bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RD Lawrence Lecture 2012 Assessing aetiology in diabetes: how C‐peptide, CRP and fucosylation came to the party!
Authors: Owen K. R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAssigning the correct aetiology in diabetes is important for treatment, understanding prognosis and for follow‐up of family members. Despite these benefits, many are missing out on the opportunity to have testing for monogenic forms of diabetes. This review gives the clinical features of the commoner forms of monogenic diabetes and examines which clinical and biological markers can be used to identify those at highest risk of having Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). MODY is characterised by young‐onset, familial diabetes which is C‐peptide positive, β‐cell antibody negative and not associated with metabolic syndrome. Differentiating from type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be challenging due to the overlap of clinical features. In type 1 diabetes, insulin production ceases after the honeymoon period. Thus C‐peptide can be used to detect those with persisting insulin secretion who might have a different cause for their diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, most have insulin resistance, so absence of metabolic syndrome could be used to identify those most likely to have MODY. Another approach is to look for non‐pancreatic features associated with mutations in MODY genes. Following results from Genome‐wide association studies, we have shown that those with HNF1A mutations (the commonest form of MODY) have decreased serum levels of highly‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and altered patterns of plasma protein fucosylation. These features can differentiate HNF1A‐MODY from common forms of diabetes with a high degree of discriminative accuracy. Using combinations of clinical features and new biomarkers in diagnostic pathways will help increase diagnosis rates of MODY.
Does Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Induce Cardiac Remodeling?
Authors: Fuchs Therese , Baron Elvera L. , Leitman Marina , Burgsdorf Oleg , Torjman Amram , Vered Zvi 
Published: October 2012

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare cardiac structure and function in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF), as opposed to patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), and normal control subjects. Methods and Results: This study included 83 patients, divided into 3 groups: group A, 32 patients with CAF for ≥6 months; group B, 29 patients in sinus rhythm with a documented history of PAF; and group C, 22 patients without history of atrial fibrillation. Patients with CAF were older (71 years vs. 64 in group B, and 64 in group C). Apart from age, groups were clinically similar. After careful clinical evaluation, comprehensive echocardiography studies were performed including cardiac chambers' size, systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. Left atrium (LA) volume index was significantly larger in CAF than PAF and control patients: 39 ± 13 versus 34 ± 9 versus 25 ± 8 (P < 0.003). Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in CAF: 53.8 ± 7 versus 61.6 ± 6.7 versus 58.4 ± 5.2% (P < 0.001). Isovolumic relaxation time was shorter in CAF, 65 ± 16 versus 82 ± 21 versus 81 ± 13 msec (P < 0.001). E/Vp was significantly greater in CAF 2.6 ± 0.8 versus 1.7 ± 0.4 versus 1.7 ± 0.5 (P < 0.001). Additional diastolic parameters were also significantly different. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that in patients with CAF structural and functional cardiac changes occur. Patients with CAF as opposed to both normal subjects and patients with PAF have larger left atria and reduced systolic and diastolic left ventricular function.
An Unusual Case of Left Atrial Myxoma and Papillary Fibroelastoma
Authors: Challa Suresh , Chaliki Hari P. , Najib Mohammad Q. , Ganji Jhansi L. , Click Roger L. 
Published: October 2012

Mini‐AbstractWe present a case of a 76‐year‐old woman with new‐onset atrial flutter who underwent transesophageal echocardiography, which demonstrated a large left atrial mass consistent with myxoma and a “shimmering” mobile mass on the aortic side of the right coronary cusp, with fronds consistent with a papillary fibroelastoma. Such concurrent primary cardiac tumors of different histology are a rare occurence.
Stocking impacts the expression of candidate genes and physiological condition in introgressed brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations
Authors: Lamaze Fabien C. , Garant Dany , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTranslocation of plants and animal populations between environments is one of the major forms of anthropogenic perturbation experienced by pristine populations, and consequently, human‐mediated hybridization by stocking practices between wild and exogenous conspecifics is of increasing concern. In this study, we compared the expression of seven candidate genes involved in multifactorial traits and regulatory pathways for growth as a function of level of introgressive hybridization between wild and domestic brook charr to test the null hypothesis of no effect of introgression on wild fish. Our analyses revealed that the expression of two of the genes tested, cytochrome c oxidase VIIa and the growth hormone receptor isoform I, was positively correlated with the level of introgression. We also observed a positive relationship between the extent of introgression and physiological status quantified by the Fulton's condition index. The expression of other genes was influenced by other variables, including year of sampling (reflecting different thermal conditions), sampling method and lake of origin. This is the first demonstration in nature that introgression from stocked populations has an impact on the expression of genes playing a role in important biological functions that may be related with fitness in wild introgressed populations.
