bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of lipophilic compounds and carbohydrates in the accumulated plant litter and soil organic matter in boreal forests
Authors: Stark S. , Hilli S. , Willför S. , Smeds A. I. , Reunanen M. , Penttinen M. , Hautajärvi R.
Published: December 2011

Carbohydrates and lipophilic compounds constitute an important component of litter and soil organic matter in boreal forests, but are still poorly identified. We characterized needle litter and coarse tree litter (cones, seeds, bark and twigs) from coniferous trees (Pinus sylvestris L. and Picea abies Karst.), and moss litter (Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomnium speldens), fermentation (F) and humus (H) layers in four boreal forest sites in Finland using a combination of sequential fractionation (non‐polar extractions, NPE; water‐soluble extractions, WSE; acid‐soluble fraction, AS) and detailed analyses on the soluble fractions using GC‐MS. Comparisons among the different layers of the soil organic horizon were used to assess which lipophilic compounds and carbohydrates increased in the F and H layers in proportion to their relative abundance in the litter layer and thus might have a large potential to accumulate in soil organic matter. Both concentrations and relative proportions of different compounds varied among the soil layers. Several of the fatty acids (FAs) found in the litter samples were absent in the F and the H layers. Needle and coarse tree litter contained a wide range of di‐ and triterpenes, but in the F and H layers oxidized forms of dehydroabietic acid and sterols were abundant. The large proportion of dehydroabietic acid in the lipophilic fraction in the H layer suggests that it may be poorly degradable by soil microorganisms, probably because of its anti‐microbial function in trees. The composition of the acid‐soluble fraction indicated that the proportion of cellulose in relation to hemicelluloses increased from the litter layer to the F and H layers. Put together, changes in the relative proportions of organic compounds in soluble fractions indicate that selective preservation of compounds, litter input by plant roots and microbial synthesis of compounds all contribute to the accumulation of aliphatic compounds in the H layer of boreal forests.
Access to primary dental care for patients with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: KALSI H. , NANAYAKKARA L. , PASI K. J. , BOWLES L. , HART D. P.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) can face difficulty in accessing primary dental care either due to disease‐specific or patient‐related barriers. This can lead to poor oral health and increase the need for more invasive dental treatment. This study aimed to highlight actual and perceived barriers that IBD patients from the East London area were experiencing. It also gives an overview of the experience history of the General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) treating these patients. Information was gathered via pre‐designed surveys as part of a service development audit. A total of 105 anonymous patient surveys and 50 GDP surveys were completed between December 2010 and July 2011. The patient survey highlighted more patients to be affected by patient‐related than disease‐specific barriers to access dental care. The GDP survey identified that just under half of GDPs questioned were not confident in the dental management of patients with bleeding disorders. Identifying misconceptions and barriers to access primary dental care will enable further development of our shared‐care approach between General Dental Services, Hospital or Community Dental Services and Haemophilia Centre, optimizing regular preventative advice and follow ups to prevent dental disease and invasive dental treatment requiring haemostatic treatment.
Mixed testicular atrophy related to atherosclerosis: first lessons from the ApoE−/−/ LDL receptor−/− double knockout mouse model
Authors: Langheinrich A. C. , Paradowska A. , Kilinski R. , Kampschulte M. , Steinfeld K. , Altinkilic B. , Steger K. , Stieger P. , Bergmann M. , Weidner W.
Published: December 2011

Age‐related testicular changes are associated with declining spermatogenesis and testosterone levels. A relationship to atherosclerosis has never been investigated systematically. The ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mouse model, providing a remarkable homology to human atherosclerosis, is an ideal tool to investigate spermatogenetic alterations in this context. Testes (n = 10) from ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks were perfused in vivo with contrast agent, harvested and scanned with micro‐CT at (4.9 μm³) voxel size. Testes (n = 8) of C57/BL mice at the same age served as controls. Testis volume (mm³) and total vascular volume fraction (mm³) were quantified using micro‐CT. Serum testosterone levels were determined. Testicular histology and epididymal sections were analysed for tubular structure, spermatogenetic scores and sperm count. The expression of protamine 2 as a marker for elongated spermatids, inflammation markers (CD4, F4/80) and hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1 alpha) were investigated using immunohistochemistry. ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice exhibit diminished testis and vascular volume fraction with respect to that of controls (p < 0.001). These findings were associated with a reduction of testosterone levels (p < 0.001). Mixed atrophy was present in 41% of the seminiferous tubuli in ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice at the age of 80 weeks. Sperm counts from the epididymis demonstrated a significant decrease in ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice (p < 0.001). In addition, sperm specific protamine 2 expression was decreased in testicular tissue and epididymis of ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice compared with that of control mice. Peritubular inflammatory infiltration and the expression of the hypoxia related marker was observed. Mixed testicular atrophy in ApoE−/−/LDL receptor−/− double knockout mice is linked to reduced testis volume, vascular volume fraction and low testosterone serum levels, suggesting a direct relation between atherosclerosis and disturbed spermatogenesis.
Trends in sex hormone concentrations in US males: 1988–1991 to 1999–2004
Authors: Nyante S. J. , Graubard B. I. , Li Y. , McQuillan G. M. , Platz E. A. , Rohrmann S. , Bradwin G. , McGlynn K. A.
Published: December 2011

