bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychic Payoffs, Overpriced Assets, and Underpaid Superstars
Authors: Baumol William J. , Throsby David
Published: July 2012

Non‐pecuniary payoff is a significant component of the rewards to workers – artists, academics, and sports people – and to investments in assets, such as paintings. This paper explores the implications of partial input payment via psychic rewards under a range of assumptions concerning mobility and homogeneity of factors in markets for both labor and capital. Depending on these assumptions, we show systematic underpayment of inputs in some situations and overpayment in others. Particular attention is paid to the earnings of superstars. The paper is illustrated throughout by references to labor and capital employed by firms in the arts and in sport.
Planetary Boundaries: Ecological Foundations for Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Whiteman Gail , Walker Brian , Perego Paolo
Published: July 2012

abstract

Management studies on corporate sustainability practices have grown considerably. The field now has significant knowledge of sustainability issues that are firm and industry focused. However, complex ecological problems are increasing, not decreasing. In this paper, we argue that it is time for corporate sustainability scholars to reconsider the ecological and systemic foundations for sustainability, and to integrate our work more closely with the natural sciences. To address this, our paper introduces a new development in the natural sciences – the delineation of nine ‘Planetary Boundaries’ which govern life as we know it. We call for more systemic research that measures the impact of companies on boundary processes that are at, or possibly beyond, three threshold points – climate change, the global nitrogen cycle, and rate of biodiversity loss – and closing in on others. We also discuss practical implications of the Planetary Boundaries framework for corporate sustainability, including governance and institutional challenges.
Second‐generation sequencing for gene discovery in the Brassicaceae
Authors: Hayward Alice , Vighnesh Guru , Delay Christina , Samian Mohd Rafizan , Manoli Sahana , Stiller Jiri , McKenzie Megan , Edwards David , Batley Jacqueline
Published: July 2012

The Brassicaceae contains the most diverse collection of agriculturally important crop species of all plant families. Yet, this is one of the few families that do not form functional symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi in the soil for improved nutrient acquisition. The genes involved in this symbiosis were more recently recruited by legumes for symbiotic association with nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia bacteria. This study applied second‐generation sequencing (SGS) and analysis tools to discover that two such genes, NSP1 (Nodulation Signalling Pathway 1) and NSP2, remain conserved in diverse members of the Brassicaceae despite the absence of these symbioses. We demonstrate the utility of SGS data for the discovery of putative gene homologs and their analysis in complex polyploid crop genomes with little prior sequence information. Furthermore, we show how this data can be applied to enhance downstream reverse genetics analyses. We hypothesize that Brassica NSP genes may function in the root in other plant–microbe interaction pathways that were recruited for mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbioses during evolution.
Obesity and socioeconomic status in developing countries: a systematic review
Authors: Dinsa G. D. , Goryakin Y. , Fumagalli E. , Suhrcke M.
Published: July 2012

We undertook a systematic review of studies assessing the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and measured obesity in low‐ and middle‐income countries (defined by the World Bank as countries with per capita income up to US$12,275) among children, men and women. The evidence on the subject has grown significantly since an earlier influential review was published in 2004. We find that in low‐income countries or in countries with low human development index (HDI), the association between SES and obesity appears to be positive for both men and women: the more affluent and/or those with higher educational attainment tend to be more likely to be obese. However, in middle‐income countries or in countries with medium HDI, the association becomes largely mixed for men and mainly negative for women. This particular shift appears to occur at an even lower level of per capita income than suggested by an influential earlier review. By contrast, obesity in children appears to be predominantly a problem of the rich in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
A Costly Separation Between Withdrawing and Withholding Treatment in Intensive Care
Authors: Wilkinson Dominic , Savulescu Julian
Published: July 2012

Ethical analyses, professional guidelines and legal decisions support the equivalence thesis for life‐sustaining treatment: if it is ethical to withhold treatment, it would be ethical to withdraw the same treatment.

In this paper we explore reasons why the majority of medical professionals disagree with the conclusions of ethical analysis. Resource allocation is considered by clinicians to be a legitimate reason to withhold but not to withdraw intensive care treatment. We analyse five arguments in favour of non‐equivalence, and find only relatively weak reasons to restrict rationing to withholding treatment. On the contrary, resource allocation provides a strong argument in favour of equivalence: non‐equivalence causes preventable death in critically ill patients. We outline two proposals for increasing equivalence in practice: (1) reduction of the mortality threshold for treatment withdrawal, (2) time‐limited trials of intensive care. These strategies would help to move practice towards more rational treatment limitation decisions.
First‐order integer valued AR processes with zero inflated poisson innovations
Authors: Jazi Mansour Aghababaei , Jones Geoff , Lai Chin‐Diew
Published: July 2012

