bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do differences in plasticity during early growth lead to differing success in competition? A test using four co‐occurring annual Papaver
Authors: Milberg Per , Karlsson Jan , Wessman Lotta , Karlsson Laila M.
Published: September 2012

Plant species differ in their ability to transform available resources to biomass and to respond in a plastic way to environmental circumstances; we hypothesized that such differences among four weed taxa of Papaver would explain differences in their competitive response. We first compared two populations each of Papaver rhoeas L., P. dubium L. ssp. dubium, P. dubium L. ssp. lecoqii (Lamotte) Syme and P. argemone L., grown in a greenhouse for 6 weeks in a nutrient gradient combined with two light treatments to elucidate possible differences in responses. As there were clear differences, a second experiment evaluated whether these differences also meant differences in competitive response, during early growth, when tested against two crops (wheat, rape). The assumption that competitive response was linked to the ability to transform nutrient and light to biomass was not supported: even though differences in extent of plasticity existed, the effect of competition was similar for the taxa. Thus, higher plasticity and ability to transform available recourses to biomass did not lead to stronger competitiveness for Papaver during early growth.
Streptococcus viridans tubo‐ovarian abscess in an adolescent virgin
Authors: Simpson‐Camp LaShondria , Richardson Elizabeth Jane , Alaish Samuel M.
Published: September 2012

A tubo‐ovarian abscess (TOA) is a common complication of pelvic inflammatory disease in premenopausal women; however, in virginal females, TOAs are an exceedingly rare occurrence. Within this rare subset of patients, there is almost always an underlying condition, such as vaginal voiding, or a concomitant disease process. A virginal adolescent female with no prior medical history presented with a large pelvic mass which proved to be a TOA. An exploratory laparotomy was eventually required to establish the diagnosis. Open drainage and antibiotic therapy successfully treated the patient. With only the organism, Streptococcus viridians, isolated in her cultures, an etiology of direct ascension from the lower genitourinary tract is implicated. We believe this to be the youngest case of a TOA occurring in a virginal adolescent female without a predisposing condition. A TOA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic masses in previously healthy pediatric patients regardless of their sexual activity.
Management of complete heart block during pregnancy
Authors: Dhiman Niharika , Sarda Nivedita , Arora Renu
Published: September 2012

A 22‐year‐old second gravida presented to the antenatal clinic at 28 weeks of gestation with frequent fainting attacks (2–3 episodes/day), palpitations and dyspnea (New York Heart Association Functional Classification II). Her pulse rate was 40 b.p.m. A 12‐lead electrocardiogram and 24‐h Holter revealed complete heart block. A transvenous permanent pacemaker (ventricular demand rate‐responsive), paced at a rate of 60 pulses/min, was successfully implanted. A multidisciplinary approach was taken and the patient delivered a healthy baby boy of 2.8 kg at 38 weeks. She remained asymptomatic and was discharged in good condition. Management varies from expectant management to temporary pacemaker insertion to permanent pacing during pregnancy. In a young patient with sinus bradycardia, the primary criterion for a pacemaker is the concurrent observation of a symptom (e.g., syncope) with bradycardia (e.g., heart rate 35–40 b.p.m. or asystole for 3 s). Symptomatic pregnant women should always be counseled for a permanent pacemaker.
Medical abortion service in rural areas of Henan Province, China: A provider survey
Authors: Ji Ning , Zhou You , Zhang Ying , He Dian , Pang Cheng , Xi Maomao , Cheng Yimin
Published: September 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices on medical abortion of abortion service providers in rural areas of China.

Material and Methods:  A cross‐sectional study via self‐administered questionnaire was conducted among 362 abortion service providers from family planning service centers (FPSC) and hospitals in rural areas of Henan Province, China, between November 2009 and May 2010.

Results:  Most of the providers were female (99.4%) and obstetricians/gynecologists (63.3%). The knowledge score achieved ranged from 9.4 to 78.1 points, with both the median and the mode of 56.3 points. Of the 52.2% (189/362) of providers having a preference on abortion method, 30.2% (57/189) preferred medical abortion, while 69.8% (132/189) preferred surgical abortion. In total, 50.7% (174/343) of the providers indicated the provision of medical abortion should be expanded, with the three biggest challenges in its further expansion being increased complications/failures, poor client knowledge/awareness, and problems with drug/equipment supplies. Of all the providers, 81.7% and 92.2% reported they had experience in providing medical abortion and surgical abortion, respectively. Medical abortion providers were mainly experienced in misoprostol with oral (81.8%)/vaginal (79.6%) prostaglandin (misoprostol/gemeprost).

