bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STOICHIOMETRIC RESPONSES OF PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES TO THE INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF NUTRIENT SUPPLY RATIOS AND GROWTH RATES1
Authors: Bi Rong , Arndt Carmen , Sommer Ulrich
Published: April 2012

Three species of phytoplankton, Rhodomonas sp., Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, and Isochrysis galbana Parke, were cultivated in semicontinuous culture to analyze the response of carbon (C):nitrogen (N):phosphorus (P) stoichiometry to the interactive effect of five N:P supply ratios and four growth rates (dilution rates). The relationship between cellular N and P quotas and growth rates fits well to both the Droop and Ågren’s functions for all species. We observed excess uptake of both N and P in the three species. N:P biomass ratios showed a significant positive relationship with N:P supply ratios across the entire range of growth rates, and N:P biomass ratios converged to an intermediate value independent of N:P supply ratios at higher growth rates. The effect of growth rates on N:P biomass ratios was positive at lower N:P supply ratios, but negative at higher N:P supply ratios for both Rhodomonas sp. and I. galbana, while for P. tricornutum this effect was negative at all N:P supply ratios. A significant interactive effect of N:P supply ratios and growth rates on N:P biomass ratios was found in both Rhodomonas sp. and P. tricornutum, but not in I. galbana. Our results suggest that Ågren’s functions may explain the underlying biochemical principle for the Droop model. The parameters in the Droop and Ågren’s functions can be useful indications of algal succession in the phytoplankton community in changing oceans.
Exploring the Global Journey of Nickel with Markov Chain Models
Authors: Eckelman Matthew J. , Reck Barbara K. , Graedel T. E.
Published: April 2012

Markov chain (MC) modeling is a versatile tool in policy analysis and has been applied in several forms to analyze resource flows. This article builds on previous discussions of the relationship among absorbing Markov chains (AMCs), material flow analysis (MFA), and input‐output (IO) analysis, and presents a full‐scale application of MC modeling for a particular globally relevant, nonrenewable resource, namely nickel. The MC model presented here is built on comprehensive, recently compiled nickel flow data for 52 geographic regions. Considering all possible cycles of recycling and reuse, nickel extracted in 2005 is estimated to have a technological lifetime of 73 ± 7 years. During its global journey, nickel enters use, for some application somewhere in the world, an average of three times, the largest share of which occurs in China. Nickel entering fabrication in 2005 is estimated to enter use approximately four times. Over time, nickel is lost to the environment and as a tramp element in carbon steel; the final distribution of nickel among these absorbing states is 78% and 22%, respectively. Of all the nickel in ore extracted in 2005, fully 28% will eventually end up in the tailings, slag, and landfills of China. MC results are also combined with geographically specific life cycle inventory data to determine the overall energy invested in nickel during its many cycles of use. MCs provide a powerful tool for tracking resources through the network of global production, use, and waste management, and opportunities for further integration with other modeling efforts are also discussed.
Systematic Review Checklist
Authors: Zumsteg Jennifer M. , Cooper Joyce S. , Noon Michael S.
Published: April 2012

Systematic review, including meta‐analysis, is increasingly utilized in life cycle assessment (LCA). There are currently no widely recognized guidelines for designing, conducting, or reporting systematic reviews in LCA. Other disciplines such as medicine, ecology, and software engineering have both recognized the utility of systematic reviews and created standardized protocols for conducting and reporting systematic reviews. Based largely on the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, which updated the preferred format for reporting of such reviews in biomedical research, we provide an introduction to the topic and a checklist to guide the reporting of future LCA reviews in a standardized format. The standardized technique for assessing and reporting reviews of LCA (STARR‐LCA) is a starting point for improving the utility of systematic reviews in LCA.
Ectopic Ureters in Dogs: Clinical Features, Surgical Techniques and Outcome
Authors: Reichler Iris M. , Eckrich Specker Christine , Hubler Madeleine , Alois Boos , Haessig Michael , Arnold Susi
Published: April 2012

Objective

To compare clinical features of ectopic ureter (EU) in male and female dogs and outcome after neoureterostomy with resection restricted to the intravesical part of the ureter for intramural ectopic ureter (iEU) or of ureteroneocystostomy for extramural ectopic ureter (eEU).

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Female dogs (n = 26) with 32 iEUand 8 eEU; male dogs (n = 24) with 25 iEUand 18 eEU.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records (1992–2008). Long‐term follow‐up information after surgical correction by modified neoureterostomy or ureteroneocystostomy was gathered by owner questionnaire.

Results

Median age at first occurrence ofUIwas significantly lower in females (<2 months) than in males withEU(8 months;P= 0.0015). Bilateral occurrence and an extramural course of the ureter were more common in males (n = 19 and n = 20, respectively) compared with females (14 and 12, respectively), but the outcome of surgical treatment was comparable in both genders.

