bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time perspective and motivation in interpersonal contexts
Authors: KASHIO MATSUKO
Published: August 2012

This study investigated the relations between motivation and time perspective in interpersonal contexts. The participants were 327 university and nursing school students, who completed a questionnaire regarding achievement motivation, social support, responsibility toward others, and time perspective. This study found the following: First, motivation toward self‐fulfilling achievements was positively related to hope, goal pursuit, and fulfillment in the present. In contrast, motivation toward competing achievement was negatively related to goal pursuit and fulfillment in the present. Second, emotional support was positively related to hope, goal pursuit, fulfillment in the present, and acceptance of the past. Third, a sense of responsibility toward others was negatively related to hope, but positively related to goal pursuit. These findings demonstrate the importance of motivation in an interpersonal context that determines all dimensions of time perspectives, namely the future, the present, and the past.
European national poetry,Islam and the defeat of the medievalChurch
Authors: Aberbach David
Published: August 2012

TheMuslim conquest of theHolyLand fromChristendom, the invasion of southwesternEurope in the eighth century, and theChristian struggle, ultimately unsuccessful, to regain theHolyLand fromIslam in theCrusades dominatedEuropean culture, particularly its poetry, for centuries. From theOldFrench epic,TheSong ofRoland(c. 1100) to theAlbanian epic,TheHighlandLute(early twentieth century), a vast popular culture grew inEuropean vernacular languages in response toMuslim invasions and conquests. This article attempts to elucidate in panoramic form a neglected area of nationalism. It argues that from the medieval period until the fall of theOttoman empire, poetry was instrumental in the rise ofEuropean national identities, partly in reaction to centuries of ascendancy of Islam, which undermined the authority of thePope, the universalChurch, theGospel andLatin. The defeat of the medievalChurch opened the way to narrower, more national and cultural concerns, reflected in a cluster of vernacularEuropean poetic traditions.
Nationalism, civil society, and the revolution of 1989
Authors: Mentzel Peter C.
Published: August 2012

Relying heavily on the work of Edward Shils, this paper argues that a robust sense of national identity among the peoples of East Central Europe played a crucial role in the revolutions of 1989 and the subsequent emergence of civil society in the region's countries.
Effect of vibration on muscle perfusion: a systematic review
Authors: Fuller Joel T. , Thomson Rebecca L. , Howe Peter R. C. , Buckley Jonathan D.
Published: August 2012

Vibration has become of increasing interest to health professionals, primarily owing to reports that vibration can increase tissue blood flow. The aim of this review was to investigate the available scientific evidence on the effects of exogenous vibration on skeletal muscle perfusion. The databases searched from inception to December 2010 included Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL via EbscoHost and CENTRAL. Experimental and observational studies, where exogenous vibration was an intervention, were included in this review. The main outcomes of interest were muscle blood volume, blood flow, blood flow velocity, arterial diameter and muscle temperature. One reviewer selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality of the eligible studies. Percentage change in muscle perfusion outcome was the measure of treatment effect, and regression analysis was used to investigate associations between vibratory load and muscle perfusion. Twenty‐two studies with a total of 302 participants were included in this review. Muscle blood volume increased with vibration in five of nine studies and decreased in two studies; muscle blood flow velocity increased with vibration in five of six studies; muscle blood flow increased with vibration in two of three studies; vibration had a positive effect on arterial diameter in three of three studies; vibration had no effect on muscle temperature in two of two studies. The magnitude of increase in muscle perfusion was positively associated with vibratory load (P<0·001). We conclude that vibration increases muscle perfusion with the magnitude of increase positively related to the vibratory load applied.
Effects of rotational tillage practices on soil structure, organic carbon concentration and crop yields in semi‐arid areas of northwest China
Authors: Hou X. Q. , Li R. , Jia Z. K. , Han Q. F. , Yang B. P. , Nie J. F.
Published: August 2012

