bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of larval, parasitic female and egg antigens fromStrongyloides venezuelensisto detect parasite-specific IgG and immune complexes in immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis
Authors: GONÇALVES A. L. R. , NUNES D. S. , GONÇALVES-PIRES M. R. F. , UETA M. T. , COSTA-CRUZ J. M.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to use larval, parasitic female and egg antigens fromStrongyloides venezuelensisto detect parasite-specific IgG and immune complexes in human serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In total, 95 serum samples were analysed, consisting of 30 patients harbouringS. stercoralislarvae, 30 healthy subjects and 35 patients with other parasites. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficiency were calculated. A significant statistical difference was found in the detection of immune complexes and antibodies in patients harbouringS. stercoralislarvae from larval and eggs antigens, with higher positivity using larval antigen. The larval antigen showed the highest values for sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficiency in ELISA from detection of immune complexes. For the first time we used IgG anti-larvae, IgG anti-parasitic females or IgG anti-eggs for immune complex detection. We concluded that the association of antibody and immune complex detection could be used in the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.
The strengths of – and some of the challenges for – Bayesian models of cognition
Authors: Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: February 2012

Bayesian Rationality(Oaksford & Chater 2007) illustrates the strengths of Bayesian models of cognition: the systematicity of rational explanations, transparent assumptions about human learners, and combining structured symbolic representation with statistics. However, the book also highlights some of the challenges this approach faces: of providing psychological mechanisms, explaining the origins of the knowledge that guides human learning, and accounting for how people make genuinely new discoveries.
The End of ‘Modes of Liability’ for International Crimes
Authors: STEWART JAMES G.
Published: February 2012

Modes of liability, such as ordering, instigation, superior responsibility, and joint criminal liability, are arguably the most-discussed topics in modern international criminal justice. In recent years, a wide range of scholars have rebuked some of these modes of liability for compromising basic concepts in liberal notions of blame attribution, thereby reducing international defendants to mere instruments for the promotion of wider sociopolitical objectives. Critics attribute this willingness to depart from orthodox concepts of criminal responsibility to international forces, be they interpretative styles typical of human rights or aspirations associated with transitional justice. Strangely, however, complicity has avoided these criticisms entirely, even though it, too, fails the tests international criminal lawyers use as benchmarks in the deconstruction of other modes. Moreover, the source of complicity's departures from basic principles is not international as previously suggested – it stems from international criminal law's emulation of objectionable domestic criminal doctrine. If, instead of inheriting the dark sides of domestic criminal law, we apply international scholars’ criticisms across all modes of liability, complicity disintegrates (as do all other modes of liability) into a broader notion of perpetration. A unitary theory could also attach to all prosecutions for international crimes, both international and domestic, transcending the long-endured fixation on modes of liability within the discipline.
Epidemiology, disease spectrum and economic burden of non-typhoidal Salmonella infections in Taiwan, 2006–2008
Authors: CHEN P. L. , LI C. Y. , HSIEH T. H. , CHANG C. M. , LEE H. C. , LEE N. Y. , WU C. J. , LEE C. C. , SHIH H. I. , KO W. C.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to understand the seasonal, geographical and clinical characteristics of Taiwanese patients hospitalized for non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections and their economic burden. Hospital data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) database between 2006 and 2008 were analysed. Infants had the highest annual incidence of 525 cases/100 000 person-years. Elderly patients aged >70 years had the highest in-hospital mortality rate (2·6%). Most (82·6%) gastroenteritis occurred in children aged <10 years. Septicaemia, pneumonia, arthritis and osteomyelitis occurred mainly in patients aged >50 years. A median medical cost for NTS-associated hospitalizations was higher for patients with septicaemia than for those with gastroenteritis. Seasonal variation of NTS-associated hospitalizations was correlated with temperature in different areas of Taiwan. In summary, infants had a high incidence of NTS-associated hospitalizations. However, the elderly had a higher in-hospital mortality rate and more invasive NTS infections than children.
Receptor targets of amacrine cells
Authors: ZHANG CHI , McCALL MAUREEN A.
Published: February 2012

Amacrine cells are a morphologically and functionally diverse group of inhibitory interneurons. Morphologically, they have been divided into approximately 30 types. Although this diversity is probably important to the fine structure and function of the retinal circuit, the amacrine cells have been more generally divided into two subclasses. Glycinergic narrow-field amacrine cells have dendrites that ramify close to their somas, cross the sublaminae of the inner plexiform layer, and create cross talk between its parallel ON and OFF pathways. GABAergic wide-field amacrine cells have dendrites that stretch long distances from their soma but ramify narrowly within an inner plexiform layer sublamina. These wide-field cells are thought to mediate inhibition within a sublamina and thus within the ON or OFF pathway. The postsynaptic targets of all amacrine cell types include bipolar, ganglion, and other amacrine cells. Almost all amacrine cells use GABA or glycine as their primary neurotransmitter, and their postsynaptic receptor targets include the most common GABAA, GABAC, and glycine subunit receptor configurations. This review addresses the diversity of amacrine cells, the postsynaptic receptors on their target cells in the inner plexiform layer of the retina, and some of the inhibitory mechanisms that arise as a result. When possible, the effects of GABAergic and glycinergic inputs on the visually evoked responses of their postsynaptic targets are discussed.
Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Indian Politics
Authors: Chatterji Prashanto Kumar
Published: February 2012