Conclusions

The prognosis after surgery is fair with a success rate of 72% and a complication rate of 26%. Resection of only the intravesicular ectopic ureter resulted in resolution of incontinence in a high percentage of dogs and thus is an acceptable alternative to removal of the entire ureteral remnant.
Transaction Costs in the Trading System of Cashew Nuts in the North of Benin: A Field Study
Authors: DEGLA PAMPHILE KOKOU
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Cashew nut trading is an activity with growing economic importance in the north of Benin. Among the cost categories supported by the trading actors are transaction costs to which rare empirical studies have been devoted. Therefore, based on the theoretical concept this article empirically analyzes the importance of the transaction costs generated by cashew nut trading in the north of Benin. The empirical data were collected in two villages. Using a paired‐sample T test this study shows that the transaction costs are relatively important, but are not the major cost category. The average “production cost” is higher than the average transaction cost incurred by the trading actors. Although the transaction costs are on average lower than the other costs category, they are viewed by most actors (82 percent) as a serious constraint in the trading system due to moral hazard problems arising from the existence of these costs. By analyzing the specific factors that influence the magnitude of the transaction costs borne by the actors, the article shows that some socio‐cultural and environmental characteristics of the actors are determinant of the level of transaction costs incurred.
Intangible Flow Theory
Authors: CARDAO‐PITO TIAGO
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The intangible flow theory explains that flows of economic material elements (such as physical goods; or cash) are consummated by human related intangible flows (such as work flows; service flows; information flows; or communicational flows) that cannot be precisely appraised at an actual or approximate value, and have properties precluding them from being classified as assets or capitals. Thus, although mathematical/quantitative research methodologies are very relevant for science, they are insufficient to study economy and society.

Due to its prejudice against non‐mathematical/quantitative scientific reasoning, neoclassical economics could not be technologically prepared to reach the intangible flow dynamics of economic phenomena. Furthermore, the neoclassical solution to call people human capital or assets, besides being ethically very questionable, offers performative non‐scientific metaphors that intervene in the production of the reality they claim to represent; and sabotages the study of well delimited research questions by scientific approaches outside the realm of neoclassical economics.
Contra Private Fairness*
Authors: WILSON BART J.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article attempts to clarify our understanding of the everyday use of the word “fair” as we apply it to economic behavior. I first examine the decomposition offairinto its semantic primitives and discuss implications of recent research that indicates that the word is one‐to‐one untranslatable into any other language, that is, the concept offairis distinctly Anglo. I also make a Wittgensteinian appeal to context and human sociality as an indispensable tether for what we mean by a fair experience and what we know, epistemologically speaking, about fairness. The principal implication of this is that rules that guide fair behavior are not located in an individual's private utility function but instead reside in the connections that the individual has to his cultural environs.
Cord blood banking activities at a university hospital in northeast Mexico: an 8‐year experience
Authors: Jaime‐Perez Jose C. , Monreal‐Robles Roberto , Colunga‐Pedraza Julia , Mancías‐Guerra Consuelo , Rodríguez‐Romo Laura , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) represents an alternative source of stem cells for transplantation for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and genetic disorders. There is scarce information detailing cord blood bank (CBB) collection and transplantation activities from developing countries. We documented our experience at a public university hospital in northeast Mexico.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective and descriptive analysis of our CBB activity during an 8‐year period from May 2002 to September 2010. Collection, processing, and cryopreservation of CB were carried out following standard operating procedures. The minimum volume and total nucleated cell (TNC) content for cryopreservation were 80 mL and 8.0 × 108, respectively.

RESULTS: A total of 1256 UCB units were collected; 428 (34%) were banked and 828 (66%) were discarded. The main reason for exclusion was biologic: low volume and/or low number of TNC accounted for 84% of the total discarded units. Cryopreserved cord blood units (CBUs) had a median volume of 113.8 mL (range, 80‐213.2 mL) and 13.0 × 108 (range, 8 × 108‐36.6 × 108) TNCs. Cell viability was 99.3% (88‐100%). The median CD34+ cell content was 4.0 × 106 (0.46 × 106‐19.38 × 106). Sixteen units have been released for transplantation, leading to a utilization rate of 3.7%.

CONCLUSION: CBB demands considerable human and financial resources; it is then essential for centers at developing countries to share their experience, results, and databases to increase the probability of finding matching units for their patients. Efforts to create and maintain CBBs allow to offer this therapeutic option at an affordable cost.
Structural Determinism in the Interlocking World City Network
Authors: Neal Zachary
Published: April 2012

Taylor's interlocking specification of the world city network has offered researchers a theoretically informed way to measure the world city network using readily available firm location data. However, the number and size of firms that are viewed as linking cities to one another impose a form of structural determinism on the world city network. Specifically, when a relatively small number of firms is used to define a network among a relatively large set of cities, or when only larger firms are used, this approach is unable to reveal a wide range of structures features that may actually be present in the world city network it is intended to measure. Through a series of examples, I demonstrate how specific features of firm location data predetermine the structure, number and size of cliques, and density of world city networks derived using the interlocking approach. Concluding comments discuss the implications of this structural determinism by focusing on the case of the commonly usedGlobalization andWorldCities data set 11, offer some suggestions concerning how the interlocking approach can be employed while avoiding structural determinism, and identify some alternative approaches to mapping the world city network.

