bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Rediscovery”, “Reinvigoration” and “Redefinition” in Perpetuity: Australian Engagement with India 1983–2011
Authors: Wood Sally Percival , Leach Michael
Published: December 2011

For the past twenty‐five years Australia's bilateral relationship with India has been typified by an ongoing process of “rediscovery”, irrespective of whether Labor or Liberal administrations have steered foreign policy. This article explores the reasons why this might be the case by analysing Australia's foreign policy approaches to India spanning the period 1983 to 2011. It interrogates various Labor and Liberal strategies that have been mobilised to “reinvigorate” the relationship and searches for reasons why they have only been partially successful in strengthening Australia's rapport with India. The authors draw upon discussions with strategic affairs editors of India's major daily newspapers and current affairs journals to gain insights into Indian impressions of Australia from a political and foreign policy perspective.
Gillard, Rudd and Labor Tradition*
Authors: Johnson Carol
Published: December 2011

Julia Gillard replaced Kevin Rudd as prime minister and Labor leader in June 2010. She describes her government as being firmly in the “tradition of Labor”. To locate it in the broad ideological continuum of Labor governments, and to test the suggestion that she is travelling a reform path set largely by the Hawke and Keating governments, I analyse the positions taken by Rudd and Gillard on a range of issues, beginning with economic policy. On social issues Gillard has been even more cautious than Rudd and this reflects her analysis of the electoral impact of Howard's Culture Wars. Her focus on educational opportunity suggests she is the logical successor to Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. As Labor leaders, Rudd and Gillard each embraced market‐reliant policy positions. Rudd even claimed to be an “fiscal conservative”. However, with Rudd venturing a critique of neo‐liberalism, it is Gillard whose stance is closer to Hawke and Keating's “economic rationalism”. Indeed Gillard's insistence upon the centrality of markets leaves Labor with a dilemma: if there are no significant problems with relying on markets then why does Australia need a social democratic party?
LINKING INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH TO GLOBAL HEALTH EQUITY: THE LIMITED CONTRIBUTION OF BIOETHICS
Authors: PRATT BRIDGET , LOFF BEBE
Published: December 2011

Health research has been identified as a vehicle for advancing global justice in health. However, in bioethics, issues of global justice are mainly discussed within an ongoing debate on the conditions under which international clinical research is permissible. As a result, current ethical guidance predominantly links one type of international research (biomedical) to advancing one aspect of health equity (access to new treatments). International guidelines largely fail to connect international research to promoting broader aspects of health equity – namely, healthier social environments and stronger health systems. Bioethical frameworks such as the human development approach do consider how international clinical research is connected to the social determinants of health but, again, do so to address the question of when international clinical research is permissible. It is suggested that the narrow focus of this debate is shaped by high‐income countries' economic strategies. The article further argues that the debate's focus obscures a stronger imperative to consider how other types of international research might advance justice in global health. Bioethics should consider the need for non‐clinical health research and its contribution to advancing global justice.
Financial Professionals' Overconfidence: Is It Experience, Function, or Attitude?
Authors: Gloede Oliver , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: December 2011

This paper examines financial professionals’ overconfidence in their forecasting performance. We compare individuals’ self‐rating of performance with the true performance, both measured relative to the same peer group. The forecasters in our sample show overconfidence on average, although to a moderate degree, including many cases of underconfidence. In analysing this, we find that working experience is accompanied by less overconfidence. Function is also related to less overconfidence, such as being a fund manager and using fundamental analysis. The same effect is found for the attitude to herd, whereas recent success appears with more overconfident professionals.
The Thousand Goals and the One Goal: Morality and Will to Power in Nietzsche's Zarathustra
Authors: Keeping J.
Published: December 2011

Nietzsche's critical stance toward morality appears to support some version of moral relativism. Yet he praises some actions and attributes while condemning others. Are these evaluations expressions of his moral prejudices, or is there a basis for them in his thought? Through a close reading of key passages from Thus Spoke Zarathustra, I attempt to demonstrate that morality for Nietzsche is the historically situated working‐out of will to power and therefore subject to critique on that basis.
Dynamics of cognitive change in HIV‐infected individuals commencing three different initial antiretroviral regimens: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Winston A , Puls R , Kerr SJ , Duncombe C , Li PCK , Gill JM , Taylor‐Robinson SD , Emery S , Cooper DA ,   the Altair Study Group
Published: December 2011

Background

Improvements in neurocognitive (NC) function have been associated with commencing antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected subjects. However, the dynamics of such improvements are poorly understood.

Methods

We assessed changes in NC function via a validated computerized battery (CogState™, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) at baseline and after 24 and 48 weeks in a subset of therapy‐naïve neuro‐asymptomatic HIV‐infected subjects, randomized to commence three different antiretroviral regimens.

