bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent genetic signatures of historic climatic events in an Antarctic octopus
Authors: STRUGNELL J. M. , WATTS P. C. , SMITH P. J. , ALLCOCK A. L.
Published: April 2012

Repeated cycles of glaciation have had major impacts on the distribution of genetic diversity of the Antarctic marine fauna. During glacial periods, ice cover limited the amount of benthic habitat on the continental shelf. Conversely, more habitat and possibly altered seaways were available during interglacials when the ice receded and the sea level was higher. We used microsatellites and partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene to examine genetic structure in the direct‐developing, endemic Southern Ocean octopod Pareledone turqueti sampled from a broad range of areas that circumvent Antarctica. We find that, unusually for a species with poor dispersal potential, P. turqueti has a circumpolar distribution and is also found off the islands of South Georgia and Shag Rocks. The overriding pattern of spatial genetic structure can be explained by hydrographic (with ocean currents both facilitating and hindering gene flow) and bathymetric features. The Antarctic Peninsula region displays a complex population structure, consistent with its varied topographic and oceanographic influences. Genetic similarities between the Ross and Weddell Seas, however, are interpreted as a persistent historic genetic signature of connectivity during the hypothesized Pleistocene West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapses. A calibrated molecular clock indicates two major lineages within P. turqueti, a continental lineage and a sub‐Antarctic lineage, that diverged in the mid‐Pliocene with no subsequent gene flow. Both lineages survived subsequent major glacial cycles. Our data are indicative of potential refugia at Shag Rocks and South Georgia and also around the Antarctic continent within the Ross Sea, Weddell Sea and off Adélie Land. The mean age of mtDNA diversity within these main continental lineages coincides with Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Novel natural alleles at FLC and LVR loci account for enhanced vernalization responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: SÁNCHEZ‐BERMEJO EDUARDO , MÉNDEZ‐VIGO BELÉN , PICÓ F. XAVIER , MARTÍNEZ‐ZAPATER JOSÉ M. , ALONSO‐BLANCO CARLOS
Published: April 2012

Vernalization, the induction of flowering by low winter temperatures, is likely to be involved in plant climatic adaptation. However, the genetic, molecular and ecological bases underlying the quantitative variation that tunes vernalization sensitivity to natural environments are largely unknown. To address these questions, we have studied the enhanced vernalization response shown by the Ll‐0 accession of Arabidopsis thaliana. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for several flowering initiation traits in relation to vernalization, in a new Ler × Ll‐0 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, identified large effect alleles at FRI, FLC and HUA2, together with two small effect loci named as Llagostera vernalization response (LVR) 1 and 2. Phenotypic analyses of near isogenic lines validated LVR1 effect on flowering vernalization responses. To further characterize the FLC allele from Ll‐0, we carried out genetic association analyses using a regional collection of wild genotypes. FLC‐Ll‐0 appeared as a low‐frequency allele that is distinguished by polymorphism Del(‐57), a 50‐bp‐deletion in the 5′‐UTR. Del(‐57) was significantly associated with enhanced vernalization responses and FLC RNA expression, as well as with altitude and minimum temperatures. These results are consistent with Del(‐57) acting as a novel cis‐regulatory FLC polymorphism that may confer climatic adaptation by increasing vernalization sensitivity.
Pulmonary and systemic effects of mononuclear leukapheresis
Authors: Barr L. , Brittan M. , Conway Morris A. , Stewart A. , Dhaliwal K. , Anderson N. , Turner M. , Manson L. , Simpson A. J.
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives  There is increasing evidence that monocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute lung inflammation. Mononuclear cell (MNC) leukapheresis can be used to remove large numbers of monocytes from circulating blood; however, the detailed characteristics of monocyte subpopulations removed by MNC leukapheresis, and the biological effects on the lung, remain incompletely defined.

Material and Methods  Six healthy male volunteers underwent MNC leukapheresis of four total blood volumes. Blood was collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h; bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at 8–9 h. Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to identify subpopulations of monocytes in blood and monocyte‐like cells in BAL fluid.

Results  A median of 5·57 × 109 monocytes were retrieved. Blood monocyte counts indicated that the circulating blood monocyte pool was actively replenished during leukapheresis and subsequently contained a greater proportion of classical (CD14++ CD16−) monocytes. A particular subpopulation of monocyte‐like cells, reminiscent of classical monocytes, was also prominent in BAL fluid after leukapheresis.