The first‐order nonnegative integer valued autoregressive process has been applied to model the counts of events in consecutive points of time. It is known that, if the innovations are assumed to follow a Poisson distribution then the marginal model is also Poisson. This model may however not be suitable for overdispersed count data. One frequent manifestation of overdispersion is that the incidence of zero counts is greater than expected from a Poisson model. In this paper, we introduce a new stationary first‐order integer valued autoregressive process with zero inflated Poisson innovations. We derive some structural properties such as the mean, variance, marginal and joint distribution functions of the process. We consider estimation of the unknown parameters by conditional or approximate full maximum likelihood. We use simulation to study the limiting marginal distribution of the process and the performance of our fitting algorithms. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed model by analyzing some real time series on animal health laboratory submissions.
‘Unity in Diversity’: Non‐sectarian Social Movement Challenges to the Politics of Ethnic Antagonism in Violently Divided Cities
Authors: NAGLE JOHN
Published: July 2012

Divided cities are defined by a violent conflict of ethnonationalism and characterized by semi‐permanent ethnic cleavages, high levels of endogamy and social segregation. Yet the perception that divided cities are wholly framed by the politics of ethnic homogeneity is challenged by a number of its citizens who refuse to be interminably circumscribed by ethnic politics. These ‘actors’ mobilize in social movements that promote non‐sectarian politics and identities. They also include the protests of environmentalists, trade unionists and the celebrations of gay groupings. This article critically explores how such urban social movements may help ameliorate or contest the politics of ethnic antagonism in divided cities. It explores this issue in the context of debates regarding peacebuilding projects in divided cities, especially those that promote accommodative solutions to ethnic conflict, and shows how social movement mobilization may augment political power sharing. Focusing on non‐sectarian social movement mobilization in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the article critically analyses movements in three ways: creating intercommunal networks; fostering a public sphere of debate; and challenging the programmed uses of segregated space.

Définies par un conflit violent de nature ethnonationaliste, les villes divisées se caractérisent par des clivages ethniques semi‐permanents, ainsi que par des niveaux élevés d’endogamie et de ségrégation sociale. L’idée que ces villes sont entièrement régies selon des critères d’homogénéité ethnique est pourtant remise en cause par certains habitants qui refusent d’être contraints indéfiniment par une politique ethnique. Ces ‘acteurs’ se mobilisent dans des mouvements sociaux aux buts politiques ou identitaires non sectaires, qui englobent aussi des manifestations écologistes ou syndicalistes et des regroupements homosexuels. Une analyse critique étudie comment ces mouvements sociaux urbains peuvent améliorer ou contester la politique d’antagonisme ethnique des villes divisées. Pour ce faire, elle se place dans le cadre des débats sur les actions de consolidation de la paix dans ces villes, en particulier s’ils encouragent la résolution des conflits par la conciliation; elle montre en outre comment la mobilisation de mouvements sociaux peut accentuer le partage du pouvoir politique. La mobilisation de mouvements sociaux non sectaires à Belfast, en Irlande du Nord, est examinée plus particulièrement et sous trois angles: créer des réseaux intercommunautaires, favoriser une sphère de débat publique et s’opposer aux usages programmés des espaces ségrégués.
Phosphorylation of Munc18‐1 by Dyrk1A regulates its interaction with Syntaxin 1 and X11α
Authors: Park Jung‐Hwa , Jung Min‐Su , Kim Yeun‐Soo , Song Woo‐Joo , Chung Sul‐Hee
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1081–1091.

Dual‐specificity tyrosine(Y)‐phosphorylation‐regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) is a protein kinase that might be responsible for mental retardation and early onset of Alzheimer’s disease in Down’s syndrome patients. Dyrk1A plays a role in many cellular pathways through phosphorylation of diverse substrate proteins; however, its role in synaptic vesicle exocytosis is poorly understood. Munc18‐1, a central regulator of neurotransmitter release, interacts with Syntaxin 1 and X11α. Syntaxin 1 is a key soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor protein involved in synaptic vesicle docking/fusion events, and X11α modulates amyloid precursor protein processing and β amyloid generation. In this study, we demonstrate that Dyrk1A interacts with and phosphorylates Munc18‐1 at the Thr479 residue. The phosphorylation of Munc18‐1 at Thr479 by Dyrk1A stimulated binding of Munc18‐1 to Syntaxin 1 and X11α. Furthermore, the levels of phospho‐Thr479‐Munc18‐1 were enhanced in the brains of transgenic mice over‐expressing Dyrk1A protein, providing in vivo evidence of Munc18‐1 phosphorylation by Dyrk1A. These results reveal a link between Munc18‐1 and Dyrk1A in synaptic vesicle trafficking and amyloid precursor protein processing, suggesting that up‐regulated Dyrk1A in Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease brains may contribute to some pathological features, including synaptic dysfunction and cognitive defect through abnormal phosphorylation of Munc18‐1.
Synaptic relationship between somatostatin‐ and neurokinin‐1 receptor‐immunoreactive neurons in the pre‐Bötzinger complex of rats
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Yan , Zhao Yu , Wong‐Riley Margaret T. T. , Ju Gong , Liu Ying‐Ying
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 923–933.