Continuous conventional tillage can cause serious soil degradation in rain‐fed agriculture, which reduces crop productivity. Adopting suitable tillage practices is very important for improving the soil and increasing crop productivity. Between 2007 and 2010, a 3‐year field study was conducted in semi‐arid areas of southern Ningxia, China, to determine the effects of rotational tillage practices on bulk density, soil aggregate, organic carbon concentration and crop yields. Three tillage treatments were tested: no‐tillage the first and third year and subsoiling the second year (NT/ST/NT); subsoiling the first and third year and no‐tillage the second year (ST/NT/ST); and conventional tillage each year (CT). A conventional tillage treatment was used as the control. Under the rotational tillage treatments, the mean soil bulk density at a depth of 0–60 cm was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by 4.9% compared with CT, and with the best effect under ST/NT/ST. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration and aggregate size fractions and stability at 0–40 cm depth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in rotational tillage treatments when compared with the conventional tillage, and the ST/NT/ST treatment produced the highest increases. Significant differences were detected in the SOC concentration in 2 to 0.25–mm size fractions at 0–30 cm depth between rotational tillage treatments and conventional tillage. Biomass and grain yield with the rotational tillage practices were significantly positively influenced over 3 years, and ST/NT/ST produced the highest average crop yields among the three treatments. Therefore, it was concluded that the application of rotational tillage with subsoiling every 2 years and no‐tillage every other year (ST/NT/ST) should be of benefit in promoting the development of dryland farming in semi‐arid areas of northwest China.
New occurrences of Ichniotherium and Striatichnium from the Lower Permian Kildare Capes Formation, Prince Edward Island, Canada: palaeoenvironmental and biostratigraphic implications
Authors: BRINK KIRSTIN S. , HAWTHORN JESSICA R. , EVANS DAVID C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Tracks and trackways of the vertebrate ichnotaxon Ichniotherium sphaerodactylum and a trace of the invertebrate ichnotaxon Striatichnium bromackerense are described for the first time in association outside of Europe. The tracks are identified as I. sphaerodactylum based on their characteristic rounded digit ends, the ovoid sole‐pad of the pedal imprint and the increase in digit lengths from digits I–IV, and the invertebrate trace is identifiable as S. bromackerense based on the band‐like systems of distally bifurcated striae. The tracks of I. sphaerodactylum are the largest known to date and represent rare evidence of large‐bodied terrestrial vertebrates in the Kildare Capes Formation of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Morphometric differences between ichnospecies of Ichniotherium and other ichnospecies previously collected from Prince Edward Island are examined in a multivariate analysis, and results suggest that the distance between the manus and pes of the same imprint pair, the width of pace and the length of certain digits is useful for species identification. The association between I. sphaerodactylum and S. bromackerense was previously known only from the Bromacker quarry, Tambach Formation, Germany, which is interpreted as a seasonally dry, semi‐arid upland environment. The co‐occurrence of these traces suggests that the Eldon locality of Prince Edward Island is similar in depositional environment to the Bromacker quarry in Germany, and allows for comparison of these two localities for the first time. As diadectids are thought to be the trackmakers of Ichniotherium, the Eldon locality of the Kildare Capes Formation may, with further work, be considered as another example of the rare, herbivore‐dominated palaeoenvironment, which is generally uncharacteristic of the Early Permian of North America.
A re‐evaluation of 9‐HODE activity at TRPV1 channels in comparison with anandamide: enantioselectivity and effects at other TRP channels and in sensory neurons
Authors: De Petrocellis Luciano , Schiano Moriello Aniello , Imperatore Roberta , Cristino Luigia , Starowicz Katarzyna , Di Marzo Vincenzo
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Two oxidation products of linoleic acid, 9‐ and 13‐hydroxy‐octadecadienoic acids (HODEs), have recently been suggested to act as endovanilloids, that is, endogenous agonists of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) channels, thereby contributing to inflammatory hyperalgesia in rats. However, HODE activity at rat TRPV1 in comparison with the best established endovanilloid, anandamide, and its enantioselectivity and selectivity towards other TRP channels that are also abundant in sensory neurons have never been investigated.

Experimental Approach

We studied the effect of 9(R)‐HODE, 9(S)‐HODE, (+/–)13‐HODE, 15(S)‐hydroxyanandamide and anandamide on [Ca2+]i in HEK‐293 cells stably expressing the rat or human recombinant TRPV1, or rat recombinant TRPV2, TRPA1 or TRPM8, and also the effect of 9(S)‐HODE in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by calcium imaging.

Key Results

Anandamide and 15(S)‐hydroxyanandamide were the most potent endovanilloids at human TRPV1, whereas 9(S)‐HODE was approximately threefold less efficacious and 75‐ and 3‐fold less potent, respectively, and did not perform much better at rat TRPV1. The 9(R)‐HODE and (+/–)13‐HODE were almost inactive at TRPV1. Unlike anandamide and 15(S)‐hydroxyanandamide, all HODEs were very weak at desensitizing TRPV1 to the action of capsaicin, but activated rat TRPV2 [only (+/–)13‐HODE] and rat TRPA1, and antagonized rat TRPM8, at concentrations higher than those required to activate TRPV1. Finally, 9(S)‐HODE elevated [Ca2+]i in DRG neurons almost exclusively in capsaicin‐sensitive cells but only at concentrations between 25 and 100 μM.

Conclusions and Implications

The present data suggest that HODEs are less important endovanilloids than anandamide.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
Glutaraldehyde erythropoietin protects kidney in ischaemia/reperfusion injury without increasing red blood cell production
Authors: Chattong S , Tanamai J , Kiatsomchai P , Nakatsu M , Sereemaspun A , Pimpha N , Praditpornsilpa K , Rojanathanes R , Sethpakadee A , Tungsanga K , Eiam‐Ong S , Manotham K
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is currently the mainstay of renal anaemia treatment. Recently, rHuEPO has been shown to provide pleiotrophic tissue protection in various pathological conditions. However, the benefits of rHuEPO beyond anaemia treatment are limited because it increases red blood cell mass. Carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) is the first rHuEPO derivative that lacks erythropoietic activity but retains tissue protection properties. Since carbamylation targets lysine residues on rHuEPo, we hypothesized that targeted lysine modifications of rHuEPO may result in a novel non‐erythropoietic erythropoietin.