Conclusion  Mononuclear cell leukapheresis was safe. The greater proportion of classical monocytes present in blood after MNC leukapheresis may be clinically significant. MNC leukapheresis also appears to affect the proportion of monocyte‐like cells in the lung; however, we found no evidence that leukapheresis has a clinically important pro‐inflammatory effect in the human lung.
Individual Variation in Trophic Egg Production: Evidence for Maternal Manipulation in Response to Resource and Competition Levels
Authors: Filippi Lisa , Hironaka Mantaro , Nomakuchi Shintaro
Published: April 2012

Females of the subsocial shield bugParastrachia japonensis(Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae) incorporate trophic eggs (nutritive eggs) into their egg mass. Considerable variation occurs among females in trophic egg number and the proportion of an egg mass that is composed of trophic eggs. Because trophic eggs are essential to the development and survival of young, this variation could significantly impact female fitness. We tested the hypothesis that trophic egg abundance is induced by maternal phenotype (weight, body size) and resource exposure. We predicted that resource limitations would cause females to produce fewer fertile eggs and more trophic eggs and that larger and heavier females would produce more of each egg type. Females ovipositing early in the season are exposed to different resource conditions than those that oviposit late. Thus, we compared egg production patterns between these two groups and several other factors related to nesting. No correlation was seen between body size and trophic egg abundance, or, indeed, egg production, overall; however, heavier females produced heavier egg masses. Counter to our prediction, late females, which had greater access to food, produced significantly more total eggs, fewer fertile eggs, and more trophic eggs than early females. A binomial generalized linear model analysis indicated that the factors most correlated with the percentage of an egg mass destined to become trophic eggs were resource abundance, resulting from early or late oviposition, and distance of the nest from the host tree, with closer females producing more trophic eggs. The findings support our hypothesis that resource availability and, to a lesser extent, maternal phenotype affect trophic egg abundance.
Is sentinel node biopsy the standard of care in melanoma management? The opinions and practices of Australian specialists
Authors: Anderson Austen , Love Robert , Chan Jonathan
Published: April 2012

Background/Objective:  There is international debate over the role of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in invasive melanoma management. There is currently evidence that SNB offers prognostic information; however, the therapeutic benefit of SNB is yet to be elucidated. Many experts describe SNB as the standard of care in the management of patients with melanoma. Labelling a procedure as a standard of care has consequences from the perspectives of both patient care and cost. This study aims to determine the opinions of Australian dermatologists and plastic surgeons on the role of SNB, to compare these opinions between specialties and to compare self‐reported practices with current evidence.

Methods:  An online survey of 10 questions was distributed to members of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Results:  A total of 137 responses were received (66 dermatologists and 71 plastic surgeons), representing 16% of the dermatologists and 20% of the plastic surgeons in Australia. Just over half of the respondents (51%) said SNB should not be the standard of care. More dermatologists than plastic surgeons held this view. In total 15% of specialists were counselling patients outside current guidelines.

Conclusions:  Australian specialists are divided on the role of SNB in the management of patients with melanoma. There are differences in opinion on the role of SNB in melanoma management between speciality groups and regions. A significant percentage of specialists are counselling patients outside current guidelines.
Incidence of acute rheumatic fever in New Zealand children and youth
Authors: Milne Richard J , Lennon Diana R , Stewart Joanna M , Vander Hoorn Stephen , Scuffham Paul A
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To estimate acute rheumatic fever (ARF) incidence rates for New Zealand children and youth by ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation and region.

Methods:  National hospital admissions with a principal diagnosis of ARF (ICD9_AM 390‐392; ICD10‐AM I00‐I02) were obtained from routine statistics and stratified by age, ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation index (NZDep2006) and District Health Board (DHB).

Results:  The mean incidence rate for ARF in 2000–2009 peaked at 9 to 12 years of age. Incidence rates for children 5 to 14 years of age for Māori were 40.2 (95% confidence interval 36.8, 43.8), Pacific 81.2 (73.4, 89.6), non‐Māori/Pacific 2.1 (1.6, 2.6) and all children 17.2 (16.1, 18.3) per 100 000. Māori and Pacific incidence rates increased by 79% and 73% in 1993–2009, while non‐Māori/Pacific rates declined by 71%. Overall rates increased by 59%.

In 2000–2009, Māori and Pacific children comprised 30% of children 5–14 years of age but accounted for 95% of new cases. Almost 90% of index cases of ARF were in the highest five deciles of socioeconomic deprivation and 70% were in the most deprived quintile. A child living in the most deprived decile has about one in 150 risk of being admitted to the hospital for ARF by 15 years of age. Ten DHBs containing 76% of the population 5 to 14 years of age accounted for 94% of index cases of ARF.

Conclusions:  ARF with its attendant rheumatic heart disease is an increasing public health issue for disadvantaged North Island communities with high concentrations of Māori and/or Pacific families.
Genetic and ecophysiological diversity of Cladophora (Cladophorales, Ulvophyceae) in various salinity regimes
Authors: Hayakawa Yu‐ichiro , Ogawa Taku , Yoshikawa Shinya , Ohki Kaori , Kamiya Mitsunobu
Published: April 2012