Results

Of 28 subjects enrolled in the study, nine, eight and 11 were randomly allocated to commence tenofovir/emtricitabine with efavirenz (arm 1), atazanavir/ritonavir (arm 2) and zidovudine/abacavir (arm 3), respectively. Overall improvements in NC function were observed at week 24 and function continued to improve at week 48 (changes in z‐score for overall cognitive global score of 0.16 and 0.18 at weeks 24 and 48, respectively). Within the NC speed domains, generally greater improvements were observed in arms 2 and 3, compared with arm 1 (changes in z‐score for composite speed scores at weeks 24/48 of 0.16/0.16, –0.29/–0.24 and –0.15/–0.31 in arms 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P = 0.04 for change at week 48 in arm 3 versus arm 1). Finally, improvements in executive function occurred later (only observed at week 48) and were driven by improvements in arm 3 (z‐score changes of 0.23, 0.06 and –0.78 in arms 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P = 0.02 for change in arm 3 versus arm 1).

Conclusion

Improvements in NC function continue over the first year after initiating antiretroviral therapy in neuro‐asymptomatic HIV‐infected subjects.
Evaluating the extent of potential resistance to pre‐exposure prophylaxis within the UK HIV‐1‐infectious population of men who have sex with men
Authors: Dolling D , Phillips AN , Delpech V , Pillay D , Cane PA , Crook AM , Shepherd J , Fearnhill E , Hill T , Dunn D ,   on behalf of the UK HIV Drug Resistance Database and the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) Study
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Recent studies have shown that pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can substantially reduce the chance of acquiring HIV infection. However, PrEP efficacy has been found to be compromised in macaque studies if the challenge virus is antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐resistant. Our objective was to evaluate the likelihood that a UK man who has sex with men (MSM) would be exposed to PrEP‐resistant HIV in a homosexual encounter with an HIV‐infectious partner.

Methods

Data from the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) study were linked to the UK HIV Drug Resistance Database for HIV‐1‐positive MSM patients seen between 2005 and 2008. Patients were categorized as undiagnosed; diagnosed but ART‐naïve; ART‐experienced and on treatment; and ART‐experienced and on a treatment interruption. Considering current PrEP regimens, resistance to (a) tenofovir (TDF) alone, (b) TDF and emtricitabine (FTC), and (c) TDF or FTC was estimated. Patients without resistance tests had PrEP resistance imputed using bootstrapping and logistic regression models.

Results

The population‐level prevalence of PrEP resistance in HIV‐infectious individuals in 2008 was estimated to be 1.6, 0.9 and 4.1% for PrEP resistance definitions a, b and c, respectively. Prevalence in ART‐experienced patients was highest, with negligible circulating resistance amongst ART‐naïve individuals. The levels of resistance declined over the period of study.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates low levels of resistance to proposed PrEP drugs. The estimated PrEP resistance prevalence in UK HIV‐infected MSM is towards the lower range of values used in simulation studies which have suggested that circulating PrEP drug resistance will have a negligible impact on PrEP efficacy at the population level.
Environmental ethics for social work: Social work's responsibility to the non‐human world
Authors: Gray Mel , Coates John
Published: December 2011

Gray M, Coates J. Environmental ethics for social work: Social work's responsibility to the non‐human world

This lead article in this Special Issue begins discussion on an environmental ethics for social work and raises arguments as to whether and, if so, why social workers have duties, obligations, responsibilities and commitments to the non‐human world. It provides an overview of the field of environmental ethics in searching for a moral stance to affirm an environmental social work. To what extent should social workers engage in fundamental geopolitical issues concerned with climate change, global warming, environmental degradation, pollution, chemical contamination, sustainable agriculture, disaster management, pet therapy, wilderness protection and so on and, if so, why and how? Are these issues incidental and peripheral and only of concern when they impact upon humans or do social workers have a responsibility beyond human interests? What is the significance of the ‘non‐human’ for social work? The article explores the terrain of the burgeoning field of environmental ethics to determine whether convincing ethical grounds for environmental social work might be found beyond hortatory claims of what the profession ought to be doing to address environmental concerns.
Amphibian and butterfly diversity across a tropical land‐use gradient in Sri Lanka; implications for conservation decision making
Authors: Kudavidanage E. P. , Wanger T. C. , de Alwis C. , Sanjeewa S. , Kotagama S. W.
Published: December 2011