Conclusion:  Knowledge on medical abortion of providers working in rural China was at a moderate level. Providers preferred surgical abortion to medical abortion. Providers have more experience in providing surgical abortion than medical abortion. Efforts should be made to overcome the perceived challenges in future expansion of medical abortion.
Investors’ preference towards risk: evidence from the Taiwan stock and stock index futures markets
Authors: Qiao Zhuo , Clark Ephraim , Wong Wing‐Keung
Published: September 2012

We apply the stochastic dominance (SD) tests proposed by Linton et al. (2005) and Davidson and Duclos (2000) for risk averters and risk seekers to examine investors’ preferences with respect to the Taiwan stock index and its corresponding index futures. We find that there is no first‐order SD relationship between Taiwan spot and futures. However, for second‐ and third‐order SD, we find that spot dominates futures for risk averters whereas futures dominates spot for risk seekers. The implication is that to maximize their expected utilities, risk averters prefer to buy stocks, whereas risk seekers prefer long index futures.
Governance and Nuclear Power: Why Governing is Easier Said than Done
Authors: Baker Keith , Stoker Gerry
Published: September 2012

Governance studies have taken an interpretative turn. There is value in this development which emphasises how, through the construction of narrative and meaning, the processes of governance can be given direction. A study of Britain's privatised energy industry, embedded in a complex set of international networks and market conditions, is used to illustrate the argument. Government cannot command an expansion of nuclear power to meet future energy needs but is seeking to deliver it through a governance narrative that is collaborative and decentred. To judge the likely success of this governance stance requires stepping beyond an interpretative frame and complementing it with insights from a historical institutional perspective. The British government is severely hampered in achieving its objectives by institutional and structural constraints.
Playing the numbers: how hepatitis C patients create meaning and make healthcare decisions from medical test results
Authors: Perzynski Adam T. , Terchek Joshua J. , Blixen Carol E. , Dawson Neal V.
Published: September 2012

In this article we describe how patients assign meanings to medical test results and use these meanings to justify their actions. Evidence is presented from lay interpretations of medical tests for monitoring hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) to show how numeracy becomes embodied in the absence of physical symptoms. Illness narratives from 307 individuals infected with HCV were collected from the internet and analysed qualitatively. As part of standard medical care, chronically infected HCV patients are required to have periodic blood tests for laboratory testing. The lab results are presented numerically and compared with established physiological standards. HCV patients’ knowledge and interpretations of test results have important consequences for their health behaviour and their medical decisions. In their stories, the patients described their decisions to begin, delay or stop treatment and developed strategies to alter their diet, exercise and use alternative therapies according to changes in their test result. The perceived meanings of test results are powerful signifiers that are capable of altering the course of HCV patients’ illness, lives and stories. An interpretive model of health numeracy has the advantage of promoting understanding between patients and healthcare providers over a model that views innumeracy as a skill deficit.
Beyond social networking: Performing global Englishes in Facebook by college youth in Nepal1
Authors: Sharma Bal Krishna
Published: September 2012

Until recently, scholarship on online social networking has mostly focused on issues of social relationship, privacy, identity and literacy. Research on the interface between multilingualism, multimodality and online social networking from a discursive perspective is relatively limited. This ethno‐graphic study draws data from Facebook pages composed and hosted over two years by three economically and educationally privileged undergraduate students in Nepal and uses conceptual constructs of mediascape, convergence culture and global Englishes. The study investigates how the advent of social networking online in Facebook by college youth has influenced their use of the English language and other semiotic resources to index both their local and cosmopolitan identities. Findings suggest that these youth are using social networking to redefine the role of English in relation to their existing social relationships, innovatively mixing English and Nepali in order to construct their bilingual identities, and embedding English with other texts to recontextualize both local and global media content. The paper concludes with a summary of major findings which suggest that online social networking practices have significantly helped to bring about a cultural change among this particular social group in Nepal.
The relationship between oxidative stress, smoking and the clinical severity of psoriasis
Authors: Emre S. , Metin A. , Demirseren D.D. , Kilic S. , Isikoglu S. , Erel O.
Published: September 2012

Background  Recent studies suggested that increased oxidant products and decreased antioxidant system functions may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In this study, we investigated total oxidative status, Paraoxonase (PON)1/arylesterase enzyme activities and severity of the disease in smoker and non‐smoker psoriatic patients.

Methods  Fifty‐four patients with plaque type psoriasis (28 smokers and 26 non‐smokers) and 62 healthy volunteers (16 smokers and 46 non‐smokers) were enrolled in the study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and arylesterase levels were measured, and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated in all participants.