Previous studies suggest that male testosterone concentrations have declined over time. To explore this in a large US population, we examined testosterone and free testosterone concentrations in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1988–1991 and 1999–2004. We also examined sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, and androstanediol glucuronide (3α‐diol‐G) over the same period. Non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black, and Mexican‐American men from 1988–1991 and 1999–2004 NHANES surveys who were ≥20 years old and had serum from morning blood draws were included in this analysis (1988–1991: N = 1,413; 1999–2004: N = 902). Testosterone, estradiol and SHBG were measured by competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassays and 3α‐diol‐G was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Free testosterone was calculated using testosterone and SHBG values. Adjusted mean hormone concentrations were estimated using linear regression, accounting for NHANES sampling weights and design, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, waist circumference, alcohol use and smoking. Differences in adjusted mean concentrations (Δ) and two‐sided p‐values were calculated; p < 0.05 was statistically significant. Overall, 3α‐diol‐G and estradiol declined between 1988–1991 and 1999–2004, but there was little change in testosterone, free testosterone, or SHBG (Δ: 3α‐diol‐G = −1.83 ng/mL, p < 0.01; estradiol = −6.07 pg/mL, p < 0.01; testosterone = −0.03 ng/mL, p = 0.75; free testosterone = −0.001 ng/mL, p = 0.67; SHBG = −1.17 nmol/L, p = 0.19). Stratification by age and race revealed that SHBG and 3α‐diol‐G declined among whites 20–44 years old (Δ: SHBG = −5.14 nmol/L, p < 0.01; 3α‐diol‐G = −2.89 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and free testosterone increased among blacks 20–44 years old (Δ: 0.014 ng/mL, p = 0.03). Estradiol declined among all ages of whites and Mexican‐Americans. In conclusion, there was no evidence for testosterone decline between 1988–1991 and 1999–2004 in the US general population. Subgroup analyses suggest that SHBG and 3α‐diol‐G declined in young white men, estradiol declined in white and Mexican‐American men, and free testosterone increased in young black men. These changes may be related to the increasing prevalence of reproductive disorders in young men.
Exposure of neonatal rats to anti‐androgens induces penile mal‐developments and infertility comparable to those induced by oestrogens
Authors: Simon L. , Avery L. , Braden T. D. , Williams C. S. , Okumu L. A. , Williams J. W. , Goyal H. O.
Published: December 2011

We previously reported that oestrogen exposure in neonatal rats induced permanent infertility and malformed penis characterized by fat accumulation, which replaced most of the smooth muscle cells and cavernous spaces in the body of the penis, structures essential for erection. The objective of this study was to determine if reduced androgen production/action in the neonatal period, in the absence of exogenous oestrogen exposure, induces penile deformities similar to those caused by oestrogen. Male rats were treated from postnatal days 1–6 with GnRH antagonist antide (A, 10 mg/kg) or androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide (F, 50 mg/kg) or F + A, with or without AR agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 20 mg/kg). For comparison, pups received diethylstilbestrol (DES, 0.1 mg/kg), with or without DHT. Tissues were collected at ages 7 and 12 days and at adulthood. Flutamide alone decreased penile length and weight significantly (p < 0.05), but it caused neither fat accumulation, nor affected fertility (80% vs. 87% in controls). Antide alone reduced penile length and weight significantly, and induced fat accumulation in 4/11 rats and infertility in 13/14 rats. Conversely, all 11 F + A‐treated rats, similar to all nine DES‐treated rats, had fat accumulation and loss of smooth muscle cells and cavernous spaces in the body of the penis and were infertile. In addition, reductions in penile length and weight were higher than in rats treated with F or A alone. DHT co‐administration mitigated penile deformities in the DES group, but did not in the F + A group. Testicular testosterone was reduced by 70–95% at 7 or 12 days of age in all treated groups, except in the F group, which had threefold higher testosterone than controls. Collectively, data unequivocally show that reduced androgen production/action in the neonatal period, in the absence of oestrogen exposure, induces permanent infertility and malformed penis similar to that caused by oestrogen.
Root responses to nutrients and soil biota: drivers of species coexistence and ecosystem productivity
Authors: de Kroon Hans , Hendriks Marloes , van Ruijven Jasper , Ravenek Janneke , Padilla Francisco M. , Jongejans Eelke , Visser Eric J. W. , Mommer Liesje
Published: December 2011

1. Although a major part of plant biomass is underground, we know little about the contribution of different species to root biomass in multispecies communities. We summarize studies on root distributions and plant responses to species‐specific soil biota and formulate three hypotheses to explain how root responses may drive species coexistence and ecosystem productivity.