The pre‐Bötzinger complex (pre‐BötC) in the ventrolateral medulla oblongata is critical for the generation of respiratory rhythm in mammals. Somatostatin (SST) and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) immunoreactivity have been used as markers of the pre‐BötC. SST immunoreactivity almost completely overlaps with small fusiform NK1R‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons, the presumed rhythmogenic neurons, but not with large multipolar NK1R‐ir neurons. Understanding the neurochemical characteristics, especially the synaptic relationship of SST/NK1R‐ir neurons within the pre‐BötC network is essential in providing cellular and structural bases for understanding their physiological significance. This work has not been documented so far. We found that SST immunoreactivity was highly expressed in terminals, somas, and primary dendrites in the pre‐BötC. Besides the small fusiform neurons, a small population of medium‐sized NK1R‐ir neurons also colocalized with SST. Large NK1R‐ir neurons were not SST‐ir, but received somatostatinergic inputs. SST‐ir terminals were glutamatergic or GABAergic, and synapsed with NK1R‐ir neurons. Most of synapses between them were of the symmetric type, indicating their inhibitory nature. Asymmetric synapses were evident between SST‐ir terminals and NK1R‐ir dendrites, strongly suggesting an excitatory innervation from the presumed rhythmogenic neurons as these neurons are glutamatergic. We speculate that SST‐mediated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto NK1R‐ir rhythmogenic and follower neurons synchronizes their activity to contribute to respiratory rhythmogenesis and control.
Environmental gradients shift the direction of the relationship between native and alien plant species richness
Authors: Tomasetto Federico , Duncan Richard P. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: July 2012

Aim

To assess how environmental, biotic and anthropogenic factors shape native–alien plant species richness relationships across a heterogeneous landscape.

Location

Banks Peninsula, New Zealand.

Methods

We integrated a comprehensive floristic survey of over 1200 systematically located 6 × 6 m plots, with corresponding climate, environmental and anthropogenic data. General linear models examined variation in native and alien plant species richness across the entire landscape, between native‐ and alien‐dominated plots, and within separate elevational bands.

Results

Across all plots, there was a significant negative correlation between native and alien species richness, but this relationship differed within subsets of the data: the correlation was positive in alien‐dominated plots but negative in native‐dominated plots. Within separate elevational bands, native and alien species richness were positively correlated at lower elevations, but negatively correlated at higher elevations. Alien species richness tended to be high across the elevation gradient but peaked in warmer, mid‐ to low‐elevation sites, while native species richness increased linearly with elevation. The negative relationship between native and alien species richness in native‐dominated communities reflected a land‐use gradient with low native and high alien richness in more heavily modified native‐dominated vegetation. In contrast, native and alien richness were positively correlated in very heavily modified alien‐dominated plots, most likely due to covariation along a gradient of management intensity.

Main conclusions

Both positive and negative native–alien richness relationships can occur across the same landscape, depending on the plant community and the underlying human and environmental gradients examined. Human habitat modification, which is often confounded with environmental variation, can result in high alien and low native species richness in areas still dominated by native species. In the most heavily human modified areas, dominated by alien species, both native and alien species may be responding to similar underlying gradients.
‘There's no excuse. Speak Catalan!’– the marketing of language acquisition to mobility students
Authors: Atkinson David , Moriarty Máiread
Published: July 2012

This article explores the ways in which a website designed specifically for tertiary level mobility students, Intercat (http://www.intercat.cat/en/index.jsp), markets acquisition of the Catalan language to its target audience. We argue that the site displays tensions between different types of language ideology, in particular between the commodification of language and an ideology of nation and nationhood. These tensions are of sociolinguistic significance for language professionals interested in the ways in which rationales are constructed for acquisition of particular languages, especially traditionally minoritised languages.

Aquest article explora les maneres en les quals una pàgina web dissenyada especificament per a estudiants universitaris involucrats en programes de mobilitat, Intercat (http://www.intercat.cat/en/index.jsp), comercialitza l'aprenentatge de la llengua catalana per als seus usuaris. Argumentem que la pàgina mostra tensions entre diverses menes d'ideologies lingüístiques, sobretot entre la comercialització de llengua i, per altra banda, una ideologia de nació i concepte de nacionalitat. Aquestes tensions tenen importància sociolingüística per als professionals de la llengua que s'interessen per les raons que s'addueixen per l'aprenentatge de llengües determinades, especialment les llengües tradicionalment minoritzades.
Chronic blockade of CB1 receptors reverses startle gating deficits and associated neurochemical alterations in rats reared in isolation
Authors: Zamberletti E , Piscitelli F , Cadeddu F , Rubino T , Fratta W , Fadda P , Di Marzo V , Parolaro D
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological interventions aimed at restoring the endocannabinoid system functionality have been proposed as potential tools in the treatment of schizophrenia. Based on our previous results suggesting a potential antipsychotic‐like profile of the CB1 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist, AM251, here we further investigated the effect of chronic AM251 administration on the alteration of the sensorimotor gating functions and endocannabinoid levels induced by isolation rearing in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using the post‐weaning social isolation rearing model, we studied its influence on sensorimotor gating functions through the PPI paradigm. The presence of alterations in the endocannabinoid levels as well as in dopamine and glutamate receptor densities was explored in specific brain regions following isolation rearing. The effect of chronic AM251 administration on PPI response and the associated biochemical alterations was assessed.