Results  Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores were significantly higher in smoker patients than in non‐smoker patients (P = 0.014). Both smoker and non‐smoker patients had significantly increased TOS levels and OSI values and decreased TAC levels than healthy subjects (all P values = 0.000). The TAC and TOS levels, OSI values and arylesterase activities were similar between smoker and non‐smoker patients. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were not significantly different between smoker and non‐smoker psoriasis patients. When compared with non‐smoking controls, only smoking psoriasis patients had significantly higher TG (P = 0.005), lower HDL (P = 0.022) and lower arylesterase levels (P = 0.015). There were no significant correlations with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and TAC, TOS, OSI, TG, TC, HDL and LDL levels in all psoriasis patients.

Conclusions  Oxidative stress is increased in psoriasis patients regardless of their smoking status. The decreased arylesterase activity in smoker psoriasis patients suggested that smoking may be a considerable risk factor that increases the severity of psoriasis by increasing oxidative stress in these patients.
Morphology and allometry suggest multiple origins of rostral appendages in Sri Lankan agamid lizards
Authors: Johnston G. R. , Lee M. S. Y. , Surasinghe T. D.
Published: September 2012

Rostral appendages occur in a very small number of species spread across the entire clade of iguanian lizards. The five species of Sri Lankan agamid lizards of the poorly known endemic genus Ceratophora show remarkable variation in the morphology and development of rostral appendages, which are absent in two species and present in the other three. Parsimony and Bayesian comparative methods do not robustly resolve whether the appendage evolved once (with two losses), twice (with one loss) or thrice independently. The appendage in C. tennentii is leaf‐shaped, present in juveniles and monomorphic in adults. It is quite dissimilar to the appendages in C. aspera and C. stoddartii which are horn‐shaped, absent in juveniles and dimorphic in adults. Ceratophora stoddartii is more closely related to C. erdeleni, which lacks the rostral appendage, than it is to C. aspera. The combined morphological, allometric and phylogenetic evidence suggests rostral appendages evolved three times within Ceratophora: perhaps once as a result of natural selection for crypsis (in C. tennentii) and twice as a result of sexual selection (in C. aspera and C. stoddartii). Our results suggest that these unusual ornaments can evolve by more than one mechanism and more readily than is suggested by their low frequency among iguanian lizards.
Mycorrhizal fungal establishment in agricultural soils: factors determining inoculation success
Authors: Verbruggen Erik , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Rillig Matthias C. , Kiers E. Toby
Published: September 2012

Soil biota provide a number of key ecological services to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Increasingly, inoculation of soils with beneficial soil biota is being considered as a tool to enhance plant productivity and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. However, one important bottleneck is the establishment of viable microbial populations that can persist over multiple seasons. Here, we explore the factors responsible for establishment of the beneficial soil fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which can enhance the yield of a wide range of agricultural crops. We evaluate field application potential and discuss ecological and evolutionary factors responsible for application success. We identify three factors that determine inoculation success and AM fungal persistence in soils: species compatibility (can the introduced species thrive under the imposed circumstances?); field carrying capacity (the habitat niche available to AMF); and priority effects (the influence of timing and competition on the establishment of alternative stable communities). We explore how these factors can be employed for establishment and persistence of AMF. We address the importance of inoculum choice, plant choice, management practices and timing of inoculation for the successful manipulation of the resulting AMF community.
Climate change alters stoichiometry of phosphorus and nitrogen in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Dijkstra Feike A. , Pendall Elise , Morgan Jack A. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Carrillo Yolima , LeCain Daniel R. , Follett Ronald F. , Williams David G.
Published: September 2012

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential nutrients for primary producers and decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems. Although climate change affects terrestrial N cycling with important feedbacks to plant productivity and carbon sequestration, the impacts of climate change on the relative availability of N with respect to P remain highly uncertain.

In a semiarid grassland in Wyoming, USA, we studied the effects of atmospheric CO2 enrichment (to 600 ppmv) and warming (1.5/3.0°C above ambient temperature during the day/night) on plant, microbial and available soil pools of N and P.

Elevated CO2 increased P availability to plants and microbes relative to that of N, whereas warming reduced P availability relative to N. Across years and treatments, plant N : P ratios varied between 5 and 18 and were inversely related to soil moisture.

Our results indicate that soil moisture is important in controlling P supply from inorganic sources, causing reduced P relative to N availability during dry periods. Both wetter soil conditions under elevated CO2 and drier conditions with warming can further alter N : P. Although warming may alleviate N constraints under elevated CO2, warming and drought can exacerbate P constraints on plant growth and microbial activity in this semiarid grassland.
A comparison of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and human T‐lymphotropic virus marker rates for directed versus volunteer blood donations to the American Red Cross during 2005 to 2010
Authors: Dorsey Kerri A. , Moritz Erin D. , Steele Whitney R. , Eder Anne F. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: At most US blood centers, patients may still opt to choose specific donors to give blood for their anticipated transfusion needs. However, there is little evidence of improved safety with directed donation when compared to volunteer donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The percentage of directed donations made to the American Red Cross (ARC) from 1995 to 2010 was determined. Infectious disease marker rates for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) were calculated for volunteer and directed donations made from 2005 to 2010. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to compare marker‐positive rates of directed donations to volunteer donations.