This book is a pioneering work on the multi-faceted contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee to the country. Dr Mookerjee helped to oust the League ministry in Bengal (1941) and install the Progressive Coalition ministry of which he was the Finance Minister. He resigned in 1942 to protest against the Governors policy of repression against the Quit India movement. As the Working President of the Hindu Mahasabha, he was responsible for its ascendancy in Indian politics from 1940 to 1944. As the Central Industries and Supplies Minister (19471950), he framed free Indias industrial policy but resigned due to acute differences with Prime Minister Nehrus appeasement policy towards Pakistan. He, together with M.S.Golwalkar of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, formed a new political party, the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. Despite Dr Mookerjees tragic death in 1953, the party drew adherents from all parts of India, and eventually was renamed the Bharatiya Janata Party.
September Arctic sea ice predicted to disappear near 2°C global warming above present
Authors: Mahlstein Irina , Knutti Reto
Published: February 2012

The decline of Arctic sea ice is one of the most visible signs of climate change over the past several decades. Arctic sea ice area shows large interannual variability due to the numerous factors, but on longer time scales the total sea ice area is approximately linearly related to Arctic surface air temperature in models and observations. Overall, models however strongly underestimate the recent sea ice decline. Here we show that this can be explained with two interlinked biases. Most climate models simulate a smaller sea ice area reduction per degree local surface warming. Arctic polar amplification, the ratio between Arctic and global temperature, is also underestimated but a number of models are within the uncertainty estimated from natural variability. A recalibration of an ensemble of global climate models using observations over 28 years provides a scenario independent relationship and yields about 2°C change in annual mean global surface temperature above present as the most likely global temperature threshold for September sea ice to disappear, but with substantial associated uncertainty. Natural variability in the Arctic is large and needs to be considered both for such recalibrations as well as for model evaluation, in particular when observed trends are relatively short.
Coincident multiscale estimates of Arctic sea ice thickness
Authors: Gardner Joan , Richter‐Menge Jackie , Farrell Sinead , Brozena John
Published: February 2012

Recent dramatic changes in the characteristics of the Arctic sea ice cover have sparked interest and concern from a wide range of disciplines including socioeconomics, maritime safety and security, and resource management, as well as basic research science. Though driven by different priorities, common to all is the demand for an improved ability to monitor and forecast changes in the sea ice cover. Key to meeting this demand is further improvement in the quality of observations collected from remote platforms. Satellites provide an important platform for instruments designed to monitor basin‐wide changes in the volume of the ice cover, a function of ice extent and thickness. Remote techniques to monitor sea ice extent in all seasons are well developed—these observations reveal a dramatic decline in summer sea ice extent since 1979, when satellite records became available. Further, they indicate that the decline has been facilitated by a dramatic decrease in the extent of perennial (i.e., multiyear) ice. Combined estimates of ice thickness derived from submarine records between 1958 and 2000, and Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimetry from 2003 to 2008, provide the longest‐term record of sea ice thickness observations. These data suggest a decrease in the mean overall thickness of the sea ice over a region covering about 38% of the Arctic Ocean.
Public affairs events at Ocean Sciences Meeting
Authors: Uhlenbrock Kristan
Published: February 2012

AGU public affairs will be cohosting two special events at Ocean Sciences 2012 that offer scientists opportunities to expand their communication, policy, and media experience. Join the conversations that highlight two important topics to connect science to society.
Operational seismic network estimates rock slide properties
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: February 2012

During the spring of 1991, two subsequent landslides near Randa, Switzerland, dropped 30,000,000 cubic meters of debris on the town below. The rocks dammed the Vispa River, a temporary reservoir that would have failed catastrophically had the army not carved a channel through it. Many rock slides occur in remote alpine locations, so it can sometimes take days or weeks before they are detected, a delay that could have cost the town of Randa. Rock slides can range from deadly, to disruptive, to simple scientific curiosities.Dammeier et al. have developed a method to remotely estimate their volume, location, and runout distances that could potentially be used in real time.
Emergent Physics and Micro-Ontology
Authors: Morrison Margaret
Published: February 2012

This article examines ontological/dynamical aspects of emergence, specifically the micro-macro relation in cases of universal behavior. I discuss superconductivity as an emergent phenomenon, showing why microphysical features such as Cooper pairing are not necessary for deriving characteristic properties such as infinite conductivity. I claim that the difficulties surrounding the thermodynamic limit in explaining phase transitions can be countered by showing how renormalization group techniques facilitate an understanding of the physics behind the mathematics, enabling us to clarify epistemic and ontological aspects of emergence. I close with a discussion of the impact of these issues for questions concerning natural kinds.
The impact of recent events on human genetic diversity
Authors: Jobling Mark A.
Published: February 2012