Experimental Approach

rHuEPO was subjected to various targeted lysine modifications. In vitro cytoprotection and apoptosis were evaluated using P19 and HEK293 cells. In vivo erythropoiesis was performed by administering the derivatives to animals for 2 weeks. Renoprotection was tested on an ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) model.

Key Results

We synthesized a novel derivative, a glutaraldehyde erythropoietin (GEPO). This construct abolished in vivo erythropoiesis. Biochemical characterization showed that GEPO was more electrostatically negative than rHuEPO. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that GEPO bound to the IL3RB/EPOR heterotrimeric receptor and ameliorated cellular apoptosis via the activation of Bcl‐2. Notably, Bcl‐2 activation was suppressed by the JAK2 inhibitor, tyrphostin AG490. In vivo experiments showed that GEPO also ameliorated kidney damage due to I/R injury both functionally and histologically.

Conclusions and Implications

Herein, we describe a novel lysine‐modified rHuEPO, glutaradehyde‐EPO (GEPO), obtained from a simple reaction. This derivative has no erythropoietic properties but retains cell‐protective characteristics both in vitro and in vivo, with promise for future use as an adjunctive treatment of kidney disease.
Analysis of human liver disease using a cluster of differentiation (CD) antibody microarray
Authors: Rahman Wassim , Huang Pauline , Belov Larissa , Chrisp Jeremy S. , Christopherson Richard I. , Stapelberg Peter M. , Warner Fiona J. , George Jacob , Bowen David G. , Strasser Simone I. , Koorey David , Sharland Alexandra F. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Shackel Nicholas A.
Published: August 2012

Background

A CD antibody microarray has been previously developed allowing semi‐quantitative identification of greater than 80 CD antigens on circulating leucocytes from peripheral blood samples. This assay, which uses a live cell‐capture technique, enables an extensive leucocyte immunophenotype determination in a single analysis and to date this has been used successfully to characterise diseases including human leukaemias and HIV infection.

Aims

To determine CD antigen expression profiles for patients with various liver diseases and to look for preserved disease‐specific signatures.

Methods

Three liver disease groups including hepatitis C (HCV) (n = 35), non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n = 21) and alcohol‐related liver disease (n = 14) were compared with a normal group (n = 23). Hierarchal Clustering (HCL) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data revealed distinct binding patterns for patients with and without cirrhosis.

Results

Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension compared with those without cirrhosis had significantly reduced expression of several markers of T‐cell function including CD45, CD8, CD28 and TCR α/β. Disease prediction algorithms based on the expression data were able to discriminate cirrhotics from non‐cirrhotics with 71% overall success, which improved to 77% when only patients with HCV were considered.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate disease‐specific consensus patterns of expression of CD antigens for patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting that the CD antibody array is a promising tool in the analysis of human liver disease, and with further refinement may have future research and clinical utility.
Cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Fiji 2003–2009
Authors: Kuehn Rebecca , Fong James , Taylor Richard , Gyaneshwar Rajanishwar , Carter Karen
Published: August 2012

Background

Previous studies indicate that cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer and most common cause of cancer mortality among women in Fiji. There is little published data on the epidemiology of cervical cancer in Pacific countries.

Aims

To determine the incidence 2003–2009 of, and mortality 2003–2008 from, cervical cancer by ethnicity and period in Fiji, identify evidence of secular change and relate these data to other Pacific countries, Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Counts of incident cervical cancer cases (2003–2009) and unit record mortality data (2003–2008) from the Fiji Ministry of Health were used to calculate age‐standardised (to the WHO World Population) cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, and cervical or uterine cancer mortality rates, by ethnicity, with 95% confidence intervals. On the basis of comparison of cervical cancer mortality with cervical or uterine cancer mortality in Fiji with similar populations, misclassification of cervical cancer deaths is unlikely.

Results

There is no evidence of secular change in cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates for the study period. For women of all ages and ethnicities, the age‐standardised incidence rate of cervical cancer (2003–2009) was 27.6 per 100 000 (95% CI 25.4–29.8) and the age‐standardised mortality rate (2003–2008) was 23.9 per 100 000 (95% CI 21.5–26.4). The mortality/incidence ratio was 87%. Fijians had statistically significant higher age‐standardised incidence and mortality rates than Indians. Fiji has one of the highest estimated rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the Pacific region.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening in Fiji needs to be expanded and strengthened.
Registrar interest in academic obstetrics and gynaecology: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: McDonald Andrea , Paterson Helen , Herbison Peter
Published: August 2012

Background

New Zealand has an urgent need to train and retain obstetrics and gynaecology academics, and postgraduate training pathways are being considered.

Aims

To gauge registrar interest in an academic training position and an academic career; analyse the importance of various encouraging factors; and investigate how demographics, experience and encouragers may be associated with academic interest.