El modelo interconexión cerrada (interlocking) de la red mundial de ciudades (world city network) desarrollado por Taylor (2001) ha proporcionado a los investigadores un marco teórico para medir dicha red con datos fácilmente disponibles acerca de la localización de empresas. Sin embargo, el número y tamaño de las empresas que son consideradas como ‘vinculadoras’ (de ciudades) imponen una forma de determinismo estructural sobre la red. En concreto, cuando un número relativamente pequeño de firmas es utilizado para definir la red entre un conjunto relativamente grande de ciudades, o, cuando sólo se utilizan las empresas más grandes, este enfoque (interlocking) no es capaz de identificar o medir una amplia gama de características estructurales presentes potencialmente en la red de ciudades mundiales. A través de una serie de ejemplos, el autor demuestra cómo varias características específicas de los datos de localización de las empresas predeterminan la estructura, número y tamaño de loscliquesy la densidad de las redes de ciudades mundiales resultantes de la aplicación de modelos deinterlocking. Luego el autor presenta las implicancias del determinismo estructural mencionado, centrándose en el caso la base de datos de uso común GaWC # 11. Finalmente el articulo ofrece algunas sugerencias sobre cómo el enfoque deinterlockingpuede ser empleado sin caer en un determinismo estructural, y se identifican algunos enfoques alternativos para el mapeo de la red mundial de ciudades.

泰勒（2001）采用相对容易获得的公司地理位置数据提出的世界城市网络连锁度量方法，为研究者提供了一种理论途径。然而，将公司的数量和规模视为城市之间的联接是一种强加的世界城市网络结构决定论形式。特别是当用数量相对较少的公司或仅用大公司的数量来定义相对较大的城市网络集时，该方法不能揭示目前实际情况中大范围世界城市网络需要度量的结构特征。通过一系列的案例分析，本文显示了公司区位数据的特有特征预先决定了集团的结构、数量和规模，以及由泰勒的连锁方法推导出世界城市网络的密度。最后，通过曾被广泛采用的GaWC（全球化和世界城市）数据集的11个城市公司数据讨论了结构决定方法的应用，并就应用该方法如何避免结构决定论提出一些建议，进而识别一些可选用的方法来绘制世界城市网络图。
The Rise of Global Warming Skepticism: Exploring Affective Image Associations in the United States Over Time
Authors: Smith Nicholas , Leiserowitz Anthony
Published: April 2012

This article explores how affective image associations to global warming have changed over time. Four nationally representative surveys of the American public were conducted between 2002 and 2010 to assess public global warming risk perceptions, policy preferences, and behavior. Affective images (positive or negative feelings and cognitive representations) were collected and content analyzed. The results demonstrate a large increase in “naysayer” associations, indicating extreme skepticism about the issue of climate change. Multiple regression analyses found that holistic affect and “naysayer” associations were more significant predictors of global warming risk perceptions than cultural worldviews or sociodemographic variables, including political party and ideology. The results demonstrate the important role affective imagery plays in judgment and decision‐making processes, how these variables change over time, and how global warming is currently perceived by the American public.
Late Potentials Abolition as an Additional Technique for Reduction of Arrhythmia Recurrence in Scar Related Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: VERGARA PASQUALE , TREVISI NICOLA , RICCO ANNALISA , PETRACCA FRANCESCO , BARATTO FRANCESCA , CIREDDU MANUELA , BISCEGLIA CATERINA , MACCABELLI GIUSEPPE , DELLA BELLA PAOLO
Published: April 2012

Late Potentials Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation. Rationale: To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation targeting complete late potential (LP) activity.

Methods and Results: Sixty‐four consecutive patients (pts) with recurrent VTs and coronary artery disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were evaluated. Fifty patients (47 male; 66.2 ± 10.1 years) had LPs at electroanatomical mapping; 35 patients had at least 1 VT inducible at basal programmed stimulation. After substrate mapping, radiofrequency ablation was performed with the endpoint of all LPs abolition.

LPs could not be abolished in 5 patients despite extensive ablation, in 1 patient because of localization near an apical thrombus, and in 2 patients because of possible phrenic nerve injury.

At the end of procedure, prevention of VT inducibility was achieved in 25 of 35 patients (71.4%) with previously inducible VT; VT was still inducible in 5 of 8 patients with incomplete LP abolition; and in 5 of 42 patients (16.1%) with complete LP abolition (P < 0.01).

After a follow‐up of 13.4 ± 4.0 months, 10 patients (20.0%) had VT recurrences and one of them died after surgical VT ablation; VT recurrence was 9.5% in patients with LPs abolition (4/42 pts) and 75.0% (6/8 pts) in those with incomplete abolition [positive predictive value (PPV): 75%, negative predictive value (NPV): 90.4%, sensibility: 60.0%, and specificity: 95.0%, P < 0.0001); although it was 12.5% (5/40 pts) in patients without inducibility VT after the ablation, and 50% (5/10 pts) in those with inducible VT (PPV: 50%, NPV: 87.5%, sensitivity: 50.0%, and specificity: 87.5%, P = 0.008).

