‐spacing provides an indirect, noninvasive method of estimating body‐size distributions that has several practical advantages. We expect it to be most useful when body‐size classes have limited overlap, as is the case with New Mexico sandhill crane populations. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Self-Assembled Peptides: Characterisation and In Vivo Response
Authors: Nisbet David R. , Williams Richard J.
Published: February 2012

The fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds is a well-established field that has gained recent prominence for the in vivo repair of a variety of tissue types. Recently, increasing levels of sophistication have been engineered into adjuvant scaffolds facilitating the concomitant presentation of a variety of stimuli (both physical and biochemical) to create a range of favourable cellular microenvironments. It is here that self-assembling peptide scaffolds have shown considerable promise as functional biomaterials, as they are not only formed from peptides that are physiologically relevant, but through molecular recognition can offer synergy between the presentation of biochemical and physio-chemical cues. This is achieved through the utilisation of a unique, highly ordered, nano- to microscale 3-D morphology to deliver mechanical and topographical properties to improve, augment or replace physiological function. Here, we will review the structures and forces underpinning the formation of self-assembling scaffolds, and their application in vivo for a variety of tissue types.
Customer‐facing supply chain practices—The impact of demand and distribution management on supply chain success
Authors: Rexhausen Daniel , Pibernik Richard , Kaiser Gernot
Published: February 2012

Traditionally, distribution has been viewed as the key (physical) link between a company's internal supply chain activities and its customers. More recently, demand management has emerged as a new dimension at the customer interface. Although it has become increasing popular in industry, it has not yet been analyzed in depth with respect to its impact on supply chain performance. Both distribution management and demand management entail customer‐facing processes and practices and that are interrelated and (may) jointly determine supply chain performance. In this paper we seek to extend the stream of research in supply chain management by systematically investigating the impact of customer‐facing supply chain practices on supply chain performance. Specifically, the paper examines the relative impact of relevant practices associated with demand and distribution management. To this end, we collected data from 116 multi‐national companies based in Europe and analyzed it using structural equation modeling techniques. Our results suggest that (i) high demand management performance has a substantial positive impact on the overall supply chain performance, (ii) this effect is stronger than that of distribution management performance, and (iii) there is no evidence that demand management might be an enabler for effective distribution management. Among the individual practices that constitute demand and distribution management, adherence to the demand and distribution management processes and demand segmentation emerged as the strongest performance levers. Based upon additional in‐depth interviews conducted with selected companies from our sample, we shed light on some of the most important findings that emerged from our survey analysis.
Individualization of cancer treatment from radiotherapy perspective
Authors: Yaromina Ala , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael
Published: February 2012

Radiotherapy is today used in about 50% of all cancer patients, often in multidisciplinary approaches. With major advance in radiotherapy techniques, increasing knowledge on tumor genetics and biology and the continuous introduction of specifically targeted drugs into combined radio‐oncological treatment schedules, individualization of radiotherapy is of high priority to further improve treatment outcomes, i.e. to increase long‐term tumor cure and/or to reduce chronic treatment toxicity. This review gives an overview on the importance of predictive biomarkers for the field of radiation oncology. The current status of knowledge on potential biomarkers of tumor hypoxia, tumor cell metabolism, DNA repair, cancer stem cells and biomarkers for combining radiotherapy with inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor using monoclonal antibodies is described.
Explaining the organizational and contractual context of subway construction disasters in China: The case of Hangzhou
Authors: Ma Yongchi , de Jong Martin , Koppenjan Joop , Xi Bao , Mu Rui
Published: February 2012

China has seen a number of serious infrastructure construction accidents in recent years. The focus of this paper will be on urban rail. Much has been written about the technical and circumstantial causes for these accidents, but relatively little about the organizational framework and contractual arrangements which constitute the context within which safety measures fail to be monitored and enforced effectively during such construction projects. This article aims to show how existing contractual incentives provide incentives for various involved parties which lead them to make decisions where safety is sacrificed to the benefit of other values. By regarding the contractual arrangements as the outcome of a power game between principal, agents and sub-agents, the social mechanisms that evoke strategic behavior among key players are proposed to explain the context in which operational choices are made. The case of the Hangzhou subway construction disaster, which has been the most dramatic instance in China to date, is used to illustrate the mechanisms we propose in our theoretical framework.
The European Court of Justice, State Noncompliance, and the Politics of Override
Authors: STONE SWEET ALEC , BRUNELL THOMAS
Published: February 2012