Spatialities of Governance – Spatial Imaginations Associated with Market, Hierarchy, Networks and Communities
Authors: Ibert Oliver , Stein Axel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper scrutinizes different modes of governance and their associations to spatial imaginations. Two main contributions are made. First, we outline the state of the art knowledge on coordinated action. We engage with thinking on markets, hierarchies and networks, while emphasizing the insights offered by the literature on communities of practice, which have yet to be considered by these established approaches. Second, we seek to make explicit how conceptual assumptions inherent to these modes of governance shape specific spatial imaginations. Coordination through the market has been strongly associated with the spatial imagination of agglomeration. More or less hierarchical governance inspired the idea of local production systems while the network paradigm has fed imaginations of relational spaces. In contrast, the spatial implications of communities remain barely understood. In this paper we suggest “shared contexts” as a useful notion to provide a preliminary understanding of this spatiality.
The use of radiography and the apex locator in endodontic treatment within the UK: a comparison between endodontic specialists and general dental practitioners
Authors: Orafi I. , Rushton V. E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialist endodontists working in the UK in the use of radiography and apex locators during root canal treatment and to see if use was related to respondent's age and the year of graduation.MethodologyA postal questionnaire was sent to 857 randomly selected GDPs and all endodontic specialists working in the UK (170). Non‐responders were sent a further two mailings. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare both groups at the P < 0.05 level of significance. For nonparametric data, the Mann–Whitney U test was employed.ResultsThe overall response rate was 73%. There were significant differences between endodontic specialists and GDPs in the prescription of the preoperative, the cone‐fit and the postoperative radiograph. A total of 114 (86.4%) endodontic specialists and 321 (53.2%) GDPs reported using an apex locator (P < 0.001). Eighty‐eight (66.7%) endodontists and 217 (36%) GDPs used an apex locator and a radiograph to determine the working length for a single‐rooted tooth (P < 0.001). For multi‐rooted teeth, 91 (68.9%) endodontists and 229 (38%) GDPs used a combined approach of an electronic apex locator and a working‐length radiograph (P < 0.001). One‐millimetre short of the radiographic apex was employed by 56.2% of respondents as the apical limit. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) between the two groups with regard to routine radiographic follow‐up.ConclusionsBoth endodontists and GDPs were found to be observing national guidelines when performing root canal treatment. Greater use of apex locators was found amongst endodontists who tended to use a combined approach of an apex locator and periapical radiography.
Empirical evaluation of grouping of lower urinary tract symptoms: principal component analysis of Tampere Ageing Male Urological Study data
Authors: Pöyhönen Antti , Häkkinen Jukka T. , Koskimäki Juha , Hakama Matti , Tammela Teuvo L.J. , Auvinen Anssi 
Published: October 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The ICS has divided LUTS into three groups: storage, voiding and post‐micturition symptoms. The classification is based on anatomical, physiological and urodynamic considerations of a theoretical nature. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the inter‐correlations of various LUTS, which is a novel approach to research and can strengthen existing knowledge of the phenomenology of LUTS. After we had completed our analyses, another study was published that used a similar approach and results were very similar to those of the present study.
We evaluated the constellation of LUTS using PCA of the data from a population‐based study that included >4000 men. In our analysis, three components emerged from the 12 LUTS: voiding, storage and incontinence components. Our results indicated that incontinence may be separate from the other storage symptoms and post‐micturition symptoms should perhaps be regarded as voiding symptoms.
Objective
To determine how lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) relate to each other and assess if the classification proposed by the International Continence Society (ICS) is consistent with empirical findings.
Materials And Methods
The information on urinary symptoms for this population‐based study was collected using a self‐administered postal questionnaire in 2004.
The questionnaire was sent to 7470 men, aged 30–80 years, from Pirkanmaa County (Finland), of whom 4384 (58.7%) returned the questionnaire.
The Danish Prostatic Symptom Score‐1 questionnaire was used to evaluate urinary symptoms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the inter‐correlations among various urinary symptoms.
