bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating specialist advice following reforms: an interview-based survey
Authors: Naik Yannish Jones , Anderton Caroline , Fell Greg
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate the importance of incorporating secondary care input to aid commissioning following National Health Service reforms which will see the replacement of Primary Care Trusts with Clinical Commissioning Groups; to determine barriers that might arise given that this issue had been raised during public consultations and to explore ways to improve this input.

Design

Qualitative project with semistructured one-to-one interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis by two investigators. The findings were discussed and organized into a framework.

Setting

Bradford and Airedale, UK.

Participants

We interviewed 19 participants from primary care, the medical directorship and a range of specialties.

Main outcome measures

One-to-one semistructured interviews allowed a flexible dialogue to discuss planned questions and any other themes which participants brought up. This elicited a variety of experiences and ideas which provided the basis for in depth theoretical analysis required for our objectives.

Results

There was an almost universal agreement that the integration of secondary care advice is important in commissioning. The main perceived barriers were obstacles to good communication and relationships, conflicts of interest and financial pressures. Participants suggested varied and innovative ways to improve communication and integration, and suggestions for organisations.

Conclusions

Our results support the importance of secondary care input and highlight communication, organisation and integration as three goals for organisations to work towards. Successful achievement of these objectives could have financial implications for organisations as well as benefits for patient care.
Autoantigenic targets of B-cell receptors derived from chronic lymphocytic leukemias bind to and induce proliferation of leukemic cells
Authors: Zwick Carsten , Fadle Natalie , Regitz Evi , Kemele Maria , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Bühler Andreas , Pfreundschuh Michael , Preuss Klaus-Dieter
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Autoantigens bind to and induce proliferation of CLL cells, supporting chronic antigenic stimulation as an important pathomechanism in CLL.
Mental health status among Burmese adolescent students living in boarding houses in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akiyama Takeshi , Win Thar , Maung Cynthia , Ray Paw , Sakisaka Kayako , Tanabe Aya , Kobayashi Jun , Jimba Masamine
Published: April 2013

Background

In Tak province of Thailand, a number of adolescent students who migrated from Burma have resided in the boarding houses of migrant schools. This study investigated mental health status and its relationship with perceived social support among such students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed 428 students, aged 12–18 years, who lived in boarding houses. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL)-37 A, Stressful Life Events (SLE) and Reactions of Adolescents to Traumatic Stress (RATS) questionnaires were used to assess participants’ mental health status and experience of traumatic events. The Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey Scale was used to measure their perceived level of social support. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics, trauma experiences, and mental health status. Further, multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between such characteristics and participants’ mental health status.

Results

In total, 771 students were invited to participate in the study and 428 students chose to take part. Of these students, 304 completed the questionnaire. A large proportion (62.8%) indicated that both of their parents lived in Myanmar, while only 11.8% answered that both of their parents lived in Thailand. The mean total number of traumatic events experienced was 5.7 (standard deviation [SD] 2.9), mean total score on the HSCL-37A was 63.1 (SD 11.4), and mean total score on the RATS was 41.4 (SD 9.9). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that higher number of traumatic events was associated with more mental health problems.

Conclusions

Many students residing in boarding houses suffered from poor mental health in Thailand’s Tak province. The number of traumatic experiences reported was higher than expected. Furthermore, these traumatic experiences were associated with poorer mental health status. Rather than making a generalized assumption on the mental health status of migrants or refugees, more detailed observation is necessary to elucidate the unique nature and vulnerabilities of this mobile population.
Bilateral increase in expression and concentration of tachykinin in a unilateral rabbit muscle overuse model that leads to myositis
Authors: Song Yafeng , Stål Per S , Yu Ji-Guo , Forsgren Sture
Published: April 2013

Background

Tachykinins can have pro-inflammatory as well as healing effects during tissue reorganization and inflammation. Recent studies report an up-regulation in the expression of the substance P (SP)-preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor, in marked muscle inflammation (myositis). There is, however, only very little information on the expression patterns and levels of tachykinins in this situation.

Methods

The tachykinin system was analyzed using a rabbit experimental model of muscle overuse, whereby unilateral muscle exercise in combination with electrical stimulation led to muscle derangement and myositis in the triceps surae muscle (experimental length 1–6 weeks). Evaluations were made for both parts of the muscle (soleus and gastrocnemius muscles) in experimental and non-experimental (contralateral) sides. Morphologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analyses were applied.

Results

Myositis and muscle derangement occurred focally not only in the experimental side but also in the non-experimental side. In the inflammatory areas (focal myositis areas), there were frequent nerve fibers showing tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and which were parts of nerve fascicles and which were freely dispersed in the tissue. Cells in the inflammatory infiltrates showed tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and tachykinin mRNA expression. Specific immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were noted in blood vessel walls of both sides, especially in focally affected areas. With increasing experimental length, we observed an increase in the degree of immunoreactivity in the vessel walls. The EIA analyses showed that the concentration of tachykinin in the tissue on both sides increased in a time-dependent manner. There was a statistical correlation in the concentration of tachykinin and the level of tachykinin immunoreactivity in the blood vessel walls between experimental and non-experimental sides.

