bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific and sensitive detection of Alcaligenes species from an agricultural environment
Authors: Nakano Miyo , Niwa Masumi , Nishimura Norihiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA quantitative real‐time PCR assay to specifically detect and quantify the genus Alcaligenes in samples from the agricultural environment, such as vegetables and farming soils, was developed. The minimum detection sensitivity was 106 fg of pure culture DNA, corresponding to DNA extracted from two cells of Alcaligenes faecalis. To evaluate the detection limit of A. faecalis, serially diluted genomic DNA from this organism was mixed with DNA extracted from soil and vegetables and then a standard curve was constructed. It was found that Alcaligenes species are present in the plant phytosphere at levels 102–104 times lower than those in soil. The approach presented here will be useful for tracking or quantifying species of the genus Alcaligenes in the agricultural environment.
Simple method for differentiating measles vaccine from wild‐type strains using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Nakayama Tetsuo , Sawada Akihito , Kubo Hideyuki , Kaida Atsushi , Tanaka Toshimitsu , Shigemoto Naoki , Komase Katsuhiro , Takeda Makoto 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBecause of increasing measles vaccine coverage, the proportion of patients with modified measles has been increasing. Such patients have low‐grade fever with very mild eruptions similar to vaccine‐related adverse events. Differentiation between these two pathogenic conditions is required to improve the quality of laboratory‐based measles surveillance. In this study, vaccine‐specific and wild‐type specific primer sets were designed for loop‐mediated isothermal amplification in the N gene, and vaccine strains, C1, D3, D4, D5, D8, D9, G3 and H1 wild strains were examined. Three vaccine strains were efficiently amplified using a vaccine‐specific primer set with an approximately 10‐times higher sensitivity than wild‐type primer. Modified measles was differentiated from vaccine‐associated cases by this system, but limitations were encountered with the other genotypes.
Advancing our thinking in presence‐only and used‐available analysis
Authors: Warton David , Aarts Geert 
Published: March 2013

Summary1. The problems of analysing used‐available data and presence‐only data are equivalent, and this paper uses this equivalence as a platform for exploring opportunities for advancing analysis methodology.2. We suggest some potential methodological advances in used‐available analysis, made possible via lessons learnt in the presence‐only literature, for example, using modern methods to improve predictive performance. We also consider the converse – potential advances in presence‐only analysis inspired by used‐available methodology.3. Notwithstanding these potential advances in methodology, perhaps a greater opportunity is in advancing our thinking about how to apply a given method to a particular data set.4. It is shown by example that strikingly different results can be achieved for a single data set by applying a given method of analysis in different ways – hence having chosen a method of analysis, the next step of working out how to apply it is critical to performance.5. We review some key issues to consider in deciding how to apply an analysis method: apply the method in a manner that reflects the study design; consider data properties; and use diagnostic tools to assess how reasonable a given analysis is for the data at hand.
Economic vote instability: Endogeneity or restricted variance? Spanish panel evidence from 2008 and 2011
Authors: Fraile Marta , Lewis‐Beck Michael S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhile the economic vote exists in Western democracies, the question of its stability remains a subject of controversy. This article focuses on two possible factors behind the instability observed: the endogeneity problem and the restricted variance problem. The former concerns the influence of partisan thinking on economic perception, while the latter concerns the influence of economic crisis, when virtually all voters may perceive a bad economy. These problems are examined using panel data from the Spanish national elections of 2008 and 2011. After various causality tests, it is concluded that the economic vote was influential in both contests, but apparently less so in 2011. It is shown in the article that the initial 2011 result misleads because of the statistical artifact presented by the restricted variance problem. Thus, an alternative strategy for exogenising economic perceptions is developed using aggregate economic measures in a pooled cross‐sectional design whereby it is demonstrated that the economy mattered greatly under the economic crisis of 2011. This estimation strategy could be applicable to other Western democracies experiencing such economic crisis.