The historical record tells us stories of migrations, population expansions and colonization events in the last few thousand years, but what was their demographic impact? Genetics can throw light on this issue, and has mostly done so through the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the male-specific Y chromosome. However, there are a number of problems, including marker ascertainment bias, possible influences of natural selection, and the obscuring layers of the palimpsest of historical and prehistorical events. Y-chromosomal lineages are particularly affected by genetic drift, which can be accentuated by recent social selection. A diversity of approaches to expansions in Europe is yielding insights into the histories of Phoenicians, Roma, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and new methods for producing and analysing genome-wide data hold much promise. The field would benefit from more consensus on appropriate methods, and better communication between geneticists and experts in other disciplines, such as history, archaeology and linguistics.
Human skin pigmentation, migration and disease susceptibility
Authors: Jablonski Nina G. , Chaplin George
Published: February 2012

Human skin pigmentation evolved as a compromise between the conflicting physiological demands of protection against the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and photosynthesis of UVB-dependent vitamin D3. Living under high UVR near the equator, ancestralHomo sapienshad skin rich in protective eumelanin. Dispersals outside of the tropics were associated with positive selection for depigmentation to maximize cutaneous biosynthesis of pre-vitamin D3under low and highly seasonal UVB conditions. In recent centuries, migrations and high-speed transportation have brought many people into UVR regimes different from those experienced by their ancestors and, accordingly, exposed them to new disease risks. These have been increased by urbanization and changes in diet and lifestyle. Three examples—nutritional rickets, multiple sclerosis (MS) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM)—are chosen to illustrate the serious health effects of mismatches between skin pigmentation and UVR. The aetiology of MS in particular provides insight into complex and contingent interactions of genetic and environmental factors necessary to trigger lethal disease states. Low UVB levels and vitamin D deficiencies produced by changes in location and lifestyle pose some of the most serious disease risks of the twenty-first century.
Diverse approaches to analysing the history of human and pathogen evolution: how to tell the story of the past 70 000 years
Authors: Altmann D. M. , Balloux F. , Boyton R. J.
Published: February 2012

The meeting ‘Human evolution, migration and history revealed by genetics, immunity and infection’, along with the follow-on satellite meeting at the Kavli Centre over the subsequent two days, brought together diverse talents. The aim was to see if new insights could be gained by bringing together those who have interests in the past 50–100 000 years of human history, overlaying the perspectives of palaeogeneticists, anthropologists, human geneticists, pathogen geneticists, immunologists, disease modellers, linguists, immunogeneticists, historians and archaeologists. It rapidly became clear that while all may agree on the broad brush-strokes including ‘out-of-Africa’ and the general approximations of timelines, diverse approaches may often suggest somewhat different ways of telling the story.
Tuberculosis in Sheltered Homeless Population of Rome: An Integrated Model of Recruitment for Risk Management
Authors: Laurenti Patrizia , Bruno Stefania , Quaranta Gianluigi , La Torre Giuseppe , Cairo Antonio G. , Nardella Pierangela , Delogu Giovanni , Fadda Giovanni , Pirronti Tommaso , Geraci Salvatore , Pelargonio Salvatore , Lauria Francesco N. , Goletti Delia , Ricciardi Gualtiero
Published: February 2012

The authors show the results of an integrated model for risk management of tuberculosis in a sample of sheltered homeless in Rome. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was used for evaluating the prevalence of latent infection (LTBI). In TST positives, expectorate was collected and chest X-ray was achieved. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate determinants of infection. Out of 288 recruited subjects, 259 returned for the TST reading; 45.56% were positive and referred to a specialized center; 70 accessed the health facility and completed the clinical pathway. The risk factors associated to LTBI were male gender (OR=3.72), age over 60 years (OR=3.59), immigrant status (OR=3.73), and obesity (OR=2.19). This approach, based on an integrated social network, guarantees high adherence to screening (89.93%), allowing patients testing positive for latent tuberculosis infection to be diagnosed and rapidly referred to a specialized center.
BNP and Admission Glucose as In-Hospital Mortality Predictors in Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Takada Julio Yoshio , Ramos Rogério Bicudo , Avakian Solange Desiree , Santos Soane Mota dos , Ramires José Antonio Franchini , Mansur Antonio de Pádua
Published: February 2012