Although Cladophora species frequently appear in brackish environments, their genetic diversity, phenological patterns and physiological properties have not been well investigated in these environments. Cladophora is distributed throughout Mikata‐goko, an area consisting of five coastal lakes that are directly or indirectly connected to the sea, resulting in a salinity gradient ranging from fully marine to freshwater. To elucidate genetic and ecological variation in Cladophora, we monthly compared ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequences of Cladophora specimens across six study sites characterized by different salinity regimes for a year. A total of 12 ribotypes were detected and assigned to six species, four of which were restricted to the marine habitat. Ribotype I of C. vagabunda (L.) Hoek was distributed in high‐salinity brackish waters (mean salinity ≤13 psu; maximum salinity ≤31 psu), whereas C. vagabunda ribotype II and C. glomerata were abundant in low‐salinity brackish waters (mean salinity ≤5 psu; maximum salinity ≤10 psu). Although Cladophora albida (Nees) Kütz. and C. glomerata (L.) Kütz. were collected during all four seasons, C. laetevirens (Dillwyn) Kütz., C. oligocladoidea Hoek and Chihara, C. opaca Sakai and C. vagabunda displayed marked seasonal variation. Culture experiments revealed that optimal salinity conditions for vegetative growth vary among ribotypes collected from different salinity regimes, suggesting that Cladophora distributions are controlled by ribotype‐specific ecophysiological adaptations. In contrast, temperature optima and tolerance were similar among ribotypes showing different seasonalities, and thus their phenologies may be controlled by other environmental factors or biotic conditions, such as reproductive maturity and spore germination.
Is the penoscrotal approach inferior to the perineal approach for artificial sphincter implantation in male urinary incontinence? A preliminary experience
Authors: Shen Yuan‐Chi , Chiang Po‐Hui
Published: April 2012

Artificial urinary sphincter is the gold standard of treatment for urinary incontinence as a result of sphincter incompetence. The perineal incision for cuff placement, and low abdominal incision for the placement of a pressure‐regulating balloon and pump is the original design. Wilson et al. presented a modified method by a single penoscrotal (transscrotal) incision for implantation of all pieces. However, some experts believe there are important differences between the two methods, and the traditional perineal incision is better than the modified penoscrotal incision. The objective of our study was to show the characteristics of penoscrotal incision and determine whether the penoscrotal approach is inferior to the perineal approach in clinical outcome and complications. From May 1994 to July 2011, a total of 21 male patients underwent 27 artificial urinary sphincter implantations. Twelve cuffs were placed with the perineal approach and 15 with the penoscrotal approach. The patients in the penoscrotal group had a shorter operative time (86.0 ± 21.1 vs 115.4 ± 32.0 min, P = 0.018) and hospital stay (5.4 ± 2.2 vs 9.3 ± 2.5 days, P = 0.002) compared with the perineal group. There was no statistical significance in long‐term completely dry rate (penoscrotal vs perineal: 66.7% vs 50%, P = 0.767), infection rate (20% vs 33.3%, P = 0.617) and subsequent tandem cuff‐added rate (6.7% vs 16.7%, P = 0.675) between the two approaches. Hence, penoscrotal incision is not inferior to traditional perineal incision for artificial urinary sphincter implantation in male urinary incontinence.
Environmental and socio‐economic factors related to urban bird communities
Authors: LUCK GARY W. , SMALLBONE LISA T. , SHEFFIELD KATHRYN J.
Published: April 2012

Urban fauna communities may be strongly influenced by environmental and socio‐economic factors, but the relative importance of these factors is poorly known. Most research on urban fauna has been conducted in large cities and it is unclear if the patterns found in these locations coincide with those from smaller human settlements. We examined the relative importance of environmental and socio‐economic factors in explaining variation in urban bird communities across 72 neighbourhoods in 18 regional towns in south‐eastern Australia. Native bird species richness varied from 6 to 32 across neighbourhoods and was higher in neighbourhoods with more nectar‐rich plants. Variation in bird species diversity across neighbourhoods was also strongly positively related to the density of nectar‐rich plants, but was higher also in neighbourhoods with higher socio‐economic status (reflecting higher levels of disposal income, education and home ownership). The density of native birds across neighbourhoods per season varied from 1 to 15 birds per hectare and was lower in neighbourhoods with a greater cover of impervious surfaces. The density of exotic birds (introduced to Australia) per season also varied across neighbourhoods (0–13 birds per hectare) and was lower in neighbourhoods with more nectar‐rich plants and higher in neighbourhoods with greater impervious surface cover. Our results demonstrated that the vegetation characteristics of household gardens, along streetscapes and in urban parklands had a strong influence on the richness and diversity of urban bird communities. The density of native and exotic birds varied primarily in response to changes in the built environment (measured through impervious surface cover). Socio‐economic factors had relatively little direct influence on urban birds, but neighbourhood socio‐economics may influence bird communities indirectly through the positive relationship between socio‐economic status and vegetation cover recorded in our study area.
Value of concomitant endoscopic balloon dilation for intestinal stricture during long‐term infliximab therapy in patients with crohn's disease
Authors: Ono Yoichiro , Hirai Fumihito , Matsui Toshiyuki , Beppu Takahiro , Yano Yutaka , Takatsu Noritaka , Takaki Yasuhiro , Nagahama Takashi , Hisabe Takashi , Yao Kenshi , Higashi Daijiro , Futami Kitaro
Published: April 2012

Aim:  We assessed the long‐term outcome of infliximab (IFX) therapy in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and investigated the efficacy of concomitant endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) for intestinal stricture during treatment.