RESULTS: The percentage of donations from directed donors declined from 1.6% in 1995 to 0.12% in 2010. From 2005 to 2010, the ARC collected 38,894,782 volunteer and 69,869 directed donations. Rates of HIV, HCV, HBV, and HTLV for volunteer donations were 2.9, 32.2, 12.4, and 2.5 per 100,000 donations, respectively; for directed, the rates were 7.2, 93.0, 40.1, and 18.6 per 100,000. After demographics and first‐time or repeat status were adjusted for, corresponding ORs of viral marker positivity in directed versus volunteer donations were not significant for HIV, HBV, or HTLV and significant for HCV (OR, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.50‐0.90).

CONCLUSIONS: Directed donations have declined by 92% at the ARC since 1995, but have higher viral marker rates than volunteer donations. The difference can be explained in part by the effects of first‐time or repeat status of the donors. Patients considering directed donation should be appropriately counseled about the potential risks.
Use of Glycerol as a Cryoprotectant in Vacuum‐Assisted Foaming of Ceramic Suspension Technique for Improving Compressive Strength of Porous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics
Authors: Ahn Min‐Kyung , Moon Young‐Wook , Koh Young‐Hag , Kim Hyoun‐Ee
Published: September 2012

This article reports the utility of glycerol as a cryoprotectant for improving the compressive strength of highly porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics, comprised of hydroxyapatite and β‐tricalcium phosphate, produced using vacuum‐assisted foaming of a ceramic suspension technique. All the samples produced with various glycerol contents (0, 9, 17, and 23 wt% in relation to the water content) showed a highly porous structure with a uniform pore distribution. However, the addition of glycerol effectively suppressed the formation of microchannels in the BCP walls, accordingly leading to a considerable increase in compressive strength from 0.72 ± 0.11 to 2.36 ± 0.41 MPa with increasing glycerol content from 0 to 23 wt%.
Beyond Frogs and Scorpions: A Risk‐Based Framework for Understanding Negotiating Counterparts' Ethical Motivations
Authors: Volkema Roger , Rivers Cheryl
Published: September 2012

Managing the flow of valid information is one of the biggest challenges that negotiators face. The high incidence of questionable or unethical negotiating tactics has been well documented, but ways of dealing with the deceptive practices of a counterpart have received comparatively little attention. In this article, we suggest that, in addition to avoidance and confrontation, negotiators typically attempt to manage the unethical tendencies of their counterparts through twelve neutralizing approaches. These approaches are based on four types of perceived risk that counterparts often consider when deciding whether to use ethically ambiguous negotiation tactics: risks to immediate or short‐term goals/tasks; risks to immediate or short‐term relationship(s); risks to future or long‐term goals/tasks; and, risks to future or long‐term relationships. By applying expectancy theory, resource dependency theory, social identity theory, and social network theory to this framework, we have developed propositions related to these twelve neutralizing approaches. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges related to evaluating these propositions in future research.
Human myometrium – the ultrastructural 3D network of telocytes
Authors: Creţoiu Sanda M. , Creţoiu Dragos , Popescu Laurentiu M.
Published: September 2012

Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, were recently described in the interstitial space of tissues (www.telocytes.com). Telocytes TCs have several very long, moniliform extensions, namely telopodes (Tps). However, the functional role(s) of TCs is not yet understood. Successive photomicrographs of ultrathin sections were concatenated to capture the entire length of Tps which usually measure tens to hundreds of micrometres. Besides the podoms (dilations) and podomers (thin segments), ultrastructural features of Tps include the dichotomous branching and establishing homo‐ and heterocellular contacts. Telopodes make a labyrinthine system by 3D convolution and overlapping, their number being roughly estimated at approximately 20 per 1000 μm2. Moreover, the presence of extracellular vesicles (shedding vesicles/exosomes) along the Tps suggests an active intercellular signalling (micro‐ and macromolecules), with possible significance in regulating uterine contractility.
Current therapeutic options for endodontic biofilms
Authors: Haapasalo Markus , Shen Ya
Published: September 2012

Microbial biofilms in the infected root canal space are the primary cause of apical periodontitis. Root canal treatment therefore aims to either remove the biofilms from the root canal or kill all of the microbes in the biofilms. Instrumentation mechanically removes or disrupts biofilm organization and creates sufficient space in the canal to allow effective irrigation and disinfection to occur. While none of the mechanical or chemical factors alone can predictably eradicate the infective agents, their combined action under optimal efforts is the key factor for long‐term success of endodontic treatment and healing of the lesion. In this article, the role and impact of various mechanical (physical) and chemical means of attacking root canal biofilms are discussed in light of relevant literature (Fig. ).