2. Recent studies suggest that root growth of some species may be stimulated in species mixtures compared with monocultures without hampering the growth of other species, leading to below‐ground overyielding. Further studies suggest that these responses are the result of reduced impairment of growth by species‐specific plant pathogens that accumulate in monocultures.

3. First, we hypothesize that due to pathogen‐constrained growth, monocultures are ‘under‐rooted’, i.e. they do not have enough roots for optimal acquisition of nutrients. Although elevated root production in mixtures represents a cost to the plant, improved nutrition will eventually result in improved plant performance.

4. Second, due to the plant species specificity of the soil biotic communities, we suggest that plant species in mixtures develop an intransitive competitive network in which none of the species is competitively superior to all other species. Competitive intransitivity is proposed as a mechanism of species coexistence.

5. As a final hypothesis, we suggest that pathogen‐mediated root overproduction in species mixtures determines the patterns of community productivity and overyielding, both directly, by improving plant performance, and indirectly, by releasing more carbon into the soil, resulting in enhanced availability of nutrients.

6. Synthesis.Recent evidence suggests that species coexistence and ecosystem productivity may be the result of an interplay between pathogen‐driven plant responses and nutritional consequences. We suggest that responses of the roots are an important yet mostly overlooked intermediary between soil biota and plant community responses to biodiversity.
Residue depletion of albendazole and its metabolites in aquacultured yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: YU D. , EVANS E. R. , HASBROUCK N. , REIMSCHUESSEL R. , SHAIKH B.
Published: December 2011

Yu, D., Evans, E. R., Hasbrouck, N., Reimschuessel, R., Shaikh, B. Residue depletion of albendazole and its metabolites in aquacultured yellow perch (Perca flavescens). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 560–562.

Metabolism and residue depletion studies are conducted to determine the marker residue (MR) of a drug in a target tissue of food animals. The MR is used to monitor potential unauthorized use of drugs. The current work is a continuation of our efforts to study metabolism and depletion profiles of albendazole in multiple finfish species to determine a common MR. The results of this study suggest that albendazole sulfone metabolite could potentially serve as MR for albendazole in yellow perch muscle, similar to channel catfish and hybrid striped bass as reported previously by us.
A reflective analysis of medical education research on self‐regulation in learning and practice
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Butler Deborah
Published: December 2011

Medical Education 2012: 46: 71–79

Objectives  In the health professions we expect practitioners and trainees to engage in self‐regulation of their learning and practice. For example, doctors are responsible for diagnosing their own learning needs and pursuing professional development opportunities; medical residents are expected to identify what they do not know when caring for patients and to seek help from supervisors when they need it, and medical school curricula are increasingly called upon to support self‐regulation as a central learning outcome. Given the importance of self‐regulation in both health professions education and ongoing professional practice, our aim was to generate a snapshot of the state of the science in medical education research in this area.

Methods  To achieve this goal, we gathered literature focused on self‐regulation or self‐directed learning undertaken from multiple perspectives. Then, with support from a multi‐component theoretical framework, we created an overarching map of the themes addressed thus far and emerging findings. We built from that integrative overview to consider contributions, connections and gaps in research on self‐regulation to date.

Results and conclusions  Based on this reflective analysis, we conclude that the medical education community’s understanding about self‐regulation will continue to advance as we: (i) consider how learning is undertaken within the complex social contexts of clinical training and practice; (ii) think of self‐regulation within an integrative perspective that allows us to combine disparate strands of research and to consider self‐regulation across the training continuum in medicine, from learning to practice; (iii) attend to the grain size of analysis both thoughtfully and intentionally, and (iv) most essentially, extend our efforts to understand the need for and best practices in support of self‐regulation.
Educators must consider patient outcomes when assessing the impact of clinical training
Authors: Dauphinee W Dale
Published: December 2011

Medical Education 2011: 46: 13–20

Context  The concept of outcomes has been used in health care for over 140 years. The use of outcomes in assessing quality of care regained prominence in the 1960s based on Donabedian’s framework of structures, processes and outcomes. In the 1990s, the use of outcomes in medical education gained great favour, although the outcomes used were not carefully defined. Recently, a debate has ensued about the costs and, thus, sustainability of current health care programmes, focusing on the (non‐)necessity of services, missed prevention opportunities and the efficiency of treatment programmes. Measurements using education outcomes and health care outcomes must take these issues into account, preferably from a common framework. As health care becomes increasingly costly and even inefficient, issues of effectiveness are often neglected in policy making.

Methods  This paper uses peer‐reviewed evidence and an outcomes framework to explore the implications of current realities for the makers of education policy in the health professions and for the staff who train health professionals.