Methods

All obstetric and gynaecology registrars working in New Zealand were invited by their clinical directors to participate in an online survey in March–June 2011. Statistical analysis, using Fisher's Exact and chi‐squared tests, was used to investigate how demographic, experience and encourager variables were associated with academic interest.

Results

Of the 58 participants, 46 were women, 32 were New Zealand medical graduates and 43 were on the training program. Over half (54%) indicated they would consider a 1‐year rotating research/teaching position and 45% an academic career. The most important encouraging factors for academic work were interest, opportunity to balance clinical and academic roles, job flexibility (lifestyle and family) and a supportive academic environment. Women were nearly nine times more likely to consider academic training (OR 8.75, P = 0.007), and trainees were one‐third as likely to consider it compared to non‐trainees (OR 0.31, P = 0.073).

Conclusions

New Zealand has the unique ability to approach retention and training issues in a flexible and innovative manner which utilises international links. Clinical academic training positions should be set‐up with quality supervision and support similar pay scales and the opportunity for simultaneous part‐time clinical practice.
Pollen assemblages and their environmental implications in the Qaidam Basin, NW China
Authors: Zhang Shengrui , Xu Qinghai , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Chen Hui , Li Yuecong , Li Manyue , Hun Lingyun , Li Jianyong
Published: August 2012

The Qaidam Basin is one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in China, owing to its unique geographical position and ecological condition. In this study, 32 surface‐soil pollen samples were collected to reveal the relationship between modern pollen assemblages, vegetation and precipitation in the eastern region of the Qaidam Basin. The results show that Chenopodiaceae (3.8–87%, average 48%), Artemisia (1.7–64.2%, average 17.5%) and Ephedra (0–90%, average 16.3%) are the dominant pollen types in all samples, and that different pollen assemblages correspond to different vegetation types. DCA and CCA of major pollen types demonstrate that precipitation is an important factor in the control of the distribution of vegetation in the study area. The content and concentration of the three major pollen types (Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae and Ephedra) change with the mean annual precipitation, and the optimum mean annual precipitation for Ephedra, Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia is <80, 80–200 and >160 mm, respectively. Correlation analysis between the variation in grain size of the three major pollen types and the main environmental variables shows that the grain size of the three pollen types is positively correlated with precipitation in the Qaidam Basin. The results confirm that precipitation is the most important environmental factor in the Qaidam Basin, and that it has an important effect on pollen grain size in the study area.
Phenotypic Effects of Cattle Mitochondrial DNA in American Bison
Authors: Derr James N. , Hedrick Philip W. , Halbert Natalie D. , Plough Louis , Dobson Lauren K. , King Julie , Duncan Calvin , Hunter David L. , Cohen Noah D. , Hedgecock Dennis
Published: August 2012

Hybridization between endangered species and more common species is a significant problem in conservation biology because it may result in extinction or loss of adaptation. The historical reduction in abundance and geographic distribution of the American plains bison (Bison bison bison) and their recovery over the last 125 years is well documented. However, introgression from domestic cattle (Bos taurus) into the few remaining bison populations that existed in the late 1800s has now been identified in many modern bison herds. We examined the phenotypic effect of this ancestry by comparing weight and height of bison with cattle or bison mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from Santa Catalina Island, California (U.S.A.), a nutritionally stressful environment for bison, and of a group of age‐matched feedlot bison males in Montana, a nutritionally rich environment. The environmental and nutritional differences between these 2 bison populations were very different and demonstrated the phenotypic effect of domestic cattle mtDNA in bison over a broad range of conditions. For example, the average weight of feedlot males that were 2 years of age was 2.54 times greater than that of males from Santa Catalina Island. In both environments, bison with cattle mtDNA had lower weight compared with bison with bison mtDNA, and on Santa Catalina Island, the height of bison with cattle mtDNA was lower than the height of bison with bison mtDNA. These data support the hypothesis that body size is smaller and height is lower in bison with domestic cattle mtDNA and that genomic integrity is important for the conservation of the American plains bison.

Efectos Fenotípicos del ADN Mitocondrial de Ganado en el Bisonte Americano
Combining Structured Decision Making and Value‐of‐Information Analyses to Identify Robust Management Strategies
Authors: MOORE JOSLIN L. , RUNGE MICHAEL C.
Published: August 2012

Abstract: Structured decision making and value‐of‐information analyses can be used to identify robust management strategies even when uncertainty about the response of the system to management is high. We used these methods in a case study of management of the non‐native invasive species gray sallow willow (Salix cinerea) in alpine Australia. Establishment of this species is facilitated by wildfire. Managers are charged with developing a management strategy despite extensive uncertainty regarding the frequency of fires, the willow's demography, and the effectiveness of management actions. We worked with managers in Victoria to conduct a formal decision analysis. We used a dynamic model to identify the best management strategy for a range of budgets. We evaluated the robustness of the strategies to uncertainty with value‐of‐information analyses. Results of the value‐of‐information analysis indicated that reducing uncertainty would not change which management strategy was identified as the best unless budgets increased substantially. This outcome suggests there would be little value in implementing adaptive management for the problem we analyzed. The value‐of‐information analyses also highlighted that the main driver of gray sallow willow invasion (i.e., fire frequency) is not necessarily the same factor that is most important for decision making (i.e., willow seed dispersal distance). Value of‐information analyses enables managers to better target monitoring and research efforts toward factors critical to making the decision and to assess the need for adaptive management.
Self‐Fulfilling Prophecies: The Influence of Gender Stereotypes on Functional Neuroimaging Research on Emotion
Authors: Bluhm Robyn
Published: August 2012

