bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the rate of invasion of the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Ogden Nicholas H. , Lindsay L. Robbin , Leighton Patrick A. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Identifying invading tick populations provides early warning for emerging tickborne diseases that are expanding their geographic range. But how fast do tickborne pathogens invade after ticks become established?

Surveillance data for the tick Ixodes scapularis and the agent of Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi in southern Canada, an area where these species currently are invading, revealed a space‐time cluster of ticks of low B. burgdorferi infection prevalence in southern Quebec signalling the location where tick populations became established beginning in 2004. The cluster disappeared in 2009, indicating a 5‐year gap between tick and B. burgdorferi invasion.

Simulations of a model of I. scapularis populations and B. burgdorferi transmission identified numbers of immigrating ticks, rather than host density and diversity, as key determinants of the speed of pathogen invasion after ticks become established.

Greater numbers of immigrating infected nymphs would be expected in Central compared with Eastern Canada because nymphal and larval ticks in source populations in Midwestern USA are active in spring when migratory birds can carry ticks north. Whereas in northeastern USA, tick populations that are sources for immigrating ticks for Eastern Canada have active nymphs, but few larvae are active in spring. Consequently, we hypothesized that a 5‐year gap would occur between tick and B. burgdorferi invasion in Eastern Canada, but a much shorter gap would occur in Central Canada.

Consistent with this hypothesis, analysis of surveillance data revealed clusters of ticks with low infection prevalence of ≥5 years duration in locations in Eastern Canada where I. scapularis is invading, but a nonsignificant cluster of only 3‐year duration in regions of Central Canada where I. scapularis is invading.