Green symbols: factors that effect the development and characteristics of endodontic biofilms. Red symbols: factors that are important in eradication of biofilms and biofilm bacteria.

figure
Screening for dietary fat intake of grade six children: self‐assessment vs. maternal assessment
Authors: Wenhold Friede , MacIntyre Una , Rheeder Paul
Published: September 2012

As part of justifiable nutrition promotion, this study aimed to determine internal consistency of a dietary fat screener and to compare self‐assessment to maternal assessment of fat intake of grade six (about 12 years old) learners in a South African public primary school. The children completed in school a pictorial, quantitative food frequency‐type screener consisting of 10 high‐fat food categories; mothers individually completed a text version. Internal consistency was measured with item‐total correlations, Cronbach's alpha and the split‐half method. Child–mother comparison was based on kappa (κ) statistics, McNemar's tests, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and the Bland–Altman method. In total, 101 (93.5%) children and 78 (72.2%) mothers responded. The screener was internally consistent, regardless of data source and statistical technique. For portion sizes and frequency of intake, children consistently reported higher intake than mothers. This resulted in systematic error, also evidenced by a significant difference from zero for the difference between child's and mother's final test scores for the whole group, and for boys and girls separately (always P < 0.001). In 76% of the pairs, classification into high fat or prudent intake was identical, yet the chance‐corrected agreement was poor (κ = 0.16) and non‐agreement was non‐symmetrical (P = 0.001). Children and mothers reported high fat intakes (93% and 75%, respectively). It was concluded that the dietary fat screener was internally consistent, yet children and mothers did not agree in their assessment. The high fat intakes reported by children and mothers warrant measurement refinement and implementation of primary prevention programmes.
Evaluating Cultures: The Instrumentalism, Pluralist Perfectionism, and Particularism of John Gray
Authors: Johnson Matthew Thomas
Published: September 2012

In this article, Matthew Johnson examines the possibility of using elements of John Gray's work to advance a means of evaluating cultures, in order to inform the development of pluralist perfectionist forms of public policy and, in particular, educational programs. Johnson engages critically with elements of Gray's value pluralism, such as his understanding of the objectivity and universality in human values, needs, and well‐being; determinacy of circumstance; and particularity with regard to the selection of values. These elements support an instrumental account of culture in which a group's choice of values is assessed according to their contribution to well‐being. Johnson then considers the potential conflict between pluralism and perfectionism in the development of education systems in heterogeneous societies, highlighting the harms inflicted on the identity, meaning, and security of particular groups by attempts to promote well‐being. Johnson concludes the article with an exploration of possible means of minimizing harm through pragmatic engagement with identity and circumstance.
Nutritional status among pediatric cancer patients: A comparison between hematological malignancies and solid tumors
Authors: Tah Pei Chien , Nik Shanita Safii , Poh Bee Koon
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of pediatric patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

Design and Methods

A total of 74 pediatric cancer patients were assessed for anthropometric status, biochemical profiles, and dietary intake.

Results

The prevalence of undernutrition was higher among patients with solid tumors as reflected in their lower dietary intakes of energy and nutrients compared with patients with hematological malignancies.

Practice Implication

Adequate dietary intake is important for pediatric cancer patients, but nurses need to pay more attention to the diets of patients with solid tumors as compared with those with hematological malignancies.
Maximum synchrotron frequency for shock-accelerated particles
Authors: Kumar P. , Hernández R. A. , Bošnjak Ž. , Duran R. Barniol
Published: September 2012

It is widely believed that the maximum energy of synchrotron photons when electrons are accelerated in shocks via the Fermi process is about 50 MeV (in plasma comoving frame). We show that under certain conditions, which are expected to be realized in relativistic shocks of gamma-ray bursts, synchrotron photons of energy much larger than 50 MeV (comoving frame) can be produced. The requirement is that magnetic field should decay downstream of the shock front on a length-scale that is small compared with the distance travelled by the highest energy electrons before they lose half their energy; photons of energy much larger than 50 MeV are produced close to the shock front, whereas the highest Lorentz factor that electrons can attain is controlled by the much weaker field that occupies most of the volume of the shocked plasma.
Evaluation of nutritional status of an edible grasshopper, Oxya Chinensis Formosana
Authors: Hyun Sook‐Hee , Kwon Ki Han , Park Keun‐Hyung , Jeong Heon Cheon , Kwon Ohseok , Tindwa Hamisi , Han Yeon Soo
Published: September 2012