Feminist scholars have shown that research on sex/gender differences in the brain is often used to support gender stereotypes. Scientists use a variety of methodological and interpretive strategies to make their results consistent with these stereotypes. In this paper, I analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research that examines differences between women and men in brain activity associated with emotion and show that these researchers go to great lengths to make their results consistent with the view that women are more emotional than men.
Electroencephalographic criteria for nonconvulsive status epilepticus: Synopsis and comprehensive survey
Authors: Sutter Raoul , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: August 2012

There have been many attempts at defining the electroencephalography (EEG) characteristics of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) without a universally accepted definition. This lack of consensus arises because the EEG expression of NCSE does not exist in isolation, but reflects status epilepticus under the variety of pathologic conditions that occur with age, cerebral development, encephalopathy, and epilepsy syndrome. Current NCSE definitions include “boundary conditions,” in which electroencephalographic seizure activity occurs without apparent clinical seizures. Furthermore, what appears to one interpreter as status epilepticus, is not to another reader, reflecting the “art” of EEG interpretation. Seizures and epilepsy syndromes have undergone an evolution that has moved beyond a classification of focal or generalized conditions into a syndromic approach. It seems appropriate to make similar changes in the EEG analysis of the syndromes of NCSE. In effect, the literature on epilepsy classification has progressed to incorporate the different NCSE types with clinical descriptions, but the specific EEG evidence for these types is found largely in individual reports, and often by description only. NCSE classification of EEG patterns should derive from the aggregate of published EEG patterns in the respective clinical subtype, supported by an analysis of these EEG studies. The analysis that follows presents clinical descriptions and EEG patterns of NCSE in the neonatal period, infancy, childhood, adulthood, and late adulthood from a syndromic perspective based on age, encephalopathy, cerebral development, etiology, and syndrome. Proceeding from the proposed classification of status epilepticus syndromes in “Status epilepticus: its clinical features and treatment in children and adults” (published in 1994 by Cambridge University Press, New York), we have performed a systematic search for reports presenting EEG patterns of NCSE using the online medical search engine PubMed for 22 different search strategies. EEG patterns were reviewed by two board‐certified epileptologists who reached consensus regarding presence of NCSE. From a total of 4,328 search results, 123 cases with corresponding EEG patterns could be allocated to underlying epilepsy syndromes. Typical characteristic, prominent electrographic patterns, and sequential arrangements are elucidated for the different NCSE syndromes. This compendium of patterns by NCSE syndrome classification with illustration of EEGs, and delineation of electroencephalographic features helps define the characteristics and semiologic borderlines among the types of NCSE.
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GLOBAL SEAWEED COMMUNITIES
Authors: Harley Christopher D. G. , Anderson Kathryn M. , Demes Kyle W. , Jorve Jennifer P. , Kordas Rebecca L. , Coyle Theraesa A. , Graham Michael H.
Published: August 2012

Seaweeds are ecologically important primary producers, competitors, and ecosystem engineers that play a central role in coastal habitats ranging from kelp forests to coral reefs. Although seaweeds are known to be vulnerable to physical and chemical changes in the marine environment, the impacts of ongoing and future anthropogenic climate change in seaweed‐dominated ecosystems remain poorly understood. In this review, we describe the ways in which changes in the environment directly affect seaweeds in terms of their physiology, growth, reproduction, and survival. We consider the extent to which seaweed species may be able to respond to these changes via adaptation or migration. We also examine the extensive reshuffling of communities that is occurring as the ecological balance between competing species changes, and as top‐down control by herbivores becomes stronger or weaker. Finally, we delve into some of the ecosystem‐level responses to these changes, including changes in primary productivity, diversity, and resilience. Although there are several key areas in which ecological insight is lacking, we suggest that reasonable climate‐related hypotheses can be developed and tested based on current information. By strategically prioritizing research in the areas of complex environmental variation, multiple stressor effects, evolutionary adaptation, and population, community, and ecosystem‐level responses, we can rapidly build upon our current understanding of seaweed biology and climate change ecology to more effectively conserve and manage coastal ecosystems.
Toward a Low Carbon–Dematerialization Society
Authors: Shi Feng , Huang Tao , Tanikawa Hiroki , Han Ji , Hashimoto Seiji , Moriguchi Yuichi
Published: August 2012