Discussion  If the ultimate impacts of practices and policies in health professions education are not considered, how will we know if our education structures, processes and outcomes are optimal? This essay examines this question from the perspectives of three related issues. The first refers to the need for a common framework if the outcomes of patient and community care are to be evaluated properly. The second perspective refers to whether it is feasible to consider both patient‐based outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes in assessing the impact of education programmes, especially at more advanced levels of training. The third perspective concerns the challenges and limitations that may be encountered in focusing on patient outcomes as a measure of the impact of education. The concluding discussion suggests how the results of such longer‐term impact studies should be interpreted as key validity checks on the quality and effectiveness of medical education and clinical education if we are to address the validity and efficiency of outcomes used in education and training.

Medical Education 2012:

46:

13–20
Monitoring endangered freshwater biodiversity using environmental DNA
Authors: THOMSEN PHILIP FRANCIS , KIELGAST JOS , IVERSEN LARS L. , WIUF CARSTEN , RASMUSSEN MORTEN , GILBERT M. THOMAS P , ORLANDO LUDOVIC , WILLERSLEV ESKE
Published: December 2011

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered habitats on Earth, with thousands of animal species known to be threatened or already extinct. Reliable monitoring of threatened organisms is crucial for data‐driven conservation actions but remains a challenge owing to nonstandardized methods that depend on practical and taxonomic expertise, which is rapidly declining. Here, we show that a diversity of rare and threatened freshwater animals—representing amphibians, fish, mammals, insects and crustaceans—can be detected and quantified based on DNA obtained directly from small water samples of lakes, ponds and streams. We successfully validate our findings in a controlled mesocosm experiment and show that DNA becomes undetectable within 2 weeks after removal of animals, indicating that DNA traces are near contemporary with presence of the species. We further demonstrate that entire faunas of amphibians and fish can be detected by high‐throughput sequencing of DNA extracted from pond water. Our findings underpin the ubiquitous nature of DNA traces in the environment and establish environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring rare and threatened species across a wide range of taxonomic groups.
RNA targeting to a specific ER sub‐domain is required for efficient transport and packaging of α‐globulins to the protein storage vacuole in developing rice endosperm
Authors: Washida Haruhiko , Sugino Aya , Doroshenk Kelly A. , Satoh‐Cruz Mio , Nagamine Ai , Katsube‐Tanaka Tomoyuki , Ogawa Masahiro , Kumamaru Toshihiro , Satoh Hikaru , Okita Thomas W.
Published: December 2011

Studies focusing on the targeting of RNAs that encode rice storage proteins, prolamines and glutelins to specific sub‐domains of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as mis‐localization studies of other storage protein RNAs, indicate a close relationship between the ER site of RNA translation and the final site of protein deposition in the endomembrane system in developing rice endosperm. In addition to prolamine and glutelin, rice accumulates smaller amounts of α‐globulins, which are deposited together with glutelin in the protein storage vacuole (PSV). In situ RT‐PCR analysis revealed that α‐globulin RNAs are not distributed to the cisternal ER as expected for a PSV‐localized protein, but instead are targeted to the protein body‐ER (PB‐ER) by a regulated process requiring cis‐sorting sequences. Sequence alignments with putative maize δ‐zein cis‐localization elements identified several candidate regulatory sequences that may be responsible for PB‐ER targeting. Immunocytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of α‐globulin on the periphery of the prolamine protein bodies and packaging in Golgi‐associated dense vesicles, as well as deposition and storage within peripheral regions of the PSV. Mis‐targeting of α‐globulin RNAs to the cisternal ER dramatically alters the spatial arrangement of α‐globulin and glutelin within the PSV, with the accompanying presence of numerous small α‐globulin particles in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that α‐globulin RNA targeting to the PB‐ER sub‐domain is essential for efficient transport of α‐globulins to the PSV and its spatial arrangement in the PSV. Such RNA localization prevents potential deleterious protein–protein interactions, in addition to performing a role in protein targeting.
Nodule numbers are governed by interaction between CLE peptides and cytokinin signaling
Authors: Mortier Virginie , De Wever Eva , Vuylsteke Marnik , Holsters Marcelle , Goormachtig Sofie
Published: December 2011

CLE peptides are involved in the balance between cell division and differentiation throughout plant development, including nodulation. Previously, two CLE genes of Medicago truncatula, MtCLE12 and MtCLE13, had been identified whose expression correlated with nodule primordium formation and meristem establishment. Gain‐of‐function analysis indicated that both MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 interact with the SUPER NUMERIC NODULES (SUNN)‐dependent auto‐regulation of nodulation to control nodule numbers. Here we demonstrate that cytokinin, which is essential for nodule organ formation, regulates MtCLE13 expression. In addition, simultaneous knockdown of MtCLE12 and MtCLE13 resulted in an increase in nodule number, implying that both genes play a role in controlling nodule number. Additionally, a weak link may exist with the ethylene‐dependent mechanism that locally controls nodule number.
Fermentation kinetics of sainfoin hay with and without PEG
Authors: Calabrò S. , Guglielmelli A. , Iannaccone F. , Danieli P. P. , Tudisco R. , Ruggiero C. , Piccolo G. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Infascelli F.
Published: December 2011

