bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct fitness of group living mammals varies with breeding strategy, climate and fitness estimates
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Rivera Daniela S. , Hayes Loren D.
Published: March 2012

1. Understanding how variation in fitness relates to variation in group living remains critical to determine whether this major aspect of social behaviour is currently adaptive.

2. Available evidence in social mammals aimed to examine this issue remains controversial. Studies show positive (i.e. potentially adaptive), neutral or even negative fitness effects of group living.

3. Attempts to explain this variation rely on intrinsic and extrinsic factors to social groups. Thus, relatively more positive fitness effects are predicted in singularly breeding as opposed to plural breeding species. Fitness effects of sociality in turn may depend on ecological conditions (i.e. extrinsic factors) that influence associated benefits and costs.

4. We used meta‐analytic tools to review how breeding strategy or ecological conditions influence the effect size associated with direct fitness‐sociality relationships reported in the mammalian literature. Additionally, we determined how taxonomic affiliation of species studied, different fitness and sociality measures used, and major climatic conditions of study sites explained any variation in direct fitness effect size.

5. We found group living had modest, yet positive effects on direct fitness. This generally adaptive scenario was contingent not only upon breeding strategy and climate of study sites, but also on fitness measures examined. Thus, positive and significant effects characterized singular as opposed to plural breeding strategies.

6. We found more positive fitness effects on studies conducted in tropical as opposed to temperate or arid climates. More positive and significant effects were noted on studies that relied on group fecundity, male fecundity and offspring survival as measures of fitness.

7. To conclude, direct fitness consequences of mammalian group living are driven by interspecific differences in breeding strategy and climate conditions. Other factors not examined in this study, namely individual variation in direct and indirect fitness benefits and potential interactions between social and ecological conditions, may be important and require further studies.
Quantitative Epstein–Barr virus shedding and its correlation with the risk of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Holman Carol J. , Karger Amy B. , Mullan Beth D. , Brundage Richard C. , Balfour Henry H.
Published: March 2012

We postulated that quantitative monitoring of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) shedding after transplantation could distinguish EBV‐associated illnesses and predict clinical outcome. EBV DNA was measured in solid organ (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) using our own real‐time TaqMan EBV PCR. The proportion of patients who had EBV DNAemia post‐transplant was significantly lower in HCT vs. SOT (p < 0.001). Over a 7.5‐yr period, post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) occurred in 66 (5.8%) of 1131 patients who met adequate monitoring criteria. SOT recipients developed PTLD significantly later than HCT recipients (median, 2.8 yr vs. 121 d; p < 0.001). PTLD was documented in 53 (14%) of 376 patients who had EBV in ≥1 whole blood sample vs. 13 (2%) of 755 patients who had at least three EBV‐negative blood samples and were never positive. PTLD risk in viremic patients increased with the peak quantity of EBV DNAemia (p < 0.001). PTLD occurred in 37/333 (11%) of patients with peak blood levels 103–105 copies/mL vs. 16/43 (37%) of patients with levels >105 (p < 0.001). EBV PCR was predictive in 29 (78%) of 37 patients tested within three wk prior to tissue diagnosis of PTLD, and thus, we conclude that EBV PCR with careful attention paid to changes in EBV DNAemia could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of PTLD.
HLA alloimmunization against platelet transfusions: pathophysiology, significance, prevention and management
Authors: Pavenski Katerina , Freedman John , Semple J. W.
Published: March 2012

Approximately five decades ago, alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and platelet refractoriness were recognized as potentially serious complications of platelet transfusions. The mechanisms that result in stimulating immunity against blood products are still incompletely understood but are related to both the composition of the donor product transfused and the immune status of the recipient. Based on murine studies of platelet immunity, platelets are inherently immunogenic and there are at least two independent levels of immunoregulation against platelet transfusions. The first level resides within the recipient and is related to antigen processing/presentation events and CD8+ T cell‐mediated immunosuppression. The second level relates to the donor product and includes donor antigen presenting cells (APC) levels as well as age‐induced changes in donor APC and/or platelets. Implementation of pre‐storage leukoreduction of cellular blood components led to a marked reduction in platelet alloimmunization and its dreaded complication, platelet refractoriness. Platelet refractoriness is usually managed by transfusion of matched platelets, selected according to one of the many published methods. It is unclear which of these methods is superior, and given the difficulty of obtaining a perfectly matched product, perhaps the most logical approach is to use a combination of selection strategies. This review discusses the various aspects of platelet alloimmunization and the clinical consequences that may result. It highlights how animal studies have shed light on the immune mechanisms responsible for allogeneic platelet immunity and immunomodulation and reviews relevant literature on clinical and laboratory manifestations of immune platelet refractoriness.
Diclofenac–tramadol vs. diclofenac–acetaminophen combinations for pain relief after caesarean section
Authors: MITRA S. , KHANDELWAL P. , SEHGAL A.
Published: March 2012

Background

We compared the analgesic efficacy of diclofenac–acetaminophen combination with diclofenac–tramadol combination to optimize multimodal post‐operative analgesia in women undergoing caesarean section.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group controlled trial, 204 women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine received rectal suppository diclofenac 100 mg (8 hourly till 24 h) plus either intravenous acetaminophen (1 g 6 hourly) or tramadol (75 mg 6 hourly) post‐operatively. The primary outcome measure was the summed pain intensities during the entire observation period, calculated as the sum of time‐weighted pain intensity scores as an area under the curve (AUC). Secondary outcome was the use of rescue analgesic, administered if the patient's numeric rating scale (NRS) scores ≥ 4.