Methods:  The effectiveness of maintenance therapy with IFX was retrospectively evaluated in 185 patients with CD in a single center (median observation period 24 months). IFX effectiveness with and without immunomodulators (IMM) and enteral nutrition (EN), as well as cumulative surgery‐free rates, were compared. The efficacy of concomitant EBD in patients with obstructive symptoms and high‐level stricture was evaluated.

Results:  In 185 patients receiving the maintenance therapy, the long‐term efficacy rate was 84.9% at 24 months and 79.0% at 48 months. The cumulative surgery‐free rate was significantly higher in the maintenance group (P < 0.001). Concomitant IMM and EN did not significantly affect the effectiveness of IFX. IFX was discontinued in only 18 cases (7.3%). Symptomatic high‐level stricture occurred in 33 patients (17.8%) in the maintenance group and the cumulative surgery‐free rate was significantly higher in the EBD combination compared with the non‐EBD group (P < 0.05). If EBD were considered invasive intervention, the actual cumulative surgery rate in the maintenance group was significantly lower compared with the cumulative invasive intervention rate (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Long‐term treatment with IFX is highly effective. The surgery‐free rate was clearly higher in the maintenance group. Only concomitant EBD for intestinal stricture helped in the avoidance of surgery.
Histopathologic evaluation of the anterior segment of eyes enucleated due to glaucoma secondary to primary lens displacement in 13 canine globes
Authors: Alario Anthony F. , Pizzirani Stefano , Pirie Christopher G.
Published: April 2012

Purpose  To describe histologic anterior segment changes in eyes affected with primary lens displacement (PLD) and secondary glaucoma.

Methods  Histologic sections stained with H&E from canine eyes enucleated because of PLD and secondary glaucoma were examined.

Results  Thirteen eyes from 12 patients were evaluated. Four dogs were castrated males and eight spayed females. Median age was 8 years of age (range 3–13). Breeds included seven terriers and five other breeds. All eyes examined demonstrated varying degrees of inflammation involving the iris and cleft. Mononuclear and melanophagic infiltration of the cleft was found in all specimens. Four globes also showed polymorphonuclear infiltrate. Pre‐iridal fibrovascular membranes were clearly identified in 10 of 13 eyes. Total inflammatory score was significantly greater in all globes examined compared with an age‐matched group of normal dogs. The posterior pigmented iris epithelium demonstrated a consistent pattern of hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy and cystic degeneration, more prominent in the more central regions. In some cases, hyperplasia was of greatest severity in the mid‐iris and associated with thinning or flattening of the pupillary region.

Conclusions  These results suggest that lens instability may be associated with chronic inflammation and secondary glaucoma. Mechanical irritation from an unstable lens may result in hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia of the posterior pigmented iris epithelium and subsequent cellular exfoliation and release of melanin. An inflammatory reaction directly or indirectly related to melanin release may obstruct the outflow pathways ultimately leading to glaucoma and loss of vision. Use of topical steroids may be warranted in dogs with PLD.
Dynamics of Teacher–Student Relationships: Stability and Change Across Elementary School and the Influence on Children’s Academic Success
Authors: Spilt Jantine L. , Hughes Jan N. , Wu Jiun‐Yu , Kwok Oi‐Man
Published: April 2012

This study modeled teacher–student relationship trajectories throughout elementary school to predict gains in achievement in an ethnic‐diverse sample of 657 academically at‐risk students (mean age = 6.57 years, SD = .39). Teacher reports of warmth and conflict were collected in Grades 1–5. Achievement was tested in Grades 1 and 6. For conflict, low‐stable (normative), low‐increasing, high‐declining, and high‐stable trajectories were found. For warmth, high‐declining (normative) and low‐increasing patterns were found. Children with early behavioral, academic, or social risks were underrepresented in the normative trajectory groups. Chronic conflict was most strongly associated with underachievement. Rising conflict but not declining Conflict coincided with underachievement. The probability of school failure increased as a function of the timing and length of time children were exposed to relational adversity.
The Development of Preschoolers’ Appreciation of Communicative Ambiguity
Authors: Nilsen Elizabeth S. , Graham Susan A.
Published: April 2012

Using a longitudinal design, preschoolers’ appreciation of a listener’s knowledge of the location of a hidden sticker after the listener was provided with an ambiguous or unambiguous description was assessed. Preschoolers (N = 34) were tested at 3 time points, each 6 months apart (4, 4½, and 5 years). Eye gaze measures demonstrated that preschoolers were sensitive to communicative ambiguity, even when the situation was unambiguous from their perspective. Preschoolers’ explicit evaluations of ambiguity were characterized by an initial appreciation of message clarity followed by an appreciation of message ambiguity. Children’s inhibitory control skills at 4 years old related to their explicit detection of ambiguity at later ages. Results are discussed in terms of the developmental progression of preschoolers’ awareness of communicative ambiguity.
Welfare state regimes, health and health inequalities in adolescence: a multilevel study in 32 countries
Authors: Richter Matthias , Rathman Katharina , Gabhainn Saoirse Nic , Zambon Alessio , Boyce William , Hurrelmann Klaus
Published: April 2012

