bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The time distribution of reproductive value measures the pace of life
Authors: Mbeau‐Ache Cyril , Franco Miguel 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIt is agreed that, for senescence to occur, the intensity of natural selection must decline with age. Measures of the change in the intensity of natural selection with age include reproductive value and sensitivity of fitness to changes in survival and fecundity.To investigate the performance of these indices in predicting the pace and duration of life, which must be inversely related for senescence to occur, we quantified the temporal distribution of these measures employing a generalised logistic distribution tailored for this purpose. This distribution has three parameters two of which measure pace (units: per time) and one which measures duration (units: time). We hypothesised that, given their influence on the shape of the distribution, the time distribution parameters would also be correlated with specific life‐history attributes. We tested these hypotheses employing demographic projections for a sample of 207 perennial plant species of varied life form and ecology.The results confirmed the expected relationships for the time distribution parameters of reproductive value, but not in general for other indices. In particular, a tight inverse relationship between one of the parameters of pace and the duration parameter of the time distribution of reproductive value ordered species along a fast–slow continuum where these two attributes compensate each other. That is, reproductive value was spread over a temporal scale that was in inverse proportion to its accruement.Synthesis. The tight negative power relationship between the pace and duration of life as measured on the time distribution of reproductive value provides the strongest support so far to the idea that the pace of life determines its duration and, as a corollary, the idea that reproductive value must be directly proportional to the intensity of natural selection. Senescence is the unavoidable consequence of the devaluation of the reproductive value currency.
Challenges for sustainable tourism at the Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage site in western China
Authors: Gu Yong , Du Jie , Tang Ya , Qiao Xue , Bossard Carla , Deng Guiping 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough modern mass tourism in China has a history of only about 30 years, the market has expanded quickly. Endowed with the spectacular scenery of turquoise water lakes and marvelous waterfalls, Jiuzhaigou is one of the most visited tourist destinations in China. Between 1984 and 2012, the region witnessed a tourism growth of 130 times, resulting in extreme economic and environmental impacts. The fast increasing and large tourist population in the limited area has caused many changes in the local environment, including: increasing algae in water, increasing nutrients in water, increasing sediment in lakes, degrading travertine, and increasing threat on biodiversity. These changes will threaten the sustainability of tourism in Jiuzhaigou. Carrying capacity represented by daily visitor numbers theoretically has been used to control the number of tourists but has proved not useful in practical management. Efforts have been made to reduce the environmental impacts of the increasing number of tourists, but environmental degradation continues to develop as the number of tourists is not controlled. The sustainability issue in Jiuzhaigou is mired in the conflict between the conservation of the natural beauty and local economic development. To promote sustainable tourism, the number of tourists must be controlled. A daily numeric limit, based on adequate environmental monitoring and well‐designed scientific research, will help determine the daily number of visitors in Jiuzhaigou.
Furosine as a Pasta Quality Marker: Evaluation by an Innovative and Fast Chromatographic Approach
Authors: Giannetti Vanessa , Mariani Maurizio Boccacci , Mannino Paola 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA fast and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography method suitable for determining furosine level in heat‐treated food samples was developed. The analysis of furosine was performed by a novel mixed‐mode column that provides multiple and simultaneous retention mechanisms including cation‐exchange, anion‐exchange, reversed‐phase, or hydrophilic interaction. Each retention mechanism could be independently controlled by setting chromatographic conditions. Adequate retention and selectivity of polar charged furosine were achieved by adjusting mobile phase pH, buffer concentration, organic content, and ionic strength. The optimized method was successfully applied to determinate furosine in durum wheat semolina pasta samples. Furosine level in pasta may be used as a reliable marker of health and nutritional damage occurring during pasta manufacture. Indeed, a low content of furosine is generally related to high nutritional quality of food and application of mild heat treatments. A wide range of dry pasta samples, collected from both supermarkets (large‐scale retail trade) and shops selling local products, were analyzed. Variable amounts of furosine, ranging from 107 to 506 mg/100 g of protein, were found in pasta samples. The proposed method allows to discriminate products submitted to different time–temperature conditions during the drying process. At the same time, it may be used to highlight potential label fraud.