Results
The PCA produced a grouping of 12 LUTS into three categories consisting of voiding, storage and incontinence symptoms. Post‐micturition symptoms were related to voiding symptoms, but incontinence symptoms were separate from storage symptoms.
In the analyses by age group, similar categorization was found at ages 40, 50, 60 and 80 years, but only two groups of symptoms emerged among men aged 70 years. The prevalence among men aged 30 was too low for meaningful analysis.
Conclusions
This population‐based study suggests that LUTS can be divided into three subgroups consisting of voiding, storage and incontinence symptoms based on their inter‐correlations.
Our empirical findings suggest an alternative grouping of LUTS. The potential utility of such an approach requires careful consideration.
LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICES IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: MAIN RESULTS OF A RESEARCH PROJECT BY CIRIEC INTERNATIONAL
Authors: BOGNETTI Giuseppe , OBERMANN Gabriel 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  The present article is meant as an introduction to the three contributions on local public transport, water services and waste management resulting from a research of CIRIEC International Scientific Commission on ‘Public Services/Public Enterprises’, launched in 2008. The main purpose of the research was to produce a cross section description of essential and widely used local public services in different countries and to investigate their evolution over the last two or three decades.We give here a transversal overview of general common trends in the three analyzed sectors. We explain the increasing autonomy and separation of decision levels in planning and governance processes, describe the changing role and nature of the provider of public services, depict some peculiarities of the structure and the process of regulation, and deal finally with some remarks on funding policies. We show that unquestionably EU directives and regulations did have a definite impact on the way the services were supplied; however this has not produced a prevailing ‘European model’ in all member States. Our research shows clearly that as of now the EU area offers very different models of local public services. The variety of solutions adopted is impressive. Each concrete choice regarding regulation, market governance, planning and provision depends in the end on a negotiation between the central state, local authorities, bureaucracy, trade unions, pressure groups such as private enterprises and users of the service. The existence of different solutions adopted by different countries and within the same sector could mean that a compulsory policy towards a uniform solution, as frequently favoured by the EU, is not convincing and should not be supported. Since there is no evidence that the different solutions produce different degrees of efficiency and effectiveness, they could represent appropriate forms of adaptation to national overall characteristics and changing citizens’ needs.
NEW ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS IN EUROPEAN LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT: FROM MYTH TO REALITY*
Authors: ZATTI Andrea 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT:  The Europeanization of public services is frequently considered to have created pressure for Member States to progressively converge towards a new dominant organizational model, based on deregulation, de‐integration and privatization. However, while in some sectors European directives played a crucial role in boosting a common evolutionary path, in other cases, mainly related to local public services, this influence remained feeble and more uncertain. The empirical insight on EU Local Public Transport Services carried out in this paper aims at investigating if and to what extent this new dominant paradigm actually emerges, or if and to what extent more fragmented and heterogeneous outcomes prevail.The main outcome is that the public role in Local Public Transport is still widespread and that a major theoretical and analytical focus should be directed to the ability of the principal‐competent public administration to play its role in an effective and sound manner, while often too much attention is paid to the characteristics of the agent‐operator (public‐private, big or small, foreign or national, etc.).
US Universities and the Production of the Global Imaginary
Authors: Kamola Isaac 
Published: October 2012

Research Highlights and Abstract Globalization and US higher education. Theorizing the global imaginary (Charles Taylor and Manfred Steger). Althusser and the imaginary. Universities and the production of knowledge. I argue that ‘globalization’ is not simply a concept describing the world but rather an imaginary; a mental practice which renders multiple, often competing, social relationships into a meaningful, coherent whole. While some scholars have made similar arguments, none has laid out a theoretically rigorous understanding of the global imaginary. I first draw upon the work of Charles Taylor and Manfred Steger to better understand globalization as an imaginary, but find their work unable to explain how the global imaginary is produced. To ameliorate this deficiency, I turn to the work of Louis Althusser to theorize globalization as socially produced within particular material apparatuses that organize daily practices. I conclude by applying this theory to examine how the apparatus of the US university has transformed from an institution designed to produce a national imaginary to one producing the global imaginary.