Economic vulnerability and economic voting in 14 OECD countries
Authors: Fossati Diego 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe economic voting literature shows that good economic performance bolsters the electoral prospects of incumbents. However, disagreement persists as to whether voters in vulnerable economic conditions are more likely to engage in economic voting. It is argued in this article that a crucial factor in explaining individual‐level variation in economic voting is the degree of exposure to economic risks, because risk exposure affects the saliency of the economy in voting decisions. In particular, the focus is on job insecurity and employability as key determinants of economic voting patterns. The article hypothesises that the extent of economic voting is greater in voters who are more vulnerable to unemployment and less employable in case of job loss. Support for these hypotheses is found in a test with a dataset that combines survey data on incumbent support with occupational unemployment rates and other measures of exposure to economic risks.
Sequential loss of genetic variation in flea beetle Agasicles hygrophila (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) following introduction into China
Authors: Ma Rui‐Yan , Jia Xiao‐Yun , Liu Wen‐Zhong , Laushman Roger H. , Zhao Long‐Long , Jia Dong , Wang Ren 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe flea beetle (Agasicles hygrophila) was imported to Florida, USA and then introduced from Florida into China in 1987 as a biological control agent for the invasive plant alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). The initial beetle population was subsequently used for sequential introductions in other areas of China, but little is known about the genetic consequences of the introductions. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of five beetle populations, the source Florida population, three intentionally introduced China populations and one accidentally dispersed China population, were examined using amplified fragment length polymorphisms. The results showed a clear pattern of decreasing genetic diversity with the sequential introductions. The diversity was highest in the Florida population followed by the first introduction to Chongqing and then in Kunming and Fuzhou. The lowest diversity was found in the accidentally dispersed Guangzhou population that was first recorded in 1996. Both loci parameters and Nei's genetic diversity showed a high variation among these populations. Genetic differentiation among populations was further verified by the GST statistic (0.136–0.432). Beetles in Kunming had the highest gene flow with those in Guangzhou, and therefore lowest differentiation and closest genetic distance. These data show that sequential introduction influenced the genetic diversity of populations in China. Genetic diversity should be considered in planning introduction and long‐term maintenance of populations.
Varying effort in capture–recapture studies
Authors: Efford Murray G. , Borchers David L. , Mowat Garth 
Published: March 2013

Summary

The standard spatial capture–recapture design for sampling animal populations uses a fixed array of detectors, each operated for the same time. However, methods are needed to deal with the unbalanced data that may result from unevenness of effort due to logistical constraints, partial equipment failure or pooling of data for analysis.

We describe adjustments for varying effort for three types of data each with a different probability distribution for the number of observations per individual per detector per sampling occasion. A linear adjustment to the expected count is appropriate for Poisson‐distributed counts (e.g. faeces per searched quadrat). A linear adjustment on the hazard scale is appropriate for binary (Bernoulli‐distributed) observations at either traps or binary proximity detectors (e.g. automatic cameras). Data pooled from varying numbers of binary detectors have a binomial distribution; adjustment is achieved by varying the size parameter of the binomial.

We compared a hazard‐based adjustment to a more conventional covariate approach in simulations of one temporal and one spatial scenario for varying effort. The hazard‐based approach was the more parsimonious and appeared more resistant to bias and confounding.

We analysed a dataset comprising DNA identifications of female grizzly bears Ursus arctos sampled asynchronously with hair snares in British Columbia in 2007. Adjustment for variation in sampling interval had negligible effect on density estimates, but unmasked an apparent decline in detection probability over the season. Duration‐dependent decay in sample quality is an alternative explanation for the decline that could be included in future models.

Allowing for known variation in effort ensures that estimates of detection probability relate to a consistent unit of effort and improves the fit of detection models. Failure to account for varying effort may result in confounding between effort and density variation in time or space. Adjustment for effort allows rigorous analysis of unbalanced data with little extra cost in terms of precision or processing time. We suggest it should become routine in capture–recapture analyses. The methods have been made available in the R package secr.