Asian rainforests suffer from massive deforestation but remain less studied pantropically. Although Sri Lanka is a severely threatened biodiversity hot spot with high endemicity and unique conservation challenges, few have investigated how fauna respond to environmental perturbations caused by human modification of habitats. We investigated differences in the diversity and community composition of amphibians and butterflies in primary and selectively logged forests (SLF), home gardens and plantations in the Sinharaja lowland tropical forest and surrounding areas. A Bayesian multi‐model inference approach was then used to identify environmental variables that explained differences in richness and abundance patterns among sites. Amphibian species richness (SPR) was highest in a forest habitat, and community composition differed between forest and disturbed habitats. In contrast, butterfly SPR increased with increasing disturbance. Butterfly diversity patterns were best explained by climatic variables, while structural habitat parameters were the best predictors of amphibian patterns. Based on research findings, the protection of primary forest habitats is essential for amphibian conservation. Regenerating SLF can be of high conservation value especially if substantial pristine habitat remains conserved in the landscape. Anthropogenic habitats at the periphery of forests require realistic management recommendations to support the species inhabiting, visiting or migrating through them. Different environmental predictors for butterflies and amphibians underscore the importance of including multiple indicator taxa in surveys that are intended to inform habitat management.
Metabolism, gas exchange, and acid‐base balance of giant salamanders
Authors: Ultsch Gordon R.
Published: December 2011

The giant salamanders are aquatic and paedomorphic urodeles including the genera Andrias and Cryptobranchus (Cryptobranchidae), Amphiuma (Amphiumidae), Siren (Sirenidae), and Necturus (Proteidae, of which only N. maculosus is considered ‘a giant'). Species in the genera Cryptobranchus and Necturus are considered aquatic salamanders well adapted for breathing water, poorly adapted for breathing air, and with limited abilities to compensate acid‐base disturbances. As such, they are water‐breathing animals with a somewhat fish‐like respiratory and acid‐base physiology, whose habitat selection is limited to waters that do not typically become hypoxic or hypercarbic (although this assertion has been questioned for N. maculosus). Siren and Amphiuma species, by contrast, are dependent upon air‐breathing, have excellent lungs, inefficient (Siren) or no (Amphiuma) gills, and are obligate air‐breathers with an acid‐base status more similar to that of terrestrial tetrapods. As such, they can be considered to be air‐breathing animals that live in water. Their response to the aquatic hypercarbia that they often encounter is to maintain intracellular pH (pHi) and abandon extracellular pH regulation, a process that has been referred to as preferential pHi regulation.

The acid‐base status of some present‐day tropical air‐breathing fishes, and of Siren and Amphiuma, suggests that the acid‐base transition from a low PCO2‐low [] system typical of water‐breathing fishes to the high PCO2‐high [] systems of terrestrial tetrapods may have been completed before emergence onto land, and likely occurred in habitats that were typically both hypoxic and hypercarbic.
Labour Migration and Gendered Agricultural Relations: The Feminization of Agriculture in the Ejidal Sector of Calakmul, Mexico
Authors: RADEL CLAUDIA , SCHMOOK BIRGIT , MCEVOY JAMIE , MÉNDEZ CRISOL , PETRZELKA PEGGY
Published: December 2011

We examine the nature of the ‘feminization of agriculture’ in the semi‐subsistence, peasant production sector of southeastern Mexico, as associated with male labour out‐migration. Presenting findings from empirical work with smallholder producers, we discuss the impact of men's migration to the United States on women's participation in agriculture and gendered relations of agricultural production. In 2007, we conducted a survey of 155 semi‐subsistence, smallholder households in sixejidos. This survey was supplemented by ethnographic research in a singleejido. Our findings demonstrate the need to distinguish between farm labour and management in this sector, and the potentially significant (but focused) changes in the local relations of agricultural production wrought by gendered patterns of labour migration – specifically in tenure, land‐use decision‐making and the management of hired labour.
Historical trends in the timing of informed consent for research into intrapartum complications
Authors: Patel D , Nasir S , Elati A , Vernon G , Weeks AD
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Patel D, Nasir S, Elati A, Vernon G, Weeks A. Historical trends in the timing of informed consent for research into intrapartum complications. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03204.x.

Obtaining informed consent for clinical trials involving the management of intrapartum complications is complex. This article describes the strategies used to obtain consent over the last 60 years using data from the Cochrane Library. Of 138 intrapartum randomised studies, 37% had no record of the consent procedures. Of the remainder, 74% sought consent only when the complication developed, 11% sought consent from all women in early labour, and 13% gave all women antenatal information and then sought written consent when the complication arose. Despite the existence of ethics guidelines for intrapartum consent, many studies fail to follow their advice.
Contribution of overweight and obesity to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a multi‐ethnic cohort: population attributive fractions for Amsterdam
Authors: Djelantik AAAMJ , Kunst AE , van der Wal MF , Smit HA , Vrijkotte TGM
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Djelantik A, Kunst A, van der Wal M, Smit H, Vrijkotte T. Contribution of overweight and obesity to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a multi‐ethnic cohort: population attributive fractions for Amsterdam. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03205.x.

Objective  To estimate the contribution of pre‐pregnancy excessive weight to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to detect the differences in these contributions between different ethnic groups.

Design  Prospective multi‐ethnic community‐based cohort study.