Objectives. Admission hyperglycemia and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are associated with mortality in acute coronary syndromes, but no study compares their prediction in-hospital death.Methods. Patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), in-hospital mortality and two-year mortality or readmission were compared for area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy (ACC) of glycemia and BNP.Results. Respectively, AUC, SEN, SPE, PPV, NPV, and ACC for prediction of in-hospital mortality were 0.815, 71.4%, 84.3%, 26.3%, 97.4%, and 83.3% for glycemia = 200 mg/dL and 0.748, 71.4%, 68.5%, 15.2%, 96.8% and 68.7% for BNP = 300 pg/mL. AUC of glycemia was similar to BNP (P=0.411). In multivariate analysis we found glycemia ≥200mg/dL related to in-hospital death (P=0.004). No difference was found in two-year mortality or readmission in BNP or hyperglycemic subgroups.Conclusion. Hyperglycemia was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in NSTEMI and had a good ROC curve level. Hyperglycemia and BNP, although poor in-hospital predictors of unfavorable events, were independent risk factors for death or length of stay >10 days. No relation was found between hyperglycemia or BNP and long-term events.
Social environment affects juvenile dispersal in great tits (Parus major)
Authors: Nicolaus Marion , Michler Stephanie P. M. , Jalvingh Kirsten M. , Ubels Richard , van der Velde Marco , Komdeur Jan , Both Christiaan , Tinbergen Joost M.
Published: February 2012

1. Habitat selection can affect individual fitness, and therefore, individuals are expected to assess habitat quality of potential breeding sites before settlement.

2. We investigated the role of social environment on juvenile dispersal behaviour in the great tit (Parus major). Two main contradictory hypotheses can be formulated regarding social effects on juvenile dispersal as follows: (i) High fledgling density and sex ratio may enhance the intensity of local (kin) competition and, therefore, reduce individual survival chance, enhance emigration and reduce settlement (‘repulsion’ hypothesis) (ii) Alternatively, high fledgling density and sex ratio may signal high‐quality habitat or lead to aggregation and thus increase individual survival chance, reduce emigration and enhance settlement (‘attraction’ hypothesis).

3. To disentangle positive from negative effects of high density and male‐biased sex ratio on dispersal, we manipulated the social composition of the fledgling population in 12 semi‐isolated nest‐box areas (plots) via a change of fledgling density (low/high) as well as fledgling sex ratio (female‐biased/balanced/male‐biased) across 3 years. We then tested whether experimental variation in male and female fledgling densities affected variation in local survival, emigration and settlement of juveniles, and whether social effects on survival and dispersal support the ‘repulsion’ or ‘attraction’ hypothesis.

4. We found no experimental effects on local survival and emigration probabilities. However, consistent with the ‘attraction’ hypothesis, settlement was significantly and positively affected by local experimental sex ratio in each of the study years: both male and female juveniles avoided female‐biased plots and settled more in plots that were balanced and male‐biased the previous year.

5. Our study provides unprecedented experimental evidence that local sex ratio plays a causal role in habitat selection. We suggest that settlers avoid female‐biased plots because a high proportion of females may reflect the absence or the low quality of local resources in the habitat. Alternatively, male territory acquisition may be facilitated by a high local density of ‘candidate’ males, and therefore, juveniles were less successful in settling in female‐biased plots.
Evaluating the effectiveness of human–orangutan conflict mitigation strategies in Sumatra
Authors: Campbell‐Smith Gail , Sembiring Rabin , Linkie Matthew
Published: February 2012

1. Crop raiding by great apes is an emerging conservation issue across their range. It is important because it involves highly threatened species that can cause significant economic damage and be killed in retribution. Yet, to date, no quantitative study has sought to test possible solutions for preventing this form of human–wildlife conflict.

2. From February 2007 to August 2009, we monitored crop‐raiding patterns across a Sumatran agroforest landscape to determine background levels of human–orangutan conflict. We also intensively monitored a subset of 50 farms to assess changes in farmer attitudes towards orangutan management; differences between farmer reported and independently enumerated monetary loss from crop raiding; and the effectiveness of mitigation techniques in reducing orangutan crop raiding on 35 treatment farms (25 trialling noise deterrents and 10 trialling tree nets) in comparison with 15 control farms over a pre‐trial (12 month) and a trial (18 month) phase. Five months after the trials had ended, the ongoing use or uptake of the techniques were assessed.

3. Across the wider landscape, background levels of mean daily orangutan crop‐raiding incidents per month (±SE) farms did not significantly differ between the pre‐trial (9·1 ± 3·7) and trial (7·1 ± 4·3) phases, whilst on the 35 treatment farms it reduced significantly. Furthermore, crop yield increased (+60·8%) on the netted trial trees, but reduced (−27·4%) on the control farm trees. Despite this, there was no subsequent use of this technique, unlike those farmers (40%) who continued using the less‐effective noise deterrents.

4. Farmer participation in the project yielded unexpected and positive attitude changes, from preferring orangutan removal (pre‐trial) to in situ management with crop protection measures (post‐trial). However, project participation may have increased farmer expectations of receiving compensation because the treatment farmers consistently overestimated their crop losses, unlike the control farmers who did not.