Conclusions

The observations show an up-regulation of the tachykinin system bilaterally during muscle derangement/myositis in response to pronounced unilateral muscle overuse. This up-regulation occurred in inflammatory areas and was related not only to increased tachykinin innervation but also to tachykinin expression in blood vessel walls and inflammatory cells. Importantly, the tachykinin system appears to be an important factor not only ipsilaterally but also contralaterally in these processes.
On α-ψ-Meir-Keeler contractive mappings
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Kumam Poom , Salimi Peyman
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we introduce the notion of α-ψ-Meir-Keeler contractive mappings via a triangular α-admissible mapping. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point of such a mapping in the setting of complete metric spaces. We state a number of examples to illustrate our results.

MSC:46N40, 47H10, 54H25, 46T99.
Within-host evolution of Brucella canis during a canine brucellosis outbreak in a kennel
Authors: Gyuranecz Miklós , Rannals Brandy D , Allen Christina A , Jánosi Szilárd , Keim Paul S , Foster Jeffrey T
Published: April 2013

Background

Little is currently known about Brucella evolution within the host during infection. The current study is the first to employ fine-scale genotyping on an isolate collection derived from a Brucella canis outbreak. Eight isolates of B. canis, cultured from different tissues of three dogs (female, stud dog, puppy of another female) from a single kennel over three months were genetically characterized with a 15-marker multi-locus, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) to assess the genetic relatedness of isolates and potential rapid mutational changes.

Results

MLVA discriminated among the otherwise indistinguishable isolates from different animals and from isolates collected at different time points within each host, with different VNTR alleles being detected at multiple dates and tissue sites. We suspect that all isolates cultured from the female, puppy, and stud dogs originated from the same strain, with subsequent rapid in vivo mutations. However, high mutation rates and apparent in several of the loci prevented making definitive epidemiological relationships among isolates.

Conclusions

This investigation highlights the rapid in vivo genetic mutations of several VNTRs of B. canis over a short time period in the host and the emergence of alternate alleles. However, this work also suggests the challenges of using highly mutable VNTRs to infer epidemiological relationships of strains within a short duration outbreak.
The AF-1 Activation Function of Estrogen Receptor α Is Necessary and Sufficient for Uterine Epithelial Cell Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Abot Anne , Fontaine Coralie , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Flouriot Gilles , Adlanmerini Marine , Buscato Melissa , Otto Christiane , Bergès Hortense , Laurell Henrik , Gourdy Pierre , Lenfant Françoise , Arnal Jean-François
Published: April 2013

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) regulates gene transcription through the 2 activation functions (AFs) AF-1 and AF-2. The crucial role of ERαAF-2 was previously demonstrated for endometrial proliferative action of 17β-estradiol (E2). Here, we investigated the role of ERαAF-1 in the regulation of gene transcription and cell proliferation in the uterus. We show that acute treatment with E2 or tamoxifen, which selectively activates ERαAF-1, similarly regulate the expression of a uterine set of estrogen-dependent genes as well as epithelial cell proliferation in the uterus of wild-type mice. These effects were abrogated in mice lacking ERαAF-1 (ERαAF-10). Four weeks of E2 treatment led to uterine hypertrophy and sustained luminal epithelial and stromal cell proliferation in wild-type mice, but not in ERαAF-10 mice. However, ERαAF-10 mice still presented a moderate uterine hypertrophy essentially due to a stromal edema, potentially due to the persistence of Vegf-a induction. Epithelial apoptosis is largely decreased in these ERαAF-10 uteri, and response to progesterone is also altered. Finally, E2-induced proliferation of an ERα-positive epithelial cancer cell line was also inhibited by overexpression of an inducible ERα isoform lacking AF-1. Altogether, these data highlight the crucial role of ERαAF-1 in the E2-induced proliferative response in vitro and in vivo. Because ERαAF-1 was previously reported to be dispensable for several E2 extrareproductive protective effects, an optimal ERα modulation could be obtained using molecules activating ERα with a minimal ERαAF-1 action.
Skin peptides protect juvenile leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) against chytridiomycosis
Authors: Pask James D. , Cary Tawnya L. , Rollins-Smith Louise A.
Published: April 2013

One issue of great concern for the scientific community is the continuing loss of diverse amphibian species on a global scale. Amphibian populations around the world are experiencing serious losses due to the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This pathogen colonizes the skin leading to disruption of ionic balance and eventual cardiac arrest. In many species, antimicrobial peptides secreted into the mucus are thought to contribute to protection against colonization by skin pathogens. Although it is generally thought that antimicrobial peptides are an important component of innate immune defenses against B. dendrobatidis, much of the current evidence relies on correlations between effective antimicrobial peptide defenses and species survival. There have been few studies to directly demonstrate that antimicrobial peptides play a role. Using the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, we show here that injection of norepinephrine brings about a long-term depletion of skin peptides (initial concentrations do not recover until after day 56). When peptide stores recovered, the renewed peptides were similar in composition to the initial peptides by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and in activity against B. dendrobatidis determined by growth inhibition assays. Newly metamorphosed froglets depleted of their peptide stores and exposed to B. dendrobatidis died more rapidly than B. dendrobatidis-exposed froglets with their peptides intact. Thus, antimicrobial peptides in the skin mucus appear to provide some resistance to B. dendrobatidis infections, and it is important for biologists to recognize that this defense is especially important for newly metamorphosed frogs in which the adaptive immune system is still immature.
How to apply the results of a research paper on diagnosis to your patient
Authors: Whiting Penny , Martin Richard M , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Gunnell David , Sterne Jonathan A C
Published: April 2013