Setting  The prevalence of excessive weight is increasing and in general higher in immigrant groups in many industrialised countries. Maternal excessive weight, like smoking during pregnancy, is an important risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Population  A total of 8266 pregnant women, living in the Netherlands, were included in the ABCD study between January 2003 and March 2004.

Methods  After applying the exclusion criteria, the analysis included 7871 pregnancies. Binomial log‐linear regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks (RRs) expressing the association between overweight/obesity and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA), preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) and extreme PTB (<32 weeks of gestation), controlling for parity, maternal age, education level and smoking. Next, the RRs were used to estimate population attributive fractions (PAF) for Amsterdam and separately for several ethnic groups.

Main outcome measures  The RRs and PAFs.

Results  The PAFs for overweight/obesity were: SGA −4.9%, LGA 15.3%, PTB 6.6% and extreme PTB 22.0%. In absolute terms, this corresponds to −47 SGA infants, 126 LGA infants, 35 PTB and 20 extreme PTB per year in Amsterdam. Except for SGA, these PAFs were higher than those for smoking (6.2%, −3.9%, 5.5% and 10.6%, respectively). The contribution of overweight/obesity to LGA and PTB was higher in non‐Western immigrant groups.

Conclusions  Overweight/obesity has become an important contributor to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amsterdam. For most outcomes, these contributions are larger than those for smoking. Development of special obesity prevention programmes for young women is required, especially focused on immigrant groups.
Increased prevalence of diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome in women with a history of preterm birth: a case–control study
Authors: Eilertsen TB , Vanky E , Carlsen SM
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Eilertsen T, Vanky E, Carlsen S. Increased prevalence of diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome in women with a history of preterm birth: a case–control study. BJOG 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2011.03206.x.

Objective  To test the hypothesis that endocrine and metabolic factors predispose to preterm birth.

Design  A cross‐sectional, case–control study.

Setting  Namsos Hospital district (Namsos, Norway).

Population  Women from the Namsos Hospital district with previous preterm births (n = 114) were compared with matched controls with term births (n = 127).

Methods  A clinical examination including transvaginal ultrasound was performed. Fasting blood samples were collected and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed.

Main outcome measures  The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis (Rotterdam criteria) and serum levels of androgens, glucose and insulin.

Results  Twenty‐nine of 114 women (25.4%) met the PCOS criteria among women with preterm birth, compared with 18 of 127 (14.2%) among controls (P = 0.03). Eight (7.1%) women with preterm birth were diagnosed with diabetes compared with none in the control group (P < 0.01). Hirsutism was present in 34 (29.8%) women with preterm birth versus 12 (9.4%) in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions  The prevalences of PCOS, diabetes and hirsutism are increased among women with a history of preterm birth. This indicates that endocrine and/or metabolic factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of preterm birth. Women experiencing preterm delivery may have an increased risk of developing diabetes and PCOS later in life.
Psychometric properties of three instruments to measure recovery
Authors: Wilrycx Greet , Croon Marcel A. , van den Broek Anneloes , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs
Published: December 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 607–614

Psychometric properties of three instruments to measure recovery

Background:  The process of recovery is gaining more and more attention within health care for patients with severe mental illness. Therefore, instruments to measure recovery can be useful for clinical and research purposes.

Aims:  This study evaluates the psychometric properties of three instruments pertaining to recovery for possible application in the Netherlands. The Recovery Attitude Questionnaire and the Recovery Knowledge Inventory were investigated among 210 mental health professionals, and the Recovery Promoting Relationship Scale was administered to 142 mental health consumers.

Methods:  The factor structure, reliability and internal consistency were examined using the same analysis strategy. First, each questionnaire was submitted to a confirmatory factor analysis based on the factorial structure proposed by the original developers of the questionnaire. In case of a bad fit, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. Based on factor analyses, subscales were formed for each questionnaire and the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was assessed. In all three cases the final principal axes solution was obliquely rotated by means of the OBLIMIN rotation procedure.

Results:  The originally proposed factor structure did not yield an acceptable fit in any of the Dutch samples. After analyses, three instruments are proposed that are suitable for research on recovery‐oriented competencies and the recovery‐promoting relationship for professionals working with people with serious mental illness in the Netherlands.

Conclusions:  The results in this study may be a step forward and give a new impulse to stimulate research in mental health recovery.
Replication factor C1, the large subunit of replication factor C, is proteolytically truncated in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Tang Hui , Hilton Benjamin , Musich Phillip R. , Fang Ding Zhi , Zou Yue
Published: December 2011