Effects of Cooking Methods and Starch Structures on Starch Hydrolysis Rates of Rice
Authors: Reed Michael O. , Ai Yongfeng , Leutcher Josh L. , Jane Jay‐lin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to understand effects of different cooking methods, including steamed, pilaf, and traditional stir‐fried, on starch hydrolysis rates of rice. Rice grains of 3 varieties, japonica, indica, and waxy, were used for the study. Rice starch was isolated from the grain and characterized. Amylose contents of starches from japonica, indica, and waxy rice were 13.5%, 18.0%, and 0.9%, respectively. The onset gelatinization temperature of indica starch (71.6 °C) was higher than that of the japonica and waxy starch (56.0 and 56.8 °C, respectively). The difference was attributed to longer amylopectin branch chains of the indica starch. Starch hydrolysis rates and resistant starch (RS) contents of the rice varieties differed after they were cooked using different methods. Stir‐fried rice displayed the least starch hydrolysis rate followed by pilaf rice and steamed rice for each rice variety. RS contents of freshly steamed japonica, indica, and waxy rice were 0.7%, 6.6%, and 1.3%, respectively; those of rice pilaf were 12.1%, 13.2%, and 3.4%, respectively; and the stir‐fried rice displayed the largest RS contents of 15.8%, 16.6%, and 12.1%, respectively. Mechanisms of the large RS contents of the stir‐fried rice were studied. With the least starch hydrolysis rate and the largest RS content, stir‐fried rice would be a desirable way of preparing rice for food to reduce postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses and to improve colon health of humans.
Evaluation of Poultry Protein Isolate as a Food Ingredient: Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Characteristics of Marinated Chicken Breasts
Authors: Khiari Zied , Omana Dileep A. , Pietrasik Zeb , Betti Mirko 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe possibilities of replacing soy protein isolate (SPI) and reducing the amount of phosphate in marinated chicken breasts using poultry protein isolate (PPI) were investigated. PPI, prepared from mechanically separated turkey meat through the pH‐shift technology, was used as a marinade ingredient for chicken breasts at 2 different concentrations (1.0% and 1.5%, w/w on a dry weight basis). Product characteristics were compared to samples marinated with salt, phosphate, or SPI. All the 5 treatments were subjected to instrumental and sensory analyses. Tumbling yield, drip, and cooking losses as well as expressible moisture showed that PPI can be used as a substitute for SPI in brine. The sensory analysis revealed that there were no differences among treatments in terms of appearance, color, flavor, saltiness, juiciness, tenderness, and overall acceptability of the marinated chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts marinated with phosphate had significantly higher aroma acceptability scores than those treated with 1% PPI.
To Eat, To Speak, To Skirt: Reading the Little Girl's Lips:SarahMann‐O'Donnell's World
Authors: Bar‐On Cohen Einat 
Published: June 2013

SummaryParticipants of theDeleuzeStudies conference were not prepared forSarahMann‐O'Donnell's presentation. She climbed onto the desk, crushed red plums, separated them into pits and peels, ate the pulp, and then vomited it onto the table through a pipe. Her actions were interspersed with stuttering and strange little stories. She was creating an enclave that generated sensual sense, affect, bringing to life a particular short‐lived cosmology. Naturally, her world entertains tight connections with Deleuzian thought, in particular withGillesDeleuze andFelixGuattari'sBody withoutOrgans, andDeleuze's remarks onLewisCarroll'sAlice inThe Logic of Sense. But the consequence of presenting philosophical ideas in such a way reaches beyond philosophical debate: when ideas are brought to life—given an actual, performative social life—they acquire their own mobility and generate fresh, new spillovers, breaching borders, leading elsewhere. They do not represent, but engender something new in the world, they do, thus coming close to a performance of ritual. Connecting her outer self with her interiority,Sarah can summon brute and creative forces embedded within the body through practice in its own right.