Results

The overall pain score for the entire observation period measured as AUC was significantly lower in the diclofenac–tramadol group. However, diclofenac–tramadol combination produced Bonferroni‐corrected statistically significant lower NRS pain scores only on movement at 24 h. Rescue analgesic consumption was comparable between the groups (13% vs. 12%, P = 0.872). Overall, the pain scores were low in both of the groups across various time intervals (median NRS scores 0–2 for pain both at rest and on movement), indicating satisfactory pain control in both groups. Side effects were few and comparable, except nausea (significantly more in tramadol group than acetaminophen group, 15% vs. 2%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Both diclofenac–tramadol and diclofenac–acetaminophen combinations can achieve satisfactory post‐operative pain control in women undergoing caesarean section. The diclofenac–tramadol combination was overall more efficacious but associated with higher incidence of post‐operative nausea.
Diversity and distribution of gelatinous zooplankton in the Southwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Touzri Chema , Hamdi Hedi , Goy Jacqueline , Daly Yahia Mohamed N.
Published: March 2012

Gelatinous zooplankton species composition, distribution and abundance were investigated in the bay and the lagoon of Bizerte (North Tunisian coast) from January 2004 to December 2005. In total, 48 species were identified in the study area: 24 medusae, 11 siphonophores, four appendicularians, six chaetognaths, two pteropods and one doliolid. The hydromedusaEutima mirawas recorded for the first time in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The diversity in the Bay of Bizerte was greater than the diversity in the Bizerte lagoon. There was a loss of species diversity. Siphonophores were the most sensitive group to anthropogenic discharge. Only two species of siphonophores were recorded in the lagoon. Four species of gelatinous zooplankton,Muggiaea kochi,Lensia conoidea,Oikopleura longicaudaandPodocorynoides minimawere the most frequent species in the lagoon and may benefit from eutrophication. Appendicularians were numerically the most dominant group in the bay and the lagoon of Bizerte. Mesozooplankton density declined significantly in autumn and winter of 2004 and 2005 in relation to the dense aggregations of the scyphomedusaePelagia noctiluca. Statistical analysis divided the study area into three zones: lagoon zone, bay zone and channel zone.
Control of subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) infestations in wooden power poles using bandages containing fipronil
Authors: Horwood Martin A , Bohringer Philip C , Kathuria Amrit
Published: March 2012

A trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of pole bandages containing fipronil for controlling subterranean termites in power poles. Bandages were applied to 39 in‐service termite infested poles located in country New South Wales and around Sydney. A further 21 termite infested poles in the same areas were used as untreated controls. Poles were partially excavated and bandages attached below ground. After poles were re‐buried the backfill was moistened with 8 L of water. Twelve months after treatment all poles were inspected for termites (as an indication of treatment efficacy). With treated poles, the quantity of original material lost from bandages (‘bandage depletion’) was estimated and soil samples were collected to determine fipronil concentration. After 17 months, country poles were again inspected to determine infestation status and the extent of bandage depletion. Inspection results were analysed by logistic regression. One model was fitted to all the data using treatment, location and time as factors. The odds of infestation (i.e. probability of pole being infested/probability of pole not being infested) were higher for controls than for treated poles. Odds of infestation were also higher in Sydney than in the country. Another model was fitted for data where treatment was applied using location, bandage depletion and time as factors. In this model the odds of infestation fell as bandage depletion increased, probably as a result of increasing fipronil contamination of soil around the pole. Concentrations of soil fipronil were highly variable from pole to pole. A correspondence was noted between higher mean soil fipronil levels and better termite control in country poles. This study has shown that pole bandages containing fipronil can provide termite control on par with conventional soil treatment techniques.
Trial‐to‐trial correlation between thalamic sensory response and global EEG activity
Authors: Katz (יונתן כץ) Yonatan , Okun Michael , Lampl Ilan
Published: March 2012