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder because of a LMNA gene mutation that produces a mutant lamin A protein (progerin). Progerin also has been correlated to physiological aging and related diseases. However, how progerin causes the progeria remains unknown. Here, we report that the large subunit (RFC1) of replication factor C is cleaved in HGPS cells, leading to the production of a truncated RFC1 of ∼ 75 kDa, which appears to be defective in loading proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and pol δ onto DNA for replication. Interestingly, the cleavage can be inhibited by a serine protease inhibitor, suggesting that RFC1 is cleaved by a serine protease. Because of the crucial role of RFC in DNA replication, our findings provide a mechanistic interpretation for the observed early replicative arrest and premature aging phenotypes of HPGS and may lead to novel strategies in HGPS treatment. Furthermore, this unique truncated form of RFC1 may serve as a potential marker for HGPS.
Concordance of preclinical and clinical pharmacology and toxicology of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins: cell surface targets
Authors: Bugelski Peter J , Martin Pauline L
Published: December 2011

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fusion proteins directed towards cell surface targets make an important contribution to the treatment of disease. The purpose of this review was to correlate the clinical and preclinical data on the 15 currently approved mAbs and fusion proteins targeted to the cell surface. The principal sources used to gather data were: the peer reviewed Literature; European Medicines Agency ‘Scientific Discussions’; and the US Food and Drug Administration ‘Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviews’ and package inserts (United States Prescribing Information). Data on the 15 approved biopharmaceuticals were included: abatacept; abciximab; alefacept; alemtuzumab; basiliximab; cetuximab; daclizumab; efalizumab; ipilimumab; muromonab; natalizumab; panitumumab; rituximab; tocilizumab; and trastuzumab. For statistical analysis of concordance, data from these 15 were combined with data on the approved mAbs and fusion proteins directed towards soluble targets. Good concordance with human pharmacodynamics was found for mice receiving surrogates or non‐human primates (NHPs) receiving the human pharmaceutical. In contrast, there was poor concordance for human pharmacodynamics in genetically deficient mice and for human adverse effects in all three test systems. No evidence that NHPs have superior predictive value was found.
Insights from a Cross‐Disciplinary Seminar: 10 Pivotal Papers for Ecological Restoration
Authors: Eitzel Melissa V. , Diver Sibyl , Sardiñas Hillary , Hallett Lauren M. , Olson Jessica J. , Romero Adam , Oliveira Gustavo de L. T. , Schuknecht Alex T. , Tidmore Rob , Suding Katharine N.
Published: December 2011

Restoration ecology is a deepening and diversifying field with current research incorporating multiple disciplines and infusing long‐standing ideas with fresh perspectives. We present a list of 10 recent pivotal papers exemplifying new directions in ecological restoration that were selected by students in a cross‐disciplinary graduate seminar at the University of California, Berkeley. We highlight research that applies ecological theory to improve restoration practice in the context of global change (e.g. climate modeling, evaluation of novel ecosystems) and discuss remaining knowledge gaps. We also discuss papers that recognize the social context of restoration and the coupled nature of social and ecological systems, ranging from the incorporation of cultural values and Traditional Ecological Knowledge into restoration, to the consideration of the broader impacts of markets on restoration practices. In addition, we include perspectives that focus on improving communication between social and natural scientists as well as between scientists and practitioners, developing effective ecological monitoring, and applying more integrated, whole‐landscape approaches to restoration. We conclude with insights on recurrent themes in the papers regarding planning restoration in human‐modified landscapes, application of ecological theory, improvements to restoration practice, and the social contexts of restoration. We share lessons from our cross‐disciplinary endeavor, and invite further discussion on the future directions of restoration ecology through contributions to our seminar blog site http://restecology.blogspot.com.
Soil Properties and Species Richness of Invertebrates on Afforested Sites after Brown Coal Mining
Authors: Hendrychová Markéta , Šálek Miroslav , Tajovský Karel , Řehoř Michal
Published: December 2011

Variation in soil properties may influence diversity of invertebrate communities, a crucial component of every ecosystem, and their impact should be considered also in restoration management. Although most spoil heaps have been reclaimed after brown coal mining, some post‐mining sites are left to natural succession. Little is known, however, about the effects of these two fundamentally different approaches on diversity of invertebrates inhabiting these stands. While controlling for habitat characteristics, we analyzed the effects of soil properties on species richness of seven invertebrate groups representing various trophic levels and diverse spatial niches at afforested spoil heaps and adjacent pits managed under these two basic restoration approaches in the North Bohemia Brown Coal Basin (Czech Republic, central Europe). Forty‐seven percentage of 140 invertebrate species occurred on both reclamations and successions, but many were found exclusively on successions (37%) or reclamations (16%). The species richness of various groups was affected by different soil properties either independently of other variables or in interaction with microclimatic conditions or management history. These results imply a need for diverse management approaches in post‐mining areas to support the diversity of invertebrate communities. Technical reclamations with artificial plantations and spontaneous forest development on bare substrate (thus creating mosaics of open patches and afforested stands with different soil deposit materials) were found to be reasonable alternatives to support invertebrate richness on post‐mining forested stands. We conclude that these two approaches should properly be combined in practice.
Local Adaptation and the Effects of Grazing on the Performance of Nassella pulchra: Implications for Seed Sourcing in Restoration
Authors: Hufford Kristina M. , Mazer Susan J.
Published: December 2011