5. Synthesis and applications. Whilst human–orangutan conflicts caused substantial losses to local livelihoods, the identification of an effective mitigation method (nets) neither guaranteed its continued use nor uptake. Developing easy to install nets for valuable tree crops is therefore recommended. Nevertheless, the project intervention efforts did create benign farmer attitudes towards orangutan management, an essential prerequisite for managing large‐bodied mammals in conflict with people.
Combining the regression discontinuity design and propensity score‐based weighting to improve causal inference in program evaluation
Authors: Linden Ariel , Adams John L.
Published: February 2012

The regression discontinuity (RD) design is considered to be the closest to a randomized trial that can be applied in non‐experimental settings. The design relies on a cut‐off point on a continuous baseline variable to assign individuals to treatment. The individuals just to the right and left of the cut‐off are assumed to be exchangeable – as in a randomized trial. Any observed discontinuity in the relationship between the assignment variable and outcome is therefore considered evidence of a treatment effect. In this paper, we describe key advances in the RD design over the past decade and illustrate their implementation using data from a health management intervention. We then introduce the propensity score‐based weighting technique as a complement to the RD design to correct for imbalances in baseline characteristics between treated and non‐treated groups that may bias RD results. We find that the weighting strategy outperforms standard regression covariate adjustment in the present data. One clear advantage of the weighting technique over regression covariate adjustment is that we can directly inspect the degree to which balance was achieved. Because of its relative simplicity and tremendous utility, the RD design (either alone or combined with propensity score weighting adjustment) should be considered as an alternative approach to evaluate health management program effectiveness when using observational data.
Integrating multiple data sources to assess the distribution and abundance of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in Scottish waters
Authors: Cheney Barbara , Thompson Paul M. , Ingram Simon N. , Hammond Philip S. , Stevick Peter T. , Durban John W. , Culloch Ross M. , Elwen Simon H. , Mandleberg Laura , Janik Vincent M. , Quick Nicola J. , ISLAS‐Villanueva Valentina , Robinson Kevin P. , Costa Marina , Eisfeld Sonja M. , Walters Alice , Phillips Charlie , Weir Caroline R. , Evans Peter G.H. , Anderwald Pia , Reid Robert J. , Reid James B. , Wilson Ben
Published: February 2012

The distribution, movements and abundance of highly mobile marine species such as bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are best studied at large spatial scales, but previous research effort has generally been focused on relatively small areas, occupied by populations with high site fidelity.

We aimed to characterize the distribution, movements and abundance of bottlenose dolphins around the coasts of Scotland, exploring how data from multiple sources could be integrated to build a broader‐scale picture of their ecology.

We reviewed existing historical data, integrated data from ongoing studies and developed new collaborative studies to describe distribution patterns. We adopted a Bayesian multi‐site mark‐recapture model to estimate abundance of bottlenose dolphins throughout Scottish coastal waters and quantified movements of individuals between study areas.

The majority of sightings of bottlenose dolphins around the Scottish coastline are concentrated on the east and west coasts, but records are rare before the 1990s. Dedicated photo‐identification studies in 2006 and 2007 were used to estimate the size of two resident populations: one on the east coast from the Moray Firth to Fife, population estimate 195 [95% highest posterior density intervals (HPDI): 162–253] and the second in the Hebrides, population estimate 45 (95% HPDI: 33–66). Interaction parameters demonstrated that the dolphins off the east coast of Scotland are highly mobile, whereas those off the west coast form two discrete communities.

We provide the first comprehensive assessment of the abundance of bottlenose dolphins in the inshore waters of Scotland. The combination of dedicated photo‐identification studies and opportunistic sightings suggest that a relatively small number of bottlenose dolphins (200–300 individuals) occur regularly in Scottish coastal waters. On both east and west coasts, re‐sightings of identifiable individuals indicate that the animals have been using these coastal areas since studies began.
Polyembryony in Melastomataceae from Brazilian Cerrado: multiple embryos in a small world
Authors: Mendes‐Rodrigues C. , Oliveira P. E.
Published: February 2012

Polyembryony has been commonly associated with apomixis in the angiosperms and seems to be more common than expected, even in biomes where sexual reproduction processes are predominant. Recent studies in Cerrado, the Neotropical savannas of Central Brazil, showed high frequencies of apomixis and polyembryony and indicated these processes as reproductive and evolutionary alternatives for plants in these areas. In this sense, we investigated the occurrence of polyembryony and its relationships with ecological (season and type of dispersal, ploidy, species distribution and breeding system) and taxonomic (tribe) factors in the Melastomataceae, a mostly tropical family already known for its high frequency of apomixis and very common in Cerrado. We collected seeds from 69 populations of 53 species, which were sown in germination chambers. After seed germination, the presence and number of seedlings per seed were evaluated as a method to estimate polyembryony. We encountered 18 species (33.96%) with polyembryony (more than one seedling, or gemellar seedlings, originated per seed) concentrated in species of the tribe Miconieae (64%) and Microlicieae (16.67%), but absent in Melastomeae. Monoembryony was present only in sexual species, while all apomictic species were polyembryonic. In Miconia, the polyembryony was correlated with polyploidy, and monoembryony with diploid species. Polyembryony was more common among species with wide distribution in the Cerrado region, which indicates that the presence of gemellar seedlings is important for establishment and survival of the group in the Cerrado biome.
Histochemical and Morphometric Analyses of the Musculature of the Forelimb of the Subterranean Rodent Ctenomys talarum (Octodontoidea)
Authors: Alvarez G. I. , Díaz A. O. , Longo M. V. , Becerra F. , Vassallo A. I.
Published: February 2012

