bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence and implications of clouds for cloud forest plant water relations
Authors: Goldsmith Gregory R. , Matzke Nicholas J. , Dawson Todd E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough clouds are the most recognisable and defining feature of tropical montane cloud forests, little research has focussed on how clouds affect plant functioning. We used satellite and ground‐based observations to study cloud and leaf wetting patterns in contrasting tropical montane and pre‐montane cloud forests. We then studied the consequences of leaf wetting for the direct uptake of water accumulated on leaf surfaces into the leaves themselves. During the dry season, the montane forest experienced higher precipitation, cloud cover and leaf wetting events of longer duration than the pre‐montane forest. Leaf wetting events resulted in foliar water uptake in all species studied. The capacity for foliar water uptake differed significantly between the montane and pre‐montane forest plant communities, as well as among species within a forest. Our results indicate that foliar water uptake is common in these forest plants and improves plant water status during the dry season.
Seizures in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia: A population‐based nested case–control analysis
Authors: Imfeld Patrick , Bodmer Michael , Schuerch Markus , Jick Susan S. , Meier Christoph R. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have an increased risk of developing seizures or epilepsy. Little is known about the role of risk factors and about the risk of developing seizures/epilepsy in patients with vascular dementia (VD). The aim of this study was to assess incidence rates (IRs) of seizures/epilepsy in patients with AD, VD, or without dementia, and to identify potential risk factors of seizures or epilepsy.Methods:  We conducted a follow‐up study with a nested case–control analysis using the United Kingdom–based General Practice Research Database (GPRD). We identified patients aged ≥65 years with an incident diagnosis of AD or VD between 1998 and 2008 and a matched comparison group of dementia‐free patients. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of developing seizures/epilepsy in patients with AD or VD, stratified by age at onset and duration of dementia as well as by use of antidementia drugs.Key Findings:  Among 7,086 cases with AD, 4,438 with VD, and 11,524 matched dementia‐free patients, we identified 180 cases with an incident diagnosis of seizures/epilepsy. The IRs of epilepsy/seizures for patients with AD or VD were 5.6/1,000 person‐years (py) (95% CI 4.6–6.9) and 7.5/1,000 py (95% CI 5.7–9.7), respectively, and 0.8/1,000 py (95% CI 0.6–1.1) in the dementia‐free group. In the nested case–control analysis, patients with longer standing (≥3 years) AD had a slightly higher risk of developing seizures or epilepsy than those with a shorter disease duration, whereas in patients with VD the contrary was observed.Significance:  Seizures or epilepsy were substantially more common in patients with AD and VD than in dementia‐free patients. The role of disease duration as a risk factor for seizures/epilepsy seems to differ between AD and VD.
Urban Centrality: A Simple Index
Authors: Pereira Rafael Henrique Moraes , Nadalin Vanessa , Monasterio Leonardo , Albuquerque Pedro H. M. 
Published: December 2012

This study introduces a new measure of urban centrality. The proposed urban centrality index (UCI) constitutes an extension to the spatial separation index. Urban structure should be more accurately analyzed when considering a centrality scale (varying from extreme monocentricity to extreme polycentricity) than when considering a binary variable (monocentric or polycentric). The proposed index controls for differences in size and shape of the geographic areas for which data are available, and can be calculated using different variables such as employment and population densities, or trip generation rates. The properties of the index are illustrated with simulated artificial data sets and are compared with other similar measures proposed in the existing literature. The index is then applied to the urban structure of four metropolitan areas: Pittsburgh and Los Angeles in the United States; São Paulo, Brazil; and Paris, France. The index is compared with other traditional spatial agglomeration measures, such as global and local Moran's I, and density gradient estimations.El presente estudio introduce una nueva medida de centralidad. El índice de centralidad urbana propuesto (UCI, por sus siglas en inglés) es una extensión al índice de separación espacial (spatial separation index)(Midelfart‐Knarvik et al. 2000). El análisis de la estructura urbana resulta más preciso al usar el índice cuando se toma en cuenta una escala de continua de centralidad (que puede variar de un monocentrismo extremo a un policentrismo extremo) que cuando se considera una variable binaria (monocéntrica