Comparative research on health and health inequalities has recently started to establish a welfare regime perspective. The objective of this study was to determine whether different welfare regimes are associated with health and health inequalities among adolescents. Data were collected from the ‘Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children’ study in 2006, including 11‐ to 15‐year‐old students from 32 countries (N = 141,091). Prevalence rates and multilevel logistic regression models were calculated for self‐rated health (SRH) and health complaints. The results show that between 4 per cent and 7 per cent of the variation in both health outcomes is attributable to differences between countries. Compared to the Scandinavian regime, the Southern regime had lower odds ratios for SRH, while for health complaints the Southern and Eastern regime showed high odds ratios. The association between subjective health and welfare regime was largely unaffected by adjusting for individual socioeconomic position. After adjustment for the welfare regime typology, the country‐level variations were reduced to 4.6 per cent for SRH and to 2.9 per cent for health complaints. Regarding cross‐level interaction effects between welfare regimes and socioeconomic position, no clear regime‐specific pattern was found. Consistent with research on adults this study shows that welfare regimes are important in explaining variations in adolescent health across countries.
Contradictions of value: between use and exchange in cord blood bioeconomy
Authors: Brown Nik
Published: April 2012

Umbilical cord blood (CB) has become established as an increasingly viable clinical alternative to bone marrow in the treatment of leukaemia leading to the construction of a global network of CB banks promoted through a moral ethos of gift. Additionally, some banks offer the opportunity to retain stem cells privately. CB is discursively presented as clinical ‘waste’, a ‘by‐product’ of birthing. In this way CB units are made available to a global exchange‐based bioeconomy. Crucially, CB collection has developed in parallel with several necessary obstetric practices, especially the immediate clamping of the cord following delivery, essential to high volume collection. However, this article strongly suggests the promotional basis of CB banking (such as by gift, waste or donation) is in tension with the growing preference of new parents to delay cord clamping. Based on focus groups with expectant parents, the promotion of CB banking can in fact be seen to feed into critical reflection on the value of CB for newborn infants, potentially reinvigorating a tradition of delayed umbilical cord clamping. Theoretically, these contradictory systems of valuing are conceptualised through recent literature on bioeconomy and Marx’s writings on the contrasting tensions between use and exchange value.
Classification of Solitary Wave Bifurcations in Generalized Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Yang Jianke
Published: April 2012

Bifurcations of solitary waves are classified for the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equations with arbitrary nonlinearities and external potentials in arbitrary spatial dimensions. Analytical conditions are derived for three major types of solitary wave bifurcations, namely, saddle‐node, pitchfork, and transcritical bifurcations. Shapes of power diagrams near these bifurcations are also obtained. It is shown that for pitchfork and transcritical bifurcations, their power diagrams look differently from their familiar solution‐bifurcation diagrams. Numerical examples for these three types of bifurcations are given as well. Of these numerical examples, one shows a transcritical bifurcation, which is the first report of transcritical bifurcations in the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Another shows a power loop phenomenon which contains several saddle‐node bifurcations, and a third example shows double pitchfork bifurcations. These numerical examples are in good agreement with the analytical results.
Ordinal Dominance Curve Based Inference for Stochastically Ordered Distributions
Authors: Davidov Ori , Herman Amir
Published: April 2012

In a variety of applications researchers collect data that are sampled under ordered experimental conditions. In such situations it is reasonable to assume that outcomes are ordered stochastically by the level of the treatment. For example a toxicologist may want to assess the effect of a toxin on the reproductive system by studying the number of offspring produced by an animal as a function of the dose that it received. A variety of scientific questions arise in such a context. The most basic is whether a dose–response relationship is present. If so, determining the minimal toxic dose is of great interest. The strength of the ordering between groups i<j may be assessed by the probabilities ℙXi⩽Xj or monotone functions thereof. Large probabilities indicate a strong ordering. We find that such (and other) questions are naturally addressed by studying the ordinal dominance curve and the area under the curve (AUC). We develop new, non-parametric, order-restricted estimators for the AUCs in K⩾2 samples and investigate them in detail. We show that the restricted estimators are strongly consistent and have lower mean-squared error compared with the unrestricted estimators. In the two-sample case estimators are considerably improved in those situations where the data are highly variable and/or sample sizes are small, and where the AUC is close to its boundary value. Note that these are precisely the conditions under which estimating the AUC is difficult. Simulations indicate that in the multisample case estimators are improved under a much broader set of conditions with substantial reductions in mean-squared error. These estimators provide a basis for a family of distribution-free tests for the usual stochastic order in K⩾2 samples. Limiting distributions are derived. An accurate and simple approximation to the tail area is given for K = 2. Simulation studies show that the new tests perform well compared with existing alternatives. The methodology proposed is illustrated by applying it to an aquatic toxicology study where it is used to determine the minimal toxic dose more accurately.
Domestic service, gender, and wages in rural England, c.1700–18601
Authors: FIELD JACOB F.
Published: April 2012