Thalamic gating of sensory inputs to the cortex varies with behavioral conditions, such as sleep–wake cycles, or with different stages of anesthesia. Behavioral conditions in turn are accompanied by stereotypic spectral content of the EEG. In the rodent somatosensory system, the receptive field size of the ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM) shrinks when anesthesia is deepened. Here we examined whether evoked thalamic responses are correlated with global EEG activity on a fine time scale of a few seconds. Trial‐by‐trial analysis of responses of VPM cells to whisker stimulation in lightly anesthetized rats indicated that increased EEG power in the delta band (1–4 Hz) was accompanied by a small, but highly significant, reduction in spontaneous and evoked thalamic firing. The opposite effect was found for the gamma EEG band (30–50 Hz). These significant correlations were not accompanied by an apparent change in the size of the receptive fields and were not EEG phase‐related. The correlation between EEG and firing rate was observed only in neurons that responded to multiple whiskers and was higher for the non‐principal whiskers. Importantly, the contributions of the two EEG bands to the modulation of VPM responses were to a large extent independent of each other. Our findings suggest that information conveyed by different whiskers can be rapidly modulated according to the global brain activity.
Partial ligation of the transposed parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland for excessive salivary secretions
Authors: Schilke Hillary K. , Sapienza John S.
Published: March 2012

Objective  To determine the outcome and effect of a partial ligation of the transposed parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland in four dogs with excessive salivation and ocular irritation.

Methods  Four dogs were previously diagnosed with absolute keratoconjunctivitis sicca. After a parotid duct transposition (PDT) surgery, these dogs experienced excessive saliva production and abundant salivary precipitates, which resulted in epiphora, moist dermatitis, blepharospasm, and keratitis. In an effort to decrease saliva production, a partial ligation of the transposed duct at the level of the parotid gland was performed. Two or three accessory branches to the primary parotid duct were ligated at the level of the salivary gland.

Results  The four cases were three Yorkshire terriers and a Chihuahua. The average age of the four patients was 2.5 years. Partial ligation of accessory branches of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland after a PDT in this study demonstrated improved ocular comfort, decreased salivary precipitates, and adequate Schirmer tear test results without marked epiphora in three of the four animals. The male Yorkshire had epiphora after the initial partial ligations of two accessory branches were placed at the level of the parotid gland. To correct the excessive salivary flow, two additional ligatures were placed at a later date, which resolved the epiphora.

Conclusion  Partial ligation of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland proved to be an effective technique in moderating the salivation in these four patients with excessive salivary secretions after PDT.
Openness, Regional Trade Agreements and Growth: Evidence from Asia*
Authors: Jalles João Tovar
Published: March 2012

This paper assesses the relationship between regional trade agreements, trade integration and economic growth in 21 South and South‐East Asian countries over the period from 1980 to 2004. We aim to answer the following questions. First, how does the trade policy of a given country (and countries within the same region) affect a nation's domestic growth? Second, should developing economies in South and South‐East Asia engage in regional trade agreements (RTA) or move towards broad liberalization? Our results show that openness of either a single country or of its neighbors does not affect a nation's growth and that the impacts of RTA are unclear (if not detrimental to growth in some cases, once endogeneity is accounted for). Panel Granger‐causality tests running from openness to growth yield mixed results and some conclusions depend on the particular subsample under scrutiny.
ARE COGNITIVE SKILLS RELEVANT IN GENDER EARNINGS DECOMPOSITIONS?
Authors: Sakellariou Chris
Published: March 2012

While cognitive skills are known to play an important role in labour market success, empirical evidence is mainly concentrated in its effect on returns to schooling. Evidence on the role of cognitive skills in gender earnings gap decompositions is virtually absent. I use two approaches to investigate the potential for cognitive skills to affect the size and pattern of the unexplained component of the earnings gap (‘relative discrimination’) across the wage distribution, using data from the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS). It has been shown that when the raw cognitive score is used to control for cognitive skills, the return to schooling cognitive skills is generally underestimated. Once a distinction is made about the origins of cognitive skills (acquired in school versus outside the school), the returns to cognitive skills can vary depending on their origin. I find that using the raw score to control for cognitive skills does not result in any significantly different estimates of the unexplained component of the gap compared to when cognitive skills are not controlled for. However, once cognitive skills by origin of skill are used in place of total cognitive skills, the results change substantially for three of the five countries examined.
Efficiently Simulating the Bokeh of Polygonal Apertures in a Post‐Process Depth of Field Shader
Authors: McIntosh L. , Riecke B. E. , DiPaola S.
Published: March 2012

The effect of aperture shape on an image, known in photography as ‘bokeh’, is an important characteristic of depth of field in real‐world cameras. However, most real‐time depth of field techniques produce Gaussian bokeh rather than the circular or polygonal bokeh that is almost universal in real‐world cameras. ‘Scattering’ (i.e. point‐splatting) techniques provide a flexible way to model any aperture shape, but tend to have prohibitively slow performance, and require geometry‐shaders or significant engine changes to implement. This paper shows that simple post‐process ‘gathering’ depth of field shaders can be easily extended to simulate certain bokeh effects. Specifically we show that it is possible to efficiently model the bokeh effects of square, hexagonal and octagonal apertures using a novel separable filtering approach. Performance data from a video game engine test demonstrates that our shaders attain much better frame rates than a naive non‐separable approach.
Dostoevsky's Prison House of Nation(s): Genre Violence in Notes from the House of the Dead
Authors: DWYER ANNE
Published: March 2012