Intensity and Unpleasantness of Pain Following Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Hardy‐Fairbanks Abbey J. , Lauria Michele R. , Mackenzie Todd , Mccarthy Martin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo date, most studies evaluating pain associated with cesarean birth have focused on delivery procedures or postoperative pain control methods rather than on the nature or severity of the pain experience of women, despite the increasing incidence and maternal requests for cesarean delivery. The objective in this study was to evaluate sensory, affective, and laterality aspects of pain after cesarean delivery and vaginal delivery.MethodsA prospective cohort study using a seven‐item visual analog scale assessed pain at rest and with activity, and the unpleasantness and location of pain on postpartum days 1 and 2. Chart review identified demographic and clinical factors influencing pain. Multivariable regression and propensity score analyses were used to evaluate patient‐level outcomes.ResultsOf 126 consenting women, 48 underwent cesarean delivery and 78 had vaginal delivery. No statistically significant differences in pain at rest and pain unpleasantness were found between groups on postpartum day 1, but women undergoing cesarean delivery reported more pain with activity than those who had a vaginal delivery (p < 0.0002). On postpartum day 2, cesarean delivery women reported significantly more pain when compared with those with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.04), and more cesarean delivery women reported lateralized pain (p < 0.0001). In multivariate regression analyses, cesarean delivery was the most significant predictor of activity‐related pain on postpartum day 1 (p < 0.00001), followed by current substance abuse (p < 0.01). Women undergoing cesarean delivery required twice the dosage of analgesics on postpartum day 1 and four times greater amounts on postpartum day 2 relative to those with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001).ConclusionsCesarean delivery was associated with higher levels of pain, more unpleasant pain, more lateralized pain, and greater narcotic use than vaginal delivery. Evaluation of factors associated with postpartum pain can help practitioners to counsel women better about their delivery alternatives and can promote improved management of women undergoing both types of delivery experiences (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013).
Reflections on the Maternal Mortality Millennium Goal
Authors: Lawson Gerald W. , Keirse Marc J.N.C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundNearly every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies because of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Every such death is an overwhelming catastrophe for everyone confronted with it. Most deaths occur in developing countries, especially in Africa and southern Asia, but a significant number also occur in the developed world.MethodsWe examined the available data on the progress and the challenges to the United Nations' fifth Millennium Development Goal of achieving a 75 percent worldwide reduction in the maternal mortality by 2015 from what it was in 1990.ResultsSome countries, such as Belarus, Egypt, Estonia, Honduras, Iran, Lithuania, Malaysia, Romania, Sri Lanka and Thailand, are likely to meet the target by 2015. Many poor countries with weak health infrastructures and high fertility rates are unlikely to meet the goal. Some, such as Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Guyana, Lesotho, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, had worse maternal mortality ratios in 2010 than in 1990, partially because of wars and civil strife. Worldwide, the leading causes of maternal death are still hemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortions, while indirect causes are gaining in importance in developed countries.ConclusionsMaternal death is especially distressing if it was potentially preventable. However, as there is no single cause, there is no silver bullet to correct the problem. Many countries also face new challenges as their childbearing population is growing in age and in weight. Much remains to be done to make safe motherhood a reality. (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013)
The University of British Columbia
Authors: Klein Michael C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study is one of a series of recent publications that attempt to sort out the impact of mode of birth on maternal and newborn outcome. The focus on elective cesarean section compared to planned vaginal birth beginning in spontaneous labor is an improved methodology over the earlier comparisons that failed to be able to separate planned from unplanned cesarean section or vaginal birth. The retrospective case control methodology based on birth record data that is employed in this research is similar to others, though with more respectable numbers. Most suffer from the problem of ascertainment difficulties, failure to stratify by parity, and of course, the unavailability of randomization, which some consider the ideal methodology. (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013)
Prospective evaluation of irrigation fluid absorption during pure transurethral bipolar plasma vaporisation of the prostate using expired‐breath ethanol measurements
Authors: Hermanns Thomas , Fankhauser Christian D. , Hefermehl Lukas J. , Kranzbühler Benedikt , Wong Lih‐Ming , Capol Janine C. , Zimmermann Matthias , Sulser Tullio , Müller Alexander 
Published: June 2013

Objectives
To investigate if absorption of irrigation fluid occurs during bipolar plasma vaporisation (BPV) of the prostate.