The use of local seed sources for revegetation is accepted practice to reduce the potential that propagules will be poorly adapted to site conditions. However, data are often lacking to determine the distance within which seed sources represent local genotypes. Short‐term reciprocal transplant studies represent a class of tools to detect local adaptation of target species. We conducted a reciprocal transplant of Nassella pulchra between two central California locations to test for adaptation to local environmental conditions over a 3‐year period. Experimental plots at one location were split between grazed and ungrazed sites to evaluate the potential influence of livestock grazing on the detection or magnitude of local adaptation. During each year of the study, evidence of a home‐site advantage depended on the location, traits studied, and population. At the end of the 3‐year study period, however, we detected consistent evidence of a home‐site advantage for seedling biomass among grazed sites at one location and ungrazed plots at the other location. In effect, local adaptation was only apparent in the final year of the study. Short‐term reciprocal transplant studies are an effective tool to guide the selection of seed sources most likely to germinate and to become established at a restoration site, but such studies cannot rule out local adaptation, which may not be immediately detectable.
Relationships between Methylobacteria and Glyphosate with Native and Invasive Plant Species: Implications for Restoration
Authors: Irvine Irina C. , Witter Marti S. , Brigham Christy A. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: December 2011

After removing invasive plants, whether by herbicides or other means, typical restoration design focuses on rebuilding native plant communities while disregarding soil microbial communities. However, microbial–plant interactions are known to influence the relative success of native versus invasive plants. Therefore, the abundance and composition of soil microorganisms may affect restoration efforts. We assessed the effect of herbicide treatment on phytosymbiotic pink‐pigmented facultative methylotrophic (PPFM) bacteria and the potential consequences of native and invasive species establishment post‐herbicide treatment in the lab and in a coastal sage scrub (CSS)/grassland restoration site. Lab tests showed that 4% glyphosate reduced PPFM abundance. PPFM addition to seeds increased seedling length of a native plant (Artemisia californica) but not an invasive plant (Hirschfeldia incana). At the restoration site, methanol addition (a PPFM substrate) improved native bunchgrass (Nassella pulchra) germination and size by 35% over controls. In a separate multispecies field experiment, PPFM addition stimulated the germination of N. pulchra, but not that of three invasive species. Neither PPFM nor methanol addition strongly affected the growth of any plant species. Overall, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that PPFMs have a greater benefit to native than invasive species. Together, these experiments suggest that methanol or PPFM addition could be useful in improving CSS/grassland restorations. Future work should test PPFM effects on additional species and determine how these results vary under different environmental conditions.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Education Division Competition 2011 Winner—Cocoa Powders: Are They All Created Equal?
Authors: Zwir Rachel
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  One of the core competencies in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) education standards is for students to achieve competency in communication skills (that is, oral and written communication, listening, interviewing, and so on). According to the IFT guidelines, by the time students graduate, they should not only be able to search for and condense information, but also be able to “communicate technical information to a nontechnical audience.” The Education Division of IFT sponsors a writing competition for undergraduate students to bring attention to and promote the development of communication skills. It has been shown that employees/entry‐level scientists who can communicate technical and nontechnical concepts succinctly will be in a better position to achieve management status after entering the work force. Monetary prizes are awarded to the authors of the top three papers. A revised version of the winning entry is published in the Journal of Food Science Education for dissemination to a world‐wide audience.
Insights into nephrologist training, clinical practice, and dialysis choice
Authors: Merighi Joseph R. , Schatell Dorian R. , Bragg‐Gresham Jennifer L. , Witten Beth , Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: December 2011

There is variable emphasis on dialysis‐specific training among US nephrology fellowship programs. Our study objective was to determine the association between nephrology training experience and subsequent clinical practice. We conducted a national survey of clinical nephrologists using a fax‐back survey distributed between March 8, 2010 and April 30, 2010 (N = 629). The survey assessed the time distribution of clinical practice, self‐assessment of preparedness to provide care for dialysis patients at the time of certification examination, distribution of dialysis modality among patients, and nephrologists' choice of dialysis modality for themselves if their kidneys failed. While respondents spent 28% of their time caring for dialysis patients, 38% recalled not feeling very well prepared to care for dialysis patients when taking the nephrology certification examination. Sixteen percent obtained additional dialysis training after fellowship completion. Only 8% of US dialysis patients use home dialysis; physicians very well prepared to care for dialysis patients at the time of certification or who obtained additional dialysis training were significantly more likely to provide care to home peritoneal dialysis patients. Even though 92% of US dialysis patients receive thrice weekly in‐center hemodialysis, only 6% of nephrologists selected this for themselves; selection of therapy for self was associated with dialysis modalities used by their patients. Nephrology training programs need to ensure that all trainees are very well prepared to care for dialysis patients, as this is central to nephrology practice. Utilization of dialysis therapies other than standard hemodialysis is dependent, in part, on training experience.
The adhesion of oral bacteria to modified titanium surfaces: role of plasma proteins and electrostatic forces
Authors: Badihi Hauslich Liad , Sela Michael N. , Steinberg Doron , Rosen Graciela , Kohavi David
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Modifications of titanium (Ti) implant surfaces have a significant effect on early biofilm formation and the outcome of implant procedures. The aim of this study was to examine the role of plasma proteins and electrostatic forces in the adhesion mechanism of oral bacteria to modified Ti surfaces.