Fedor Dostoevsky's autobiographical prison novel Notes from the House of the Dead (1860–62) has been widely discussed—and presented by Dostoevsky himself—as an account of the author's life‐changing encounter with the Russian narod. But, like its Omsk prototype, Dostoevsky's literary prison is home not only to Russian prisoners; it is also a prison house of nations. This article attributes significance to the very heterogeneity of the prison and reads House through an imperial optic that sheds light on the text's generic indeterminacies. The prison condenses Russian space and motivates familiar literary modes for representing the peoples of Russia, but allows none of them to develop their full potential. Ultimately, the literary modes of House express a tension between unity and multiplicity and express a conflict between two ideological projects: patriotic celebration of the diversity and expanse of empire, and desire for Russian national unity.
Russia as the “Western Other” in Southeast Asia: Encounters of Russian Travelers in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: SNOW KAREN A.
Published: March 2012

This article explores an intriguing and unexplored angle of the evolution of Russia's Asian Mission in the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1869 the opening of the Suez Canal increased Russian shipping to the Far East and brought more Russian travelers to Southeast Asia where in an interesting coincidence of local interests and imperial views they interacted with the local rulers, officials in the region. As scholars, naval officers or government officials/advisors they wrote literary accounts or reports of their journeys and sometimes gave public presentations on their experiences which informed the Russian public and government about British and French expansion in the region and the local perception of Russia as a European power. One of these travelers included the heir to the throne and future tsar of Russia, Nicholas II and his mentor E. E. Ukhtomskii, later a prominent exponent of Russia's Asian mission. By examining the contact of Russian travelers with the rulers and officials of Burma and Siam this article reveals how the interpenetration of Russia's imperial myth of an Asian Mission with an Occidental view of Russia in Burma and Siam helped confirm the empire's notion of a “civilizing mission” and its claim of moral and cultural superiority to other Western powers.
The negotiation of the sick role: general practitioners’ classification of patients with medically unexplained symptoms
Authors: Mik‐Meyer Nanna , Obling Anne Roelsgaard
Published: March 2012

In encounters between general practitioners (GPs) and patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), the negotiation of the sick role is a social process. In this process, GPs not only use traditional biomedical diagnostic tools but also rely on their own opinions and evaluations of a patient’s particular circumstances in deciding whether that patient is legitimately sick. The doctor is thus a gatekeeper of legitimacy. This article presents results from a qualitative interview study conducted in Denmark with GPs concerning their approach to patients with MUS. We employ a symbolic interaction approach that pays special attention to the external validation of the sick role, making GPs’ accounts of such patients particularly relevant. One of the article’s main findings is that GPs’ criteria for judging the legitimacy of claims by those patients that present with MUS are influenced by the extent to which GPs are able to constitute these patients as people with social problems and problematic personality traits.
Legitimising and rationalising in talk about satisfaction with formal healthcare among bereaved family members
Authors: Funk Laura M. , Stajduhar Kelli I. , Robin Cohen S. , Heyland Daren K. , Williams Allison
Published: March 2012

While there is a fair amount of knowledge regarding substantive features of end of life care that family members desire and appreciate, we lack full understanding of the process whereby family members formulate care evaluations. In this article we draw on an analysis of interview data from 24 bereaved family members to explicate how they interpret their experiences and formulate evaluations of end of life care services. Most participants wove between expressing and legitimising dissatisfaction, and qualifying or diffusing it. This occurred through processes of comparisons against prior care experiences and expectations, personalising (drawing on personal situations and knowledge), collectivising (drawing on conversations with and observations of others) and attempting to understand causes for their negative care experiences and to attribute responsibility. The findings suggest that dissatisfaction might be diffused even where care is experienced negatively, primarily through the acknowledgement of mitigating circumstances. To a lesser extent, some participants attributed responsibility to the ‘system’ (policy and decision‐makers) and individual staff members. The findings are discussed in relation to the theoretical understanding of satisfaction and evaluation processes and how satisfaction data might inform improvements to care quality.
INTEREST‐RELATIVE INVARIANTISM AND KNOWLEDGE FROM IGNORANCE
Authors: LUZZI FEDERICO
Published: March 2012