In an article previously published by the APSR, Carrubba, Gabel, and Hankla claim that the decision making of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has been constrained—systematically—by the threat of override on the part of member state governments, acting collectively, and by the threat of noncompliance on the part of any single state. They also purport to have found strong evidence in favor of intergovernmentalist, but not neofunctionalist, integration theory. On the basis of analysis of the same data, we demonstrate that the threat of override is not credible and that the legal system is activated, rather than paralyzed, by noncompliance. Moreover, when member state governments did move to nullify the effects of controversial ECJ rulings, they failed to constrain the court, which continued down paths cleared by the prior rulings. Finally, in a head-to-head showdown between intergovernmentalism and neofunctionalism, the latter wins in a landslide.
Childhood consumption of fruit and vegetables across England: a study of 2306 6–7-year-olds in 2007
Authors: Hughes Rebecca J. , Edwards Kimberley L. , Clarke Graham P. , Evans Charlotte E. L. , Cade Janet E. , Ransley Joan K.
Published: February 2012

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme (SFVS) provides children in government-run schools in England with a free piece of fruit or a vegetable each school day for the first 3 years of school. The present study examines the impact of the SFVS, in terms of its contribution towards the total daily intake of fruit and vegetables by children across England. Quantitative dietary data were collected from 2306 children in their third year of school, from 128 schools, using a 24 h food diary. The data were examined at different spatial scales, and variations in the impact of the scheme across areas with different socio-economic characteristics were analysed using a deprivation index and a geodemographic classification. The uptake of the SFVS and the total intake of fruit and vegetables by children varied across different parts of England. Participation in the SFVS was positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. That is, in any one area, those children who participated in the SFVS consumed more fruit and vegetables. However, children living in deprived areas still consumed less fruit and vegetables than children living in more advantaged areas: the mean daily frequency of fruit and vegetables consumed, and rates of consumption of fruit or vegetables five times or more per d, decreased as deprivation increased (r − 0·860; P = 0·001; r − 0·842; P = 0·002). So the SFVS does not eliminate the socio-economic gradient in fruit and vegetable consumption, but it does help to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in deprived (and affluent) areas.
A score that verifies adherence to a gluten-free diet: a cross-sectional, multicentre validation in real clinical life
Authors: Biagi Federico , Bianchi Paola Ilaria , Marchese Alessandra , Trotta Lucia , Vattiato Claudia , Balduzzi Davide , Brusco Giovanna , Andrealli Alida , Cisarò Fabio , Astegiano Marco , Pellegrino Salvatore , Magazzù Giuseppe , Klersy Catherine , Corazza Gino Roberto
Published: February 2012

A dietary interview performed by expert personnel is the best method to check whether patients with coeliac disease follow a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). We previously developed a score based on four fast and simple questions that can be administered even by non-expert personnel. The aim of the present study is to verify the reliability of our questionnaire in a new cohort of patients. The questionnaire has a five-level score. From March 2008 to January 2011, the questionnaire was administered to 141 coeliac patients on a GFD, who were undergoing re-evaluation. The score obtained was compared with persistence of both villous atrophy and endomysial antibodies (EMA). The rate of lower scores was higher among the patients with persistence of either villous atrophy (Fisher's exact, P < 0·001; test for trend, P < 0·001) or positive EMA (Fisher's exact, P = 0·001; test for trend, P = 0·018). Given that the coeliac patients have been well instructed on what a GFD means and on how to follow it, our questionnaire is a reliable and simple method to verify compliance to a GFD.
SECULARIZATION AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: ARGUMENTS IN THE HISTORIOGRAPHY OF MODERN BRITISH RELIGION
Authors: MORRIS JEREMY
Published: February 2012

