bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory GIS for strengthening transboundary marine governance in SIDS
Authors: Baldwin Kimberly , Mahon Robin , McConney Patrick 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this paper we explore the challenges involved in engaging the full range of stakeholders needed for effective marine resource management in the transboundary Grenadine Islands shared by the small island developing States (SIDS) of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. The study describes the ways stakeholders were engaged in the development of participatory geographic information systems (PGIS), both in terms of the research approach (process) and the final geodatabase (product); it illustrates how the approach provides a practical means to strengthen aspects of marine governance, particularly in a SIDS context. We found that PGIS can provide a foundation for ecosystem‐based transboundary marine governance. The advantages of this approach are two‐fold: it provides the fullest possible range of information as input for the management of marine resources and it engages the stakeholders. This engagement takes several forms: capacity to participate in research; ownership of information produced; increased stakeholder understanding; empowerment through access to information; capacity to interact with other stakeholders for information and problem‐solving; and competence to participate in actual governance processes. Lastly, we discuss considerations for other practitioners contemplating using PGIS, particularly those working in similar resource‐limited SIDS environments.
Changes in mental state associated with prison environments: a systematic review
Authors: Walker J. , Illingworth C. , Canning A. , Garner E. , Woolley J. , Taylor P. , Amos T. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo develop an understanding of the stability of mental health during imprisonment through review of existing research evidence relating physical prison environment to mental state changes in prisoners.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted looking at changes in mental state and how this related to various aspects of imprisonment and the prison environment.ResultsFifteen longitudinal studies were found, and from these, three broad themes were delineated: being imprisoned and aspects of the prison regime; stage of imprisonment and duration of sentence; and social density. Reception into prison results in higher levels of psychiatric symptoms that seem to improve over time; otherwise, duration of imprisonment appears to have no significant impact on mental health. Regardless of social density, larger prisons are associated with poorer mental state, as are extremes of social density.ConclusionThere are large gaps in the literature relating prison environments to changes in mental state; in particular, high‐quality longitudinal studies are needed. Existing research suggests that although entry to prison may be associated with deterioration in mental state, it tends to improve with time. Furthermore, overcrowding, ever more likely as prison populations rise, is likely to place a particular burden on mental health services.
Pathophysiological mechanisms of impaired limb use and repair strategies for motor systems after unilateral injury of the developing brain
Authors: Friel Kathleen M , Chakrabarty Samit , Martin John H 
Published: November 2013

The corticospinal tract (CST) is important for limb control. In humans, it begins developing prenatally but CST connections do not have a mature pattern until about 6 months of age and its capacity to evoke muscle contraction does not mature until mid‐adolescence. An initially bilateral projection is subsequently refined, so that most ipsilateral CST connections are eliminated. Unilateral brain damage during refinement leads to bilateral developmental impairments. The damaged side develops sparse and weak contralateral spinal connections and the non‐involved hemisphere maintains its ipsilateral projection to develop an aberrant bilateral spinal projection. In a kitten model of unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, we replicate key features of the CST circuit changes: robust bilateral CST projections from the non‐involved hemisphere, sparse contralateral connections from the affected hemisphere, and motor impairments. We discuss the role of activity‐dependent synaptic competition in development of bilateral CSTs and consider several experimental strategies for restoring a more normal pattern of CST connections from the damaged and non‐involved sides. We highlight recent results stressing the importance of combined repair of CST axons, restoration of a more normal motor cortex motor representation, and key involvement of spinal cholinergic interneurons in restoring skilled motor function.
Timing of growth determines fitness and performance of a galling insect on willow
Authors: HÖGLUND SOLVEIG 
Published: November 2013