The principle of Counter‐Closure embodies the widespread view that when a proposition is believed solely as the conclusion of single‐premise deduction, it can be known only if the premise is also known. I raise a problem for the compatibility of Jason Stanley's Interest‐Relative Invariantism (IRI) with Counter‐Closure. I explore the landscape of options that might help Stanley resolve this tension and argue that a trilemma confronts Stanley: he must either (i) renounce a key intuition that lies at the foundation of his view; or (ii) admit into his epistemology an IRI‐specific novel brand of Gettier case; or (iii) abandon Counter‐Closure.
Planning Practice between Ethics and the Power Game: Making and Applying an Ethical Code for Planning Agencies
Authors: Hoekveld Gerard , Needham Barrie
Published: March 2012

When considering how ethical considerations should be applied to the practice of spatial planning, most attention has been given to how individual spatial planners should do that. Our focus in this article is different: it is on the public agencies that carry out spatial planning. What ethical principles should they follow, both for determining the content of the planning policy and the procedures by which those principles are applied? We argue that it is possible to construct a ‘domain ethics’ specifically for spatial planning, a set of normative principles based on widely shared values and taking account of the peculiar features of spatial planning. Using four sources — some ‘middle‐range’ ethical principles, national law, international law, and the principles behind the idea of ‘due process’— a domain ethics for spatial planning is put forward. In the ‘power game’ of planning practice, the public agency should adhere to these ethical principles. Ultimately, this is a task for the individual planner acting responsibly within the organization. We argue that planners should construct an ethical frame of reference, specifically adapted to every situation, which takes into account the nature and motivations of the other partners in that power game. That frame of reference should be established before the discussions and negotiations begin, and it should be used to influence them.

Dans les études sur l'intégration de considérations déontologiques dans l'exercice de l'aménagement du territoire, on s'est attachéà la conduite à tenir par les aménageurs individuels. Cet article s'intéresse quant à lui aux organismes publics qui réalisent ce type d'aménagement. Quels principes éthiques devraient‐ils suivre pour décider à la fois la teneur des politiques d'aménagement et les procédures de mise en œuvre de ces principes? Il est possible d'élaborer une ‘éthique du domaine’ spécifique à l'aménagement du territoire, ensemble de principes normatifs fondés sur des valeurs partagées de manière générale et tenant compte des particularités de cette activité. Pour présenter cette déontologie, quatre sources sont exploitées: quelques principes éthiques ‘de consensus’, la législation nationale, le droit international, ainsi que les principes qui sous‐tendent la notion de régularité de la procédure (au sens de due process). Dans le ‘jeu de pouvoir’ liéà la pratique de l'aménagement, l'organisme public devrait respecter ces principes éthiques. Pour finir, il revient à chaque aménageur d'agir de manière responsable au sein de la structure concernée. Il conviendrait que les aménageurs élaborent un cadre de référence éthique, adaptéà chaque situation et tenant compte de la nature et des motivations des autres acteurs de ce jeu de pouvoir. Ce cadre de référence devrait être défini avant le début de toutes discussions ou négociations afin de pouvoir servir à les d'influencer.
From a Single Whole Exome Read to Notions of Clinical Screening: Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and RSPH9 p.Lys268del in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: AlSaadi Muslim M. , Gaunt Tom R. , Boustred Christopher R. , Guthrie Philip A. I. , Liu Xuan , Lenzi Luca , Rainbow Lucille , Hall Neil , Alharbi Khalid K. , Day Ian N. M.
Published: March 2012

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder, usually autosomal recessive, causing early respiratory disease and later subfertility. Whole exome sequencing may enable efficient analysis for locus heterogeneous disorders such as PCD. We whole‐exome‐sequenced one consanguineous Saudi Arabian with clinically diagnosed PCD and normal laterality, to attempt ab initio molecular diagnosis.

We reviewed 13 known PCD genes and potentially autozygous regions (extended homozygosity) for homozygous exon deletions, non‐dbSNP codon, splice‐site base variants or small indels. Homozygous non‐dbSNP changes were also reviewed exome‐wide. One single molecular read representing RSPH9 p.Lys268del was observed, with no wild‐type reads, and a notable deficiency of mapped reads at this location. Among all observations, RSPH9 was the strongest candidate for causality. Searching unmapped reads revealed seven more mutant reads. Direct assay for p.Lys268del (MboII digest) confirmed homozygosity in the affected individual, then confirmed homozygosity in three siblings with bronchiectasis. Our finding in southwest Saudi Arabia indicates that p.Lys268del, previously observed in two Bedouin families (Israel, UAE), is geographically widespread in the Arabian Peninsula. Analogous with cystic fibrosis CFTR p.Phe508del, screening for RSPH9 p.Lys268del (which lacks sentinel dextrocardia) in those at risk would help in early diagnosis, tailored clinical management, genetic counselling and primary prevention.
Identifying Pleistocene refugia in North American cold deserts using phylogeographic analyses and ecological niche modelling
Authors: Wilson Joseph S. , Pitts James P.
Published: March 2012

Aim We analysed phylogeographic patterns and ecological niche models (ENMs) of the widespread velvet ant (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)Sphaeorpthalma difficilisto understand the history of diversification in the Nearctic deserts and to identify areas that may have been cold‐desert refugia during the Pleistocene. These areas should be targeted for conservation because of their climatic stability throughout historical climate change events.