Conclusions: LP abolition is an effective endpoint of VT ablation and its prognostic value compares favorably to that achieved by programmed electrical stimulation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 621–627, June 2012)
A Large Hemodynamically Significant Right Coronary Artery Fistula to Right Ventricle: Prenatal Detection and Progression
Authors: Zhao Xu , Yang Ya , Li Rong‐Juan
Published: April 2012

Prenatal diagnosis of a congenital coronary artery fistula between the right coronary artery and right ventricle was made by two‐dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography in a pregnant woman at 37 weeks of gestation. The right ventricle and right coronary artery were dilated with a fistula between them. A boy was delivered at 39 weeks’ gestation. Progression of the fistula was monitored by serial echocardiography postnatally. Because there were severe symptoms associated with the fistula, the infant had an operation 6 months after he was born. Four years of follow‐up examination showed that the boy is in good clinical condition.
A nationwide descriptive study of obstetric claims for compensation in Norway
Authors: ANDREASEN STINE , BACKE BJØRN , JØRSTAD ROLF GUNNAR , ØIAN PÅL
Published: April 2012

Objective. To describe causes of substandard care in obstetric compensation claims.Design and setting. A nationwide descriptive study in Norway.Population. All obstetric patients who believed themselves inflicted with injuries by the Health Service and applying for compensation.Methods. Data were collected from 871 claims to The Norwegian System of Compensation to Patients during 1994–2008, of which 278 were awarded compensation.Main outcome measures. Type of injury and cause of substandard care.Results. Of 871 cases, 278 (31.9%) resulted in compensation. Of those, asphyxia was the most common type of injury to the child (83.4%). Anal sphincter tear (29.9%) and infection (23.0%) were the most common types of injury to the mother. Human error, both by midwives (37.1% of all cases given compensation) and obstetricians (51.2%), was an important contributing factor in inadequate obstetric care. Neglecting signs of fetal distress (28.1%), more competent health workers not being called when appropriate (26.3%) and inadequate fetal monitoring (17.3%) were often observed. System errors such as time conflicts, neglecting written guidelines and poor organization of the department were infrequent causes of injury (8.3%).Conclusions. Fetal asphyxia is the most common reason for compensation, resulting in large financial expenses to society. Human error contributes to inadequate health care in 92% of obstetric compensation claims, although underlying system errors may also be present.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of large for gestational age pregnancies
Authors: WEISSMANN‐BRENNER ALINA , SIMCHEN MICHAL J. , ZILBERBERG ERAN , KALTER ANAT , WEISZ BOAZ , ACHIRON REUVEN , DULITZKY MORDECHAI
Published: April 2012

Objective. To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of term large for gestational age (LGA) pregnancies and adequate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies. Design. Retrospective analysis. Setting. Large university research medical center. Population. All term singleton LGA (birthweight ≥90th percentile) and AGA pregnancies (birthweight 10.1–89.9th percentile) delivering between 2004 and 2008. Methods. Data collected included maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birthweight, fetal sex, and maternal and neonatal complications. Birthweight percentiles were determined according to locally derived gender‐specific birthweight tables. Main outcome measures. Comparisons between LGA and AGA pregnancies and between LGA 90–94.9th, 95–98.9th and ≥99th percentile. Results. The study population comprised 34 685 pregnancies; 3900 neonates matched the definition of term LGA. Maternal age and gestational age at delivery were significantly higher for LGA neonates. Significantly more LGA neonates were born by cesarean section, and significantly more LGA pregnancies were complicated by postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), shoulder dystocia or neonatal hypoglycemia, and had a longer hospitalization period. Maternal and neonatal risks increased as birthweight increased from the 90–94.9th to 95–98.9th to ≥99th percentile. Specifically, the risks of shoulder dystocia (odds ratio 2.61, 3.35 and 5.11, respectively), PPH (odds ratio 1.81, 2.12 and 3.92, respectively) and neonatal hypoglycemia (odds ratio 2.53, 3.8 and 5.19, respectively) all increased linearly with birthweight percentile. Conclusions. Large for gestational age pregnancies are associated with an increased rate of cesarean section, PPH, shoulder dystocia and neonatal hypoglycemia, as well as longer hospitalization. These risks increase as the birth percentile rises. These risks need to be emphasized in pre‐delivery counseling.
Down‐regulation of Notch receptor signaling pathway induces caspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent apoptosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: CAO HUIQIU , HU YULIN , WANG PENG , ZHOU JIANHUA , DENG ZHENGHAO , WEN JIFANG
Published: April 2012

Cao H, Hu Y, Wang P, Zhou J, Deng Z, Wen J. Down‐regulation of Notch receptor signaling pathway induces caspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent apoptosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma cells. APMIS 2012; 120: 441–50.