This study was conducted to examine the nutritional status of the grasshopper (Oxya chinensis formosana, OCF) as human food, exploring it as an alternative edible resource. Analysis of free amino acid shows that there are various essential amino acids in addition to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in OCF dried powder. Analysis of the mineral contents and vitamins of dried OCF indicates that it is rich in calcium, vitamin B6, and niacin. The heavy metal content of OCF recorded was low, making it safe for human consumption: OCF had plumbum at 0.01–0.03 mg/100 g, cadmium at 0.002–0.005 mg/100 g, arsenic at 0.07–0.17 mg/100 g, and mercury at 0.0003–0.0007 mg/100 g. In conclusion, given its high nutritive quality in terms of proteins and fats, coupled with lower heavy metal content, it would be recommended to use the grasshopper (OCF) as substitute to the traditional sources of protein.
Factors influencing the diversity of cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera:Chrysididae) in the post‐agriculture area of theKampinosNationalPark,Poland
Authors: Szczepko Katarzyna , Kruk Andrzej , Bartos Maciej , Wiśniowski Bogdan
Published: September 2012

In the Kampinos National Park (Poland), which is aUNESCOBiosphere Reserve, 47 caught per unit effort samples ofChrysididae were collected in 2000–2006. The aim of the study was to identify the factors promoting the diversity of this rarely studied group of parasitic wasps.

A total of 722 specimens belonging to 37 species were recorded, including 18 threatened species and six others recently described as new to the Polish fauna.

No chrysidids were recorded in forests, instead they were most abundant on fallow land (i.e. in open habitats), of which those located on dry soils were preferred over humid ones, just as by their endogeic (nesting in the ground) hosts. Many chrysidids that are parasites of hypergeic (nesting above the ground) species were significantly associated with old abandoned wooden buildings, where their hosts use holes in wood for nesting.

In addition to the characteristics of the habitat sampled, its position in the land mosaic also determined the diversity of chrysidids. Their lowest abundance and species diversity were recorded in samples from different types of habitat, all located in a uniform environment (i.e. with few other habitats nearby), which limited the diversity of resources available within the flight ranges of chrysidids and their hosts.

Our study, thus consistent with the concept that habitat heterogeneity enhances faunal diversity, brings important conclusions for the management of park landscapes: afforestation of open areas (both intentional and resulting from natural succession of plant communities) and removal of old abandoned wooden buildings may limit the land mosaicity and thus faunal diversity.
Fucoidan Protects against Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Rat Neuronal Damage and Inhibits the Production of Proinflammatory Mediators in Primary Microglia
Authors: Cui Yan‐Qiu , Jia Yan‐Jun , Zhang Ting , Zhang Quan‐Bin , Wang Xiao‐Min
Published: September 2012

Background

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, possesses potent antiinflammatory effects.

Aims

To examine the effect of fucoidan treatment on inflammation‐mediated dopaminergic neuronal damage and its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Microglial activation and injury of dopaminergic neurons were induced by intranigral injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the effects of fucoidan treatment on animal behavior, microglial activation and survival ratio of dopaminergic neurons were investigated. We further observed the efficacy of fucoidan on tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS‐activated primary microglia.

Results

Fucoidan significantly improved the behavioral manifestation, prevented the loss of dopaminergic neurons and inhibited the deleterious activation of microglia in the substantia nigra pars compacta of LPS‐treated rats. Further in vitro experiments indicated that the excessive production of TNF‐α and ROS in LPS‐induced primary microglia were significantly inhibited by fucoidan administration.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate that fucoidan possesses neuroprotective effects on injured dopaminergic neurons in a LPS‐induced animal model of Parkinson's disease. The mechanisms underlying these effects may include its potent down‐regulation of intracellular ROS and subsequent proinflammatory cytokine release in LPS‐activated microglia.
Caecal lipomatosis as a cause of colic in a 9‐year‐old gelding
Authors: de Bont M. P. , Malbon A. J. , Sardon D. , Archer D. C.
Published: September 2012

Lipomatosis is an uncommon cause of colic. This case report details the pre‐ and intraoperative findings of a 9‐year‐old gelding, presented with acute abdominal pain. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a massive fatty infiltrate involving an extensive portion of the base and mid‐body of the caecum. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an infiltrative lipomatous lesion of the equine caecum.
Developmental relationships between speech and writing: Is verb‐phrase anaphora production a special case?
Authors: Donaldson Morag L. , Cooper Lynn S. M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Young children's speech is typically more linguistically sophisticated than their writing. However, there are grounds for asking whether production of cohesive devices, such as verb‐phrase anaphora (VPA), might represent an exception to this developmental pattern, as cohesive devices are generally more important in writing than in speech and so might be expected to be more frequent in children's writing than in their speech.

Aims

The study reported herein aims to compare the frequency of children's production ofVPAconstructions (e.g.,Mary is eating an apple and so is John) between a written and a spoken task.