The in vitro gas production technique was applied to evaluate the biological activity of tannins in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) hay cut at four progressive phenological stages. The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) rumen fluid was used as inoculum, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added as specific binding agent and an alfalfa hay (AH) was used as control. All samples were analysed for chemical composition and condensed tannin (CTs). According to the phenological stage of sainfoin, crude protein gradually decreased [from 219 to 122 g/kg dry matter (DM)] and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased (from 391 to 514 g/kg DM). Condensed tannins showed the highest value at the first phenological stage [31.5 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DM], and their level significantly decreased at the subsequent growth stages. Gas production and fermentation rate were significantly affected by substrate type and PEG addition. The first stage of sainfoin showed the lowest value of gas and volatile fatty acids production and the slowest fermentation kinetics compared with the other samples, when incubated without PEG, because of the CTs effect. The incubation with PEG improved the fermentation process of the first stage of sainfoin, but no effect was registered on AH, where CTs were not detected. Among the sainfoin samples, the slowest kinetics with PEG was observed in the hay harvested at the fourth stage, probably due to its chemical composition. The use of PEG allowed to verify the effect of tannins on the in vitro fermentation characteristics of sainfoin hay.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Enhances the Pre‐Implantation Embryo Development by Reducing Apoptosis in Pigs
Authors: Kim J‐S , Song B‐S , Lee K‐S , Kim D‐H , Kim S‐U , Choo Y‐K , Chang K‐T , Koo D‐B
Published: December 2011

Contents

Apoptosis is an important determinant of the normal development of pre‐implantation embryos in vitro. Recently, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐mediated apoptosis has been extensively investigated in a wide variety of diseases. Efficient functioning of the ER is essential for most cellular activities and survival. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous bile acid, has been reported to attenuate ER stress‐mediated cell death by interrupting the classic pathways of apoptosis. Therefore, in this study, the anti‐apoptotic effect of TUDCA on ER stress‐induced apoptosis was examined in pre‐implantation pig embryos. Also, tunicamycin was used to investigate the effects of ER stress on pig embryo development. After in vitro maturation and fertilization, presumptive pig embryos were cultured in NCSU‐23 medium supplemented with TUDCA or TM for 6 days at 39°C, 5% CO2 in air. All data were analysed using one‐way anova and Duncan’s multiple range test in the statistical analysis system (SAS). In addition, we also determined the optimal TM and TUDCA concentrations. Samples were treated with TM at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 or 5 μm and with TUDCA at concentrations of 0, 100, 200 or 300 μm. When TM was used during in vitro culture, only 8.2% (8/97) of the embryos developed to the blastocyst stage when the treatment concentration was 1 μm compared with 27.4% (28/102) of the embryos in the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, the frequency of blastocyst formation and the number of cells were higher when treated with 200 μm TUDCA compared with the control group (32.8% and 39.5 vs 22.2% and 35.6, p < 0.05). Moreover, the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage embryo in the group treated with TM and TUDCA was not significantly different from that of the control group (17.8%, 26/142 vs 24.9%, 36/145). Furthermore, the blastocyst cell number was enhanced (31.9 vs 36.9) and apoptosis reduced (TUNEL‐positive nuclei number, 6.0 vs 3.2) by TUDCA treatment in pig embryos. In the real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analysis, the expression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐XL gene was shown to be increased in the blastocyst stage because of TUDCA treatment, whereas expression of pro‐apoptotic Bax was decreased. In addition, we also found that TUDCA decreased the rate of TM‐induced apoptosis in the pre‐implantation stage. Taken together, our results indicate that TUDCA improves the developmental competence of pig embryos by modulating ER stress‐induced apoptosis during the pre‐implantation stage.
Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcus disease in the 21st century
Authors: Clifford Vanessa , Garland Suzanne M , Grimwood Keith
Published: December 2011

There have been significant reductions in early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) disease following implementation of maternal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) policies. Nevertheless, GBS remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in Australia and New Zealand resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants. In the United States, the universal screening‐based approach for identifying women for IAP results in apparently lower rates of early‐onset neonatal GBS infection than risk‐based assessment. In addition, IAP has altered the profile of newborn infants who develop early‐onset disease. Many affected infants lack the typical intrapartum risk factors for GBS infection, are born to mothers with a negative GBS screen or represent missed opportunities for prevention. Clinicians should remain alert for signs of sepsis in any newborn infant. We provide an update of GBS preventative management strategies in the perinatal period taking into account recent United States, Australian and New Zealand guidelines.
Will introducing the new World Health Organization growth reference to Australia reduce breastfeeding rates: why not a randomised controlled trial first?
Authors: Binns Colin , Lee Mi Kyung
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim is to review the implications of the introduction of new World Health Organisation (WHO) growth reference into Australia, and in particular its potential effects on breastfeeding rates in the first six months of life.

Methods:  A review of the velocity and trajectory of growth in the new WHO Growth Reference compared to the growth references most commonly used in Australia.