KEY RESULTS The disrupted PPI response in isolation‐reared rats was paralleled by significant alterations in 2‐AG content and dopamine and glutamate receptor densities in specific brain regions. Chronic AM251 completely restored normal PPI response in isolated rats. This behavioural recovery was paralleled by the normalization of 2‐AG levels in all the brain areas analysed. Furthermore, AM251 partially antagonized isolation‐induced changes in dopamine and glutamate receptors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate the efficacy of chronic AM251 treatment in the recovery of isolation‐induced disruption of PPI. Moreover, AM251 counteracted the imbalances in the endocannabinoid content, specifically 2‐AG levels, and partially reversed the alterations in dopamine and glutamate systems associated with the disrupted behaviour. Together, these findings support the potential antipsychotic‐like activity of CB1 receptor blockade.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
Experimental study on supercritical water oxidation of CI Reactive Orange 7 dye wastewater using response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Shuzhong , Guo Yang , Xu Donghai , Gong Yanmeng , Tang Xingying
Published: July 2012

Supercritical water oxidation of azo dye CI Reactive Orange 7 solution was investigated in a batch reactor. Response surface methodology was employed for the experimental design. Quadratic polynomial equations were established based on the results of the experiments. Optimisation of the process was then conducted in accordance with the simulated equations. The results show that removal of chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon and total nitrogen can be achieved up to 99, 95 and 69%, respectively, and the predictive data were in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. It seems that response surface methodology is useful and feasible for the optimisation of CI Reactive Orange 7 dye wastewater supercritical water oxidation processing. The gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis results show that a large amount of 2,4‐pentadienenitrile with diazo formed during the CI Reactive Orange 7 supercritical water oxidation reaction, which suggested that the azo firstly reacted to the diazo, and then converted into the final product of nitrogen.
When to estimate sex ratio in natural populations of insects? A study on sex ratio variations of gall midges within a generation
Authors: Tabadkani Seyed Mohammad , Ashouri Ahmad , Rahimi‐Alangi Vahid , Fathi‐Moghaddam Mehdi
Published: July 2012

Precise estimation of arthropods' sex ratio is an important issue in a wide range of ecological studies and biological control programs. Although, in many cases changes in arthropods' sex ratio may be under the control of parents or some symbiotic microorganisms, biased sex ratios in some other species are caused by some extrinsic factors, neglect of which may lead to under/overestimation of true sex ratio. In this paper, we pursued those factors that cause false estimation of sex ratio in insects' species. We studied the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an important biological control agent of aphids, that shows protandry (i.e. early male emergence), differential lifespan of sexes, and differential distribution of sexes across habitat. Ten populations of A. aphidimyza were released separately in transparent cages and their sex ratio variations were recorded every 12 hours. The primary sex ratio in this species seems to be slightly male‐biased (52.41% males), however early emergence of males biases the sex ratio up to 72% males in a few hours after emergence. Shortly after the emergence of females, the sex ratio reaches its primary situation, but as a result of male‐biased mortality after mating, the proportion of females increases gradually to 97% by the fourth and fifth days after emergence. These results explicitly suggest that direct estimation of sex ratio in natural populations may be affected by some secondary factors such as differential mortality of sexes, protandry, and differential distribution of males and females over time and/or across habitat.
Decoupling elongation and segmentation: Notch involvement in anostracan crustacean segmentation
Authors: Williams Terri , Blachuta Beata , Hegna Thomas A. , Nagy Lisa M.
Published: July 2012

Repeated body segments are a key feature of arthropods. The formation of body segments occurs via distinct developmental pathways within different arthropod clades. Although some species form their segments simultaneously without any accompanying measurable growth, most arthropods add segments sequentially from the posterior of the growing embryo or larva. The use of Notch signaling is increasingly emerging as a common feature of sequential segmentation throughout the Bilateria, as inferred from both the expression of proteins required for Notch signaling and the genetic or pharmacological disruption of Notch signaling. In this study, we demonstrate that blocking Notch signaling by blocking γ‐secretase activity causes a specific, repeatable effect on segmentation in two different anostracan crustaceans, Artemia franciscana and Thamnocephalus platyurus. We observe that segmentation posterior to the third or fourth trunk segment is arrested. Despite this marked effect on segment addition, other aspects of segmentation are unaffected. In the segments that develop, segment size and boundaries between segments appear normal, engrailed stripes are normal in size and alignment, and overall growth is unaffected. By demonstrating Notch involvement in crustacean segmentation, our findings expand the evidence that Notch plays a crucial role in sequential segmentation in arthropods. At the same time, our observations contribute to an emerging picture that loss‐of‐function Notch phenotypes differ significantly between arthropods suggesting variability in the role of Notch in the regulation of sequential segmentation. This variability in the function of Notch in arthropod segmentation confounds inferences of homology with vertebrates and lophotrochozoans.
Aquaculture of Posidonia australis Seedlings for Seagrass Restoration Programs: Effect of Sediment Type and Organic Enrichment on Growth
Authors: Statton John , Cambridge Marion L. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: July 2012