Sample

Forty‐eight children participated from each of two age groups: 7‐year‐olds and 10‐year‐olds.

Methods

All the children received both a spoken and a written sentence completion task designed to elicit production ofVPA. Task order was counterbalanced.

Results

VPAproduction was significantly more frequent in speech than in writing and when the spoken task was presented first. Surprisingly, the 7‐year‐olds producedVPAconstructions more frequently than the 10‐year‐olds.

Conclusions

Despite the greater importance of cohesion in writing than in speech, children's production ofVPAis similar to their production of most other aspects of language in that more sophisticated constructions are used more frequently in speech than in writing. Children's written production of cohesive devices could probably be enhanced by presenting spoken tasks immediately before written tasks. The lower frequency ofVPAproduction in the older children may reflect syntactic priming effects or a belief that they should produce sentences that are as fully specified as possible.
The religious conversion and race of a prisoner: Mock parole board members' decisions, perceptions, and emotions
Authors: Miller Monica K. , Lindsey Samuel C. , Kaufman Jennifer A.
Published: September 2012

Parole board members (PBMs) decide whether to release inmates on parole. Decisions may be affected by in‐group bias or stereotypes regarding religion and race. Two experiments investigated whether religious conversions/secular lifestyle changes and race affect mock PBMs' release decisions, emotions, and perceptions. Mock PBMs read a case file of an inmate who was eligible for parole and decided whether to grant parole. Study 1 manipulated whether the inmate had converted to Christianity or Islam, had a secular lifestyle change, or had no lifestyle change. Study 2 also varied race (African American or Caucasian). Race was not a significant factor, possibly because the manipulation was not strong enough to influence participants or because participants did not want to appear racist. Conversions to Islam and Christianity impacted the parole decision, and effects were mediated by believability of the conversion. Secular lifestyle changes affected release decisions and were mediated by perceptions of the inmate and beliefs about his likelihood of recidivism. Such inmates were the most likely to be released and were perceived most positively; their conversions were the most believable. Inmates who made no changes were perceived least positively, indicating that any lifestyle change is better than none. Importantly, no bias towards either religion (Islam, Christianity) was found. Furthermore, conversion type affected how scared PBMs were of the inmate, but this fear did not impact release decisions.
Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population – Korean National Health Insurance Corporation Survey 2008
Authors: Lim Eun Shil , Ko Yu Kyung , Ban Keum Ok
Published: September 2012

Aim

To determine the factors affecting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in younger and older Koreans.

Background

Metabolic syndrome, in combination with other, interrelated predisposing factors, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In Korea, the prevalence of this syndrome, like those of other chronic diseases, has increased continually in recent years.

Design

This is an analytic, descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This survey targeted 690,283 examinees that had undergone a medical examination on a life transition period performed by the National Health Insurance Corporation from January–December 2008. For the purpose of this study, the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the criteria of the American Heart Association and the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The relationship between the risk factors and prevalence rate was shown using a multiple logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 24·8% in the 40 year olds and 40·8% in the 66 year olds. Among the younger adults, the prevalence in women was only 0·57 times that in men. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that heavy obesity and family history of cardiovascular disease are the strongest independent predictors of metabolic syndrome among younger and older Koreans.

Conclusion

As a management strategy, a nursing intervention strategy for the improvement of lifestyle factors including self‐care through proper diet and exercise should be developed and implemented.
Lipopolysaccharide induces a stromal–epithelial signalling axis in a rat model of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Firth James D. , Ekuni Daisuke , Irie Koichiro , Tomofuji Takaaki , Morita Manabu , Putnins Edward E.
Published: September 2012

Aim

Lipopolysaccharide is a bacterial virulence factor implicated in chronic periodontitis, which may penetrate the junctional epithelial barrier and basement membrane to insult underlying stroma. We sought to identify lipopolysaccharide‐induced global gene expression changes responsible for signalling between stroma and epithelium during disease onset.

Materials and Methods

Using a rat lipopolysaccharide periodontitis model, junctional epithelium and underlying stromal tissue were separately collected from healthy and diseased animals by laser‐capture microdissection and subject to gene expression microarray analysis. Key gene products identified were validated in gingival epithelial and fibroblast cell cultures.

Results

Global gene expression patterns distinguishing health versus disease were found in and between both tissue types. In stroma, the most significantly altered gene ontology function group (Z ≥ 4.00) was cytokines, containing most significantly (±2‐fold; p < 0.05) upregulated genes amphiregulin, IL1‐β and Fas ligand, all positive, diffusible modulators of the epithelial growth factor receptor pathway. In epithelium, the most significant changes were in downregulated FOS‐related antigen‐1 gene, somatostatin receptor‐2 gene and mucin‐4 gene, all negative modulators of the epithelial growth factor receptor pathway.