Characteristics that determine a plant's quality as herbivore food exhibit within‐plant heterogeneity. Most models suggest negative effects from secondary chemicals. Less work has focused on plant growth dynamics that might also be important in creating heterogeneity in the distribution of food resources among leaves within the plant.
Gall‐forming insects are sessile during their feeding stage and are therefore of particular interest when assessing the relative importance of growth and non‐growth processes in plants. Galls act as sinks for photoassimilates, and successful redirection of these resources requires that gall formation takes place in plant modules that are in an active growth phase.
The gall midge Dasineura marginemtorquens infests leaves of the fast‐growing Salix viminalis. Several young leaves per shoot are used as oviposition sites during any single egg‐laying occasion. This study investigates the extent to which growth in leaves that are apparently suitable for gall initiation varies along shoots of S. viminalis, and tests whether or not such variation affects the fitness and performance of D. marginemtorquens.
The relative position of the galled leaves along a shoot was found to determine the success of the gall midge in terms of larval survival, larval developmental time, and adult size. Leaf growth dynamics, but not leaf size, was associated with the variation in insect fitness and performance. Thus, when considering habitat quality for a sessile insect like D. marginemtorquens, the length of time that the galling site acts as a photoassimilate sink is more important than the final size of the plant module.
Facilitative plant interactions and climate simultaneously drive alpine plant diversity
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Brooker Rob W. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Cook Bradley J. , Kikvidze Zaal , Lortie Christopher J. , Michalet Richard , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Schöb Christian , Xiao Sa , Anthelme Fabien , Björk Robert G. , Dickinson Katharine J. M. , Cranston Brittany H. , Gavilán Rosario , Gutiérrez‐Girón Alba , Kanka Robert , Maalouf Jean‐Paul , Mark Alan F. , Noroozi Jalil , Parajuli Rabindra , Phoenix Gareth K. , Reid Anya M. , Ridenour Wendy M. , Rixen Christian , Wipf Sonja , Zhao Liang , Escudero Adrián , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Lingua Emanuele , Aschehoug Erik T. , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInteractions among species determine local‐scale diversity, but local interactions are thought to have minor effects at larger scales. However, quantitative comparisons of the importance of biotic interactions relative to other drivers are rarely made at larger scales. Using a data set spanning 78 sites and five continents, we assessed the relative importance of biotic interactions and climate in determining plant diversity in alpine ecosystems dominated by nurse‐plant cushion species. Climate variables related with water balance showed the highest correlation with richness at the global scale. Strikingly, although the effect of cushion species on diversity was lower than that of climate, its contribution was still substantial. In particular, cushion species enhanced species richness more in systems with inherently impoverished local diversity. Nurse species appear to act as a ‘safety net’ sustaining diversity under harsh conditions, demonstrating that climate and species interactions should be integrated when predicting future biodiversity effects of climate change.
Expanding the cleft phenotype: the dental characteristics of unaffected parents of Australian children with non‐syndromic cleft lip and palate
Authors: Aspinall Andrea , Raj Supriya , Jugessur Anil , Marazita Mary , Savarirayan Ravi , Kilpatrick Nicky 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe aetiology of isolated clefts of the lip and/or palate remains obscure. Unaffected family members are treated as if their genetic risks are equivalent and low. Given the number of genes associated with both clefting and dental anomalies, the hypothesis that such anomalies contribute to the cleft phenotype should be explored.AimTo describe the dental characteristics of parents of children with non‐syndromic cleft lip ± palate.DesignUnaffected parents of Australian children with a cleft of the lip ± palate underwent dental examination including radiographs, photographs, and impressions. Dental anomalies were identified.ResultsData were available on 101 parents (49 males, 52 females). Fifty‐one participants had at least one dental anomaly. Twelve (11.8%) individuals had congenital absence of teeth, with seven missing multiple teeth. The tooth most commonly missing was the upper right lateral incisor. Five subjects (4.9%) had microdontia (upper lateral incisor most commonly affected). Four subjects (4.0%) had supernumerary teeth. Enamel defects were present in 27 (26.7%) cases with the incisors (46.8%) followed by premolars (24.2%) most affected.ConclusionsThis study supports previous work suggesting that ‘unaffected’ parents of children with clefts of the lip ± palate may present with dental anomalies.
The effect of self‐efficacy, depression and symptom distress on employment status and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients
Authors: Weng Li‐Chueh , Huang Hsiu‐Li , Wang Yi‐Wen , Lee Wei‐Chen , Chen Kang‐Hua , Yang Tsui‐Yun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo examine the effect of self‐efficacy, subjective work ability, depression and symptom distress on and to provide a description of, the employment and leisure activities of liver transplant recipients.BackgroundReturn to work and leisure activities have become an important aspect of life for liver transplant recipients worldwide. An investigation of the factors that influence the employment status and leisure activities has been recommended as a means to help transplant recipients restore their productivity.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional, descriptive and correlational study in 2010.MethodsA convenience sampling method was used. Data were collected using a set of questionnaires that were administered retrospectively. A total of 106 liver transplant patients were included in this study.ResultsThe post‐transplantation employment rate was 45·2%. The positive predictors of employment were higher subjective work ability and higher symptom distress. Gender (female), monthly family income (<US $2,000), depression and unemployment pre‐transplantation were negatively associated with employment status. Of the 106 patients, 62 (58·5%) were in the low‐diversity group (score of less than 3) of leisure activities. Monthly family income of <US $2,000 was associated with a low diversity of participation in leisure activities.ConclusionSubjective work ability and symptom distress were positive predictors of employment, while depression was a negative predictor. Nurses in the transplant team should focus on increasing a sense of confidence, decreasing depressive symptoms and monitoring the severity of symptoms to improve the employment status of liver transplant recipients.
Suppression of the immune system as a critical step for bone formation from allogeneic osteoprogenitors implanted in rats
Authors: Chatterjea Anindita , LaPointe Vanessa L.S. , Alblas Jacqueline , Chatterjea Supriyo , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , de Boer Jan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe surface marker profile of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) suggests that they can escape detection by the immune system of an allogeneic host. This could be an optimal strategy for bone regeneration applications, where off‐the‐shelf cells could be implanted to heal bone defects. However, it is unknown how pre‐differentiation of MSCs to an osteogenic lineage, a means of improving bone formation, affects their immunogenicity. Using immunohistological techniques in a rat ectopic implantation model, we demonstrate that allogeneic osteoprogenitors mount a T cell‐ and B cell‐mediated immune response resulting in an absence of in vivo bone formation. Suppression of the host immune response with daily administration of an immunosuppressant, FK506, is effective in preventing the immune attack on the allogeneic osteoprogenitors. In the immunosuppressed environment, the allogeneic osteoprogenitors are capable of generating bone in amounts similar to those of syngeneic cells. However, using osteoprogenitors from one of the allogeneic donors led to newly deposited bone that was attacked by the host immune system, despite the continued administration of the immunosuppressant. This suggests that, although using an immunosuppressant can potentially suppress the immune attack on the allogeneic cells, optimizing the dose of the immunosuppressant may be crucial to ensure bone formation within the allogeneic environment. Overall, allografts comprising osteoprogenitors derived from allogeneic MSCs have the potential to be used in bone regeneration applications.
Why Do Firms Evade Taxes? The Role of Information Sharing and Financial Sector Outreach
Authors: BECK THORSTEN , LIN CHEN , MA YUE 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTTax evasion is a widespread phenomenon across the globe and even an important factor in the ongoing sovereign debt crisis. We show that firms in countries with better credit information–sharing systems and higher branch penetration evade taxes to a lesser degree. This effect is stronger for smaller firms, firms in smaller cities and towns, firms in industries relying more on external financing, and firms in industries and countries with greater growth potential. This effect is robust to instrumental variable analysis, controlling for firm fixed effects in a smaller panel data set of countries, and many other robustness tests.
Liquidity Measurement Problems in Fast, Competitive Markets: Expensive and Cheap Solutions
Authors: HOLDEN CRAIG W. , JACOBSEN STACEY 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTDo fast, competitive markets yield liquidity measurement problems when using the popular Monthly Trade and Quote (MTAQ) database? Yes. MTAQ yields distorted measures of spreads, trade location, and price impact compared with the expensive Daily Trade and Quote (DTAQ) database. These problems are driven by (1) withdrawn quotes, (2) second (versus millisecond) time stamps, and (3) other causes, including canceled quotes. The expensive solution, using DTAQ, is first‐best. For financially constrained researchers, the cheap solution—using MTAQ with our new Interpolated Time technique, adjusting for withdrawn quotes, and deleting economically nonsensical states—is second‐best. These solutions change research inferences.
How Young Is Too Young: Ethical Concerns in Genital Surgery of the Transgender MTF Adolescent
Authors: Milrod Christine 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
During the last decade, the age of youths presenting for gender confirmation has steadily fallen. Transgender adolescents are being treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and subsequently cross-sex hormones at early or midpuberty, with genital surgery as the presumed final step in treatment for female-affirmed (male-to-female) individuals. Despite the minimum age of 18 as eligibility to undergo irreversible procedures, anecdotal reports show that vaginoplasties of female-affirmed patients under 18 have been performed by surgeons, thereby contravening the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care.