The historiography of religion in modern Britain has been dominated in recent years by controversy over the sociological theory of secularization. This review of the literature on secularization in modern Britain traces its apparent persuasiveness in part to assumptions about religious decline and renewal which are central to Christian soteriology. Recognition of the nature of secularization theory discloses a monolithic notion of religion itself. Closer attention to the complexity of religious experience may yield an account of religion more attuned to the contours of social change in modern Britain.
HOW OLD! HOW NEW!: SOME NOTES ON SCHOENBERG'S PETRARCH SETTING FOR THE ‘SERENADE’, OP. 24
Authors: Green Edward
Published: February 2012

As the first systematic 12-tone composition, the Petrarch movement from Schoenberg's Serenade has been associated with ‘newness’. Yet it has conservative features. Medieval notions of isomelody and isorhythm, as well as Renaissance concepts of paralleling a poem's prosody and emotional content, are here. Moreover, 12-tone composition itself is an evolution of ‘Chromatic Completion’ – a technique already flourishing in Haydn and Mozart. Ultimately, what matters most is Schoenberg's understanding of the aesthetics of love. To appreciate this, the essay makes use of the philosophy of Aesthetic Realism, founded by the great American poet and scholar Eli Siegel. Beauty, he taught, is ‘a making one of opposites, and the making one of opposites is what we are going after in ourselves’. And love, he explained, has an aesthetic basis: it is ‘proud need’. This essay indicates technical ways in which Schoenberg illustrates the truth of these concepts.
Flank instability structure of Mt. Etna inferred by a magnetotelluric survey
Authors: Siniscalchi Agata , Tripaldi Simona , Neri Marco , Balasco Marianna , Romano Gerardo , Ruch Joel , Schiavone Domenico
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a magnetotelluric (MT) survey of the unstable eastern flank of Mt. Etna. We take thirty soundings along two profiles oriented in the N‐S and NW‐SE directions, and from these data recover two 2D resistivity models of the subsurface. Both models reveal three major layers in a resistive‐conductive‐resistive sequence, the deepest extending to 14 km bsl. The shallow layer corresponds to the volcanic cover, and the intermediate conductive layer corresponds to underlying sediments segmented by faults. These two electrical units are cut by ∼ E‐W‐striking faults. The third layer (basement) is interpreted as mainly pertinent to the Apennine‐Maghrebian Chain associated with ∼ SW‐NE‐striking regional faults. The detailed shapes of the resistivity profiles clearly show that the NE Rift is shallow‐rooted (∼0–1 km bsl), thus presumably fed by lateral dikes from the central volcano conduit. The NW‐SE profile suggests by a series of listric faults reaching up to 3 km bsl, then becoming almost horizontal. Toward the SE, the resistive basement dramatically dips (from ∼3 km to ∼10 km bsl), in correspondence with the Timpe Fault System. Several high‐conductivity zones close to the main faults suggest the presence of hydrothermal activity and fluid circulation that could enhance flank instability. Our results provide new findings about the geometry of the unstable Etna flank and its relation to faults and subsurface structures.
Intermediate progenitors are increased by lengthening of the cell cycle through calcium signaling and p53 expression in human neural progenitors
Authors: García-García Elisa , Pino-Barrio María José , López-Medina Laura , Martínez-Serrano Alberto
Published: February 2012

During development, neurons can be generated directly from a multipotent progenitor or indirectly through an intermediate progenitor (IP). This last mode of division amplifies the progeny of neurons. The mechanisms governing the generation and behavior of IPs are not well understood. In this work, we demonstrate that the lengthening of the cell cycle enhances the generation of neurons in a human neural progenitor cell system in vitro and also the generation and expansion of IPs. These IPs are insulinoma-associated 1 (Insm1)+/BTG family member 2 (Btg2)−, which suggests an increase in a self-amplifying IP population. Later the cultures express neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) and become neurogenic. The signaling responsible for this cell cycle modulation is investigated. It is found that the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol in response to B cell lymphoma-extra large overexpression or ATP addition lengths the cell cycle and increases the number of IPs and, in turn, the final neuron outcome. Moreover, data suggest that the p53–p21 pathway is responsible for the changes in cell cycle. In agreement with this, increased p53 levels are necessary for a calcium-induced increase in neurons. Our findings contribute to understand how calcium signaling can modulate cell cycle length during neurogenesis.