Multifunctional Agriculture Meets Health Care: Applying the Multi‐Level Transition Sciences Perspective to Care Farming in the Netherlands
Authors: Hassink Jan , Grin John , Hulsink Wim 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCare farming is a promising example of multifunctional agriculture: it is an innovation at the crossroads of the agricultural and healthcare sectors. Our objective is to develop a framework for understanding the success of initiatives in this field. We link empirical data with the multi‐level perspective from the transition sciences and extend this perspective with insights from the literature on entrepreneurship, alliance management and organisational attributes. This framework allows us to explain the success of the three major types of initiatives: (1) individual care farms; (2) regional foundations of care farmers; and (3) care institutions collaborating with groups of farmers at a regional level. We propose that the main factors responsible for the success of initiatives are the commitment and competences of the entrepreneur, the creation of alliances, the quality of the new regional organisations and the implementation of the care farm services in care organisations. The relative importance of the factors varies between the different types of initiatives and local and regional levels.
Splitting bodies/selves: women’s concepts of embodiment at the moment of birth
Authors: Lupton Deborah , Schmied Virginia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLittle sociological research has focused specifically on the moment of birth. In this article we draw upon interview data with women who had very recently given birth for the first time to explore the ways in which they described both their own embodiment and that of their infants at this time. We use the term ‘the body‐being‐born’ to describe the liminality and fragmentation of the foetal/infant body as women experience it when giving birth. The study found that mode of birth was integral to the process of coming to terms with this body during and following birth. The women who gave birth vaginally without anaesthesia experienced an intense physicality as they felt their bodies painfully opening as the ‘body‐being‐born’ forced its way out. In contrast the women who had had a Caesarean section tended to experience both their own bodies and those of their infants as absent and alienated. Most of the women took some time to come to terms with the infant once it was born, conceptualising it as strange and unknown, but those who delivered by Caesarean section had to work even harder in coming to terms with the experience.
Model‐based analysis of skin conductance responses: Towards causal models in psychophysiology
Authors: Bach Dominik R. , Friston Karl J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe empirical investigation of unobservable psychological processes usually rests on operational definitions. As an alternative, we propose the use of explicit causal models. This is particularly useful in psychophysiology, where formal models can be expressed mathematically, exploiting biophysical constraints, and inverted to yield estimates of unobservable processes. In psychophysiology, recent advances have been made in causal modeling for skin conductance responses, which we discuss to exemplify the development of such models. Empirical evidence suggests that these methods have a greater validity compared to operational approaches. This review concludes by considering the theoretical implications for the field of psychophysiology and benefits for practical data analysis.
A Stochastic Approach to Model Dynamic Systems in Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Miller Shelie A. , Moysey Stephen , Sharp Benjamin , Alfaro Jose 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThis article presents a framework to evaluate emerging systems in life cycle assessment (LCA). Current LCA methods are effective for established systems; however, lack of data often inhibits robust analysis of future products or processes that may benefit the most from life cycle information. In many cases the life cycle inventory (LCI) of a system can change depending on its development pathway. Modeling emerging systems allows insights into probable trends and a greater understanding of the effect of future scenarios on LCA results. The proposed framework uses Bayesian probabilities to model technology adoption. The method presents a unique approach to modeling system evolution and can be used independently or within the context of an agent‐based model (ABM). LCA can be made more robust and dynamic by using this framework to couple scenario modeling with life cycle data, analyzing the effect of decision‐making patterns over time. Potential uses include examining the changing urban metabolism of growing cities, understanding the development of renewable energy technologies, identifying transformations in material flows over space and time, and forecasting industrial networks for developing products. A switchgrass‐to‐energy case demonstrates the approach.
Stagnating Life Expectancies and Future Prospects in an Age of Uncertainty
Authors: Denney Justin T. , McNown Robert , Rogers Richard G. , Doubilet Steven 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThis article provides a timely assessment of U.S. life expectancy given recent stalls in the growth of length of life, the continuing drop in international rankings of life expectancy for the United States, and a period of growing social and economic insecurity.MethodsTime‐series analysis is used on over 70 years of data from the Human Mortality Database to forecast future life expectancy to the year 2055.ResultsThe results show limited improvements in U.S. life expectancy at birth, less than three years on average, for both men and women.ConclusionsEven in uncertain times, it is important to look forward in preparing for the needs of future populations. The results presented here underscore the relevance of policy and health initiatives aimed at improving the nation's health and reveal important insight into possible limits to mortality improvement over the next five decades.