The disposable Ambu aScope vs. a conventional flexible videoscope for awake intubation – a randomised study
Authors: KRISTENSEN M. S. , FREDENSBORG B. B. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundA new disposable flexible videoscope, the Ambu® aScope, has several potential advantages compared with reusable devices, but it is a prerequisite for its widespread use that it functions sufficiently well in the management of patients in whom difficulty with airway management is anticipated and awake intubation is indicated.MethodsIn a pilot study, 20 patients with normal airways were intubated with the aScope. Subsequently, 40 patients with predicted difficult tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to be intubated awake with either the aScope or the reusable Olympus BF videobronchoscope.ResultsAll patients were successfully intubated awake. The median total intubation time, including the administration of local anaesthesia, was 278 vs. 234 s in the aScope and Olympus groups, respectively (P = 0.03). In two cases in the aScope group, the image became blurred immediately after the first injection of lidocaine via the injection channel, and the time that it took to replace the scopes was included in the intubation times.ConclusionBoth the disposable aScope and the reusable Olympus videoscope allowed safe awake intubation in our elective patients with severely difficult, but uncompromised, airways. The occasional need to employ a spare scope because of malfunctioning would make the disposable aScope less suitable in patients with acutely compromised airways.
Pre‐hospital airway management by non‐physicians in Northern Finland – a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: RAATINIEMI L. , LÄNKIMÄKI S. , MARTIKAINEN M. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAirway management is an important skill in pre‐hospital emergency medicine. The most optimal method depends on the resources and experience of the emergency medical service (EMS) providers. We wanted to study the frequency of occurrence, equipment used, problems experienced and maintenance of skills in pre‐hospital airway management by non‐physicians.MethodsA structured questionnaire consisting of 30 questions was distributed to 383 EMS providers in three hospital districts (population 597,521 and area 147,467 km2) in Northern Finland.ResultsThe questionnaire was answered by 226 EMS providers and 58.5% (224/383) were included in the final analyses. In all, 82.6% (185/224) of the EMS providers were allowed to perform endotracheal intubation (ETI) and 44.2% (99/224) could perform ETI using sedative agents. The annual mean frequency of using a supraglottic airway device (SAD) was 1.0 (range 0–20, n = 224), for ETI it was 2.0 (range 0–16, n = 185) and for bag‐valve‐mask ventilation it was 4.3 (range 0–30, n = 223). The mean frequency of drug‐assisted ETI was 1.1 (range 0–13, n = 99). Unsuccessful ETI had been experienced by 65.7% (119/181) of the EMS providers. Airway management had been practised in an operating room by 25.9% (56/216) and with a manikin by 81.3% (182/224) of the EMS providers during the past 12 months.ConclusionAdvanced airway management procedures are uncommon for most EMS providers in Northern Finland. Procedures, training in and maintenance of airway management skills should be re‐evaluated.
Interacting biocontrol programmes: invasive cane toads reduce rates of breakdown of cowpats by dung beetles
Authors: González‐Bernal Edna , Greenlees Matthew J. , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEcological interactions among invasive species can affect not only the success of the invaders, but also their impact on ecosystems in the invaded range. In Australia, both dung beetles (subfamily Scarabaeinae) and cane toads (Rhinella marina) were introduced for biocontrol: the beetles to break down bovine faeces piles (cowpats) that otherwise accumulate and reduce pasture productivity, and the cane toad to consume scarab beetles that eat sugarcane and thus reduce sugar production. The dung beetles have been a success, whereas the toads have been a failure. Our experimental studies show that as well as impacting native fauna directly, cane toads reduce the rate of cowpat breakdown by consuming dung beetles. In the laboratory, dehydrated toads actively sought out cowpats based on scent cues, and in field enclosures, the presence of a cane toad significantly reduced rates of cowpat decomposition. Although toads have benefited from agricultural activities, their spread across Australia likely has reduced the effectiveness of one of the most successful biocontrol programmes ever conducted in that continent.