Results:  The World Health Organisation has recommended the universal use of its new growth reference. However, in the first 6 months of life, the critical period for the maintenance of breastfeeding, the new WHO reference is heavier than the reference previously used in Australia. This may mean that more infants will be classified as having poor growth. It is likely that these infants will be given additional feeds or even may cease being breastfed. Maintenance of breastfeeding is important for minimising short‐, medium‐ and long‐term risks.

Conclusions:  Before the introduction of a new growth reference is contemplated, a randomised controlled trial should be conducted to be sure that there will be no adverse effect on breastfeeding.
Ocular consequences of blunt trauma in two species of nocturnal raptors (Athene noctua and Otus scops)
Authors: Seruca Cristina , Molina‐López Rafael , Peña Teresa , Leiva Marta
Published: December 2011

Objective  To determine the type, prevalence, and prognosis of ocular and periocular lesions in free‐living little owls (LO) and scops owls (SO), injured by blunt trauma.

Procedures  Medical records from LO and SO with ocular or periocular lesions secondary to blunt trauma were reviewed. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all birds. Short protocol electroretinography (ERG) and ocular ultrasound were performed as dictated by the case.

Results  During the study period, a total of 158 LO and 99 SO with blunt trauma were admitted. Among these, 43 LO (27.8%) and 27 SO (27.3%) had ocular or periocular lesions. Bilateral injuries (72.1% LO and 81.5% SO) were more common than unilateral. Common findings in both species were: corneal erosions/superficial ulcers, anterior and posterior uveitis, cataracts, hyphema, posterior synechia, vitreal hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Electroretinography was performed in 32 LO and eight SO, which had posterior segment lesions or opacity of the transparent media. Normal to nonrecordable b‐wave amplitudes were observed. Follow‐up was available in 13 LO and 11 SO. Among these, nine LO (14 eyes) and 10 SO (17 eyes) had resolution of the clinical signs following medical treatment.

Conclusions  Ocular lesions are common in LO and SO injured by blunt trauma. Electroretinography is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess the severity of retinal dysfunction secondary to blunt trauma and to determine the response to medical treatment. A complete ophthalmic examination is a determining factor in the early management of trauma in these species.
Canine corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast transduction with AAV5
Authors: Bosiack Ann P. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Gupta Rangan , Mohan Rajiv R.
Published: December 2011

Objective  The aims of this study were (1) to determine the efficacy of adeno‐associated vector serotype 5 (AAV5) for delivering gene therapy to canine corneal fibroblasts (CCFs) and myofibroblasts (CCMs) using enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene and (2) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AAV5 to CCFs and CCMs using an in vitro model.

Methods  Healthy donor canine corneas were used to generate primary CCFs by growing cultures in minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Canine corneal myofibroblasts were produced by growing cultures in serum‐free medium containing transforming growth factor β1 (1 ng/mL). An AAV5 titer (6.5 × 1012 μg/mL) expressing GFP under control of hybrid cytomegalovirus + chicken β‐actin promoters (AAV5‐gfp) was used to transduce CCF and CCM cultures. Delivered gene expression in CCFs and CCMs was quantified using immunocytochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and real‐time PCR. Transduction efficacy of the AAV5 vector was determined by counting DAPI‐stained nuclei and EGFP‐positive cells in culture. Phase‐contrast microscopy, trypan blue, and dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to determine the toxicity and safety of AAV5 in this canine corneal model.

Results  Topical AAV5 application successfully transduced a significant population of CCFs (42.8%; P < 0.01) and CCMs (28%; P < 0.01). Tested AAV5 did not affect CCF or CCM phenotype or cellular viability and did not cause significant cell death.

Conclusions  The tested AAV5 is an effective and safe vector for canine corneal gene therapy in this in vitro model. In vivo studies are warranted.
A retrospective comparison of surgical removal and subsequent CO2laser ablation versus topical administration of mitomycin C as therapy for equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Clode Alison B. , Miller Chelsey , McMullen Richard J. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: December 2011

Objective To compare the complications and nonrecurrence rate following topical mitomycin C (MMC) therapy vs. CO2laser ablation for treating equine corneolimbal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Study design Retrospective study.

Sample population Twenty‐five horses with corneolimbal SCC.

Procedures Medical records of horses undergoing surgical tumor resection followed by either topical MMC therapy (0.04%) or CO2laser ablation between the years of 2004 and 2010 were reviewed. Recurrence and complications were compared between groups and within MMC subgroups defined by the time at which treatment was initiated relative to surgery.

Results Therapy with topical MMC resulted in a nonrecurrence rate comparable to that achieved with CO2laser ablation (82.4% vs. 85.7%, respectively). Initiation of MMC following epithelialization of the surgical site a mean of 15 days postoperatively did not result in increased recurrence rates relative to treatment in the immediate postoperative period. Vision‐ or globe‐threatening complications tended to occur with greater frequency in horses receiving topical MMC in the immediate postoperative period (5 of 6 major complications) relative to following epithelialization of the surgical site (1 of 6 major complications).