Notch receptor signaling pathway (NRSP) is increasingly linked to carcinogenesis. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) appears to actively utilize this conserved developmental pathway. The aims of this study are to determine whether or not Notch 1–4 are overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared with normal lung tissues and whether inhibiting NRSP could induce caspase‐dependent or caspase‐independent apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of Notch 1–4 in 101 NSCLC tissue samples and 30 normal lung tissue samples. DAPT was used to repress NRSP in SK‐MES‐1 cells. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin V and PI staining. Cleaved poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) was measured by Western blot; X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and Survivin were assessed by qRT‐PCR and Western blot; the release of second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase (Smac) from mitochondria to cytoplasm was evaluated by Western blot; the subcellular locations of endonuclease G (Endo G) and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were observed by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analysis. (Mech Dev, 98, 2000, 95) Notch 1–4 are up‐regulated in NSCLC tissues and Notch 1, 2 are positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 106, 2009, 22293) DAPT treatment could inhibit NRSP and induce apoptosis, with a marked increase in cleaved PARP, decreases in XIAP and Survivin proteins and concomitant release of Smac, EndoG, and AIF from mitochondria, indicating that inhibiting NRSP by DAPT triggers caspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent apoptosis.
Healing outcomes at implants installed in sites augmented with particulate autologous bone and xenografts. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: De Santis Enzo , Lang Niklaus P. , Cesaretti Gianfranco , Mainetti Tomaso , Beolchini Marco , Botticelli Daniele
Published: April 2012

Aim

To evaluate the integration of implants installed at the interface of pristine and grafted tissue augmented with particulate autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), concomitantly with a collagen membrane.

Material and methods

In 6 Labrador dogs, the distal root of 3P3 and 4P4 was endodontically treated and hemi‐sected, and the mesial roots extracted concomitantly with the extraction of 2P2. The buccal bony walls were removed, and two box‐shaped defects, one larger and one smaller, were created. After 3 months, flaps were elevated, and the defects were filled with particulate autologous bone or DBBM in the right and left side of the mandible, respectively. Collagen membranes were used to cover the grafted areas. Three months later, flaps were elevated, and a customized device was used as surgical guide to prepare the recipient sites at the interface between grafts and pristine bone. One implant was installed in each of the four defects. After 3 months, biopsies were harvested and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation.

Results

The augmentation technique was effective at all sites and all the foreseen implants were installed. In the histological analysis, all implants were integrated in mature bone, at both the buccal and lingual aspects. The most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact and the top of the buccal bony crest were located at a similar distance between test and control implants. However, these distances were higher at the larger compared with the smaller defects. Especially in the large defect, residual particles of DBBM were found embedded into connective tissue and located outside the bony crest.

Conclusions

Particulate autologous bone as well as DBBM particles used to augment horizontally the alveolar bony process allowed for the osseointegration of implants installed after 3 months of healing.
Ecologically based definition of seasons clarifies predator–prey interactions
Authors: Basille Mathieu , Fortin Daniel , Dussault Christian , Ouellet Jean‐Pierre , Courtois Réhaume
Published: April 2012

Species interactions within food webs are driven by multiple constraints, including those imposed by seasonal changes in the environment. Ecologically sound definitions of seasons may therefore be a prerequisite for clarifying predator prey interactions. Most studies define biological seasons based on fixed schedules or on temporal changes in a single movement measurement. We used a novel clustering approach based on homogeneous space‐use patterns of GPS‐collared animals to reveal 7 biological seasons for caribouRangifer tarandus caribou, and 5 for both mooseAlces alcesand grey wolvesCanis lupusinteracting in a boreal ecosystem. Subsequent evaluation of niche overlap showed that, as predicted, wolves had a stronger spatio‐temporal connection with moose, its main prey, than with caribou. Movement constraints and limiting resource distributions similarly affected all species in some instances, but also caused temporal changes in the extent of niche overlap between wolves and its two prey. The risk that caribou faced was not only linked to the niche overlap with wolves, but also to the extent of wolf‐moose niche overlap during the same period. Food‐web properties emerged from the analysis, with temporal changes in relative niche overlap reflecting the strength of trophic interactions during the year. Our study demonstrates how the study of trophic interactions can benefit from comprehensive definitions of biological seasons.
demoniche – an R‐package for simulating spatially‐explicit population dynamics
Authors: Nenzén Hedvig K. , Swab Rebecca M. , Keith David A. , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: April 2012

demoniche is a freely available R‐package which simulates stochastic population dynamics in multiple populations of a species. A demographic model projects population sizes utilizing several transition matrices that can represent impacts on species growth. The demoniche model offers options for setting demographic stochasticity, carrying capacity, and dispersal. The demographic projection in each population is linked to spatially‐explicit niche values, which affect the species growth. With the demoniche package it is possible to compare the influence of scenarios of environmental changes on future population sizes, extinction probabilities, and range shifts of species.
One century of eel growth: changes and implications
Authors: Daverat Françoise , Beaulaton Laurent , Poole Russell , Lambert Patrick , Wickström Håkan , Andersson Jan , Aprahamian Miran , Hizem Besma , Elie Pierre , Yalçın‐Özdilek Sukran , Gumus Aysun
Published: April 2012