Summary

Interpreting information on diagnostic accuracy is an area that health professionals struggle with. In this paper, we use the example of Mr Samways, a 45-year-old man with joint symptoms, to illustrate how to apply the results of a diagnostic accuracy study in clinical practice. We consider the various measures used to quantify diagnostic accuracy and discuss their clinical utility. We provide an overview of potential biases to consider when evaluating a diagnostic accuracy study and consider how to determine whether the results can be applied to a particular patient.
Crystal structure of aqua-(1,10-phenanthroline)-(2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)- acetate)copper(II)nitrate, C16H14CuN6O6
Authors: Zhu Xia , Guo Ying , Li Jiang-Gang , Wu Yao
Published: April 2013

C16H14CuN6O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.831(4) Å, b = 14.525(4) Å, c = 9.539(3) Å, β = 103.701(8)°, V = 1727.2 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0493, wRref(F2) = 0.1137, T = 293 K.
Connecting cis-elements and trans-factors with mechanisms of developmental regulation of mRNA translation in meiotic and haploid mammalian spermatogenic cells
Authors: Kleene Kenneth C
Published: April 2013

mRNA-specific regulation of translational activity plays major roles in directing the development of meiotic and haploid spermatogenic cells in mammals. Although many RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been implicated in normal translational control and sperm development, little is known about the keystone of the mechanisms: the interactions of RBPs and microRNAs withcis-elements in mRNA targets. The problems in connecting factors and elements with translational control originate in the enormous complexity of post-transcriptional regulation in mammalian cells. This creates confusion as to whether factors have direct or indirect and large or small effects on the translation of specific mRNAs. This review argues that gene knockouts, heterologous systems, and overexpression of factors cannot provide convincing answers to these questions. As a result, the mechanisms involving well-studied mRNAs (Ddx4/Mvh,Prm1,Prm2, andSycp3) and factors (DICER1, CPEB1, DAZL, DDX4/MVH, DDX25/GRTH, translin, and ELAV1/HuR) are incompletely understood. By comparison, mutations in elements can be used to define the importance of specific pathways in regulating individual mRNAs. However, few elements have been studied, because the only reliable system to analyze mutations in elements, transgenic mice, is considered impractical. This review describes advances that may facilitate identification of the direct targets of RBPs and analysis of mutations incis-elements. The importance of upstream reading frames in the developmental regulation of mRNA translation in spermatogenic cells is also documented.
Effect of boron on the continuous cooling transformation kinetics in a low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steel (A-UHSS)
Authors: Altamirano G. , Mejía I. , Hernández-Expósito A. , Cabrera J. M.
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present research work is to investigate the influence of B addition on the phase transformation kinetics under continuous cooling conditions. In order to perform this study, the behavior of two low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steels (A-UHSS) is analyzed during dilatometry tests over the cooling rate range of 0.1-200°C/s. The start and finish points of the austenite transformation are identified from the dilatation curves and then the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams are constructed. These diagrams are verified by microstructural characterization and Vickers micro-hardness. In general, results revealed that for slower cooling rates (0.1-0.5 °C/s) the present phases are mainly ferritic-pearlitic (F+P) structures. By contrast, a mixture of bainitic-martensitic structures predominates at higher cooling rates (50-200°C/s). On the other hand, CCT diagrams show that B addition delays the decomposition kinetics of austenite to ferrite, thereby promoting the formation of bainitic-martensitic structures. In the case of B microalloyed steel, the CCT curve is displaced to the right, increasing the hardenability. These results are associated with the ability of B atoms to segregate towards austenitic grain boundaries, which reduce the preferential sites for nucleation and development of F+P structures.
Magnetization study of the kinetic arrest of martensitic transformation in as-quenched Ni52.2Mn34.3In13.5 melt spun ribbons
Authors: Lino-Zapata F.M. , Llamazares J.L. Sánchez , Ríos-Jara D. , Lara-Rodríguez A.G. , García-Fernández T.
Published: April 2013