Histochemical and morphometric analyses were performed to characterize the fibre‐type composition of two forelimb muscles of the South American subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum. The studied muscles were the triceps lateralis, an extensor of the elbow, and the teres major, a flexor of the shoulder. It was found that these muscles had an elevated proportion of fast oxidative‐glycolytic (FOG) fibres, and lower proportions of slow oxidative (SO) and fast glycolytic (FG) fibres. This composition probably qualifies the teres major and triceps muscles to perform the sustained effort required in tunnelling excavation. The results were discussed considering published data on fibre‐type composition of mammals having different modes of life and digging behaviour. We here suggest that C. talarum has the potential of generating forces linked to rapid, powerful movements during sustained periods by means of an elevated proportion of FOG fibres, together with osteological changes that result in a great mechanical advantage of the forelimb muscles.
Breast cancer resistance protein expression is associated with early recurrence and decreased survival in resectable pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Haeryoung , Hwang Jin‐Hyeok , Lee Hye Seung , Cho Jai Young , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Han Ho‐Seong
Published: February 2012

The prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains dismal even after complete resection, with most recurrences occurring within 1–2 years postoperatively. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been demonstrated to play major roles in multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancers. In this study, we evaluated the expression statuses and the clinical significance of MDR1 (ABCB1), MDR‐associated proteins (MRPs/ABCC) 1, 2 and 3, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in 67 surgically resected PDACs by immunohistochemistry. MDR1, MRP1, MRP2, MRP3 and BCRP were expressed in 35 (52.2%), 56 (83.6%), 61 (91.0%), 49 (73.1%) and 49 (73.1%) out of 67 cases, respectively. The expression statuses of the MDR‐related proteins were positively correlated with each other (P < 0.05). Tumors expressing MRP1 (P= 0.015), MRP2 (P= 0.022) and MRP3 (P < 0.001) demonstrated more frequent perineural invasion. MDR1 expression was significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion (P= 0.047). High BCRP expression in PDAC was a significant prognostic factor for early tumor recurrence (HR = 2.43, P= 0.003) and poor survival (HR = 2.63, P= 0.001). MDR‐related proteins are frequently expressed in PDAC, and high BCRP expression is a significant independent predictor for early recurrence and poor survival. Immunohistochemical analysis for BCRP expression in PDAC may be a useful test in identifying a subgroup of patients with a poor prognosis.
Spatial localization and projection densities of brainstem mossy fibre afferents to the forelimb C1 zone of the rat cerebellum
Authors: Herrero Luis , Pardoe Joanne , Cerminara Nadia L. , Apps Richard
Published: February 2012

The present study uses a double retrograde tracer technique in rats to examine the spatial localization and pattern of axonal branching in mossy fibres arising from three major sources in the medulla—the external cuneate nucleus, the sensory trigeminal nucleus and the reticular formation, to two electrophysiologically‐identified parts of the cerebellar cortex that are linked by common climbing fibre input – the forelimb‐receiving parts of the C1 zone in lobulus simplex and the paramedian lobule. In each experiment a small injection of rhodamine‐tagged beads was injected into one cortical region and an injection of fluorescein‐tagged beads was injected into the other region. The main findings were: (i) the proportion of double‐labelled cells in each of the three precerebeller sources of mossy fibres was positively correlated with those in the inferior olive; and (ii) the C1 zone in lobulus simplex was found to receive a greater density of projections from all three sources of mossy fibres than the C1 zone in the paramedian lobule. These data suggest that two rostrocaudally separated but somatotopically corresponding parts of the C1 zone receive common mossy fibre and climbing fibre inputs. However, the differences in projection densities also suggest that the two parts of the zone differ in the extent to which they receive mossy fibre signals arising from the same precerebellar nuclei. This implies differences in function between somatotopically corresponding parts of the same cortical zone, and could enable a higher degree of parallel processing and integration of information within them.
A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children's eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk
Authors: Gibson E. L. , Kreichauf S. , Wildgruber A. , Vögele C. , Summerbell C. D. , Nixon C. , Moore H. , Douthwaite W. , Manios Y. ,   ToyBox‐Study Group
Published: February 2012

Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children's eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and acquired preferences, and behavioural traits, such as food neophobia, ‘enjoyment of food’ and ‘satiety responsiveness’. These are important influences on how children respond to feeding practices, as well as predictors of obesity risk. Nevertheless, in young children, food environment and experience are especially important for establishing eating habits and food preferences. Providing information to parents, or to children, on healthy feeding is insufficient. Acceptance of healthy foods can be encouraged by five to ten repeated tastes. Recent evidence suggests rewarding healthy eating can be successful, even for verbal praise alone, but that palatable foods should not be used as rewards for eating. Intake of healthier foods can be promoted by increasing portion size, especially in the beginning of the meal. Parental strategies of pressuring to eat and restriction do not appear to be causally linked to obesity, but are instead primarily responses to children's eating tendencies and weight. Moderate rather than frequent restriction may improve healthy eating in children. Actively positive social modelling by adults and peers can be effective in encouraging healthier eating.
Design of High Rise Steel Buildings against Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Gündel Max , Hoffmeister Benno , Feldmann Markus , Hauke Bernhard
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  In this article, a new design concept is introduced to mitigate the disproportionate collapse of multi‐storey steel buildings. The recently developed Residual Strength method enables the design of economic, safe, and architecturally demanding structures by exploiting the advantages of steel, namely: excellent energy dissipation and ductility. The approach is compared to existing concepts such as Key Element method, Alternate Path procedure, and isolation of collapsed regions by segmentation. The new method comprises procedures, tables, and simple hand formulas for risk assessment, description of impact and blast loads, determination of nonlinear member behavior and their dynamic response. The tools are verified by blast and impact tests and comprehensive nonlinear dynamic simulations. The advantages and limitations of the Residual Strength method are highlighted in a case study on a high rise steel‐composite building, which targets at the resistance against any kind of explosion and aircraft impact with ensuing fire.
The Credit Rating Agencies and Their Contribution to the Financial Crisis
Authors: MULLARD MAURICE
Published: February 2012

The credit rating agencies that dominated the ratings of mortgage‐backed securities were Moody's and Standard & Poor's. The two agencies rated some 4.3 trillion dollars of bonds as triple AAA, yet within a period of 18 months these same rating agencies downgraded these bonds to below investment grade. This paper seeks to show that the ratings agencies business model, the issuer pays approach, led to major conflicts of interest with both the ratings agencies unable to walk away from a rating. The evidence given by analysts to Congressional Inquiries confirms a cultural revolution within the rating agencies, with analysts feeling unable to question the quality of a rating. Analysts who were described as being awkward by issuers were removed from the rating process. In the meantime, the income for the rating agencies increased from 3 billion dollars to 6 billion dollars, with the CEOs of the rating agencies receiving incomes comparable to the incomes to the CEOs of investment banks.
Elected Second Chambers and Their Powers: An International Survey
Authors: RUSSELL MEG
Published: February 2012

In May 2011, Britain's Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government published proposals for reform of the House of Lords. In a White Paper and draft bill they set out detailed plans for a largely or wholly elected second chamber. These marked the latest stage in a long‐running debate on Lords reform. The government's proposals aim to change the composition of the second chamber, suggesting that there will be no change to its powers or the conventions governing relations with the House of Commons. But this expectation has been disputed. The House of Lords presently does not make full use of its powers, and many anticipate that it would if its members became elected. This paper reviews the composition of all second chambers internationally, showing that wholly directly elected chambers make up the minority, and that both mixed chambers and indirect election are common. It then reviews the formal powers of all largely and wholly elected chambers. This shows that amongst parliamentary systems the formal powers of the House of Lords are relatively great. But second chamber powers, as well as their composition, vary widely.
The Politics of the Strategic Defence and Security Review: Centralisation and Cuts
Authors: DOVER ROBERT , PHYTHIAN MARK
Published: February 2012

This article examines the politics of the October 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), focussing on the points of difference between the main political parties (and within the Cameron coalition government) and the political dynamics of the review process. In examining how the government's core mission to reduce the country's ‘historic deficit’ impacted on the review process and outcomes, we are also able to highlight the practical results of a political philosophy that is currently being implemented across Whitehall. We argue that defence is a path‐finding policy area for a new kind of post‐industrial bureaucratic environment typified by a ‘thin‐client’ and ‘smart customer’ function that interacts with industry.
Producing an Indigenous Knowledge Web GIS for Arctic Alaska Communities: Challenges, Successes, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Eisner Wendy R. , Jelacic Jessica , Cuomo Chris J. , Kim Changjoo , Hinkel Kenneth M. , Del Alba Dorin
Published: February 2012