Rapid industrialization and urbanization has been occurring in China since the introduction of the opening‐up policy in 1978. The demands of building and infrastructure construction have increased rapidly, especially in the transportation and housing sectors in China. Large amounts of construction materials have been required in building construction and maintenance of the railway and road systems, especially steel and cement. Continued cement and steel production will require heavy raw material resource consumption and will emit a great deal of carbon dioxide (CO2). This study forecasts future steel and cement demand and related resource consumption and CO2 emissions for building and transportation infrastructure based on a material flow analysis of China. Furthermore, the effect of prolonging the lifetime of building and transportation infrastructure is appraised. The results indicate that building and transportation infrastructure will increase sharply through 2030. Although the demand for new construction will then decrease, steel and cement consumption will remain at a high level through 2050 because these are needed to maintain roads and railways. In addition, prolonging the lifetime of buildings and infrastructure is a useful way to avoid more raw material consumption and to mitigate CO2 emissions. However, its main effect is to decrease the demolition of buildings and reduce material use for the maintenance of roads and railways. Currently not enough countermeasures have been implemented to realize a low carbon–dematerialization society in the building and transportation construction sector. Future comprehensive efforts should include the reuse of waste construction material and a reduction in raw material consumption intensity by applying technical innovations.
Association Between Glycemic Control and Hip Fracture
Authors: Puar Troy H. , Khoo Joan J. , Cho Li W. , Xu Ying , Chen Yuan T. , Chuo Adeline M. , Poh Cheng B. , Ng Jen M.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To determine whether tight glycemic control is associated with greater risk of hip fractures in individuals being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital.

Participants

Cases were selected from all individuals with diabetes mellitus admitted between 2005 and 2010 to Changi General Hospital for hip fracture (N = 932). Cases were included if their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) had been measured within 3 months of the fracture and they were undergoing treatment with oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Each case was matched with one control for sex, age, race, duration of diabetes mellitus, and comorbidities.

Measurements

Information on baseline characteristics, HbA1c, and use of diabetic medications was obtained. The likelihood of hip fracture was determined comparing four different values of HbA1c [<6%, 6.1–7.0%, 7.1–8.0%, >8% (reference group)] and use of diabetic medications.

Results

The mean age of cases was 77.3 ± 7.7, and 73.3% were female. After adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, and other covariates, participants with tighter glycemic control (HbA1c < 6% and 6.1–7.0%) were more likely to have a hip fracture than those with HbA1c >8% (odds ratio (OR) = 3.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.01–4.51, P < .001; and OR = 2.34, 95% CI=1.71–3.22, P < .001, respectively). The use of insulin and sulfonylurea was similar between cases and controls.

Conclusion

The present study found an association between tight glycemic control (when HbA1c < 7%) and greater risk of hip fracture in individuals being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Greater caution needs to be exercised in treating older patients with diabetes mellitus.
Comparison of Frailty Indicators Based on Clinical Phenotype and the Multiple Deficit Approach in Predicting Mortality and Physical Limitation
Authors: Woo Jean , Leung Jason , Morley John E.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To compare three simple bedside tools based on frailty phenotypes with a Frailty Index using the multiple deficit approach in the prediction of mortality and physical limitation after 4 years.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Hong Kong, China.

Pariticipants

Four thousand men and women aged 65 and older living in the community who were ambulatory enough to attend the study center.

Methods

Interviewers obtained information regarding physical, psychological, and functional health; body mass index (BMI), grip strength, blood pressure, and ankle brachial index were determined. Three clinical frailty scales based on the Fried phenotype (Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS); Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss (FRAIL); and Hubbard) and a frailty index (FI) were constructed from these variables, and their ability to predict incident mortality and physical function limitations was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

All tools predicted adverse outcomes. More participants were categorized into frail and prefrail categories using the CHS than with the other two clinical scales. For all frailty measures, with increasing levels of frailty, the sensitivity fell and the specificity increased to greater than 90%; the area under the ROC curve values were approximately 0.6.

Conclusion

Simple frailty scores are comparable with a multidimensional deficit accumulation FI in predicting mortality and physical limitations. The newer FRAIL, proposed for use in a clinical setting, is comparable with other existing short screening tools, as well as tools based on the multiple‐deficits model used for research settings. Addition of a physical performance measure to screening tools may increase predictive accuracy.
Cardiac Venous Left Ventricular Lead Removal and Reimplantation Following Device Infection: A Large Single‐Center Experience
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , TARAKJI KHALDOUN , CRONIN EDMOND , BRUNNER MICHAEL P. , JACKSON GREGORY , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , BOREK PETER P. , MARTIN DAVID O. , WAZNI OUSSAMA , WILKOFF BRUCE L.
Published: August 2012

LV Lead Extraction and Reimplantation. Background: Early series of biventricular device removal have contained mostly younger cardiac venous (CV) left ventricular leads and few have reported on rates of successful reimplantation.

Methods and Results:
We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients referred to the Cleveland Clinic between February 2, 2001 and July 27, 2011 for removal of a biventricular device with a CV pacing lead for an infectious indication. A total of 173 patients were included. The median age of the CV leads was 22.3 months (interquartile range: 5.2–46.3 months). The complete procedural success rate for all leads was 97.7%, with the remaining 2.3% clinical successes. A total of 76.9% of CV leads were removed using simple traction alone with the remaining leads requiring the use of a laser‐powered sheath. A total of 3.5% of leads required intervention (manual dissection or laser‐powered dissection) within the coronary sinus (CS). Major complications occurred in 1.2% of patients. Minor complications occurred in 7.5% of patients, the majority of which were hematomas requiring drainage (6.9%). CV lead reimplantation was attempted in 107 patients of which 88 (82.8%) were successful.