The kinetic arrest of martensitic transformation (MT) has been observed in as-solidified Ni52.2Mn34.3In13.5 melt spun ribbons. The main characteristics of this unusual field-induced magneto-structural phenomenon have been determined through a dc magnetization study. The sample studied was fabricated by rapid solidification using the melt spinning technique at a high quenching rate of 48 ms-1. At room temperature, it is a single phase austenite (AST) with the bcc B2-type crystal structure and Curie temperature of TCA=285 K. With decreasing temperature, the austenite phase transforms into the martensite phase (MST) with TCM≈185 K at a starting martensitic transition temperature of MS=275 K. A moderate but progressive kinetic arrest of the AST to MST transformation has been observed for magnetic field values above H=10 kOe and was studied up to Hmax= 90 kOe. The metastable character of the non-equilibrium field-cooled state is revealed by the decreasing behavior of the saturation magnetization under a large magnetic field of 50 kOe after temperature cycling from 10 K to 150 K. The total magnetization difference Δσ between the zero field-cooling and field-cooling pathways of the temperature dependence of magnetization shows irreversible and reversible components and the former decreases with decreasing temperature.
A Phase II Randomized Dose Escalation Trial of Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rimassa Lorenza , Pressiani Tiziana , Boni Corrado , Carnaghi Carlo , Rota Caremoli Elena , Fagiuoli Stefano , Foa Paolo , Salvagni Stefania , Cortesi Enrico , Chiara Tronconi Maria , Personeni Nicola , Bozzarelli Silvia , Chiara Banzi Maria , Fanello Silvia , Romano Lutman Fabio , Giordano Laura , Santoro Armando
Published: April 2013

Background.

Sorafenib has proven survival benefits in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The viability of continuing sorafenib at a higher dosage in patients who experienced radiologic disease progression was investigated.

Methods.

Patients who experienced disease progression while on sorafenib 400 mg twice daily were randomized to sorafenib 600 mg twice daily (n = 49) or best supportive care (n = 52). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Time to progression, overall survival, and safety were also evaluated.

Results.

The study did not meet its primary end point. The difference in PFS between the sorafenib arm (3.91 months) and the best supportive care arm (2.69 months) did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.086). Adverse events were mainly grade 1–2 and similar across both groups. In the sorafenib arm, the most frequent events were diarrhea (80%), weight loss (75%), fatigue (67%), hand-foot-skin reaction (49%), abdominal pain (37%), and stomatitis (26%).

Conclusions.

Escalated-dose sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC who progressed while on sorafenib, failed to provide any clinical benefit. Second-line treatment still remains an open issue to be explored in appropriate clinical trials.
Testing the stress gradient hypothesis in herbivore communities: facilitation peaks at intermediate nutrient levels
Authors: Bakker Elisabeth S. , Dobrescu Ioana , Straile Dietmar , Holmgren Milena
Published: April 2013

The role of positive interactions in structuring plant and animal communities is increasingly recognized, but the generality of current theoretical models has remained practically unexplored in animal communities. The stress gradient hypothesis predicts a linear increase in the intensity of facilitation as environmental conditions become increasingly stressful, whereas other theoretical models predict a maximum at intermediate environmental stress. We tested how competition and facilitation between herbivores change over a manipulated gradient of nutrient availability. We studied the effect of grazing by pond snails (Lymnaea stagnalis L.) as bulk grazers on aquatic caterpillars (Acentria ephemerella Denis and Schiffermüller) as small specialist grazers along an experimental gradient of environmental nutrient concentration. Higher nutrient levels increased overall total plant biomass but induced a shift toward dominance of filamentous algae at the expense of macrophytes. Facilitation of caterpillars by snail presence peaked at intermediate nutrient levels. Both caterpillar biomass and caterpillar grazing on macrophytes were highest at intermediate nutrient levels. Snails facilitated caterpillars possibly by removing filamentous algae and increasing access to the macrophyte resource, whereas they did not affect macrophyte biomass or C : nutrient ratios, a measure of food quality. We conclude that competition and facilitation in herbivore communities change along nutrient availability gradients that affect plant biomass and community composition. Understanding how interspecific interactions may change in strength and direction along environmental gradients is important to predict how the diversity and structure of communities may respond to the introduction or removal of herbivore species in ecosystems.
Mild elevations of international normalized ratio at hospital Day 1 and risk of expansion in warfarin-associated subdural hematomas
Authors: Roguski Marie , Wu Kyle , Riesenburger Ron I. , Wu Julian K.
Published: April 2013

Object

A primary goal in the treatment of patients with warfarin-associated subdural hematoma (SDH) is reversal of coagulopathy with fresh-frozen plasma. Achieving the traditional target international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.3 is often difficult and may expose patients to risks of volume overload and of thromboembolic complications. This retrospective study evaluates the risk of mild elevations of INR from 1.31 to 1.69 at 24 hours after admission in patients presenting with warfarin-associated SDH.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with warfarin-associated SDH and 197 patients with non–warfarin-associated SDH treated at a single institution between January 2005 and January 2012 were retrospectively identified. Charts were reviewed for patient age, history of trauma, associated injuries, neurological status at presentation, size and chronicity of SDH, associated midline shift, INR at admission and at hospital Day 1 (HD1), concomitant aspirin or Plavix use, platelet count, and medical comorbidities. Patients were stratified according to use of warfarin and by INR at HD1 (INR 0.8–1.3, 1.31–1.69, 1.7–1.99, and ≥ 2). The groups were evaluated for differences the in rate of radiographic expansion of SDH and in the rate of clinically significant SDH expansion resulting in death, unplanned procedure, and/or readmission.