Conclusion

These results establish a periodontitis model for studying gene product interactions and suggests that the onset of junctional epithelial disease hyperproliferation involves a concerted stromal–epithelial signalling axis.
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN THE OLD AND NEW EUROPE: THE ROLE OF AGGLOMERATION EXTERNALITIES
Authors: Marrocu Emanuela , Paci Raffaele , Usai Stefano
Published: September 2012

As Europe is currently characterized by huge disparities in the economic performance of “old” and “new” states, we investigate whether this is the result of local agglomeration—specialization and diversity—externalities. Our spatial econometric analysis focuses on total factor productivity dynamics over the period 1996–2007 for 13 industries located in 276 European regions. Consistently with the “nursery cities” theory, we find that diversity exerts a positive effect in the knowledge‐intensive services of the “old” Europe urban areas, while specialization is still effective in the “new” Europe low‐tech manufacturing. Human and technological capital has also a positive impact.
Effects of feeding pistachio by‐products silage on growth performance, serum metabolites and urine characteristics in Holstein male calves
Authors: Shakeri P. , Riasi A. , Alikhani M. , Fazaeli H. , Ghorbani G. R.
Published: September 2012

This study investigated physiological effects of pistachio by‐products silage (PBPS) substituted in Holstein male calves diets and its effects on the growth performance. Twenty‐four Holstein male calves (4–5 months of age and 155.6 ± 13.5 kg BW) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (n = 6); contained 0%, 6%, 12% and 18% of PBPS (DM basis) respectively. During a 6‐month experiment, dry matter intake (DMI) and weight gain were recorded and blood and urine samples were collected at different times. Results showed that mean DMI was not affected by different levels of PBPS in diets. But the calves fed 6% PBPS had the highest average daily gain (p < 0.05) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The calves fed 12% and 18% PBPS had lower albumin, white blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume (p < 0.05) than those fed other diets. However, other serum metabolites, complete blood count (CBC), insulin and liver enzymes were not affected by the experimental diets. The long‐term feeding of PBPS at different levels had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on pH, specific gravity, the number of white and red blood cells and epithelial cells count in urine. The animals did not show any symptom of illness or toxicity during the experimental period and all of the blood and urine parameters were in a normal range. It was concluded that substitution of PBPS up to 18% of the total diet that provide up to 18.2 g/kg DM total tannin had no adverse effects for Holstein male calves.
Tissue damage and immunity in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Nylén S. , Eidsmo L.
Published: September 2012

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by parasitic infection of dermal macrophages resulting in intense immune‐mediated tissue inflammation and skin ulceration. The severity of the disease is dependent on parasite species as well as the immune responses evoked by the host. Most cases ofCLheal spontaneously. In rare cases, the ulcer/s become chronic, and someLeishmaniaspecies may induce mucosal leishmaniasis (MCL) leading to severe tissue damage. Due to difficulties in obtaining skin tissue, most human studies ofCLhave been limited to the analysis of peripheral blood. While systemic responses may be good correlates of immunity, tissue damage and local immune responses at the site of infection is seldom reflected in alterations in the peripheral blood. In this review, we discuss the different forms ofCLfocusing on thein situresponses in established disease and the mechanisms involved in pathology and healing ofLeishmaniainfection. Great effort has been put into animal models dissecting the immune events behind the evolution of disease, tissue pathology and parasite control. These models of genetically engineered, immune deficient mice or mice given therapy prior to onset of overt disease poorly reflect the clinical situation, where patients seek treatment once infection is well established. Models of established disease are needed to address the clinical challenge of identifying new therapeutic targets in treatmentCL. Through understanding immune deviations duringCLpotential benefits and risks of emerging biological drugs in leishmaniasis can be addressed.
Frequency and electrode shape effects on etch rate uniformity in a dual-frequency capacitive reactor
Authors: Sung Dougyong , Volynets Vladimir , Hwang Wonsub , Sung Yumi , Lee Seokhwan , Choi Myungsun , Kim Gon-Ho
Published: September 2012

SiO2 was etched on 300 mm wafers in a dual-frequency capacitive plasma reactor to study etch rate nonuniformity as a function of driving frequency and power. It is shown that the etch rate profile shape varies significantly with the driving frequency. It also is shown that for different driving frequencies, the behavior of etch rate profile shape with the power is quite different, namely: (i) for lower frequency (27 MHz), the shape almost does not change with the power; (ii) for higher frequency (100 MHz), the shape considerably varies with the power. These results clearly indicate that the main reason for the etch rate nonuniformity in high-frequency capacitive reactors is the plasma nonuniformity caused by electromagnetic (standing wave and skin) effects. Using a specially shaped top electrode rather than the traditional flat one is shown to considerably improve the etch rate uniformity.