o policéntrica). El índex propuesto controla las diferencias de tamaño y forma de las áreas geográficas de las que se tienen datos, y puede ser calculada utilizando diferentes variables, como empleo y densidad poblacional, o tasas de generación de viajes. Las propiedades del índice se ilustran con conjuntos de datos artificiales simulados, y se comparan con otras mediciones similares en la literatura ya existente. Posteriormente, el índice es aplicado a la estructura urbana de cuatro áreas metropolitanas: Pittsburgh y Los Ángeles, en EEUU; San Pablo, en Brasil; y París, Francia. Finalmente, se compara el índice con otras mediciones tradicionales de aglomeración espacial, como el índice de Moran local y global, y estimaciones de gradiente de densidad.本文介绍了一种度量城市中心性的新方法，提出的城市中心性指数（UCI）是对空间分离指数的扩展。当涉及到中心性规模（从极单中心到极多中心），不仅仅是二元变量（单中心或多中心），城市结构则需更加精确的测度。本文构建的指数可以通过数据可获取的不同大小和形状的地理单元控制，并通过不同变量（如就业与人口密度或者旅次产生率）测算得到。该指数的属性可以通过人工数据集的模拟示例说明，或者通过对比已有文献对相似指数的阐述加以说明。然后，通过将该指数应用于全球四个大都市区（美国匹兹堡和洛杉矶、巴西圣保罗和法国巴黎）的城市结构中进行检验。最后，将该指数与其他测度传统空间集聚指数如全局和局部Moran指数及密度梯度估计进行对比.
Experimental geographies
Authors: Last Angela 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe proliferation of the term ‘experimental’ in human geography has given rise to the question of how geographers experiment. Given the range of different examples ‐ from explorations of sensory methods to attempts at transforming the role of publics in decision‐making ‐ it becomes clear that one cannot talk about a unified experimental geographical approach. While projects share common themes such as challenging methodological limitations or wishing to play a more active part in the ‘production of space’, they also show fundamental differences in their attitude towards knowledge‐making and intervention in the world. A starting point for further research and debate, rather than a comprehensive survey, this article outlines themes, differences and productive tensions within the discourse, and highlights the need to examine the wider politics that experimental approaches are embedded in.
The oral health of ageing baby boomers: a comparison of adults aged 45–64 and those 65 years and older
Authors: McNally Mary E. , Matthews Debora C. , Clovis Joanne B. , Brillant Martha , Filiaggi Mark J. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesTo compare the oral health status of adults aged 45–64 (baby boomers) and those aged 65 and older.MethodsAn observational, cross‐sectional survey of adults living independently in rural and urban settings in Nova Scotia, Canada was conducted. Using random digit dialing, calibrated interviewers completed a telephone survey, and clinicians calibrated to WHO standards conducted clinical examinations. Weighting was used to correct for sampling bias.Results747 community dwelling adults completed both the clinical exam and the questionnaire (n = 411, age 45–64; n = 336, age 65 or older). Rates of edentulism were low (2.6% aged 45–64; 15.7% aged 65+; p < 0.001). Untreated root caries was greater in the older dentate group (19.7 vs. 10.1%; p < 0.001). Being 65 years of age or older was identified as a predictor of increased decayed, missing, filled teeth, presence of decayed and/or filled roots and presence of attachment loss ≥4 mm, but was not a significant predictor of presence of untreated coronal caries.ConclusionsA falling rate of edentulism and a higher risk for root caries with increasing age may predict the need for more complex dental care as our population ages.
The effects of treading by dairy cows on soil properties and herbage production for three white clover‐based grazing systems on a clay loam soil
Authors: Phelan P. , Keogh B. , Casey I. A. , Necpalova M. , Humphreys J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWhite clover can reduce fertilizer‐N requirements, improve sward nutritive value and increase environmental sustainability of grazed grasslands. Results of previous experiments in glasshouse conditions and on mown plots have suggested that white clover may be more susceptible than perennial ryegrass to treading damage on wet soils. However, this phenomenon has not been investigated under actual grazing conditions. This experiment examined the effects of treading on clover content, herbage production and soil properties within three clover‐based grazing systems on a wet soil in Ireland for 1 year. Treading resulted in soil compaction, as evidenced by increased soil bulk density (P < 0·001) and reductions in the proportion of large (air‐filled) soil pores (P < 0·001). Treading reduced annual herbage production of both grass and white clover by similar amounts 0·59 and 0·45 t ha−1 respectively (P < 0·001). Treading reduced the sward clover content in June (P < 0·01) but had no effect on annual clover content, clover stolon mass or clover content at the end of the experiment. Therefore, there was little evidence that white clover is more susceptible to treading damage than perennial ryegrass under grazing conditions on wet soils.