Domestic service was a vital occupational sector in England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries—particularly for women. This article uses a new series of wage observations from across England, focusing on rural areas. Analysis of the dataset shows that wages paid to servants in rural England slightly increased over the period considered, but at uneven rates dependent on region and precise occupation of servant. The majority of servants, particularly maids, did not experience any significant increase in the wages they were paid. This article also shows a widening wage gap between male and female servants. When differences between regions were analysed, it was shown that the wages paid to servants did not match the model of the north becoming the high wage zone of England by the mid‐nineteenth century, although rates of growth there were the highest. For servants the south generally remained an area of higher wages even in the mid‐nineteenth century. Geography was probably not the key variable in determining wage levels. The type of household in which a servant was employed was more important than where it was located. The most important variables were the servants' gender, and their occupations in the household.
The English monetary economy, c. 973–1100: the contribution of single‐finds1
Authors: NAISMITH RORY
Published: April 2012

A body of nearly 2,000 English finds of individual coins mintedc. 973–1100 is surveyed as evidence for the scale and form of the monetary economy. A long‐term view indicates that this was a period of expansion in coin use, although growth in this area remained limited compared to the later middle ages, or even the eighth century. Within the eleventh century single‐finds suggest more specific developments, including a decline in coin use after the Norman Conquest, and substantial short‐term fluctuations related to various economic and monetary factors. Comparison with estimates of coin production suggests a general trend for more of mints' output to enter domestic circulation afterc. 1030/40, though this need not solely reflect an increase in monetization. These chronological changes are compared with the pattern of circulation within England. Overall, the kingdom enjoyed a unified currency which did not see marked localization of coin circulation. Parts of northern England were less integrated with the south, but not so far as to suggest active exclusion of non‐local coin. More striking was a general trend for both production and circulation to be concentrated in the east and the south.
Legal Order, Legal Pluralism, Fundamental Principles. Europe and Its Law in Three Concepts
Authors: Itzcovich Giulio
Published: April 2012

The essay analyses the way in which the concepts of legal order, legal pluralism and fundamental rights have been used to describe (and decide) what European integration is (and what it ought to be) from the perspective of the law. The essay does not provide a legal theory but limits itself to investigating how certain concepts have been employed to justify legal decisions and to construct legal theories. The juridical discourse on Europe is examined to identify some trends in contemporary legal culture: the decline of a tradition of legal thought, ‘legal dogmatics,’ the vanishing of the distinction between internal and external law (between domestic law and international law, and between positive law and morality), the growing importance of fundamental rights discourse, the centrality of balancing test, the widespread criticism of legal science's claim to neutrality and the consequent normative turn affecting legal scholarship.
Constitutional Pluralism and the Question of the European Common Good
Authors: Goldoni Marco
Published: April 2012

Constitutional pluralism seems to be one of the most inspiring theories of European constitutionalism. It can account for the multilayered institutional framework of the Union. Therefore, it is a natural candidate for explaining how to track the European public interest. Pluralism may serve as the best methodology for keeping into account and for respecting the multiple perspectives on the common good represented by every institutional layer of the Union. After having examined the theories of two of the most influential authors of constitutional pluralism, Mattias Kumm and Miguel Maduro, this essay tries to show how pluralism might improve its highly potential explanatory and normative force, that is, by including in the institutional picture not only courts but also political institutions. In this way, the constitutional dialogue between the European and the national layers would be enriched, and every European and national voice might have a say in the interactions between institutions, securing a fairer way of tracking the European common good.
EU–China Competition Dialogue: A New Step in the Internationalisation of EU Competition Law?
Authors: Wu Qianlan
Published: April 2012

EU has been the protagonist in promoting the internationalization of competition laws based on EU competition law norms. The development of China's Antimonopoly Law shows that EU has succeeded so far in establishing itself as the main reference point for China's competition regulation. The success can be mainly attributed to the EU‐China Competition Dialogue (Dialogue), a new initiative set up by EU and China in 2004. The paper reviews the internationalization of EU competition law and its characteristics. It then examines the Dialogue and how EU exported its competition law norms to one of the latest AML secondary legislations on Antimonopoly Pricing. It argues that the Dialogue's informal nature, EU's routinized technical assistance to Chinese competition authorities and its China‐oriented strategy in communication have been highly important in ensuring that the EU Competition Law becomes the main reference point for the AML. However, the paper argues that it is for the same reasons that EU faces weakness in controlling the reception of EU competition law norms by China. Based on this, the paper further illustrates that EU's understanding of competition law internationalization as reflected under the Dialogue has not undergone fundamental changes.
What Drives Banking Sector Fragility in the Eurozone? Evidence from Stock Market Data
Authors: EICHLER STEFAN , SOBAŃSKI KAROL
Published: April 2012

This article explores the determinants of banking sector fragility in the eurozone. For this purpose, a stock‐market‐based banking sector fragility indicator is calculated for eight member countries from 1999 to 2009 using the Merton model (1974). Using a panel framework, it is found that the macroeconomic environment, the structure of the banking sector and the intensity of banking regulation all have an effect on banking sector fragility in the eurozone.
Similarity‐Based Multimarker Association Tests for Continuous Traits
Authors: Lin Wan‐Yu , Tiwari Hemant K. , Gao Guimin , Zhang Kui , Arcaroli John J. , Abraham Edward , Liu Nianjun
Published: April 2012