Seeds of the seagrass Posidonia australis are desiccation sensitive and as there is no seed dormancy seeds cannot be stored for use in restoration projects. To realize the restoration potential of seed‐based restoration of Posidonia, this study investigated preconditioning seedlings of Posidonia in aquaculture facilities before transplanting to extend the restoration window from a few weeks (for fresh seed) to months or even years (for preconditioned seedlings). Here, we tested two levels of organic matter addition, 0 and 1.5% sediment dry weight and three sediment types; two heterogeneous sediments typical of low‐energy marine environments (1) unsorted calcareous and (2) unsorted silica, and a homogeneous sediment typical of high‐energy marine habitats (3) well‐sorted silica. We then evaluated seedling survival, biomass and development over a period of 7 months in tank culture. There was 100% survival over the 7‐month experimental period for seedlings. Seedling leaf, root, rhizome, and total biomass increased when organic matter was added to unsorted calcareous and unsorted silica sediment but not well‐sorted silica sediment, although this increase was significant only after 7 months of growth. The characteristics of the sediment also influenced seedling root length and architecture. Root length and number of lateral root branches were greatest in unsorted sediments and when organic matter was present. This study demonstrates that tank culture of P. australis enabled seedlings to be available for restoration purposes for at least 7 months, and with modification of the sediment composition, larger P. australis seedlings with more substantial root systems can be produced.
A Quantitative Assessment of the Conservation Benefits of the Wetlands Reserve Program to Amphibians
Authors: Waddle J. Hardin , Glorioso Brad M. , Faulkner Stephen P.
Published: July 2012

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) originally consisted of nearly contiguous bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest encompassing approximately 10 million hectares. Currently, only 20–25% of the historical BLH forests remain in small patches fragmented by agricultural lands. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) was established to restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in agricultural landscapes. To assess the potential benefit of WRP restoration to amphibians, we surveyed 30 randomly selected WRP sites and 20 nearby agricultural sites in the Mississippi Delta. We made repeat visits to each site from May to August 2008 and performed both visual encounter and vocalization surveys. We analyzed the encounter history data for 11 anuran species using a Bayesian hierarchical occupancy model that estimated detection probability and probability of occurrence simultaneously for each species. Nine of the 11 species had higher probabilities of occurrence at WRP sites compared to agriculture. Derived estimates of species richness were also higher for WRP sites. Five anuran species were significantly more likely to occur in WRP than in agriculture, four of which were among the most aquatic species. It appears that the restoration of a more permanent hydrology at the WRP sites may be the primary reason for this result. Although amphibians represent only one group of wildlife species, they are useful for evaluating restoration benefits for wildlife because of their intermediate trophic position. The methods used in this study to evaluate the benefit of restoration could be used in other locations and with other groups of indicator species.
The Economic and Employment Impacts of Forest and Watershed Restoration
Authors: Nielsen‐Pincus Max , Moseley Cassandra
Published: July 2012

Globally, ecological restoration activities are increasing in response to environmental, economic, and cultural trends that value ecological capital for the services provided by healthy functioning ecosystems. To ensure continued investment in ecological restoration, practitioners and researchers need to identify links to the benefits accrued to society from ecological restoration practice and policy. Nonetheless, a recent review of published literature on ecological restoration concludes that the policy and socioeconomic contributions of ecological restoration are often ignored. To help fill this gap, we describe the policy context of a sustained program of forest and watershed restoration in Oregon, U.S.A. and report on three related studies on the market structure and resulting economic impacts of this program of work in Oregon. The first study examines the experiences of watershed councils (n= 52) in mobilizing human resources for ecological restoration. The second focuses on the businesses and firms (n= 190) that participate in Oregon's restoration economy. The third analyzes the employment and economic impacts from a sample of Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board restoration grants (n= 99). We found that the sustained program of restoration work in Oregon has conferred significant benefits to Oregon's economy. These impacts largely accrue to rural areas in need of economic development opportunities due to declines in traditional resource management activities. In addition to approximately 16 jobs supported per million dollars invested in ecological restoration, a sustained investment in restoration has created both new local organizational capacity in watershed councils and other community‐based partners and business opportunities especially in rural Oregon.
Asset Characteristics and Boom and Bust Periods: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ikromov Nuriddin , Yavas Abdullah
Published: July 2012