Conclusions Horses receiving adjunctive topical MMC therapy were no more likely to experience tumor recurrence than were horses undergoing CO2laser ablation in the horses in this study. Initiation of two to three rounds of MMC following epithelialization of the surgical site results in fewer major complications and achieves comparable disease resolution relative to treatment in the immediate postoperative period.
FAVORITISM AND REFEREE BIAS IN EUROPEAN SOCCER: EVIDENCE FROM THE SPANISH LEAGUE AND THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Authors: BURAIMO BABATUNDE , SIMMONS ROB , MACIASZCZYK MAREK
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we test for, and find evidence of, referee bias in favor of home teams in European football using minute‐by‐minute analysis to control for within‐game events. The context for the analysis is Spain's Primera Liga and the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League. We find that the award of sanctions by Spanish referees in the Champions League are not significantly different to those of the referees from other countries and as such are subject to the same sources of bias. In Primera Liga matches where the crowd is separated from the pitch by running tracks, we find that the probability of the award of a yellow card to the home team is higher and that of the away team is lower compared to matches played at stadia without running tracks. Similar results are found in the Champions League, where efforts are made to hire “neutral” referees. Referee behavior is also influenced by the size of the crowd in attendance. (JEL D8, J2)
THE DETERMINANTS OF STATE‐LEVEL CAPS ON PUNITIVE DAMAGES: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: MICELI THOMAS J. , STONE MICHAEL P.
Published: December 2011

Under the standard economic model of torts, punitive damages correct for imperfect detection. Incorporating litigation costs into the model provides a justification for punitive damage caps. At the optimum, caps balance deterrence against the cost of litigation. Empirical testing of the model is performed via Cox proportional and parametric hazard analyses, using a panel dataset from 1981 to 2007. The results reveal a positive relationship between legal services employment (a proxy for legal costs) and cap enactment, and a negative relationship between state gross state product (a proxy for damages) and cap enactment. Cap enactment is also influenced by political ideology. (JEL K13, K41, L51)
DO GAMBLERS THINK THAT TEAMS TANK? EVIDENCE FROM THE NBA
Authors: SOEBBING BRIAN P. , HUMPHREYS BRAD R.
Published: December 2011

A growing body of literature indicates that sports teams face incentives to lose games at the end of the season. This incentive arises from a league's entry draft policy. We use data from betting markets to confirm the existence of tanking, or the perception of tanking, in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Results from a Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model of point spreads and point differences in NBA games indicate that betting markets believe that tanking takes place in the NBA, even though the evidence that tanking actually exists is mixed. Other NBA policy changes also affect betting market outcomes. (JEL D0, L0)
Determinants of capital budgeting methods and hurdle rates in Nordic firms
Authors: Brunzell Tor , Liljeblom Eva , Vaihekoski Mika
Published: December 2011

We study the determinants for the choice of capital budgeting methods and the setting of hurdle rates (WACCs) in five Nordic countries. Combining survey data with a rich set of determinants, including ownership data, CFO characteristics, and financial data, we find that the use of the Net Present Value method and the sophistication of the capital budgeting are related to firm characteristics, variables proxying for real option features in investments and CFO characteristics (age and education). We also find support for significantly higher hurdle rates than motivated by economic theory. The premium is weakly positively related to managerial short‐term pressure and strongly negatively related to the sophistication level of the firm’s capital budgeting.
GETTING PAST NATURE AS A GUIDE TO THE HUMAN SEX RATIO
Authors: MURPHY TIMOTHY F.
Published: December 2011

Sex selection of children by pre‐conception and post‐conception techniques remains morally controversial and even illegal in some jurisdictions. Among other things, some critics fear that sex selection will distort the sex ratio, making opposite‐sex relationships more difficult to secure, while other critics worry that sex selection will tilt some nations toward military aggression. The human sex ratio varies depending on how one estimates it; there is certainly no one‐to‐one correspondence between males and females either at birth or across the human lifespan. Complications about who qualifies as ‘male’ and ‘female’ complicate judgments about the ratio even further. Even a judiciously estimated sex ratio does not have, however, the kind of normative status that requires society to refrain from antenatal sex selection. Some societies exhibit lopsided sex ratios as a consequence of social policies and practices, and pragmatic estimates of social needs are a better guide to what the sex ratio should be, as against looking to ‘nature’. The natural sex ratio cannot be a sound moral basis for prohibiting parents from selecting the sex of their children, since it ultimately lacks any normative meaning for social choices.
Inclusive business, human rights and the dignity of the poor: a glance beyond economic impacts of adapted business models
Authors: Hahn Rüdiger
Published: December 2011