Testing multiple markers simultaneously not only can capture the linkage disequilibrium patterns but also can decrease the number of tests and thus alleviate the multiple‐testing penalty. If a gene is associated with a phenotype, subjects with similar genotypes in this gene should also have similar phenotypes. Based on this concept, we have developed a general framework that is applicable to continuous traits. Two similarity‐based tests (namely, SIMc and SIMp tests) were derived as special cases of the general framework. In our simulation study, we compared the power of the two tests with that of the single‐marker analysis, a standard haplotype regression, and a popular and powerful kernel machine regression. Our SIMc test outperforms other tests when the averageR2(a measure of linkage disequilibrium) between the causal variant and the surrounding markers is larger than 0.3 or when the causal allele is common (say, frequency = 0.3). Our SIMp test outperforms other tests when the causal variant was introduced at common haplotypes (the maximum frequency of risk haplotypes >0.4). We also applied our two tests to an adiposity data set to show their utility.
MAP Kinase 6‐mediated activation of vacuolar processing enzyme modulates heat shock‐induced programmed cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zhe , Yue Haiyun , Xing Da
Published: April 2012

Vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE), a cysteine protease, has been intensively studied in plant hypersensitive cell death, but the role and molecular mechanism of VPEs in response to abiotic stresses remain unclear. This work investigated the involvement of VPEs in Arabidopsis response to heat stress.

Under heat shock (HS), Arabidopsis VPE activity and the transcript level of γVPE were both upregulated, and γVPE deficiency suppressed vacuolar disruption and delayed caspase‐3‐like activation in HS‐induced programmed cell death (PCD). Moreover, the change of VPE activity generally paralleled the alteration of caspase‐1‐like activity under HS treatment, indicating that HS‐induced VPE activity might exhibit the caspase‐1‐like activity.

Further studies showed that MAP Kinase 6 (MPK6) activity was increased after HS treatment, and experiments with inhibitors and mutants suggested that MPK6 was responsible for the γVPE activation after HS treatment. In response to HS stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increase of cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) and the upregulation of calmodulin 3 (CaM3) transcript level occurred upstream of MPK6 activation.

Our results suggested that activation of Arabidopsis γVPE was mediated by MPK6 and played an important role in HS‐induced Arabidopsis PCD, providing new insight into the mechanistic study of plant VPEs.
Molecular phenotyping of aging in single yeast cells using a novel microfluidic device
Authors: Xie Zhengwei , Zhang Yi , Zou Ke , Brandman Onn , Luo Chunxiong , Ouyang Qi , Li Hao
Published: April 2012

Budding yeast has served as an important model organism for aging research, and previous genetic studies have led to the discovery of conserved genes/pathways that regulate lifespan across species. However, the molecular causes of aging and death remain elusive, because it is very difficult to directly observe the cellular and molecular events accompanying aging in single yeast cells by the traditional approach based on micromanipulation. We have developed a microfluidic system to track individual mother cells throughout their lifespan, allowing automated lifespan measurement and direct observation of cell cycle dynamics, cell/organelle morphologies, and various molecular markers. We found that aging of the wild‐type cells is characterized by an increased general stress and a progressive lengthening of the cell cycle for the last few cell divisions; these features are much less apparent in the long‐lived FOB1 deletion mutant. Following the fate of individual cells revealed that there are different forms of cell death that are characterized by different terminal cell morphologies, and associated with different levels of stress and lifespan. We have identified a molecular marker – the level of the expression of Hsp104, as a good predictor for the lifespan of individual cells. Our approach allows detailed molecular phenotyping of single cells in the process of aging and thus provides new insight into its mechanism.
When Access to Chronic Dialysis is Limited: One Center’s Approach to Emergent Hemodialysis
Authors: Raghavan Rajeev
Published: April 2012

Emergent hemodialysis is the practice of dialyzing a patient only when there is a life‐threatening need for this treatment. Undocumented immigrants in many cities depend on this practice, as they are not entitled to the regularly scheduled hemodialysis treatments available to US citizens. There are several medical and ethical challenges to emergent hemodialysis. One example is defining the criteria that determine the need for an emergent treatment. Although it is lifesaving, emergent dialysis is inadequate dialysis; it results in unnecessary patient complications, is medically burdensome for the treating physician, and expensive to the providing facility. This article describes how undocumented immigrants are cared for in one county hospital system in a large city.
Intervening Conditions of Hospital‐Based Home Care for People with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Cheng Jui‐Fen , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Lin Mei‐Jue , Yang Tzu‐Ching , Hsu Yuan‐Shan
Published: April 2012

Objective

This study discusses the intervening conditions of hospital‐based home care (HBHC) for people with severe mental illness in Taiwan.

Design and Sample

Grounded theory of the Strauss and Corbin approach was used. Participants were selected from six hospitals in Central Taiwan, including 21 clients, 19 caregivers, and 25 professionals.