Materials and methods

Ti discs with three different types of surface modifications, machined, acid‐etched, and acid‐etched and blasted, were examined for adhesion of oral bacteria: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Following pretreatment of the Ti with ion rich solutions or coating by human serum albumin or fibronectin, bacterial adhesion was examined by scanning electron microscopy and assessed quantitatively by DNA analysis. Ti coating by proteins as well as bacterial adhesion and their interrelationships were further investigated through confocal scanning laser microscopy.

Results

Acid‐etched and blasted Ti surfaces exhibited significantly higher amounts of bacteria adhesion than the other two surfaces. Calcium was found to serve as a bridging agent in the adhesion process of S. mutans and F. nucleatum to Ti surfaces. Although albumin coating of the Ti reduced the adhesion of S. mutans to all surfaces, it had no influence on the adhesion of P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum. Coating the Ti with fibronectin enhanced P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum adhesion.

Conclusions

Bacterial adhesion to Ti surfaces is roughness‐dependent, and the adhesion mechanism is influenced by ions and proteins of the initial coating derived from the blood.
Mapping biological to clinical phenotypes during the development (21 days) and resolution (21 days) of experimental gingivitis
Authors: Scott Ann E. , Milward Mike , Linden Gerard J. , Matthews John B. , Carlile Monica J. , Lundy Fionnuala T. , Naeeni Mojgan A. , Lorraine Martin S. , Walker Brian , Kinane Denis , Brock Gareth R. , Chapple Iain L. C.
Published: December 2011

Aim

To characterize and map temporal changes in the biological and clinical phenotype during a 21‐day experimental gingivitis study.

Materials and Methods

Experimental gingivitis was induced over 21 days in healthy human volunteers (n = 56), after which normal brushing was resumed (resolution phase). Gingival and plaque indices were assessed. Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from four paired test and contra‐lateral control sites in each volunteer during induction (Days 0, 7, 14 and 21) and resolution (Days 28 and 42) of experimental gingivitis. Fluid volumes were measured and a single analyte was quantified from each site‐specific, 30s sample. Data were evaluated by analysis of repeated measurements and paired sample tests.

Results

Clinical indices and gingival crevicular fluid volumes at test sites increased from Day 0, peaking at Day 21 (test/control differences all p < 0.0001) and decreased back to control levels by Day 28. Levels of four inflammatory markers showed similar patterns, with significant differences between test and control apparent at Day 7 (substance P, cathepsin G, interleukin‐1β, elastase: all p < 0.03) and peaking at Day 21 (all p < 0.002). Levels of α‐1‐antitrypsin showed no pattern.

Conclusions

Levels of substance P, cathepsin G, interleukin‐1β and neutrophil elastase act as objective biomarkers of gingival inflammation induction and resolution that typically precede phenotypical changes.
An In Vitro Model for the Study of Human Implantation
Authors: Holmberg Jennie C. , Haddad Severina , Wünsche Vera , Yang Yang , Aldo Paulomi B. , Gnainsky Yulia , Granot Irit , Dekel Nava , Mor Gil
Published: December 2011

Citation Holmberg JC, Haddad S, Wünsche V, Yang Y, Aldo PB, Gnainsky Y, Granot I, Dekel N, Mor G. An In vitro model for the study of human implantation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 169–178

Problem  Implantation remains the rate‐limiting step for the success of in vitro fertilization. Appropriate models to study the molecular aspects of human implantation are necessary in order to improve fertility.

Methods  First trimester trophoblast cells are differentiated into blastocyst‐like spheroids (BLS) by culturing them in low attachment plates. Immortalized human endometrial stromal cells and epithelial cells (ECC‐1) were stably transfected with GFP or tdTomato. Co‐culture experiments were monitored using Volocity imaging analysis system.

Results  This method demonstrates attachment and invasion of BLS, formed by trophoblast cells, into stromal cells, but not to uterine epithelial cells.