Adjunctive effect of chlorhexidine antiseptics in mechanical periodontal treatment: first results of a preliminary case series
Authors: Calderini A , Pantaleo G , Rossi A , Gazzolo D , Polizzi E 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the present case series was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of a single session of mechanical and manual scaling and root planing (SRP) combined with the use of two different chlorhexidine formulations in the treatment for generalized chronic periodontitis.MethodsTen patients affected by chronic periodontal disease with periodontal probing depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm were treated with SRP plus local chlorhexidine. In each patient, similar teeth, treated with SRP with the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine digluconate and dihydrochloride or chlorhexidine gluconate, respectively, were selected and assigned to a test and a control group. In both groups, PPD, bleeding on probing (BOP) parameters, total bacterial counts (TBC) and quality of periodontal bacteria at time 0 and 6 weeks after treatment were measured.ResultsPPD significantly decreased over time both in the test and in the control group; however, no significant differences between the two groups were observed. BOP and TBC were significantly lower in the test than in the control group 6 weeks after treatment. In the post‐treatment revaluation, a significant decrease both in the treatment and in the control group, for each of the single periodontal pathogens, was observed.ConclusionIn this study – a preliminary case series with small sample size and short follow‐up – the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine (CHX) to SRP resulted in clinical and microbiological benefits in the treatment for generalized chronic periodontitis. A CHX gel formulation consisting of CHX digluconate and CHX dihydrochloride seems to lead some additional benefits over SRP plus CHX gluconate in the short term. Additional investigations are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this antiseptic therapy.
Fluoride intake from food items in 2‐ to 6‐year‐old Brazilian children living in a non‐fluoridated area using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire
Authors: Levy Flavia Mauad , Olympio Kelly Polido Kaneshiro , Philippi Sonia Tucunduva , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundEstimating fluoride intake (FI) using the ‘duplicate plate’ method is difficult and can raise ethical dilemmas.AimTo apply a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to 2‐ to 6‐year‐old Brazilian children in a non‐fluoridated area (i) to estimate their FI and (ii) to provide additional validity to the questionnaire by comparing the results obtained with those found previously in a fluoridated municipality.DesignThe FFQ was administered to parents of 398 children residing in a non‐fluoridated community. Constituents of the diet were divided into solids, water and other beverages and their fluoride content was analysed with the electrode. Data were analysed using unpaired t‐test.ResultsThe mean (±SD) FIs from solids, water and other beverages were 0.009 ± 0.004, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.007 ± 0.007 mg F/kg body weight/day, respectively, totalling 0.017 ± 0.009 mg F/kg body weight/day. Total FI from food/beverage items ingested in the non‐fluoridated area was significantly lower than that observed in a study previously conducted in a fluoridated area (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis result reinforces the use of the FFQ as a promising alternative to duplicate diet in order to estimate FI in children in this age range, with potential application in broad epidemiological surveys.