Measures

Semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis consisted of three stages: open, axial, and selective coding. Data analysis, data collection, and sampling were conducted through the constant comparative analysis process.

Results

Two categories were generated as positive and negative intervening conditions of HBHC services. Eight positive effects and nine negative effects were generated from the data.

Conclusions

Several positive and negative intervening conditions were found in this study to affect the delivery of HBHC. Government support and several limitations regarding HBHC services quality should be noticed and improved.
Ventricular Assist Device Support in Children and Adolescents With Heart Failure: The Children's Medical Center of Dallas Experience
Authors: Sharma Mahesh S. , Forbess Joseph M. , Guleserian Kristine J.
Published: April 2012

Children with heart failure unresponsive to medical therapy are left with few options for survival. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are life‐saving options for such patients, allowing for bridge to transplantation or cardiac recovery. Retrospective review of cases from May 2006 to October 2010 was undertaken. Fourteen patients underwent implantation of VADs for refractory heart failure. Mean age was 9 years (range 1–17 years), and weight was 41 kg (range 9.7–71 kg). Indications for support: end‐stage cardiomyopathy (n = 8), myocarditis (n = 3), univentricular failure (n = 2), and congenital heart disease/postcardiotomy (n = 1). Level of limitation at time of implant included critical cardiogenic shock in six (43%) and progressive decline in eight (57%). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used as a bridge to VAD in five (36%) patients. Preimplant variables: 86% of patients requiring mechanical ventilation (mean 10.3 days), hyperbilirubinemia in 75%, and acute renal insufficiency in 79%. Device selection was systemic VAD in 11 (79%) and biventricular assist device in three (21%). Berlin Heart EXCOR was used in eight patients, while six patients received a Thoratec implantable VAD or paracorporeal VAD. Mean duration of support was 68 days (range 8–363 days). Overall survival was 79%. Ten patients (71%) were successfully bridged to transplantation, three (21%) died while on a device, one remains on support, and no patients were weaned from VAD. Children supported for single ventricle heart failure had a 50% survival with none currently bridged to transplantation. Complications included bleeding requiring reoperation in 21% (n = 3), stroke in 29% (n = 4), and driveline infections in 7% (n = 1). In two patients, a total of six pump exchanges were performed for thrombus formation. Survival for pediatric patients of all ages is excellent using current device technology with a majority of patients being successfully bridged to transplantation. Morbidity is acceptably low considering the severity of illness. Significant challenges exist with long‐term extracorporeal support due to lack of donor availability and the high incidence of preformed alloantibodies especially in the failing single ventricle.
Three‐Dimensional Geometry of Honeycomb Collagen Promotes Higher Beating Rate of Myocardial Cells in Culture
Authors: Guo Zhikun , Iku Shouhei , Zheng Xianjie , Sammons Rachel L. , Kuboki Yoshinori
Published: April 2012

Myocardial cells were isolated from newborn rats, cultured on a novel three‐dimensional (3‐D) honeycomb collagen scaffold (HC) and their morphology and beating rates compared with ones on conventional plastic dishes. On the first day, the cells attached to HC had already started beating. As time went on, the rate of beating increased as the pores of HC gradually filled with the cells, which integrated to form the cell–matrix complex. At day 8, beating reached the highest frequency of 162 beats per minute, which was twice that of the control cells on plastic dishes. It was concluded that 3‐D geometry of the HC is conducive to functional growth of the myocardial tissues, and will potentially be useful for tissue engineering of myocardial regeneration.
Are Underwriting Cycles Real and Forecastable?
Authors: Boyer M. Martin , Jacquier Eric , Van Norden Simon
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Speculative efficiency often requires that future changes in a series cannot be forecast. In contrast, series with a cyclical component would seem to be forecastable with decreases, possibly relative to a trend, during the upper part of the cycle and increases during the lower part. On the basis of autoregressive model (AR) estimates, it is considered that there is strong evidence of cycles in insurance underwriting performance as measured by the premium‐to‐loss ratio. Indeed, a large literature attempts to explain this documented cyclicality. First, we show that the parameter estimates from AR models do not lead to any such inference and that in the contrary, the evidence in the data is consistent with no cyclicality at all. Second, we show that a number of different filters lead to the same conclusion: that there is no evidence of in‐sample or out‐of‐sample predictability in annual insurance underwriting performance in the United States.
Internationalization in the Reinsurance Industry: An Analysis of the Net Financial Position of U.S. Reinsurers
Authors: Cole Cassandra R. , Ferguson William L. , Lee Ryan B. , McCullough Kathleen A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

In today's global marketplace, the extent of internationalization has become increasingly relevant. We use the framework of the eclectic paradigm to empirically investigate internationalization by U.S. reinsurers using the net financial position in foreign markets to proxy for the level of internationalization. Our sample includes both developed and developing nations to provide a more complete analysis of internationalization of U.S. reinsurers. We find that the factors related to reinsurers’ net financial positions vary based on the characteristics of the countries, the reinsurers, and the industry.