To examine the clinical predictors of increased risk of fluid absorption and to assess if changes in serum electrolytes, venous pH, haemoglobin or haematocrit are able to detect intra‐operative fluid absorption.
Patients and Methods
Over a 15‐month period, 55 consecutive patients undergoing BPV of the prostate were investigated.
The volume of intra‐operative fluid absorption was measured using expired‐breath ethanol measurements.
Intra‐operative irrigation was performed with isotonic saline containing 1% ethanol. The breath ethanol concentration was measured every 10 min during the operation and the volume of irrigation fluid absorption was calculated from these concentrations.
Data on clinical (age, prostate volume, smoking status) and surgical variables (operation time, irrigation volume, appearance of capsular perforation) as well as intra‐operative changes in serum electrolytes, venous pH, haemoglobin and haematocrit were recorded.
Results
The median (range) age of the patients was 67 (48–87) years and the median (range) prostate volume was 41 (17–111) mL.
Nine patients (16%) showed a positive ethanol breath test during the procedure. The median (range) calculated fluid absorption in these patients was 346 (138–2166) mL.
Three patients had a fluid absorption >500 mL. One patient with absorption of >2 L showed clinical symptoms (dyspnoea and agitation) during the operation under spinal anaesthesia.
In the group of patients with fluid absorption, capsular perforation or injury to larger vessels was more often detectable.
In the group of patients with fluid absorption, only venous pH showed a significant change during the operation (from median 7.41 to median 7.34, P = 0.02). The pH decrease was significantly greater in the fluid absorption group than in the group of patients without fluid absorption (0.09 vs. 0.02, P = 0.005).
Conclusion
We have demonstrated that significant intra‐operative fluid absorption can occur during BPV of the prostate. Care must be taken if using this procedure in patients with significant cardiovascular comorbidities.
Respecting the anatomical borders of the prostate seems to play a relevant role in preventing fluid absorption during the procedure.
Venous pH could be used to detect potentially dangerous fluid absorption if intra‐operative monitoring with breath ethanol measurements is not available.
Manganese superoxide dismutase Ile58Thr, catalase C‐262T and myeloperoxidase G‐463A gene polymorphisms in patients with prostate cancer: relation to advanced and metastatic disease
Authors: Tefik Tzevat , Kucukgergin Canan , Sanli Oner , Oktar Tayfun , Seckin Sule , Ozsoy Cavit 
Published: June 2013

Objective
To evaluate the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) Ile58Thr, catalase (CAT) C‐262T and myeloperoxidase (MPO) G‐463A gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer.
Patients and Methods
In all, 155 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 195 controls with negative digital rectal examinations and PSA levels of <4 ng/dL were enrolled in this study.
MnSOD, CAT and MPO gene polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction restriction‐fragment length polymorphism methods.
Results
The TT genotype in MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism, CC genotype in the CAT C‐262T polymorphism and the GG genotype in the MPO G‐463A polymorphism were the predominant genotypes amongst this Turkish male population.
There was no association between MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism and prostate cancer.
For the CAT C‐262T polymorphism, the TT genotype had significantly increased prostate cancer risk compared with the CC genotype. Similarly, the TT genotype had a 1.94‐ and 3.83‐fold increased risk for high‐stage disease and metastasis, respectively, when compared with the CC genotype.