We examine the impact of transaction costs, short selling restrictions and divisibility of assets on market efficiency in experimental asset markets. We find that transaction costs do not exacerbate the inefficiency of the market. They reduce the magnitude of bubbles and push prices closer to fundamentals. More divisible assets exhibit smaller deviations of prices from fundamentals. Short selling restrictions contribute to prolonged bubbles, while relaxing them increases the occurrence of “bust cycles.” We also find that experimental real estate markets display larger deviations of prices from fundamental values, longer boom and bust cycles and smaller turnover than experimental financial markets.
Empleo y estabilidad macroeconómica real. El rol regresivo de los flujos financieros en América Latina
Authors: FFRENCH‐DAVIS Ricardo
Published: July 2012

El autor estudia las reformas económicas realizadas en América Latina desde los años noventa. Se ha logrado estabilizar el nivel de precios, pero el crecimiento ha sido insuficiente y la inestabilidad económica ha perjudicado la inversión productiva y el empleo. Las frecuentes crisis han sido muy recesivas y han desalentado la formación de capital y la creación de empleo decente. Los flujos financieros han sido determinantes de esta situación general. La positiva recuperación de 2010 retoma la senda de progreso de 2004–2008, pero aún con un alto nivel de precariedad laboral y con falencias graves en las políticas macroeconómicas.
Empleo a tiempo parcial y género: el trabajador o el puesto de trabajo como factor clave
Authors: KJELDSTAD Randi , NYMOEN Erik H.
Published: July 2012

Se explora la relación entre diversas modalidades de empleo a tiempo parcial y género, considerando las características del trabajador y del puesto de trabajo. El trabajo a tiempo parcial voluntario con alto porcentaje de horas es la modalidad más extendida y más utilizada por las mujeres, indicio de que los empleadores se ajustan a las preferencias de estas. El tiempo parcial voluntario con bajo porcentaje de horas suele ser una modalidad transitoria asociada a determinadas edades y empleos. El tiempo parcial involuntario se asocia al mercado laboral secundario (contratos temporales, nacionalidad no occidental) y afecta más a mujeres que a hombres.
Vaginal hysterectomy, an outpatient procedure
Authors: ENGH MARIE ELLSTRÖM , HAUSO WENCHE
Published: July 2012

Objective. To report our experience of treating women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy in an outpatient setting and to identify risk factors for hospital admission and women dissatisfied with care. Design. Prospective observational report. Setting. department of obstetrics and gynecology, university hospital in Norway. Sample. 150 women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy at the outpatient clinic from February 2009 to April 2010. Methods. Perioperative data were collected prospectively and case notes were searched for complications. On the first postoperative day all women were contacted by telephone by a nurse. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to monitor pain and nausea during the stay at the outpatient clinic and the day after surgery. VAS was also used to specify the women's degree of satisfaction with care the day after surgery. Main outcome measure. The number of women who could be discharged from the outpatient unit and had a satisfaction score of ≥7 the day after surgery. Results. Of the 150 women, 84% could be discharged after a mean observation period of 276 min (SD ± 80 min). The mean satisfaction score was 9.0, SD ± 1.4, and 92.6% of the women reported ≥7 points in the satisfaction score. No women with serious complications were sent home. Using a multivariable logistic regression model only pain at discharge was found as significant (p= 0.009) for admittance to hospital. Conclusions. Vaginal hysterectomy is a feasible outpatient procedure and the majority of women were satisfied with the care they received.
Phagocytosis and cytokine response to rough and smooth colony variants of Mycobacterium abscessus by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Jönsson Bodil , Ridell Malin , Wold Agnes E.
Published: July 2012

Mycobacterium abscessus is a non‐tuberculous mycobacteria able to cause opportunistic infections in selected patient groups. During the last decades it has emerged as a cause of chronic pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). M. abscessus strains exhibit either smooth or rough colony morphology. Strains exhibiting the rough phenotype more often cause pulmonary infections in CF patients than did the smooth ones. Here, we examined phagocytosis and production of cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in response to M. abscessus strains with smooth and rough colony phenotype. The rough isolates all formed multicellular cords, similar to what is observed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Monocytes were generally unable to internalize these rough cord isolates, in contrast with the smooth ones. Furthermore, the rough M. abscessus strains induced a distinct cytokine profile differing from that induced by the smooth ones. Rough isolates induced significantly less IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor compared to smooth strains, but more IL‐1β. Both varieties induced equal amounts of IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐23, IL‐6, IL‐8 and equally little IL‐12. The ability to withstand phagocytosis might be a virulence factor contributing to the capacity of rough M. abscessus strains to give persistent pulmonary infections.
Coin exposure may cause allergic nickel dermatitis: a review
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Gawkrodger David J. , White Ian R. , Julander Anneli , Menné Torkil , Lidén Carola
Published: July 2012