Conclusion  We have developed an in vitro model of uterine implantation. The manipulation of this system allows for dual color monitoring of the cells over time. Additionally, specific compounds can be added to the culture media to test how this may affect implantation and invasion. This model is a helpful tool in understanding the complexity of human implantation.
Efficacy of light‐emitting diode versus other light sources for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tridente Ascanio , De Luca Daniele
Published: December 2011

Various light‐emitting diode (LED) phototherapy devices have been trialled on the assumption of a more effective spectral distribution of the light emitted. We reviewed the current literature to determine whether LED is more effective than other types of phototherapy. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of LED versus other phototherapies. Studies were found to be of medium quality based on a components approach. Data were statistically aggregated within a very homogeneous population (term or late preterm neonates). Results appeared robust at sensitivity analysis. Five hundred and eleven neonates were included in the meta‐analysis. LED and other phototherapy devices appeared to be equally effective in reducing total serum bilirubin (TSB) in term or late preterm neonates. The pooled mean TSB rate of decrease was 3.269 μmol/L/h (0.191 mg/dL/h) and 3.074 μmol/L/h (0.18 mg/dL/h) in the LED and conventional arms, respectively [average difference in TSB rate of decrease = 0.194 μmol/L/h (0.011 mg/dL/h) in favour of LED phototherapy; p = 0.378].

Conclusion:  No significant difference in TSB rate of decrease was detected between LED and other types of phototherapy. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to ascertain whether LED phototherapy may be more effective when increasing the spectral power, or in certain selected subpopulations.
Comparing Relative Effects of Education and Economic Resources on Infant Mortality in Developing Countries
Authors: Pamuk Elsie R. , Fuchs Regina , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: December 2011

Research on the social determinants of health has often considered education and economic resources as separate indicators of socioeconomic status. From a policy perspective, however, it is important to understand the relative strength of the effect of these social factors on health outcomes, particularly in developing countries. It is also important to examine not only the impact of education and economic resources of individuals, but also whether community and country levels of these factors affect health outcomes. This analysis uses multilevel regression models to assess the relative effects of education and economic resources on infant mortality at the family, community, and country level using data from demographic and Health Surveys in 43 low‐and lower‐middle‐income countries. We find strong effects for both per capita gross national income and completed secondary education at the country level, but a greater impact of education within families and communities.
Economic Inequality and Child Stunting in Bangladesh and Kenya: An Investigation of Six Hypotheses
Authors: Reinbold Gary W.
Published: December 2011

Consistent with the increasing focus on issues of equity in developing countries, I extend the literature analyzing the relationship between economic inequality and individual health to the developing world. Using survey data from Bangladesh and Kenya with economic status measured by a wealth index and with three different geographic definitions of community, I analyze six competing hypotheses for how economic inequality may be related to stunting among children younger than 5 years old. I find little support for the predominant hypothesis that economic inequality as measured by a Gini index is an important predictor of individual health. Instead, I find that the difference between a household's wealth and the mean household wealth in the community is the measure of economic inequality that is most closely related to stunting in these countries. In particular, a 1 standard deviation increase in household wealth relative to the community mean is associated with a 30–32 percent decrease in the odds of stunting in Bangladesh and a 16–21 percent decrease in the odds of stunting in Kenya.
Population Momentum Across the Demographic Transition
Authors: Blue Laura , Espenshade Thomas J.
Published: December 2011

Population momentum is the main driver of global population growth today, and this makes an appreciation of momentum critical to understanding contemporary worldwide growth dynamics. This article traces population momentum along with two recently defined measures of momentum decomposed—stable and nonstable momentum—across the demographic transition. We use historical data and population projections from 16 countries to illustrate some previously ignored empirical regularities of the demographic transition in both the developed and the developing world. We also demonstrate the dynamic nature of stable and nonstable momentum, as changes in stable momentum lead to predictable changes in current and future nonstable momentum. These results suggest that momentum, which by definition is measured at a point in time, can also be considered as a process that unfolds over time.
Definitions Matter in Understanding Social Inclusion
Authors: Martin Lynn , Cobigo Virginie
Published: December 2011

Social inclusion is an explicit goal of legislation, policies, and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in many countries. However, evidence outlining the dimensions of social inclusion is still limited. How we understand social inclusion defines how it is measured. This study aims to better understand the concept and indicators of social inclusion. Retrospective analyses were conducted on 1,341 adults with intellectual disabilities residing in institutional and community‐based settings who were assessed with the “interRAI Intellectual Disability” instrument. Objective and subjective items in the instrument related to five domains of social inclusion (i.e., relationships, leisure, productive activities, accommodations, and informal support). The results highlighted the heterogeneity within domains, and by the nature of the indicator. Overall, percentages varied between 3.0% and 96.4% depending on which indicator was used; variability also existed in rates achieved using objective and subjective indicators. Acceptable‐to‐good levels of internal consistency were reported for three of the five domains; low correlations were found to exist between some, but not all, domains. The results of this study demonstrate that without an understanding of what social inclusion means for both general and vulnerable populations, it is not clear what is being measured, or how it should be measured. A clear definition of inclusion and its measurement is needed for decision‐makers and service providers to define the nature of their responsibilities, set actions, and assess their effectiveness in achieving inclusion.