Prospective randomized controlled study comparing cell block method and conventional smear method for bile cytology
Authors: Noda Yutaka , Fujita Naotaka , Kobayashi Go , Ito Kei , Horaguchi Jun , Hashimoto Shinichi , Koshita Shinsuke , Ishii Shotaro , Kanno Yoshihide , Ogawa Takahisa , Masu Kaori , Tsuchiya Takashi , Oikawa Masaya , Honda Hiroshi , Sawai Takashi , Uzuki Miwa , Fujishima Fumiyoshi 
Published: December 2012

Background and AimThere is a paucity of data on the cell block (CB) method for bile cytology. We compared the diagnostic efficacy of the CB method with that of conventional smear cytology for bile obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a randomized controlled trial manner.MethodsA total of 137 patients with biliary tract lesions suspicious of malignancy who had undergone bile collection under ERCP were recruited to this study. After sampling, the bile was randomized to the CB method (n = 69) or to smear cytology (n = 68). CB sections were prepared using the sodium alginate method and subjected to hematoxylin‐eosin, Alcian blue–periodic acid–Schiff stain, and immunohistochemical stains. Both Papanicolaou and Giemsa stains were used for smear cytology.ResultsThe final diagnosis was malignancy in 94 patients: bile duct cancer, 42; pancreatic head cancer, 34; gallbladder cancer, 16; and ampullary cancer, two. The diagnostic accuracy of the CB method and that of smear cytology were 64% and 53%, respectively (P = 0.20). The sensitivity of the CB method (53%) was significantly better than that of smear cytology (28%; P = 0.014). Their respective sensitivities were 80% and 31% (P = 0.002) for bile duct cancer, 20% and 15% (P = 1.0) for pancreatic head cancer, and 30% and 67% (P = 0.30) for gallbladder cancer.ConclusionThe CB method for bile cytology showed a higher diagnostic yield than smear cytology. Its diagnostic sensitivity was satisfactory in cases of bile duct cancer.
A Measure of Dependence Between Two Compositions
Authors: Bergman Jakob , Holmquist Björn 
Published: December 2012

SummaryWe consider the problem of describing the correlation between two compositions. Using a bicompositional Dirichlet distribution, we calculate a joint correlation coefficient, based on the concept of information gain, between two compositions. Numerical values of the joint correlation coefficient are calculated for compositions of two and three components, respectively. We also present an estimator of the joint correlation coefficient for a sample from a bicompositional Dirichlet distribution. Two confidence intervals are presented and we examine their empirical confidence coefficients using a Monte Carlo study. Finally, we apply the estimator to a data set analysing the joint correlation between the 1967 and 1997, and the 1977 and 1997 compositions of the government gross domestic product for the 50 states of the USA and the District of Columbia.
Exploring students' intuitive ideas of randomness using an iPod shuffle activity
Authors: Ziegler Laura , Garfield Joan 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis article presents an activity that engages students in considering characteristics of a random sequence, in this case, a randomly generated playlist of songs using the iPod shuffle feature. Students examine simulated sequences of randomly generated songs from a small music library in order to identify characteristics that are used to develop rules that they then apply to judge whether three suspicious lists are likely to be nonrandom.
The impact of emotions on symptom perception in patients with asthma and healthy controls
Authors: von Leupoldt Andreas , Dahme Bernhard 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAccurate perception of respiratory symptoms is highly important for course and treatment of asthma. Recent findings suggest that emotions can greatly impact respiratory symptom perception. This study compared the impact of emotions on respiratory symptom perception between patients with asthma and matched healthy controls. Pleasant and unpleasant emotional states were elicited by viewing emotional picture series while symptom reports and respiratory parameters were measured. Greater symptom report was observed for the unpleasant compared to the pleasant emotional state that was not related to respiratory parameters. Notably, this effect was comparable between patients with asthma and healthy controls. The present results suggest that the impact of emotions on respiratory symptom perception is a rather general phenomenon and not dependent upon previous experiences with asthma symptoms.
Tax Biases to Debt Finance: Assessing the Problem, Finding Solutions*
Authors: De Mooij Ruud A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLegal, administrative and economic considerations offer no compelling reason for the current tax advantage of debt finance in many countries. Instead, this ‘debt bias’ creates significant inequities, complexities and economic distortions. These are likely to be larger than previously thought, especially in the financial sector. To tackle debt bias, the most promising reform is to introduce an allowance for corporate equity, as some countries have successfully done. Its main obstacle is a budgetary cost, estimated at around 15 per cent of current revenue, on average for a selection of advanced economies. This cost can be reduced by granting the allowance only to new investment. The allowance could also be targeted to the financial sector and financed by special bank levies.