Conclusion:
CV lead removal in patients with an infected biventricular device is associated with an extremely high procedural success rate and a low incidence of major complications. The use of a laser‐powered sheath is necessary in roughly one‐quarter of cases with a very small percentage requiring intervention within the CS. Reimplantation of CV leads is achievable in roughly 83% of patients, a figure lower than nationally quoted estimates for de novo implantations. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1213–1216, November 2012)
Relationship between Cutoff Values of Peak Aortic Valve Velocity and Those of Other Doppler Echocardiographic Parameters of Severity in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Normal Flow
Authors: Castel Anne‐Laure , Maréchaux Sylvestre , Laaouaj Jamal , Rusinaru Dan , Levy Franck , Tribouilloy Christophe
Published: August 2012

Background: Previous studies have reported inconsistencies between echocardiographic parameters of severity in aortic valve stenosis (AS). Peak aortic valve velocity (Vmax) strongly predicts outcome in AS patients. This study was therefore designed to identify the cutoff values of echocardiographic parameters of severity corresponding to a Vmax ≥ 3 m/sec, ≥4 m/sec, 5 m/sec, or 5.50 m/sec in a large cohort of patients with normal flow (NF) AS. Methods and Results: We retrospectively reviewed the echocardiograms of 528 consecutive patients with normal flow (NF) AS, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≥0.50, and NF (stroke volume index > 35 mL/m²). The values of mean pressure gradient (MPG), aortic valve area (AVA), and indexed aortic valve area (IAVA) corresponding to Vmax ≥ 3 m/sec obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis were 22 mmHg, 1.15 cm2, and 0.60 cm2/m2, respectively. While a cutoff of Vmax ≥ 4 m/sec to define severe AS was consistent with a value of 39 mmHg for MPG, corresponding values for AVA and IAVA of 0.90 cm² and 0.48 cm²/m², respectively, were substantially different from those recommended in current guidelines. MPG ≥60 and 65 mmHg, AVA ≤0.76 and ≤0.68 cm², and IAVA ≤0.41 and ≤0.35 cm2/m2 were related to a Vmax ≥5 and ≥5.5 m/sec (very severe AS), respectively. Conclusions: Guidelines recommended cutoff values for AVA and IAVA are not consistent with those of Vmax and MPG. The results of this study may serve as safeguard in case of apparent inconsistencies between echocardiographic parameters of severity in NF AS.
Testing Policy Theory with Statistical Models of Networks
Authors: Lubell Mark , Scholz John , Berardo Ramiro , Robins Garry
Published: August 2012

This article presents a conceptual framework for clarifying the network hypotheses embedded in policy theories and how they relate to macrolevel political institutions and microlevel political behavior. We then describe the role of statistical models of networks for testing these hypotheses, including the problem of operationalizing theoretical concepts with the parameters of statistical models. Examples from existing theories of the policy process and empirical research are provided and potential extensions are discussed.
Baseline Models for Two‐Mode Social Network Data
Authors: Jasny Lorien
Published: August 2012

Baseline models have been used in the analysis of social networks as a way to understand how empirical networks differ from “random” ones. For the purposes of social network analysis, a “random” network is one chosen—at random—from a population of possible graphs derived from a given generating function. Although these principled hypothesis tests have a long history, many of their properties and extensions to multiple data structures—here, specifically two‐mode data—have been overlooked. This article focused on applications of different baseline models to two data sets: donations and voting of the 111th U.S. Congress, and organizations involved in forums on watershed policy in San Francisco, USA. Tests using each data set, but with different baseline reference distributions, will illustrate the range of possible questions baseline models can address and the differences between them. The ability to apply different models and generate a constellation of results provides a deeper understanding of the structure of the system.
Titania‐Added Ce0.6La0.4O2−δ for the Buffer Layer of High‐Performance Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Doped Lanthanum Gallate Electrolyte Film
Authors: Hong Jong‐Eun , Inagaki Toru , Ida Shintaro , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: August 2012