Aim
The purpose of this article is (i) to provide a review of salient factors regarding genital surgery in transgender adolescents; (ii) to review various ethical protocols for determining maturity in gender dysphoric individuals under 18; and (iii) to present a new systematic set of ethical principles largely derived from the surgical management of youths with disorders of sex development and adapted to the needs of transitioning adolescents.

Methods
A literature review of the topic was performed. Ethical guidelines derived from applied treatment protocols of children with disorders of sex development were written.

Main Outcome Measure
Progressing from the current state of ethical standards and clinical assumptions, a new development of ethical guidelines for genital surgery in the female-affirmed transgender adolescent was created.

Results
There were no controlled studies of vaginoplasties performed on female-affirmed adolescents under 18 years of age. A new set of ethical guidelines was created in order to support treatment professionals in their decision making process.

Conclusions
Professionals across disciplines treating female-affirmed adolescents can utilize the proposed ethical guidelines to facilitate decision making on a case-by-case basis in order to protect both patients and practitioners. These guidelines may also be used in support of more open discussions and disclosures of surgical results that could further the advancement of treatment in this emerging population.
Assessment of esophageal dysfunction and symptoms during and after a standardized test meal: development and clinical validation of a new methodology utilizing high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Sweis R. , Anggiansah A. , Wong T. , Brady G. , Fox M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of major dysmotility, esophageal manometry with water swallows rarely explains the causes of esophageal symptoms and disease. This methodology development study assessed esophageal function and symptoms during a test meal in patients with reflux symptoms and asymptomatic controls. The impact of this approach on manometric diagnosis and clinical outcome was reviewed.Methods18 patients with reflux symptoms and 10 healthy volunteers underwent high resolution manometry (HRM) with 5 mL water swallows, 200 mL water drink, and standardized solid test meal followed by 10 min postprandial observation. The number of symptoms associated with esophageal dysfunction (SAD) divided by total symptoms (dysfunction symptom index [D‐SI]) was calculated. Ambulatory reflux pH‐monitoring was performed. Final diagnosis and clinical outcome were documented at 2 years.Key ResultsMeal intake took longer in patients than controls (552 vs 339 s) and this was associated with a higher number of ineffective swallows in this group (51% vs 28%; p < 0.001). No swallowing problems occurred with water swallows but 12/18 (66%) patients had SAD during either the meal or postprandial observations with D‐SI >50% in 9/12 (75%). Compared with water swallows, manometric classification was altered in 12/18 (67%) and clinical diagnosis was altered in 7/18 (39%) patients due to test meal observations.Conclusions & InferencesA novel methodology for the detection of symptomatic dysmotility during a test meal and postprandial observation is presented. This technique increased the diagnostic yield of esophageal dysfunction in patients presenting with reflux symptoms. Long‐term follow‐up indicated that these observations can guide effective clinical management.
Epidemiology of urticaria in infants and young children in Germany – Results from the German LISAplus and GINIplus Birth Cohort Studies
Authors: Brüske I. , Standl M. , Weidinger S. , Klümper C. , Hoffmann B. , Schaaf B. , Herbarth O. , Lehmann I. , von Berg A. , Berdel D. , Bauer C. P. , Koletzko S. , Heinrich J. , LISAplus Study Groups for the GINIplus and 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough urticaria is considered one of the most frequent skin diseases, reliable epidemiologic data are scarce.ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence and cumulative prevalence of urticaria in infants and children up to age of 10, to characterize the relationship of specific IgE levels (food and inhalative allergens) with urticaria, and to monitor the joint occurrence of urticaria with other diseases, such as eczema, asthma, and hay fever.MethodsThe study population consisted of two prospective birth cohort studies: the LISAplus and GINIplus studies. Information on physician‐diagnosed urticaria, asthma, eczema, or hay fever was collected using self‐administered questionnaires completed by the parents. Blood samples were drawn, and specific immunoglobulin E measured at 2 (only LISAplus), 6 and 10 yr of age.ResultsThe incidence of urticaria was approximately 1% per year of age. The cumulative prevalence of urticaria in children up to the age of 10 yr was 14.5% for boys and 16.2% for girls. Cumulative prevalence of urticaria at the age of ten was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with allergic sensitization to peanut, soy, and wheat flour, but not with inhalant allergens. Both a parental history of atopy/urticaria and the children's diagnosis of asthma, eczema, and hay fever were strongly related (p < 0.0001) to the occurrence of urticaria.ConclusionsUrticaria is a frequent event during childhood, with highest incidence in infants and preschool children. Comorbidity with atopic disease is high.
Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Chronic Pathologic Canine Testes
Authors: Volta A , Manfredi S , Vignoli M , Russo M , England GCW , Rossi F , Bigliardi E , Di Ianni F , Parmigiani E , Bresciani C , Gnudi G 
Published: November 2013

ContentsContrast‐enhanced ultrasound with sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles was performed in seven healthy dogs without a history of reproductive pathology and with histologically confirmed normal testes and in 42 dogs with chronic scrotal anomalies. All dogs underwent orchiectomy and histological examination. Enhancement patterns and perfusion parameters (peak intensity and regional blood flow) of testes of healthy dogs and testes with chronic lesions were compared. Fourteen non‐pathologic and 60 pathologic testes were considered. Forty testes were neoplastic (24 interstitial cell tumours, 9 seminomas, 7 Sertoli cell tumours), 20 were non‐neoplastic (16 testicular degenerations, 2 chronic orchitis, 1 testicular atrophy, 1 interstitial cell hyperplasia). In healthy dogs, the contrast medium flow had a rapid homogeneous wash‐in and wash‐out, with a short peak phase. With contrast ultrasound, testes that were inhomogeneous with a hyperenhancing pattern were associated with neoplasia (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 100%). Lesions with persistent inner vessels and a hypo‐to‐isoechoic background were significantly associated with seminomas (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 100%). Testes with non‐neoplastic lesions were characterized by a scant/moderate homogeneous enhancement. Perfusion parameters were higher in neoplastic lesions. Contrast ultrasound was a feasible diagnostic tool in the assessment of testicular lesions, with hyperenhancement being an important feature in the diagnosis of malignancy.