Understanding communication between surgeon and patient in outpatient consultations
Authors: White Sarah J. , Stubbe Maria H. , Dew Kevin P. , Macdonald Lindsay M. , Dowell Anthony C. , Gardner Rod 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is an assumption that there is a similarity between surgeon‐patient and primary care consultations. Yet, surgeon communication has had far less analytic attention than its primary care counterparts. Therefore, this assumption of similarity (and the proposition here of dissimilarity) has yet to be evidenced through detailed interactional analysis.MethodsConversation analysis (CA) is a methodology used to understand both mundane and institutional interactions. Using CA, we have developed an understanding of surgeon‐patient interactions in outpatient clinic settings in New Zealand. Rather than attempting to determine what ‘bad’ communication is, we describe and analyse what occurs routinely in surgeon‐patient consultations, particularly how these interactions are built up by both patient and doctor.ResultsThis research shows that while surgeon‐patient consultations share some similarities to the overall structure of primary care consultations, there are two unique structures that occur in surgical consultations. These structures follow a logical progression of activities and are influenced by the type of visit (referred versus follow‐up).DiscussionThis article summarizes the first comprehensive description of the overall interactional structure of surgeon‐patient consultations. It demonstrates that surgeon‐patient consultations are structurally distinct from primary care consultations. This key finding has implications for surgeon‐specific research and education, highlighting the need to question current assumptions in communication training and in clinical practice.
Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiography and the Placement of a Bicaval Dual‐Lumen Catheter in a Swine Model of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Hayes Don , Preston Thomas J. , Davis Ian C. , Duffy Victoria L. , McConnell Patrick I. , Whitson Bryan A. , Duffy Joseph S. , Yates Andrew R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPlacement of a bicaval dual‐lumen (BCDL) catheter demands sophisticated visualization in patients to assure proper positioning in order to administer single‐site venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO). Large animal models are needed and thus appropriate procedures to assure anatomic and functional cannula placement would assist in experimental design and procedures. This report describes the use of agitated blood and saline transthoracic contrast echocardiography to confirm appropriate placement and function of the BCDL catheter in a swine model of VV ECMO. Five consecutive common crossbred piglets had confirmation using this technique with assurances of cannulation while not significantly altering experimental time and procedures. Researchers studying VV ECMO in large animal models may want to consider this method of confirmation of BCDL catheter placement.
Fentanyl Pharmacokinetics is not Dependent on Hepatic Uptake by Organic Anion‐Transporting Polypeptide 1B1 in Human Beings
Authors: Ziesenitz Victoria C. , König Sonja K. , Mahlke Nina , Jantos Ricarda , Skopp Gisela , Weiss Johanna , Haefeli Walter E. , Mikus Gerd 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA recent study investigating the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl in Sprague–Dawley rats suggested fentanyl to be a substrate of rat organic anion‐transporting polypeptide Oatp. In human beings, the most important OATP for the pharmacokinetics of many drugs is OATP1B1. Therefore, genetic variants of OATP1B1 (SLCO1B1) might modulate fentanyl pharmacokinetics and efficacy in human beings. Sixteen healthy male and female volunteers, homozygous for SLCO1B1*1a (genetic wild‐type) (n = 11) or *15 (deficient haplotype carrying the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms rs2306283 and rs4149056 and exhibiting altered transport activity; n = 5), were included in this randomized crossover study. The participants received fentanyl (5 μg/kg) intravenously alone or with the OATP inhibitor rifampicin (600 mg single oral dose). The pharmacokinetics of fentanyl and norfentanyl were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). In addition, fentanyl uptake in vitro was evaluated in OATP1B1 overexpressing HEK293 cells and compared to a mock‐transfected cell line. In the clinical trial, fentanyl clearance was 18.8 ± 8.2 mL/min. kg in SLCO1B1*1a and 19.5 ± 1.8 mL/min/kg in SLCO1B1*15 carriers and not significantly different between the genotypes. During rifampicin, fentanyl clearance was 15.0 ± 4.4 mL/min/kg in SLCO1B1*1a and 16.7 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg in SLCO1B1*15 carriers (p > 0.5). In addition, in vitro data also indicate that fentanyl is not transported by OATP1B1. In conclusion, our data indicate that OATP1B1 has no impact on fentanyl pharmacokinetics in human beings.