In recent years, a considerable amount of research on adapted business for developing countries focused on the impact such endeavours have on the respective companies as well as on the affected people. However, the main emphasis within management sciences was on the economic outcomes or (even more distinct and often) on the question of how to integrate the poor into business models and value chains. Until now, further aspects of a dignified human existence were merely covered as a side note. The article focuses on the influence of inclusive business approaches on various aspects of human dignity and provides explorative insights as a basis for future theory building. The aim is to uncover how human dignity is affected by different business approaches for the poor including and beyond economic outcomes. After giving an insight into the essence and meaning of human dignity in connection to various human rights, the articles refers to a number of illustrative cases of inclusive business. The analysis culminates in the insight that dignity can be (and sometimes already is) assured and promoted by deliberately including the poor into relevant value‐added business processes. If this is the case, an enhanced dignity is not merely the result of increased incomes but stems from a variety of effects. However, such positive effects are not an inevitable outcome of any inclusive business initiative.
Justice in compensation: a defense
Authors: Moriarty Jeffrey
Published: December 2011

Business ethicists have written much about ethical issues in employment. Except for a handful of articles on the very high pay of chief executive officers and the very low pay of workers in overseas sweatshops, however, little has been written about the ethics of compensation. This is prima facie strange. Workers care about their pay, and they think about it in normative terms. This article's purpose is to consider whether business ethicists' neglect of the normative aspects of compensation is justified. I examine several possible justifications for neglecting compensation and show that they fail. What remains is a case for thinking that it is worthy of normative analysis.
Neither bad apple nor bad barrel: how the societal context impacts unethical behavior in organizations
Authors: Gonin Michael , Palazzo Guido , Hoffrage Ulrich
Published: December 2011

Every time another corporate scandal captures media headlines, the ‘bad apple vs. bad barrel’ discussion starts anew. Yet this debate overlooks the influence of the broader societal context on organizational behavior. In this article, we argue that misbehaviors of organizations (the ‘barrels’) and their members (the ‘apples’) cannot be addressed properly without a clear understanding of their broader context (the ‘larder’). Whereas previously, a strong societal framework dampened the practical application of the Homo economicus concept (business actors as perfectly rational and egocentric utility‐maximizing agents without any moral concern), specialization, individualization and globalization led to a business world disembedded from broader societal norms. This emancipated business world promotes a literal interpretation of Homo economicus among business organizations and their members. Consequently, we argue that the first step toward ‘healthier’ apples and barrels is to sanitize the larder, that is, adapt the framework in which organizations and their members evolve.
“Resetting the Relationship” in Indigenous Child Protection: Public Hope and Private Reality
Authors: IVEC MARY , BRAITHWAITE VALERIE , HARRIS NATHAN
Published: December 2011

A qualitative study explored the private realities of forty‐five Australian Indigenous parents and carers who had experiences with child protection authorities. Interviews focused on the nature of the relationship between parents and authorities, how these regulatory encounters served to enlist or dissolve cooperation, and how child‐focused outcomes could be delivered. The descriptions of encounters with authorities challenged the public hope for reconciliation between government and Indigenous Australians through reports of procedural injustice, failure by the authority to communicate and demonstrate soundness of purpose, and through lack of interest in identity affirmation and relationship building. In spite of these perceptions of integrity failings in how child protection authorities have operated, a positive role was acknowledged for authorities' future involvement, albeit with different strategies from those currently experienced. How this progression might be facilitated by principles of restorative justice and responsive regulation is discussed.
Long Term Performance and Choice of SEO Method by UK Firms
Authors: Capstaff John , Fletcher Jonathan
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  The long term performance of firms making seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) in the UK, in an era of discretion over the choice of issue method, is shown to differ according to the chosen method across a number of different models of expected returns. The combination of prior and post‐SEO performance suggests that rights offering firms are less likely to time offers to exploit overvaluation than firms using placings. When judged on a long term basis rights offering firms are not of lesser quality than firms that choose other offering methods.
Mitochondrial DNA reveals hidden diversity and an ancestral lineage of the bank vole in the Italian peninsula
Authors: Colangelo P. , Aloise G. , Franchini P. , Annesi F. , Amori G.
Published: December 2011

The Italian Peninsula was one of the main refugia in southern Europe during the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene, and was considered a ‘hotspot’ of biodiversity. A number of phylogeographic analyses identified highly divergent lineages in Italy that apparently did not contribute to the post‐glacial re‐colonization of Europe, supporting the existence of refugia within refugia in the southern‐most part of Italy. For the bank vole Myodes glareolus, genetic analyses highlighted a low variability for this species on the Italian peninsula, suggesting that cryptic refugia of central Europe were the main source of postglacial re‐colonization in Europe.

In this work, we analysed the mtDNA phylogeography of M. glareolus with a special emphasis on the Italian refugium. We extended previous analyses by including new sequences from a wider range of samples across the Italian peninsula. Our results suggest a high mitochondrial diversity of the bank vole in Italy and support the existence of an ancient and deeply divergent population in the Calabria region. This population did not participate to the recent re‐colonization of Italy while we highlight the possible occurrence of multiple and more recent colonization events between Europe and Italy. The phylogeographic pattern observed in Italy appears compatible with refugia‐within‐refugia scenario.