Decrease in sintering temperature of lanthanum‐doped ceria (Ce0.6La0.4O2−δ, LDC), which was used as a buffer layer, was investigated using sintering additives such as Ag2O, ZnO, BaO, CaO, Bi2O3, RuO2, and TiO2 for preventing NiO diffusion into Sr‐ and Mg‐doped LaGaO3 (LSGM) electrolyte film prepared by screen printing and co‐firing method. It was found that TiO2 was the most effective in decreasing the sintering temperature to 1473 K, which was 300 K lower than that of LDC, and increasing the electrical conductivity. Ti addition in LDC was attributed to increased mass transportation caused by compensation for lattice mismatch and defect dissociation resulted in improved sintering density and electrical conductivity. However, Ti–LDC buffer layer could not completely prevent NiO diffusion into the LSGM electrolyte, although it was effective in reducing the diffusion content—probably because of the low sintering temperature of Ti–LDC. The use of fast sintering (a heating/cooling rate of 600 K/h and a holding time of 3 h) further decreased NiO diffusion into the electrolyte. Accordingly, theoretical open‐circuit voltage and improved power density were attributed to reduced electron hole conduction and ohmic resistance that were assigned to suppressed NiO diffusion into the LSGM electrolyte.
TiO2/WO3 Layered Film with Dual‐Function of Anti‐UV Light and High Photoelectrocatalytic Activity: Facile Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Liu Baoshun , Wen Liping , Zhang Hongjian , Zhao Xiujian
Published: August 2012

Using magnetron sputtering, followed by post calcination TiO2, WO3, and TiO2/WO3 layered films were prepared using magnetron sputtering and followed by post calcination. The film structures and morphologies were checked using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE‐SEM, XPS, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The TiO2 and WO3 films are of anatase and orthorhombic structures. The WO3 underlayer of the TiO2/WO3 film grows in [002] direction, almost perpendicular to substrates. Compared with the TiO2 film, the TiO2/WO3‐layered film effectively absorbs near‐UV light. The photocurrent of layered TiO2/WO3 film is much higher than that of TiO2 film under UV light illumination. The photoelectrocatalytic activity of the films was evaluated in two‐electrode photocatalytic reactor, which is assisted by bias voltage. It is seen that PEC activity of TiO2/WO3 film is almost four times higher than pure TiO2 film. Summarily, the TiO2/WO3‐layered film with dual‐function of anti‐UV light and high PEC activity was prepared using facile magnetron sputtering.
Analysis of CYP2C9*2,CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms in a population from South‐Eastern Europe
Authors: Buzoianu Anca D. , Trifa Adrian P. , Mureşanu Dafin F. , Crişan Sorin
Published: August 2012

The CYP2C9 enzyme metabolizes a wide range of relevant drugs, among which are oral anticoagulants. VKORC1 is the pharmacodynamic target of the oral anticoagulants. The genetic polymorphisms CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A are the major determinants of the inter‐individual variability in the dosage requirements of oral anticoagulants. This study provides a first evaluation of these 3 polymorphisms in a Romanian population. A total of 332 Romanian individuals were genotyped for the CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms using the PCR‐RFLP technique. Sixty‐two individuals (18.7%) were heterozygous for CYP2C9*2, whereas 47 individuals (14.1%) were heterozygous for CYP2C9*3. Fourteen individuals (4.2%) had a CYP2C9*2 homozygous, CYP2C9*3 homozygous or CYP2C9*2/CYP2C9*3 compound heterozygous genotype. These individuals are predicted to have the lowest CYP2C9 enzymatic activity. The allele frequencies of the CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms were 11.3% and 9.3% respectively. For the VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphism, there were 170 heterozygotes (51.2%) and 55 (16.6%) homozygotes for the A allele. The frequency of the A allele was 42.2%. Overall, the distribution of the CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A polymorphisms observed in our cohort is in accordance with other Caucasian populations. A large number of Romanians are expected to harbour at least one CYP2C9 variant allele and/or one VKORC1 ‐1639 G>A allele. This frequency has major implications in the pharmacogenomics of oral anticoagulants in Romanians.
Conditioned mesenchymal stem cells attenuate progression of chronic kidney disease through inhibition of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and immune modulation
Authors: Chang Jei‐Wen , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Chen Chang‐Wei , Yang Hui‐Wen , Yang An‐Hang , Yang Ling‐Yu , Wang Paulus S. , Ng Yee‐Yung , Lin Teng‐Lung , Lee Oscar K.
Published: August 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve the outcome of acute renal injury models; but whether MSCs can delay renal failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. In the present study, the were cultured in media containing various concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate to investigate whether hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secretion could be increased by the stimulation of these growth factors. Then, TGF‐β1‐treated renal interstitial fibroblast (NRK‐49F), renal proximal tubular cells (NRK‐52E) and podocytes were co‐cultured with conditioned MSCs in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate to quantify the protective effects of conditioned MSCs on renal cells. Moreover, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with 1 × 106 conditioned MSCs immediately after 5/6 nephrectomy and every other week through the tail vein for 14 weeks. It was found that basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and ascorbic acid 2‐phosphate promoted HGF secretion in MSCs. Besides, conditioned MSCs were found to be protective against TGF‐β1 induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of NRK‐52E and activation of NRK‐49F cells. Furthermore, conditioned MSCs protected podocytes from TGF‐β1‐induced loss of synaptopodin, fibronectin induction, cell death and apoptosis. Rats transplanted with conditioned human MSCs had a significantly increase in creatinine clearance rate, decrease in glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and increase in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells counts in splenocytes. Together, our studies indicated that conditioned MSCs preserve renal function by their anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Transplantation of conditioned MSCs may be useful in treating CKD.