Competition, Quality and Contract Compliance: Evidence from Compulsory Competitive Tendering in Local Government in Great Britain, 1987–2000*
Authors: Milne Robin G. , Roy Graeme , Angeles Luis 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe introduction of competition has frequently been found to cause costs to fall. There has, however, been a question as to whether this was partly achieved at the cost of quality. Auction theory predicts prices would fall more the greater the competition to provide the service. There has been some debate about whether the smaller budgets would make contract compliance more difficult. Evidence is found in support of this hypothesis. We also find some evidence that the better recorded performance of the in‐house direct service organisations (DSOs) during this period was due to the information advantage they had from being incumbents.
In vitro evaluation of canine hemostasis following dilution with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) via thromboelastometry
Authors: Falco Sara , Bruno Barbara , Maurella Cristiana , Bellino Claudio , D'Angelo Antonio , Gianella Paola , Tarducci Alberto , Zanatta Renato , Borrelli Antonio 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of in vitro hemodilution of canine blood with a low molecular weight hy‐droxyethyl starch (HES130/0.4) by means of thromboelastometry (TEM).DesignIn vitro experimental study.SettingUniversity Teaching Hospital.AnimalsTen healthy adult staff‐owned dogs were sampled for the purposes of the study. Samples were also collected from 45 clinically normal dogs to establish thromboelastometric reference intervals.InterventionsFor each dog whole blood was collected by jugular venipuncture and placed into tubes containing 3.8% trisodium citrate and stored at 37°C. Two standard dilutions (1:4 and 1:10) from canine blood specimens were prepared withHES130/0.4 and saline 0.9%.Measurements and Main ResultsThe effects of dilution were studied byTEM. No statistically significant differences were observed between theTEMvalues of the control samples and the samples diluted with saline solution (ratio 1:10 and 1:4). In contrast, hypocoagulability was observed in the samples treated withHES130/0.4, with more severe effects at 1:4 dilution than at 1:10 dilution. The 1:4 dilution with HES 130/0.4 produced marked alterations: CT (P= 0.035) and CFT (P= 0.0007) on the ex‐TEM profile, CT (P= 0.0005) and ML (P= 0.0017) on the fib‐TEM profile and CFT (P= 0.0043) on the in‐TEM, were all significantly increased (P< 0.05), whereas MCF (P= 0.0042) and alpha angle (P= 0.002) on the in‐TEM and MCF (P= 0.011) and alpha angle (P= 0.001) ex‐TEM profiles and MCF (P= 0.0001) on the fib‐TEM profile were significantly decreased (P< 0.05).ConclusionsDilution of canine blood withHES130/0.4 results in a thromboelastometric pattern consistent with hypocoagulation and this effect appears to result from a dose‐dependent alteration in fibrinogen concentration and inhibition of platelet function. As this is an in vitro study, further in vivo investigations are necessary to confirm the results.
Flow rates of large animal fluid delivery systems used for high‐volume crystalloid resuscitation
Authors: Nolen‐Walston Rose D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesLarge animal species in states of shock can require particularly high flow rates for volume resuscitation and the ability to deliver adequate volumes rapidly may be a rate‐limiting step. The objective of this study was to determine the maximum flow rates of common combinations of IV catheter, extension set, and fluid administration sets.SettingsUniversity veterinary teaching hospital.DesignIn vitro experimental study.InterventionsMaximum flow rates were measured using combinations of 4 IV catheters (3 14‐Ga and a single 10‐Ga), 2 IV catheter extension sets (small bore and large bore), and 2 types of fluid administration sets (standard 2‐lead large animal coiled IV set and nonpressurized 4‐lead arthroscopic irrigation set). The catheter, extension sets, and administration sets were arranged in 16 configurations, and flow rates measured in triplicate using tap water flowing into an open receptacle.Measurements and Main ResultsFlow rates ranged from 7.4 L/h with an over‐the‐wire 14‐Ga catheter, small‐bore extension, and coil set, to 51.2 L/h using a 10‐Ga catheter, no extension, and arthroscopic irrigation set. There was an increase of 1.3–8.9% in flow rates between the large‐ versus small‐bore extension sets. Crystalloid delivery in vivo to an adult horse was 21% slower (9.1 L/h versus 11.5 L/h) than the corresponding in vitro measurement.ConclusionsExtremely high flow rates can be achieved in vitro using large‐bore catheters and delivery systems, although the clinical necessity for rates >50 L/h has not been determined. The use of large‐bore extension sets resulted in only a minimal increase in flow rate.