Location North American arid regions.

Methods The two internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) were sequenced and analysed using Bayesian techniques to uncover phylogeographic patterns of relatedness amongS. difficilispopulations. History of diversification was estimated using parsimony‐based and maximum likelihood character reconstructions. Molecular dating analyses were implemented in the program r8s and were calibrated with Dominican amber fossils. ENMs were developed based on current climate data and projected onto Pleistocene climate surfaces.

Results The analyses suggest thatS. difficilishad a complex history of Pleistocene range expansion and contraction that led to the formation of genetically distinct populations inhabiting distinct arid regions. ENMs and phylogeographic patterns indicate that several cold‐desert refugia existed in North America, particularly in the Colorado Plateau and parts of the Great Basin Desert.

Main conclusions Analyses ofS. difficilisare used to identify potential Pleistocene refugia in the North American cold deserts. Because these areas represent climatically stable locations, they are critical for the long‐term persistence of biodiversity. This research provides evidence that in addition to desert‐like conditions persisting through the ice age in parts of the Nearctic warm deserts, many areas maintained desert‐like characteristics in the regional cold deserts. Further work is needed to elucidate options for preserving biodiversity in these cold‐desert refugia.
Characterization of Japanese cypress pollinosis and the effects of early interventional treatment for cypress pollinosis
Authors: Okano Mitsuhiro , Fujiwara Tazuko , Higaki Takaya , Makihara Seiichiro , Haruna Tekenori , Nishizaki Kazunori
Published: March 2012

In Japan, pollen from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), species that have been planted in approximately 4.5 and 2.6 million ha, respectively, is spread wide through aerial dispersion in spring. Consequently, Japanese cedar/cypress pollinosis (JCCP) is the major phenotype of allergic rhinitis (AR) in Japan, and significantly impairs the quality of life (QOL). Compared with Japanese cedar pollinosis, the pathogenesis and management of Japanese cypress pollinosis remain unclear. Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 are major allergens in Japanese cypress pollen, and have considerable homology with Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, respectively, in Japanese cedar pollen. Several other components were recently identified in Japanese cypress pollen, and may facilitate allergic inflammation via IgE‐independent mechanisms. Allergen‐specific CD4+ Th2 cells producing interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IL‐31 are believed to play central roles in the pathogenesis of AR. The major human T cell epitopes in Cha o 1 and Cha o 2 have been identified. Compared with those in Cry j 1 and Cry j 2, both common and unique T cell epitopes in the cypress allergens have been characterized. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) produced these Th2‐type cytokines in response to a crude extract of Japanese cypress pollen. Among these cytokines, induction of antigen‐specific IL‐5 and IL‐31 production is closely associated with the onset and exacerbation of Japanese cypress pollinosis, respectively. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy using a standardized extract of Japanese cedar pollen is effective in controlling both naso‐ocular symptoms and QOL during the period of cedar pollen dispersion, although the significant efficacy tends to be reduced during the period of cypress pollen dispersion, especially when the pollen dispersion is high. IL‐5 production by PBMCs in response to the crude extract of Japanese cypress pollen did not differ significantly between patients with and without the immunotherapy, suggesting that unique component(s) in Japanese cypress pollen can induce IL‐5 production, which is not fully suppressed by immunotherapy with the standardized extract of cedar pollen. The Practical Guideline for Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan recommends that patients who experience severe symptoms of pollinosis every year should receive early interventional treatment. Although early interventional treatment with a histamine H1 receptor antagonist (H1RA) is effective for Japanese cedar pollinosis, especially at the beginning of the season, this treatment has limitations for Japanese cypress pollinosis when exposure to the pollen is high. Combined therapy with a leukotriene receptor antagonist and/or intranasal corticosteroids may be required to fully control the worsening of JCCP during the cypress pollen season.
Early intervention for Japanese cedar and cypress pollinosis
Authors: Yonekura S. , Okamoto Y. , Horiguchi S. , Okubo K. , Gotoh M. , Konno A. , Okuda M.
Published: March 2012