Results

There was no difference in the rate of radiographic versus clinically significant expansion of SDH between patients not on warfarin and those on warfarin (no warfarin: 22.3% vs 20.3%, p = 0.866; warfarin: 10.7% vs 11.6%, p = 0.825), but the rate of medical complications was significantly higher in the warfarin subgroup (13.3% for patients who did not receive warfarin vs 26.1% for those who did; p = 0.023). For warfarin-associated SDH, there was no difference in the rate of radiographic versus clinically significant expansion between patients reversed to HD1 INRs of 0.8–1.3 and 1.31–1.69 (HD1 INR 0.8–1.3: 22.5% vs 20%, p = 1; HD1 INR 1.31–1.69: 15% vs 10%, p = 0.71).

Conclusions

Mild INR elevations of 1.31–1.69 in warfarin-associated SDH are not associated with a markedly increased risk of radiographic or clinically significant expansion of SDH. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine if subtherapeutic INR elevations at HD1 are associated with smaller increases in risk of SDH expansion.
Samakh: The Rise and Fall of a Palestinian Arab Town on the Shores of the Sea of Galilee
Authors: Abbasi Mustafa
Published: April 2013

This article deals with the story of the rise and fall of Samakh. This town, which was founded by Algerian migrants at the end of the nineteenth century, quickly became one of the most prosperous towns in the Jordan valley. Its strategic location at the meeting point where the borders of Palestine, Jordan and Syria intersect, and its proximity to the water sources of Lake Tiberias and two rivers, gave it all the advantages of a transit town with its crossroads and train connections. The number of its inhabitants rose by the score up to about 4,000 towards the end of the Mandate period. The upsurge in growth and expansion of Samakh which continued until the war of 1948 constitutes a testimony for the processes of transformation and development that Galilee had enjoyed in those days. At the same time, the bitter end and destruction which that war brought upon the town testifies to the catastrophe suffered by the Arab population in this region.
Toxicity Studies on Novel N-Substituted Bicyclo-Heptan-2-Amines at NMDA Receptors
Authors: Coleman Natalia , Ates-Alagoz Zeynep , Gaye Boyenoh , Farbaniec Michelle , Sun Shengguo , Adejare Adeboye
Published: April 2013

Several novel norcamphor derivatives were designed and synthesized as uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists at the phencyclidine (PCP) binding site. Such compounds have potential as ligands for understanding and possibly the treatment of several neurodegenerative disorders and other glutamate-dependent disorders. We examined the toxic effects of the compounds as compared with memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that is FDA approved for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, by testing these compounds on two cell lines: MDCK (to mimic blood brain barrier) and N2a (a neuronal cell line). The compounds showed toxicity profiles similar to those of memantine i.e., dose dependence above 100 μM and IC50 values above 150 μM for each cell line. It is known that the serum level of memantine under therapeutic conditions in patients is about 1 µM, indicting these compounds could have acceptable therapeutic indexes. 2-Phenyl-N-(2-(piperidin-1-yl) ethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-amine (5a) was found to possess acceptable toxicity profiles in both cell lines. Interestingly, this was the compound identified as a good lead in our previous studies based on binding and anticonvulsant (MES) activity studies. It has thus emerged as an excellent lead compound for further studies.
Open Access—Are the Barriers to Change Receding?
Authors: Björk Bo-Christer
Published: April 2013

The move from subscription only publishing of scholarly articles to open access has been much slower than previously anticipated by many Open Access (OA) advocates. Despite the many advantages that OA offers, this particular branch of E-commerce imposes several formidable barriers to change. A framework conceptualizing these barriers that was developed over a decade ago was revisited to see if the significance of these barriers has changed. Nowadays, building the IT infrastructure, support from indexing services and finding a sustainable business model are no longer important barriers. For gold OA publishing the academic reward system is still a major obstacle, whereas more marketing and critical mass is needed for both gold OA and green OA. Green OA self-archiving is still also strongly affected by what subscription publishers allow. In the overall balance the situation has nevertheless improved significantly.
The Salt of Ba : Reflections on the Role of the "Peripheries" in the Production Systems of Bronze Age China
Authors: Falkenhausen Lothar
Published: April 2013