Nickel is used in coins because the metal has beneficial properties, including price, colour, weight, and corrosion resistance, and also because it is easy to stamp. It has often been claimed that the duration of skin contact with coins is too short to cause nickel release and dermatitis. However, it is well known by dermatologists specialized in occupational skin diseases, and by their nickel‐allergic patients, that hand eczema in cashiers and other professionals who handle coins may be caused or aggravated by nickel release from coins. In this review, we present evidence from past studies showing that nickel‐containing coins can indeed pose a risk for those who handle them. For protection of the health of consumers, cashiers, and other workers who handle coins, it is suggested that coins without nickel release should be used as a substitute for the high nickel‐releasing coins currently in widespread use. The key risk factor in this situation is the ability of metal alloys in coins to release nickel and contaminate the skin after repeated contact from coin handling.
Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome patients: prognostic implication of monosomal karyotype
Authors: Wudhikarn Kitsada , Van Rheeden Richard , Leopold Christina , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Gingrich Roger , de Magalhaes Silverman Margarida
Published: July 2012

Objective

Monosomal karyotype (MK) is defined as the presence of two or more autosomal monosomies or a single monosomy associated with a structural abnormality. It was first described as a high‐risk cytogenetic abnormality for acute myeloid leukemia and more recently in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, allotransplant outcome in MDS with MK has not been described.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 79 patients with MDS who underwent allotransplant at the University of Iowa from 1990 to 2009. We recorded patients' cytogenetic data, clinical characteristics and evaluated outcome following allogeneic stem cell transplant stratified by cytogenetic classification.

Results

Of 79 patients, 37 (47%) had unfavorable karyotypes (23 complex karyotype, 25 abnormal chromosome 7). Twenty‐four patients (30%) had MK. Twenty‐four patients (30%) relapsed and 59 (74.7%) died during study period. Patients with MK had higher 2‐yr relapse incidence (RI) (51% vs. 29%; P = 0.01), lower 2‐yr event‐free survival (EFS) (8% vs. 40%; P = 0.02), and lower 2‐yr overall survival (OS)(6% vs. 41%; P = 0.02) than patients without MK. We further analyzed the effect of MK in each unfavorable karyotype composite. Although the outcome was not statistically different, unfavorable karyotypes with patients with MK showed a trend toward higher 2‐yr RI [hazard ratio (HR), 1.7; P = 0.34], lower 2‐yr EFS (HR, 1.5; P = 0.29), and lower 2‐yr OS (HR, 1.5; P = 0.28) compared to unfavorable karyotypes without MK.

Conclusion

Cytogenetic abnormalities remain an important prognostic factor for allotransplant outcome of MDS. Our results suggested poor allotransplant outcomes with high RI and low OS in MDS with MK.
Health‐related quality of life and disease‐specific complaints among multiple myeloma patients up to 10 yr after diagnosis: results from a population‐based study using the PROFILES registry
Authors: Mols Floortje , Oerlemans Simone , Vos Allert H. , Koster Ad , Verelst Silvia , Sonneveld Pieter , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V.
Published: July 2012

Background

This prospective population‐based study describes health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and disease‐specific complaints of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) up to 10 yr post‐diagnosis.

Methods

The Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select all patients diagnosed with MM from 1999 to 2010. Patients with MM completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐MY20 questionnaires at baseline (n = 156; 74% response rate) and 1 yr later (n = 80). The EORTC QLQ‐C30 was also completed by an age‐ and sex‐matched normative population (n = 500).

Results

Patients with MM reported statistically significant and clinically relevant worse scores on all EORTC QLQ‐C30 scales (all P's at least < 0.01) compared to the norm. Also, patients with MM reported a mean decrease (e.g., worsening) between baseline and 1‐yr follow‐up scores for: quality of life (mean, 68 vs. 55, respectively, P < 0.001; 74% of patients had a deteriorated score), fatigue (33 vs. 39, P < 0.05; 50%), nausea and vomiting (6.3 vs. 13, P < 0.05; 71%), pain (33 vs. 43, P < 0.05; 59%), and dyspnea (17 vs. 33, P < 0.001; 66%). The most bothering symptoms during the past week were tingling hands/feet (32%), back pain (28%), bone aches/pain (26%), pain in arm/shoulder (19%), and feeling drowsy (18%). Also, 37% worried about their future health, 34% thought about their disease, and 21% worried about dying.

Conclusion

Patients with MM experience a very high symptom burden and low HRQOL. Future studies should focus on possible mechanisms that can predict low HRQOL and high symptom burden in patients with MM and should investigate optimal ways to alleviate these.
Conditioned media obtained from human outer root sheath follicular keratinocyte culture activates signalling pathways that contribute to maintenance of hair‐inducing capacity and increases trichogenicity of cultured dermal cells
Authors: Lee Mi Hye , Im Sanguk , Shin Seung Hyun , Kwack Mi Hee , Jun Sang‐Eun , Kim Moon Kyu , Kim Jung Chul , Sung Young Kwan
Published: July 2012