Abstract –  A cooperative effort gathered a large European length‐at‐age data set (N = 45,759, Lat. 36S–61N Long. 10W–27E) for Anguilla anguilla, covering one century. To assess the effect of global warming during the last century and habitat effects on growth, a model was fitted on the data representing the conditions met at the distribution area scale. Two GLMs were designed to predict eel log(GR): one model was fitted to the whole data and the other was fitted to the female data subset. A model selection procedure was applied to select the best predictors among sex, age class, five temperature parameters and six habitat parameters (depth, salinity and four variables related to the position in the catchment). The yearly sum of temperatures above 13 °C (TempSUP13), the relative distance within the catchment, sex, age class, salinity class and depth class were finally selected. The best model predicted eel log(GR) with a 64.46% accuracy for the whole data and 66.91% for the female eel data. Growth rate (GR) was greater in habitats close to the sea and in deep habitats. TempSUP13 variable had one of the greatest predictive powers in the model, showing that global warming had affected eel growth during the last century.
Effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection on immune functions of human neutrophils
Authors: Hung S‐L. , Chiang H‐H. , Wu C‐Y. , Hsu M‐J. , Chen Y‐T.
Published: April 2012

Hung S‐L, Chiang H‐H, Wu C‐Y, Hsu M‐J, Chen Y‐T. Effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection on immune functions of human neutrophils. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 635–644. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Herpesviruses may play roles in the development of periodontal diseases. This study analyzed the effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) infection on neutrophil function. The effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, during HSV‐1 infection were also determined.

Material and Methods:  Purified HSV‐1 was pretreated with buffer containing no serum, with HSV‐1 immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐positive serum (HSV‐1 antiserum) or with control serum. Neutrophils were mock‐infected or infected with the pretreated HSV‐1. Viral binding and phagosome formation were detected using immunostaining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate and fluorometry. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) were detected using enzyme immunoassays. Release of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) was examined using gelatin zymography. Phosphorylation of Akt/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) was determined using western blotting.

Results:  HSV‐1 bound directly to neutrophils and enhanced the release of MMP‐9. HSV‐1 immune complexes, formed in the HSV‐1 antiserum, bound neutrophils and induced the formation of early phagosome more effectively than did HSV‐1 alone. The relative levels of ROS and phosphorylation of Akt/GSK‐3 were increased significantly in neutrophils after infection with HSV‐1 immune complexes. Infection with HSV‐1 and HSV‐1 immune complexes also stimulated the production of inflammatory mediators, LTB4 and IL‐8. Moreover, LPS enhanced the HSV‐1‐stimulatory production of IL‐8.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated differences in neutrophils infected with HSV‐1 alone or with HSV‐1 immune complexes, suggesting that opsonization of HSV‐1 might enhance its effects on neutrophils. The in vitro findings suggest that HSV‐1 infection may induce the inflammatory response and affect periodontal health.
Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on the osteogenic and adipogenic potentials of alveolar bone‐derived stromal cells
Authors: Park J‐C. , Kim J.C. , Kim B‐K. , Cho K‐S. , Im G‐I. , Kim B‐S. , Kim C‐S.
Published: April 2012

Park J‐C, Kim J.C, Kim B‐K, Cho K‐S, Im G‐I, Kim B‐S, Kim C‐S. Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on the osteogenic and adipogenic potentials of alveolar bone‐derived stromal cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 645–654. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is a well‐known growth factor that can induce robust bone formation, and recent studies have shown that rhBMP‐2‐induced osteogenesis is closely related to adipogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of rhBMP‐2 on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human alveolar bone‐derived stromal cells (hABCs) in vivo and in vitro.

Material and Methods:  hABCs were isolated and cultured, and then transplanted using a carrier treated either with or without rhBMP‐2 (100 μg/mL) into an ectopic subcutaneous mouse model. Comprehensive histologic and histometric analyses were performed after an 8‐wk healing period. To further understand the dose‐dependent (0, 10, 50, 200, 500 and 1000 ng/mL) and time‐dependent (0, 3, 5, 7 and 14 d) effects of rhBMP‐2 on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, in vitro osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs were evaluated, and the expression of related mRNAs, including those for alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor gamma‐2 and lipoprotein lipase, were assessed using quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results:  rhBMP‐2 significantly promoted the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs in vivo, and gradually increased both the osteogenic and adipogenic potential in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with minimal deviation in vitro. The expression of osteogenesis‐ and adipogenesis‐associated mRNAs were concomitantly up‐regulated by rhBMP‐2.