Des fouilles récentes dans le bassin du cours supérieur du fleuve Bleu (Yanzijiang) ont révélé l'existence de vestiges de production du sel à une échelle industrielle couvrant la période 2000-200 avant notre ère. D'après les sources historiques traditionnelles, cette région était habitée par les Ba - des «barbares» non assimilés auxquels manquait probablement une organisation politique de niveau étatique. Néanmoins, il est maintenant clair que ces populations avaient la capacité de faire fonctionner des ateliers fondés sur une division sophistiquée du travail pour produire du sel (et peut-être des produits dérivés tels que des condiments pour conserver le poisson et la viande) commercé dans le royaume de Chu, à plus de 400 km en aval. L'émergence de la culture Ba, originale et fondée sur l'utilisation du bronze, a sans nul doute été rendue possible par ce lien. Les données archéologiques de l'âge du Bronze en Chine révèlent l'existence d'un certain nombre de situations similaires dans des aires considérées comme «périphériques» pour les premiers États. Le modèle semble avoir été le suivant : des populations organisées sur le mode tribal et bien localisées ont exploité les ressources naturelles de leur territoire et les ont échangées contre des biens de prestige et peut-être aussi des produits agricoles avec des entités voisines de type étatique dont la principale source de richesse était la paysannerie. Conceptualisés comme des relations basées sur l'apport d'un tribut par les idéologues politiques des centres de type étatique, mais peut-être d'une façon différente par leurs voisins, de tels modèles d'interactions ont pu rester stables durant des siècles. Tout en étant responsable de la diffusion de nombreuses «influences» culturelles mises en évidence par l'archéologie, surtout au niveau des élites, un tel échange économique n'a pas nécessairement eu pour conséquence que les populations «périphériques» adoptent des structures politiques analogues à celles du «centre».
ON WELL POSED IMPULSIVE BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS FOR P(T)-LAPLACIAN'S
Authors: Galewski Marek , O'Regan Donal
Published: April 2013

In this paper we investigate via variational methods and critical point theory the existence of solutions, uniqueness and continuous dependence on parameters to impulsive problems with a p(t)-Laplacian and Dirichlet boundary value conditions.
GROWTH MODELS WITH OBLIQUE ASYMPTOTE
Authors: Dubeau Francois , Mir Youness
Published: April 2013

A class of smooth functions which can be used as regression models for modelling phenomena requiring an oblique asymptote is analyzed. These types of models were defined as a product of a linear function and some well known growth models. In addition to their increasing character with an oblique asymptote, the resulting models provide curves with a single inflection point.
Le calcul des coûts de revient dans la sidérurgie de la Seconde Guerre mondiale à la nationalisation
Authors: Meyssonnier François
Published: April 2013

Le calcul des coûts de revient dans la sidérurgie a joué un rôle plus institutionnel que managérial. Il a été organisé par la Chambre syndicale de la sidérurgie française afin de négocier le niveau des prix de vente dans de bonnes conditions avec les pouvoirs publics. En revanche, les systèmes d’information et d’animation autour des coûts ont été très peu développés dans les entreprises de la branche. Ce n’est qu’à la fin des années 1970 qu’un contrôle budgétaire, fondé sur les coûts standard et l’analyse des écarts, a été mis en place.
Information comptable et défaillance des entreprises : le cas français
Authors: Saboly Michèle
Published: April 2013

Peu de travaux sont menés en France sur le lien comptabilité/défaillance des entreprises. Quels sont les choix comptables effectués par les dirigeants ? Pourquoi ces choix sont-ils faits ? Une étude exploratoire, menée sur des cas de redressement judiciaire, examine les choix relatifs à la présentation de l’information, à l’organisation comptable, ou à la gestion des résultats.
Efficacité et contrôle des équipes virtuelles : une revue
Authors: Langevin Pascal
Published: April 2013

Cet article propose une revue de la littérature sur le contrôle des équipes virtuelles. L’efficacité organisationnelle visée par la mise en place d’équipes virtuelles ne peut s’obtenir que si un système de contrôle adapté est développé. Les limites de la recherche réalisée dans ce domaine sont exposées et des voies d’amélioration sont suggérées.
Kruger National Park research supersites: Establishing long-term research sites for cross-disciplinary, multiscaled learning
Authors: Smit Izak P.J. , Riddell Edward S. , Cullum Carola , Petersen Robin
Published: April 2013

Researchers interested in studying the effects of fire or herbivory in the Kruger National Park (KNP) often focus their research activities on the experimental burn plots or herbivore exclosure camps, respectively. These are manipulated sites that apply treatments, for example annual fires or total exclusion of fire and herbivores. However, many projects aim to study or monitor patterns and processes emerging under non-manipulated conditions, typically at sites with contrasting geologies and rainfall. Yet, these sites are usually selected in a haphazard and uncoordinated manner for different projects and, as a consequence, it is often not possible to integrate datasets and knowledge. An alternative to the ever-increasing number of unrelated sites scattered across the park are the ‘KNP research supersites’ which have been earmarked to geographically focus future research effort, acting as data-rich, long-term sites for monitoring and research. In this paper, we introduced the four recently established KNP research supersites, which cover the rainfall gradient and geological contrast of the KNP, presenting their rationale, selection criteria and location, along with existing datasets that describe their herbaceous biomass, woody cover, phenology, fire history, levels of herbivory. Additional site-specific datasets, which are already available, or which are in preparation, were outlined together with details for assessing these open-source datasets online.Conservation implications: The KNP research supersites will become increasingly used for research, monitoring and remote-sensing calibration and ground-truthing purposes. Scientists are encouraged to gain from, and contribute towards, these sites, which will facilitate long-term data collection, data-sharing and co-learning and, ultimately, lead to a more integrated, multiscaled and multitemporal understanding of savannahs.
Breeding behaviour and breeding success of feral pigeons in the Bloemfontein urban area
Authors: Le Roux Pieter , Kok Ordino , Butler Hennie
Published: April 2013