Effects of Antihypertensive and Triglyceride Lowering Agents on Splenocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Fatty Liver
Authors: Ackerman Zvi , Grozovski Maria , Oron‐Herman Mor , Rosenthal Talma , Sela Ben‐Ami , Amir Gail 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIndividuals with the metabolic syndrome (MS) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have an increased incidence of infection and infection‐related mortality. Rats given fructose‐enriched diet (FED) develop the MS including NAFLD. In this study, we characterized changes in splenocyte apoptosis in FED rats given medications to treat various components of the MS. Apoptosis of splenocytes may induce immunosuppression. Splenocyte apoptosis was evaluated by activated caspase‐3 immunohistochemistry in the periarterial sheath (PALS), (a T cell area), follicles (B cell area), marginal (B cell area) and in the red pulp zones. FED administration caused an enormous increase in splenocyte apoptosis in all of the spleen zones: PALS (+2966%), follicles (+3025%), marginal (+5228%) and red pulp (+7000%). Administration of captopril to the FED rats was associated with a further increase in the splenocyte apoptosis only in the marginal (150%), PALS (+105%) and red pulp (+67%) zones. Bezafibrate administration to the FED rats was associated with no further increase in apoptosis rates. Amlodipine administration to the FED rats was associated with almost complete amelioration of the splenocyte apoptosis that was induced by the FED diet. These pharmacological manipulations were also associated with changes in the hepatic lipids composition, and oxidative milieu that did not correlate to the changes in splenocyte apoptosis. NAFLD in FED rats is associated with an increase in splenic apoptosis. Agents administered to treat components of the MS in FED rats may lead to divergent changes in the splenic histology and splenocyte apoptosis.
A Bayesian Goodness of Fit Test and Semiparametric Generalization of Logistic Regression with Measurement Data
Authors: Schörgendorfer Angela , Branscum Adam J. , Hanson Timothy E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSummaryLogistic regression is a popular tool for risk analysis in medical and population health science. With continuous response data, it is common to create a dichotomous outcome for logistic regression analysis by specifying a threshold for positivity. Fitting a linear regression to the nondichotomized response variable assuming a logistic sampling model for the data has been empirically shown to yield more efficient estimates of odds ratios than ordinary logistic regression of the dichotomized endpoint. We illustrate that risk inference is not robust to departures from the parametric logistic distribution. Moreover, the model assumption of proportional odds is generally not satisfied when the condition of a logistic distribution for the data is violated, leading to biased inference from a parametric logistic analysis. We develop novel Bayesian semiparametric methodology for testing goodness of fit of parametric logistic regression with continuous measurement data. The testing procedures hold for any cutoff threshold and our approach simultaneously provides the ability to perform semiparametric risk estimation. Bayes factors are calculated using the Savage–Dickey ratio for testing the null hypothesis of logistic regression versus a semiparametric generalization. We propose a fully Bayesian and a computationally efficient empirical Bayesian approach to testing, and we present methods for semiparametric estimation of risks, relative risks, and odds ratios when parametric logistic regression fails. Theoretical results establish the consistency of the empirical Bayes test. Results from simulated data show that the proposed approach provides accurate inference irrespective of whether parametric assumptions hold or not. Evaluation of risk factors for obesity shows that different inferences are derived from an analysis of a real data set when deviations from a logistic distribution are permissible in a flexible semiparametric framework.