Conclusion:  The findings of the present study showed that rhBMP‐2 significantly enhanced the adipogenic as well as the osteogenic potential of hABCs in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The control of adipogenic differentiation of hABCs should be considered when regenerating the alveolar bone using rhBMP‐2.
The Long Jump: How to Jump the Same Distance and Win
Authors: Haigh John
Published: April 2012

Distance is not everything in the long jump. As John Haigh explains, there is a trade-off between taking off close to the mark and the risk of disqualification – and it should crucially affect a jumper's tactics.
Promotional effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide on the development of rodent Hertwig's epithelial root sheath
Authors: Xu Jing , Kawashima Nobuyuki , Fujiwara Naoki , Harada Hidemitsu , Ota Masato S. , Suda Hideaki
Published: April 2012

Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS), a bilayered epithelial cell sheath located at the cervical loop of the enamel organ in a developing tooth, is at the forefront of root formation. However, little is known about the exact mechanisms that regulate the development of HERS. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is involved in the development of various tissues and cells. In this study, we investigated the roles of VIP in HERS development. VIP‐immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in the dental pulp and around the root apex of the tooth, while the expression of VIP receptor 1 (VPAC1) was observed in HERS. The expression level of VPAC1 correlated with the development of HERS and was elevated at postnatal days 14 and 21. Using ex vivo cultures of neonatal tooth germs, VIP enhanced the elongation and proliferation of HERS. In vitro, VIP also promoted the proliferation of cells from the HERS‐derived cell line, HERS01a cells, and upregulated the mRNA expression of cytokeratin 14 and vimentin (typical molecular markers of HERS) in these cells. These results suggest that VIP may be an essential factor for HERS development.
Medicines and disease information needs of older Arabic‐speaking Australians
Authors: El Samman Fadwa , Chaar Betty B , McLachlan Andrew J , Aslani Parisa
Published: April 2012

Aim:  To explore access, satisfaction, awareness and needs for medicines and disease information (MADI) sources for older Arabic‐speaking Australians.

Method:  Five focus groups were conducted (in Arabic) with 29 participants with a chronic disease, aged over 65 years, and unable to speak or read English fluently. Discussions were audiotape recorded, simultaneously interpreted into English, transcribed verbatim and content analysed.

Results:  Arabic‐speaking general practitioners were identified as the main source of MADI, despite dissatisfaction with their counselling. Written Arabic MADI was not accessed by participants, who revealed low English and Arabic literacy levels and a reliance on family members to act as interpreters. Male participants were more concerned and active about their health and medicine information than female participants.

Conclusions:  This study highlighted limited availability and access to Arabic MADI for older Arabic‐speaking Australians, with reliance on Arabic‐speaking health‐care professionals for information and family members as interpreters. An accessible and sustainable system for MADI is required.
Living in dressings and bandages: findings from workshops with people with Epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Grocott Patricia , Blackwell Rebecca , Weir Heather , Pillay Elizabeth
Published: April 2012

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited disorder causing extensive, painful skin blistering and wounds. Currently, there is no cure and the focus of care is on the clinical management of the skin and other affected body systems, together with supportive care to individuals and families. The wound care for Epidermolysis bullosa (WEB) project is a collaboration with adults with EB, carers, clinical nurse specialists, a designer and manufacturers to develop novel products for EB wound care. This article reports the findings from workshops with adults with EB, their carers and clinical nurse specialists, together with observations of dressing changes. A cluster of significant limitations were revealed in the performance of wound care products, designed to cover a single wound, when they are used to cover extensive and whole body wounds. A working hypothesis for EB wound care was developed from the findings, together with design concepts and new products for EB wound care. In addition, a model of user engagement in medical device development and evaluation has been tested.
When is a bystander not a bystander? A typology of the roles of bystanders in workplace bullying
Authors: Paull Megan , Omari Maryam , Standen Peter
Published: April 2012

The role of the bystander is one which has received only a small portion of the research attention that has been paid to workplace bullying. This paper will argue that bystanders are not just incidental but are an integral part of the context of bullying. Drawing on qualitative data from two separate studies, a typology is presented which outlines thirteen potential roles bystanders can take. This typology can be employed as an awareness‐raising tool to encourage individuals to examine their own behaviour in a range of situations, and to acknowledge that their actions, either deliberate or inadvertent, can contribute to outcomes of events which may be classified as bullying. It also provides a foundation for further research into bystanders in workplace bullying.
Health literacy: The sixth vital sign
Authors: Heinrich Carol
Published: April 2012

Abstract  Purpose: The purpose of this project was to describe the concept of health literacy, and to assess health literacy levels in diabetic patients receiving care in primary care settings.

Data sources: Health literacy was measured by the Newest Vital Sign (NVS), an assessment tool that was developed for use in primary care settings. The sample consisted of 54 participants of whom 22% were Caucasian, 43% Black, and 35% Latino/Latina. Health literacy scores ranged from 0–6, with a mean of 2.87. Nearly 2/3 of the participants obtained scores of 3 or less, indicating a strong possibility of limited literacy. Significant correlations were obtained between health literacy and educational level, and between health literacy and ethnicity/race.