Breeding activities of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in the Bloemfontein urban area occur throughout the year with a decrease during the late summer months when seasonal rainfall in the region reaches a peak. Nest construction is relatively primitive and is characterised by a loose composition of nesting material on accumulated dry bird droppings. Two eggs represent the most common clutch size and eggs are usually laid within two days of each other. Both parents are involved in the incubation process lasting more than two weeks, during which the eggs undergo a progressive decrease in mass. Recently hatched nestlings are covered in yellow down and are largely helpless. True feathers only start to emerge after the first week, and from the third week individuals can move about unsteadily. Apart from the first number of days after hatching, nestlings of rare single egg clutches constantly maintain a body mass lower than those from an average clutch. The overall success of 247 breeding pairs for this study was 34%. Egg loss is higher than the mortality rate of nestlings, and is mainly affected by climatic factors such as rainfall. Predation appears to be the most important factor influencing nestling mortality. Aggressive interactions between speckled pigeons and rock doves, however, as well as possible intraspecific aggression also play a significant role.
Ray tracing of whistler-mode chorus elements: implications for generation mechanisms of rising and falling tone emissions
Authors: Yamaguchi K. , Matsumuro T. , Omura Y. , Nunn D.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Using a well-established magnetospheric very-low-frequency (VLF) ray tracing method, in this work we trace the propagation of individual rising- and falling-frequency elements of VLF chorus from their generation point in the equatorial region of the magnetosphere through to at least one reflection at the lower-hybrid resonance point. Unlike recent work by Bortnik and co-workers, whose emphasis was on demonstrating that magnetospheric hiss has its origins in chorus, we here track the motion in the equatorial plane of the whole chorus element, paying particular regard to movement across field lines, rotation, and compression or expansion of the wave pulse. With a generation point for rising chorus at the equator, it was found the element wave pulse remained largely field aligned in the generation region. However, for a falling tone generation point at 4000 km upstream from the equator, by the time the pulse crosses the equator the wavefield had substantial obliquity, displacement, and compression, which has substantial implications for the theory of falling chorus generation.
How to value protection from natural hazards – a step-by-step discrete choice approach
Authors: Olschewski R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In mountainous regions, forests play a crucial role in protecting the local population from natural hazards. In cases where existing forests are destroyed, e.g. by wind throws or diseases, the protection function has to be restored through technical measures. To determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for protection against avalanches, a choice experiment has been conducted and different experiment specifications have been tested to determine possible impacts on the results. The present study contributes to a comprehensive assessment of protection measures, and helps to identify efficient solutions based on the judgement of the people potentially endangered by natural hazards. The stepwise approach has the advantage to gradually check data fit, thereby didactically showing an operational way of dealing with different model specifications. The detailed case study can serve as a manual for conducting choice experiments with a similar focus and demonstrates the suitability and caveats of this approach to value protection from natural hazards in general.
Sesquiterpene lactones. XXXVI. Sesquiterpene lactones in several subgenera of the genus Centaurea L.
Authors: Nowak Gerard , Holub Miroslaw , Buděšĺnský Miloš
Published: April 2013

The occurrence of both known and new sesquiterpene lactones was determined in six species classified in different subgenera of Centaurea L. Chlorojanerin, cynaropicrin and janerin were isolated from C. phaeopappoides Bordz. and C. thracica (Janka) Hayek. C. marschalliana Spreng. was found to contain acroptilin, chlorojanerin, cebellin D and janerin while C. adjarica Alb. had repin, acroptilin, chlorojanerin, centaurepensin, janerin, repidiolide, cebellin D, E, F and L A new, hitherto underscribed cebellin J quaianolide was found in C. bella Trautv. and another germacranolide, 3α, 15-dihydroxycostunolide was found in C. sphaerocephala subsp. lusitanica (Boiss. et Reuter) Nyman.
The effect of intracellular calcium level regulators on the synthesis of pollen tube callose in Oenothera biennis L.
Authors: Bednarska Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

It is shown that callose synthesis in the Oenothera biennis pollen tube is regulated by the endogenous Ca2+ level. Calcium antagonists reduced the amount of callose in the wall above the tip of the pollen tube (Verapamil - calcium channels blocker) and at the tube tip after stopping tube growth (La3+ - a Ca2+ substitute). Ruthenium red and ionophore A 23187, which raise the Ca 21 level in the cytoplasm, induced callose synthesis at the tip of pollen tube.
The storeyed and non-storeyed arrangement of rays in the storeyed cambium of Tilia cordata Mill.
Authors: Włoch Wiesław , Szendera Waldemar
Published: April 2013