For the MPO G‐463A polymorphism, the GG genotype had 1.78‐fold increased risk of prostate cancer compared with the AA genotype. However, no association was found regarding Gleason score, advanced and metastatic prostate cancer risk.
Conclusions
It seems that there is no association of prostate cancer with MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism, whereas the TT genotype in the CAT C‐262T polymorphism and the GG genotype in the MPO G‐463A polymorphism may be associated with increased prostate cancer risk.
The TT genotype in the CAT C‐262T gene polymorphism may also be a risk factor in tumour progression and metastasis among Turkish men.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of tension‐free vaginal tape vs burch colposuspension for female stress urinary incontinence in the USA
Authors: Laudano Melissa A. , Seklehner Stephan , Chughtai Bilal , Lee Una , Tyagi Renuka , Kavaler Elizabeth , Te Alexis E. , Kaplan Steven A. , Lee Richard K. 
Published: June 2013

Objective
To compare the cost‐effectiveness (CE) of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) with that of burch colposuspension (BC) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Materials and Methods
A Markov‐chain decision model was created to simulate treatment of SUI with TVT or BC using Treeage Pro 2011 software (Treeage Software Inc., Williamstown, MA, USA).
Costing data were obtained from the Medicare Resource‐Based Relative Value Scale.
Data regarding the success of TVT vs BC were obtained from the peer‐reviewed literature, as were corresponding utilities for different continence states.
The CE of each procedure was calculated and compared, and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results
At 10‐year follow‐up, TVT was more cost‐effective (CE = $1495/quality‐adjusted life year [QALY]) than BC (CE = $1824/QALY).
Sensitivity analysis showed that TVT was more cost‐effective than BC if the cost of the TVT device was <$3220.
If the probability of success after TVT was <42%, then BC became the more cost‐effective strategy (CE = $1827/QALY).
Conclusion
Our study showed that TVT was more cost‐effective than BC as a treatment for female SUI.
Both cost of TVT device and efficacy of the procedure affect the CE analysis.
Lack of effect of ODQ does not exclude cGMP signalling via NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase
Authors: Lies Barbara , Groneberg Dieter , Gambaryan Stepan , Friebe Andreas 
Published: June 2013

Background and PurposeNitric oxide (NO) is known to activate NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC) and to elicit cGMP production. However, NO has also been proposed to induce cGMP‐independent effects. It is accepted practice to use specific NO‐GC inhibitors, such as ODQ or NS2028, to assess cGMP‐dependent NO effects. Consequently, NO‐induced reactions seen in the presence of these inhibitors commonly serve as an affirmation of cGMP independence.Experimental ApproachWe evaluated the use of ODQ to discriminate between cGMP‐dependent and cGMP‐independent NO effects. NO‐GC‐expressing HEK cells, platelets and tissues from wild type (WT) and NO‐GC‐deficient mice (GCKO) were used.Key ResultsNO donors led to accumulation of cGMP in platelets and GC‐expressing HEK cells and induced phosphorylation of the vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein in platelets; both effects were reduced by ODQ. High concentrations of NO donors, however, overrode the inhibitory effect of ODQ. Correspondingly, ODQ inhibited but did not fully eliminate NO‐induced relaxation of aorta and fundus from WT mice. Relaxation induced by endogenously released NO was fully or partially inhibited by ODQ in fundus and aorta, respectively. In aorta and fundus of GCKO mice NO‐induced relaxation was absent and served as standard for complete NO‐GC inhibition.Conclusions and ImplicationsHigh NO concentrations can overcome the inhibitory effect of ODQ on NO‐GC. Smooth muscle relaxation induced by NO donors/endogenously released NO in the presence of ODQ in WT was absent in GCKO animals indicating involvement of NO‐GC. Accordingly, NO‐induced effects in the presence of ODQ do not necessarily prove cGMP independence.