It is considered that early intervention for pollinosis relieves symptoms during the pollen season in Japan. Therefore, initiating medication prior to pollen dispersal has recently become a popular trend under the influence of the mass media. However, the actual benefits of this kind of early intervention during the peak of the pollen season have not been evaluated enough. We review a randomized placebo‐controlled trial that was conducted to examine the efficacy of early intervention (before pollen dispersal) with the oral cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) pranlukast against pollinosis symptoms in patients with allergy to Japanese cedar and cypress pollens in 2007. The subjects were treated with pranlukast or placebo for 4 weeks at the beginning of the cedar pollen dispersal season. Subsequently, all the patients received nasal steroid therapy concomitantly with pranlukast throughout the remaining period of the pollen dispersal season. The effects were evaluated by symptom scores based on allergy diaries and quality of life (QOL) scores as determined by the Japan Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. In the pranlukast‐pre‐treated patients, the nasal symptoms (paroxysmal sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion) were improved during the early Japanese cedar pollen dispersal season. Subsequently, concomitant therapy with pranlukast plus nasal steroids for the rest of the pollen season significantly improved the symptom and QOL scores compared with the placebo‐pre‐treated patients. This study shows that LTRA administration to Japanese cedar and cypress pollinosis patients starting just before and continuing throughout the pollen dispersion season in high‐risk communities is effective for improving the clinical symptoms and indicators of pollinosis. Further assessment of the efficacy of early intervention with an LTRA is required in comparison with other drug therapies, with consideration of the associated cost–benefit effectiveness.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis during pregnancy
Authors: Sato Kodo
Published: March 2012

Many women suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR). The disease is often pre‐existing and sometimes coincidental during pregnancy, and can worsen, improve, or stay the same during pregnancy. Besides ameliorating the detrimental effects of AR on the patient's quality of life, correct treatment is important for controlling concomitant asthma. If possible, it is important to highlight the risks of not taking such medications at a pre‐conception visit. Although most medications for AR readily cross the placenta, there are several choices of treatment for controlling the symptoms during pregnancy. The choices may be varied depending on the disease course and symptoms, and inhaled corticosteroids are considered to be the first‐line medical treatment. In addition, either a first‐generation antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine, or a second‐generation antihistamine, such as cetirizine or loratadine, can be prescribed as the second‐line medical treatment. As an alternative, intranasal cromolyn can be prescribed safely. Some of the leukotriene receptor antagonists and nasal decongestant sprays can only be prescribed when other methods are no longer valid and strict benefits can be expected. It is considered safe to continue immunotherapy during pregnancy.
Academic attribution: citation analysis in master's theses and research articles in applied linguistics
Authors: Jalilifar Alireza
Published: March 2012

Given the significance of citation in research articles (RA) and the considerable difficulty that novice writers might have in citing other works in their theses, this study compared the use of citation forms in 65 Iranian master's (MA) theses and 65 international research article introduction sections in applied linguistics. The citations were divided into integral and non‐integral and their sub‐categories. Findings showed several differences in the citation forms used in both datasets. Citations were more frequent in the MA theses than the RAs, and integral citation outran non‐integral citation in the MA theses (X2= 61.46); in the RAs, however, the difference was not significant at 0.05 level. The tilt toward integral citations within MA theses marks students' familiarity with formal features of citation but their ignorance of the functional features.
A Review of the Challenges and Limitations of Full‐Field Measurements Applied to Large Heterogeneous Deformations of Rubbers
Authors: Le Cam J.‐B.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper presents an overview of the use of full‐field measurement techniques, more precisely digital image correlation (DIC) and coupled DIC and infrared thermography, for the material and structure characterisation of rubber reported in the literature. Even though such techniques have increasingly been applied for approximately 30 years for moderate deformations in metal and composite materials, they are still under‐employed in the measurement of full kinematic and thermal fields in the case of large deformations undergone by rubber materials. To date, the applications addressed are crack propagation at both macroscopic and microscopic scales, model validation and constitutive parameter identification.
Strain Measurement by Digital Image Correlation: Influence of Two Types of Speckle Patterns Made from Rigid or Deformable Marks
Authors: Barranger Y. , Doumalin P. , Dupré J. C. , Germaneau A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  For both 2D and 3D measurements by correlation techniques, speckle patterns can be composed of rigid particles (RP). In this paper, a study of the influence of these RP on digital image correlation (DIC) strain error assessment is performed experimentally and numerically. Firstly, it is shown that prior to the influence of pattern, it is necessary to have an appropriate calculation strategy of initial values for DIC iterative process. Then for simulated images, the RP pattern presents a similar behaviour as the one of a deformable pattern to which a noise is added. However, for experimental images, this noise is less predominant on error assessment than the one because of deteriorations of patterns for large strains.
RESEARCH ON THE PIGMENTS FROM PAINTED CERAMICS EXCAVATED FROM THE YANGQIAOPAN TOMBS OF THE LATE HAN DYNASTY (48 BC – AD 25)
Authors: JIN PUJUN , WANG TIANYOU , MA MINGZHI , YANG XIAOGANG , ZHU JUNXIAO , NAN PUHENG , WANG SU
Published: March 2012