Due to restructuring of the cellular arrangement, rays in storeyed cambium undergo transformations, that is, uniting and splitting on the borders of storeys, when their height during development exceeds that of the storeys of fusiform cells. The primordial rays on the cambium surface have a non-storeyed arrangement. Prolonged predominance of splitting over uniting can lead to a situation in which the height of the rays does not exceed that of fusiform cell storeys. A storeyed arrangement of rays is thus formed. The maintenance of a given arrangement of rays in successive annual growths is the result of the cumulation of several traits, such as: 1) the seriation of rays, 2) the magnitude of grain inclination, 3) the rate of the restructuring of the cell arrangement. For example, the quicker a storeyed arrangement of rays will be formed the less the rays are seriated, the quicker the cells are restructured and the greater the inclination of their arrangement. The magnitude of the inclination of the grain and the rate of cell restructuring are traits connected with the arrangement of fusiform cells. The seriate nature of rays, however, is characteristic of rays and, moreover, it is a characteristic individual trait. It seems that the seriation of rays can play a valuable role in taxonomic analysis.
Apple phenolics and their contribution to enzymatic browning reactions
Authors: Oleszek Wiesław , Lee Chang Y. , Price Keith R.
Published: April 2013

Chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2 and C1 were isolated from apple skin. These compounds as well as quercetine and phloretine glycosides isolated from apples were studied individually and as mixtures for their participation in the enzymatic browning reactions. The importance of quercetine glycosides and the synergistic effect of phloridzin and phloretine xyloglucoside with chlorogenic acid and flavans in the browning reaction are reported.
Dependence of the legume seeds vigour on their maturity and method of harvest
Authors: Grzesiuk Stanisław , Górecki Ryszard
Published: April 2013

Several methods were used to study 'the vigour and viability of legume seeds (Pisum sativum L. cv. Hamil, Piston arvense L. cv. Mazurska and Lupinus luteus L. cv. Tomik) harvested at three main stages of seed repening (green, wax and full). The seeds were tested immediately after harvest (series A) and after two weeks of storage in pods (series B). It was found that: 1) the vigour of ripening legume seeds increases with maturation; 2) post-harvest storage in pods increases the degree of ripeness and. consequently. vigour; 3) seeds attain full vigour later than full viability; 4) seed leachate conductivity method gives erroneous results in assessing the vigour of immature seeds: 5) full vigour of maturing seeds of various degrees of ripeness can be determined by simultaneous application of both biological (eg. seedling growth analysis, VI) and biochemical (e.g. total dehydrogenase activity) methods.
Sesquiterpene lactones. XXXVIII. Constituents of Picris echioides L. and their antifeedant activity
Authors: Nowak Włodzimierz M. , Gumułka Maria , Drożdż Bohdan , Grabarczyk Halina , Błoszyk Elżbieta
Published: April 2013

Reinvestigation of components of Picris echioides L. led to the isolation of pure jacquinelin (I) and 8-deoxylactucin (II). The insect deterrent activities of compounds I and II, of their 1:5 mixture, as well as of the chloroform extract of Picris echioides were determined.
Structure and dynamics of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) population in forest communities of the Świętokrzyski National Park. I. The population structure
Authors: Mazur Maria
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the spatial, age and size structures of individuals in silver fir population. The studies were conducted in fir forest and Carpathian beechwood. It was found that fir trees were distributed randomly, whereas seedlings, new growth and up-growth had clumped distribution. The growth and development of individuals in aggregations and outside them were analysed. The stress was put on the impact of spatial structure on the process of population regeneration. Age pyramid was flat with its base very wide. About 40% of trees in the population were dead.
The morphology of hairs in species of Plantago L. sectio Oreades Decne
Authors: Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia , Świętosławski Jacek
Published: April 2013

The hairs of three taxa of sectio Oreades Decne genus Plantago have been studied. We have found that hair typical for the majority of representatives of the genus Plantago, that is, with a unicellular stalk and head vertically divided into two cells, occur in these studied taxa. Some of the headless hairs occurring here are similar to those occurring in sectio Arnoglossum Decne. Rahn's (1978) suggestion of transferring sectio Oreades to the subgenus Psyllium seems wrong since the representatives of this section, in contrast to subgenus Psyllium, do not have hairs with the stalks consisting of several cells and unicellular heads, club-like hairs or iridoid-plantarenaloside. They contain, however, hairs with overlapping cells and iridoid-catapol, which is absent in the taxa of subgenus Psyllium.
Trypsin inhibitors in turnip (Brassica rapa L.) seeds
Authors: Wilimowska-Pelc Anna
Published: April 2013

A method of trypsin inhibitors isolation from turnip seeds is described. Inhibitors were extracted with 0.01 N HCI, concentrated by salting out with ammonium sulfate, and purified using ion-exchange chromatography on Sp-Sephadex C-25, QAE-Sephadex A-25 and affinity chromatography on immobilized trypsin. Among the three isolated inhibitors, ITR I of molecular weight 15.9 kDa, pl. 6,4, inhibited trypsin activity only. Inhibitors ITR II and ITR Ill inhibited also chymotrypsin activity, they had similar molecular weight (about 10 kDa), but their pI is 7.5 and over 10, respectively. Arginine residue occurred in P, position of the reactive site of inhibitors ITR I and ITR III, while in ITR 11 this position was occupied by lysine residue. Electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel revealed that each inhibitor possessed two protein fractions, probably a virgin and modified form, with the reactive site peptide bond broken by trypsin.