Conclusions: Limited health literacy is so common that health literacy assessment needs to be considered in all clinical practice settings. Health literacy is considered the sixth vital sign—along with temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and pain level.

Implications for practice: The NVS takes about three minutes to administer and the assessment is easily accomplished during the initial visit for each patient. Healthcare providers will then be aware of the health literacy level of each patient and base their communication appropriately.
Are the CMS Hospital Outpatient Quality Measures Relevant for Rural Hospitals?
Authors: Casey Michelle M. , Prasad Shailendra , Klingner Jill , Moscovice Ira
Published: April 2012

Context: Quality measures focused on outpatient settings are of increasing interest to policy makers, but little research has been conducted on hospital outpatient quality measures, especially in rural settings.

Purpose: To evaluate the relevance of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) outpatient quality measures for rural hospitals, including Critical Access Hospitals.

Methods: Researchers analyzed Medicare hospital outpatient claims and Hospital Compare outpatient quality measure data for rural hospitals to assess the volume of conditions addressed by the measures in rural hospitals. A literature review and information from national quality organizations were used to assess the external and internal usefulness of the measures for rural hospitals. A panel of rural hospital quality experts reviewed the measures and provided additional input about their usefulness and data collection issues in rural hospitals.

Results: The rural relevant CMS outpatient measures include most of the Emergency Department (ED) measures. The outpatient surgical measures are relevant for the majority of rural hospitals providing outpatient surgery. Several measures were not selected as relevant for rural hospitals, including the outpatient imaging and condition‐specific measures.

Conclusions: To increase sample sizes for smaller rural hospitals, CMS could combine data for similar inpatient and outpatient measures, use composite measures by condition, or use a longer time period to calculate measures. A menu of outpatient measures would allow smaller rural hospitals to choose relevant measures depending on the outpatient services they provide. Global measures and care coordination measures would be useful for quality improvement and have sufficient sample size to allow reliable measurement in smaller rural hospitals.
The Impact of Living in Rural and Urban Areas: Vitamin D and Medical Costs in Veterans
Authors: Bailey Beth A. , Manning Todd , Peiris Alan N.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Living in a rural region is associated with significant health disparities and increased medical costs. Vitamin D deficiency, which is increasingly common, is also associated with many adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether rural‐urban residence status of veterans was related to vitamin D levels, and to determine if this factor also influenced medical costs/service utilization. Additionally explored was whether vitamin D differences accounted for part of the association between area of residence and medical costs/service utilization.

Methods: Medical records of 9,396 veterans from 6 Veterans Administration Medical Centers were reviewed for variables of interest including county of residence, vitamin D level, medical costs and service utilization, and background variables. Rurality status was classified as large metropolitan, urban, and rural.

Findings: The 3 rurality status groups differed significantly in vitamin D levels, with the highest levels observed for urban residents, followed by rural residents, and the lowest for large metro residents. Compared with urban residents, large metro residents were 49% more likely, while rural residents were 20% more likely, to be vitamin D deficient. Both rural and large metro residents had higher medical costs, and they were significantly more likely to be hospitalized. Vitamin D levels explained a statistically significant amount of the relationship between rurality status and medical costs/service utilization.

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency may be an additional health disparity experienced by both rural and inner‐city veterans, and patients residing in these locations should be considered at increased risk for deficiency and routinely tested.
Torn in translation: An ethnographic study of regulatory decision‐making in Turkey
Authors: Kayaalp Ebru
Published: April 2012

There is much literature on the diffusion and translation of regulatory agencies from the perspective of formal political models. Ethnographic research of regulation process is, however, much less common. This is even more evident with regards to the study of regulatory agencies established outside the “West.” This article analyzes the translation process of the Turkish tobacco regulatory agency, which was established in 2002, under commitments made to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Based on an ethnographic analysis of two controversial cases, the study shows that tobacco regulation was being shaped and pursued in an environment of ambivalence and uncertainty. The study concludes that the decision‐making process of the agency is context‐specific and constructed within the perpetual struggles and interactions among the actors involved in this process.
Regional Economic Growth and Spillover Effects: An Analysis of China's Pan Pearl River Delta Area
Authors: Chen Yu , Wu Yanrui
Published: April 2012

The Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co‐operation Framework Agreement was signed in 2004. It aims to bring prosperity through partnership among nine Chinese Mainland provinces and China's two special administrative regions. In this paper, we use a dynamic panel data model to examine the economic growth of the PPRD economies from 1985 to 2009. Our analysis confirms the existence of regional growth spillover effects in the PPRD area. Our results also show that economic growth spillover effects of non‐PPRD regions on the PPRD regions are greater than those among the PPRD members themselves. These findings imply that economic integration between Chinese provinces has generated considerable spillover effects on regional growth. However, the anticipated benefits of the implementation of the PPRD agreement have not been realized thus far. Therefore, greater effort should be made to promote further economic integration among these members so that their local economies can benefit from the positive spillover effects.