A traditional knowledge “Iñupiaq Web GIS”, based on a five‐year study and containing observations and environmental knowledge of Iñupiat communities indigenous to Arctic Alaska, was incorporated into a Web‐based platform. The website, “Arctic Cultural Cartography,” was created to be an open portal through which the password‐protected “Iñupiaq Web GIS” could be accessed. We discuss the process of developing the web GIS including the incorporation of user‐friendly features such as links to interactive maps, video clips of interviews, discussion boards, and the integration of popular web interfaces such as Facebook. We also discuss short‐ and long‐term goals for the further development of the GIS, its potential as a sustainable, participatory online database for sharing pertinent ecological knowledge, and challenges in achieving optimal community involvement given constraints imposed by remote locations with limited bandwidth.
Gendered Projects of Solidarity: Workplace Organizing among Immigrant Women and Men
Authors: Cranford Cynthia J.
Published: February 2012

Drawing on an ethnography of organizing among Latina/o immigrant janitors in Los Angeles, I argue that constructing workplace solidarity between women and men is a dynamic, gendered project. I demonstrate both how this project unfolds and how it can be halted, with varying implications for gender and class inequality at work. Organizational restructuring upsets gender‐segregated divisions of labour making solidarity between women and men possible but restructuring also allows workers to reinforce gendered divisions and cultural distinctions. The mechanism pushing workers one way or the other is the degree to which the process of organizing recognizes gender inequalities.
Decreased NURR1 and PITX3 gene expression in Chinese patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu H. , Wei L. , Tao Q. , Deng H. , Ming M. , Xu P. , Le W.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  The preferential degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta is the pathological hallmark in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The transcription factors NURR1 and PITX3 have been shown to play a crucial role in the maturation and survival of mDA neurons, and both of them were potential susceptibility genes for PD.

Methods:  To determine whether NURR1 and PITX3 gene expression are altered in Chinese patients with PD, we measured their gene expression in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in 255 patients with PD and 211 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls by quantitative real‐time PCR technique.

Results:  We found that both NURR1 and PITX3 gene expression in PBL were significantly decreased in patients with PD as compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Lower levels of NURR1 and PITX3 gene expression were significantly associated with the increased risk for PD in male and older subjects, respectively.

Conclusions:  Our results provide useful information that the NURR1 and PITX3 gene expression is decreased in the PBL of Chinese patients with PD, indicating their possible systemic involvement in PD.
The Long‐Term Outcome of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment for Patients with Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Oosterhof Jan , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H. , de Boo Theo , Oostendorp Rob A. B. , Crul Ben J. P.
Published: February 2012

Background:  Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an easy to use analgesic intervention. However, long‐term randomized placebo‐controlled studies with treatment periods of more than 3 months have not been executed to date. The aim of our study is to explore the long‐term (1 year) time course of the treatment effects of TENS compared to placebo (sham TENS).

Method:  We performed a randomized placebo‐controlled trial in patients with chronic pain (165), referred to a multidisciplinary pain center of a university hospital. Main outcome measures are the proportion of patients satisfied with treatment result and willing to continue treatment, pain intensity, pain disability, and perceived health status.

Results:  Survival analysis of time courses of proportions of satisfied patients revealed no significant differences (P = 0.79; log‐rank test) for TENS treatment compared to sham TENS. After 1 year, 30% (24/81) of the patients of the TENS group and 23% (19/82) of the sham TENS group were satisfied with treatment result. These patients experienced a mean overall improvement of 62.7% (n = 43). This effect was not significantly different between both groups. For satisfied patients, there were no differences in pain intensity or disability and perceived health status between the TENS and sham TENS group.

Conclusions:  Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and sham TENS show similar effects in patients with chronic pain over a period of 1 year. We found support for a long sustained placebo effect.
A Comprehensive Review of Telehealth for Pain Management: Where We Are and The Way Ahead
Authors: McGeary Donald D. , McGeary Cindy A. , Gatchel Robert J.
Published: February 2012

Pain is generally undertreated in the United States, owing to a number of barriers including geographic distance from specialty treatment providers; functional disability that limits mobility; treatment‐related stigma; economic limitations; and educational barriers. Pain undertreatment exacerbates pain chronicity and emotional disruption that can significantly erode a pain patient’s quality of life, and there is widespread agreement that pain care must evolve to address this significant problem. The growing field of telehealth (defined for the purposes of this paper as technology that allows for distance interaction between providers and/or patients) offers a novel opportunity to expand pain assessment, consultation, and treatment services beyond the walls of the specialty pain clinic, but there is limited availability of resources describing how to best use this technology to improve access to care. A recent literature review (September 2011) using universally endorsed MeSH search criteria revealed only 32 MEDLINE references focusing on telehealth for pain. This is surprising in light of the very large number of references covering telehealth (14,164 references) and pain (104,564 references), respectively. Of the studies available, there are very few randomized trials of telehealth pain care and only one general overview of e‐health and chronic pain, which dedicates just a few paragraphs to telehealth. This manuscript represents one of the first comprehensive reviews of the current state of telehealth and pain management research and practice. The goals are to provide a rationale for the potential benefit of telehealth‐based pain management services; describe the various applications of telehealth technology for pain management; orient the reader to cost models for telehealth; present examples of services in place; and offer recommendations for future research based on the current state of knowledge.