The analysis of pigments on painted ceramics excavated from the Yangqiaopan Tombs of the late Western Han Dynasty was undertaken using optical microscopy (OM), micro‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐RS), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectra (FTIR). The pigments were identified as red lead (Pb3O4), carbon (C), malachite [Cu2CO3(OH)2], Chinese purple (BaCuSi2O6) and illite {[K,H3O]Al2Si3AlO10(OH)2}. Fibrous materials were observed in some pigment samples. When observed by SEM, one showed a large amount of fibre in solidified gum, which indicated that gum of ramie could have been used as the binding medium to make the pigment particles adhere together. These results provide significant insights into the characteristics of these pigments in the Qin and Han Dynasties.
MEASURING EFFECTS ON STOCK RETURNS OF SENTIMENT INDEXES CREATED FROM STOCK MESSAGE BOARDS
Authors: Zhang Ying , Swanson Peggy E. , Prombutr Wikrom
Published: March 2012

Various techniques and sources of information exist to aid investors in predicting future stock returns. However, no effective proxy for retail investors, such as stock message board users, has been established. This study provides guidelines for creating an effective proxy. The heart of such proxies is sentiment indexes, and in the past the indexes have had low predictive power. Introducing four methodological improvements for applying text classifiers and two probability measurements, we contrast eight widely applied text classifiers to stock message board data. Based on the classifier results and incorporating our new methods, the new sentiment index proves to be a significant “same‐day positive but next‐day negative” directional indicator.
THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CONDITIONING INFORMATION ON PORTFOLIO EFFICIENCY IN THE PRESENCE OF COSTLY SHORT‐SELLING
Authors: Taylor Nicholas
Published: March 2012

The economic significance of conditioning information in the presence of costly short‐selling is investigated. Using a compact testing framework, results demonstrate that fixed‐weight stock‐bond portfolios appear inefficient with respect to stock‐bond portfolios with weights determined by extant predictors. However, this result is highly dependent on ex ante knowledge of the predictor set and the ability to short‐sell at low cost. In the absence of such conditions, fixed‐weight stock‐bond portfolios appear efficient with respect to conditioning information.
Becoming a Capoeirista: A Situational Approach to Interpreting a Foreign Cultural Good*
Authors: Hedegard Danielle
Published: March 2012

In this manuscript, I examine an understudied mechanism that shapes audience reception and reinterpretation of foreign cultural objects—local interactional situations. I present a case study of how this situation of interaction shapes how one group of students in the United States constructs the meanings of capoeira—a Brazilian martial art. Participant observation data reveal that neither students’ personal motives as consumers nor broad “American” cultural codes fully explain capoeira culture in this group. Instead, capoeira students in this group reinterpret capoeira through a strict style of interaction, which produced a “preservationist” capoeira culture—hierarchical, conformist, and rigidly bound as “Brazilian.” This culture becomes concerned with preservation because it allows them to maintain their shared ground for interaction.
Dyeing properties of novel electrolyte‐free reactive dyes on cotton fibre
Authors: Zheng Chunllin , Yuan Ailin , Wang Haibo , Sun Jie
Published: March 2012

A series of electrolyte‐free reactive dyes containing two quaternary ammonium salt groups as soluble moieties and one epoxy structure as the reactive group have been synthesised. The structures of the synthesised dyes were confirmed by Fourier Transform–infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis, and their dyeing properties on cotton were studied using an electrolyte‐free dyeing process. The results indicate that electrolyte‐free reactive dyes with these structures give a high exhaustion rate, a high fixation rate and good build‐up properties on cotton. Fastness properties were, in general, also very good. The optimal dyeing process of these electrolyte‐free dyes for cotton fibre was 60 °C with 20 g/l sodium carbonate.
Trends and morbidity associated with oxytocin use in labour in nulliparas at term
Authors: Buchanan Sarah L. , Patterson Jillian A. , Roberts Christine L. , Morris Jonathan M. , Ford Jane B.
Published: March 2012

Aim

To determine the trends in oxytocin use at a population level within New South Wales and to assess the maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with the use of oxytocin.

Methods

Trends in oxytocin use were assessed for women in NSW who were nulliparas at term with a singleton, cephalic fetus between 1998 and 2008. Maternal and neonatal morbidities were assessed in 2007–2008 using linked hospital and birth data with regression analysis. Oxytocin was also assessed by indication for use being either induction or augmentation of labour.

Results

The overall use of oxytocin increased from 10 291 (36.5%) of births in 1998 to 14 440 (45.4%) of births in 2008 (P < 0.0001) with the increase entirely because of the increased use for induction of labour. The use of oxytocin was associated with an increase in regional analgesia (65 to 22%), instrumental delivery (21 to 18%) and caesarean section (29 to 14%) as compared to women who did not receive oxytocin in labour. Oxytocin was also associated with an increase in severe maternal adjusted odds ratios ((aOR) 1.48, 95% CI 1.30–1.68) and neonatal morbidity (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.41). This increase in morbidity was maintained when both augmentation and induction were assessed separately.

Conclusion

Oxytocin has an important role in the management of labour. However, its use should be carefully monitored with standardised treatment regimes to minimise maternal and neonatal morbidity.