Findings from recent studies have demonstrated that hair‐inducing capacity (trichogenicity) of cultured dermal cells can be maintained by addition of conditioned media obtained from culture of epidermal keratinocytes. In this study, we investigated the question of whether treatment with human follicular keratinocyte–conditioned media (FKCM) can result in activation of signalling pathways that contribute to trichogenicity and increase the trichogenicity of cultured dermal cells. Through conduct of hair reconstitution assays, we observed that treatment of cells with FKCM resulted in induction of a greater number of hair follicles, compared with control cells. Treatment of dermal cells with FKCM resulted in the activation of BMP and β‐catenin signalling pathways. In addition, higher levels of IGFBP‐7, IL‐8, OPG and uPA were observed in FKCM. Altogether, our data suggest that a patient's own FKCM would be ideal for expansion of the patient's own follicular dermal cells for cell therapy for treatment of hair loss.
Supporting the generalist genes hypothesis for intellectual ability/disability: the case of SNAP25
Authors: Rizzi T. S. , Beunders G. , Rizzu P. , Sistermans E. , Twisk J. W. R. , van Mechelen W. , Deijen J. B. , Meijers‐Heijboer H. , Verhage M. , Heutink P. , Posthuma D.
Published: July 2012

Intellectual disability (ID) is an unresolved health care problem with a worldwide prevalence rate of 2–3%. For many years, research into the genetic causes of ID and related disorders has mainly focused on chromosomal abnormalities or X‐linked genetic deficits. Only a handful of autosomal genes are known to cause ID. At the same time it has been suggested that at least some cases of ID represent an extreme form of normal intellectual ability and therefore that genes important for intellectual ability in the normal range may also play a role in ID. In this study, we tested whether the autosomal SNAP25 gene, which was previously associated with variation in intellectual ability in the normal range, is also associated with ID. The gene product of SNAP25 is an important presynaptic plasma membrane protein, is known to be involved in regulating neurotransmitter release, and has been linked to memory and learning by its effect on long term potentiation in the hippocampus. Allele frequencies of two genetic variants in SNAP25 previously associated with intellectual ability were compared between a group of 636 ID cases (IQ < 70) and a control group of 361 persons of higher than average intellectual ability. We observed a higher frequency of the putative risk allele of rs363050 (P = 0.02; OR = 1.24) in cases as compared to controls. These results are consistent with a role of SNAP25 in ID, and also support the notion that ID reflects the lower extreme of the quantitative distribution of intellectual ability.
Updating vegetation classifications: an example with New Zealand's woody vegetation
Authors: Wiser Susan K. , De Cáceres Miquel
Published: July 2012

Questions

How can existing vegetation classifications be updated when new plot data are obtained? Can we use the properties of plots classed as outliers to identify gaps in our understanding of vegetation patterns and so direct future enquiry?

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

We updated a pre‐existing classification of New Zealand's forests and shrublands based on a nationally representative data set (1177 plots) by using 12 374 additional plot records from New Zealand's National Vegetation Survey Databank (NVS). We resampled the NVS plot records to remove uneven representation along floristic and geographic gradients. To update the classification at the alliance level, we first cast the original classification into the fuzzy classification framework of Noise Clustering and then discarded original types with low plot numbers and high compositional variation. We then used the plot records that could not be assigned to any original alliance to define new alliances, while retaining the original alliances as fixed elements. We also defined vegetation associations to create a classification at a lower level of abstraction and related it to the classification at the alliance level. Finally, we determined whether known rare types were represented among the new vegetation types and characterized plot records classed as outliers.

Results

After casting the 24 original alliances in the NC framework, we discarded seven. We extended the 17 remaining alliances with 12 new ones and defined 79 associations. All 12 new alliances had extents <120 986 ha, which is smaller than the original alliances, and included rare types that were known to exist but could not be defined using the objectively sampled data set underpinning the original classification. Plot records classed as outliers tended to occur at lower altitudes or in successional shrublands. Further sampling is required to adequately define vegetation types in such situations, although composition may be inherently erratic in successional shrublands.

Conclusions

Our analysis illustrates the application of a fuzzy classification framework at a national scale and provides a model for others wishing to extend and update vegetation classifications. Our approach allows rare community types to be defined and identifies portions of compositional and geographic gradients that are poorly documented.
Towards a Transactional Approach to Culture: Illustrating the Application of Douglasian Cultural Framework in a Variety of Management Settings
Authors: Patel Taran , Rayner Steve
Published: July 2012

Frameworks of national/societal culture approach (NCA), although popular, are unsuitable for cultural sense‐making when: (1) people's national/corporate identities become blurred; (2) the focus is on cultural diversity within an entity; and (3) the cultural phenomenon spans across levels, scales and geo‐ethnic boundaries. To serve as an alternative to NCA in these scenarios, a cultural framework must: (1) explain people's behaviors without evoking nationality‐based behavioral generalizations; (2) lend itself to applications across levels, scales and geo‐ethnic boundaries; (3) explain social change as a never‐ending, unpredictable phenomenon; and (4) explain conformity and diversity of human behavior. In search of such a framework, we review anthropology literature, more precisely Barth's transactional culture approach. Our search leads us to the Douglasian cultural framework (DCF). We show that DCF meets the aforementioned criteria, and has been successfully used by scholars as a transactional cultural tool in scenarios where NCA frameworks are unsuitable.