Synthesis and applications. We have identified the speed at which the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi invades following the invasion of the tick Ixodes scapularis, and that the synchrony of larval and nymphal tick activity in spring is a key factor determining the gap between tick and pathogen invasion. This has immediate application in interpreting imminence of Lyme disease risk when surveillance identifies emerging tick populations in Canada. It also has general application in predicting of the speed of invasion of emerging tickborne pathogens elsewhere in the world.
Public Deliberation, Network Analysis and the Political Integration of Muslims in Britain
Authors: Cinalli Manlio , O'Flynn Ian 
Published: February 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract This article One of the first papers to bring deliberative theory and network theory together. Maps ‘who is talking to whom’ in the field of ethnic relations in Britain. Argues that, while Muslim actors do not necessarily couch their claims in general terms, they are well integrated nevertheless. In this article, we examine the assumption that, insofar as actors deliberate well, political integration will follow. We do so specifically with respect to the political integration of Muslims in the field of ethnic relations in Britain, using data retrieved from two quality British broadsheets. Our approach has two components. First, we consider the quality of the deliberative interventions actors make, comparing Muslim actors with other actors. Second, we use measures drawn from network analysis to assess the level of political integration as indicated by the ties that those deliberative interventions forge. Our findings show that the link between how Muslim actors deliberate and their political integration in the field is more complex that one might assume. Although Muslims do not deliberate as well as normative deliberative theory says they should, empirically they are politically integrated, having forged diverse relationships that avoid the danger of polarisation.
Did Oral Interventions by the Indonesian Central Bank Support the Rupiah?
Authors: Sahminan Sahminan , de Haan Jakob 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMost previous studies on the effectiveness of oral interventions (statements by officials in support of the exchange rate) focus on industrial countries. The present paper examines whether statements by Bank Indonesia officials (i.e. the central bank of Indonesia) during the period 2004–2007 have had any effect on the level and volatility of the rupiah–dollar exchange rate. Our exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models suggest that oral interventions have little impact on the level of the spot exchange rate, but increase the volatility of the spot exchange rate. Oral interventions indicating a stronger or weaker rupiah also have little influence on the level of the forward exchange rate while neutral statements lead to more volatility.
Gaining access or going public? Interest group strategies in fiveEuropean countries
Authors: Dür Andreas , Mateo Gemma 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInterest groups differ in the strategies they use to influence public policy. Some mainly try to gain access (i.e., have direct contact with decision makers), whereas others tend to ‘go public’ by launching campaigns that aim to mobilise the broader public. In this article it is argued that group type – namely the distinction between business associations, professional associations and citizen groups – is a major determinant of the choice of strategy. The effect of group type, however, is conditional on the group's endowment with material resources and the issue context: the differences across group types are largest for resource‐rich associations and associations active in distributive policy fields. Original data from surveys of national associations in fiveEuropean countries (Austria,Germany,Ireland,Latvia andSpain) enable the assessment of this argument. The theoretical expectations are supported, with the results having relevance for the normative evaluation of political systems and the positive study of interest group influence.
Origins of party formation and new party success in advanced democracies
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , Bytzek Evelyn 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWhich new parties entered national parliaments in advanced democracies over the last four decades and how did they perform after their national breakthrough? This article argues that distinguishing two types of party formation (that facilitate or complicate party institutionalisation) helps to explain why some entries flourish, while others vanish quickly from the national stage. New parties formed by individual entrepreneurs that cannot rely on ties to already organised groups are less likely to get reelected to parliament after breakthrough than rooted newcomers. This hypothesis is tested on a newly compiled dataset of new parties that entered parliaments in 17 advanced democracies from 1968 onwards. Applying multilevel analyses, the factors that shape newcomers' capacity to reenter parliament after breakthrough are assessed. Five factors have significant effects, yet affect party performance only in particular phases: both a party's electoral support at breakthrough and its operation in a system with a strong regional tier increase the likelihood of initial reelection. In contrast, a distinct programmatic profile, the permissiveness of the electoral system and easy access to free broadcasting increase a party's chance of repeated reelection. Only formation type significantly affects both phases and does so most strongly, substantiating the theoretical approach used in this article.
Regression effect of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α on liver cirrhosis in rats
Authors: Fan Ting Ting , Hu Ping Fang , Wang Jian , Wei Ji , Zhang Qing , Ning Bei Fang , Yin Chuan , Zhang Xin , Xie Wei Fen , Chen Yue Xiang , Shi Bin 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether cirrhosis could be reversed after treated with hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), a key transcriptional regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and function.MethodsEarly and advanced stages of liver cirrhosis were induced by thioacetamide (TAA) administration. The adenovirus carrying HNF4α gene was injected into cirrhotic rats via the tail vein. The effect of HNF4α on cirrhosis was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical examination.ResultsEarly stage of cirrhosis was remarkably resolved by HNF4α to a nearly‐normal extent and advanced cirrhosis was partially ameliorated in vivo. The enforced expression of HNF4α downregulated profibrogenic factors remarkably including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, fibroblast‐specific protein (FSP)‐1, collagen I and III. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that HNF4α administration inhibited extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway through the downregulation of phosphorated ERK and phosphorated JunD. In addition, HNF4α readjusted the balance between extracellular matrix deposition and degradation through the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase and downregulation of its inhibitors. Moreover, HNF4α treatment inhibited angiogenesis as determined by CD31 and CD34 immunostaining.ConclusionsOur findings broaden the knowledge on the reversibility of different stages of cirrhosis as HNF4α could present a promising alternative for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
What is the importance of age on treatment of the elderly in the intensive care unit?
Authors: BRANDBERG C. , BLOMQVIST H. , JIRWE M. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundBy 2050, the percentage of the population older than 80 years will double, and some data suggest that elderly patients receive less advanced treatment. Information of outcome in elderly (≥ 65 year), representing roughly half the intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, in Sweden is scarce.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. We included all critically ill patients aged 65 or older (n = 605), admitted to the ICU during the years 2010–2011. Patients were categorized into two age groups: 65–79 (64%) and above 80 (36%). Demographic and epidemiology data were registered, as well as primary diagnosis, Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) mortality (ICU and hospital), withhold/withdraw life‐sustaining treatment, the ICU workload, length of stay (ICU and hospital) and discharge location.ResultsHospital mortality was significantly higher in patients above 80 years compared with patients 65–79 years of age (33.7% vs. 22.8%). These patients received less treatment and obtained more limitations in care (withhold/withdraw life‐sustaining treatments). Patients above 80 years received less invasive ventilatory support (28.3% vs. 37.8%) and shorter length of invasive ventilatory support (1.1 ± 3.9 vs. 2.9 ± 7.4) compared with patients aged 65–79. In multivariate analysis, patients ≥ 80 years received less mechanical ventilation and more limitations in care even after adjustment for SAPS III and comorbidity.ConclusionsPatients above 80 years received less treatment and obtained more limitations in life‐sustaining treatments compared with patients aged 65–79, even after adjustment for severity of illness and comorbidity.
The association between audit committee effectiveness and audit risk
Authors: Contessotto Christine , Moroney Robyn 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAudit committees (ACs) are expected to play a key role in improving financial statement integrity and as a consequence reduce audit risk. Companies reporting conformity with regulations can have an AC that appears effective but is not actually effective in substance. We surveyed audit partners and managers to identify their indicators of actual AC effectiveness (auditor‐chosen list). We hypothesize a negative association between AC effectiveness and audit risk, only when an auditor‐chosen list, rather than extent of conformity with regulations, is used to measure effectiveness. Results support our expectations.
Morphological characteristics of the Pterodoras granulosus digestive tube (Valenciennes, 1821) (Osteichthyes, Doradidae)
Authors: de Melo Germano Ricardo , Stabille Sandra Regina , de Britto Mari Renata , Pereira Joice Naiara Bertaglia , Faglioni Juliana Raquel Scoz , de Miranda Neto Marcílio Hubner 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLittle is known about the digestive tube (DT) morphology of the fish Pterodoras granulosus. Therefore, macro‐, meso‐ and microscopic aspects of 15 P. granulosus DTs were analysed. The muscular layer was composed of striated skeletal muscle in the oesophagus and smooth muscle in the other segments. The epithelium progressed from a stratified pavement in the oesophagus to a simple column in the other segments, with a flat striated border in the intestine. A large number of mucus‐secreting periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive cells were observed in the oesophagus. In the stomach, the number of glands in the region decreased towards the cardiac–fundic region, and none were found in the pylorus. The intestine showed an epithelium with absorption cells and an increasing number of PAS‐positive caliciform cells towards the distal region. Tests showed that the oesophagus is adapted for passing and preparing food for the chemical digestion that occurs in the stomach, which also has storage functions without grinding action. The proximal intestinal region was consistent with fat absorption, and the medium region, with the absorption of other nutrients. The distal region was short and consistent with a role in absorption for osmoregulation as well as in the formation, storage and disposal of faeces.
Molecular mechanism of action of bisphenol and bisphenolAmediated by oestrogen receptor alpha in growth and apoptosis of breast cancer cells
Authors: Sengupta S , Obiorah I , Maximov PY , Curpan R , Jordan VC 
Published: February 2013

Background and PurposeOestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binds to different ligand which can function as complete/partial oestrogen‐agonist or antagonist. This depends on the chemical structure of the ligands which modulates the transcriptional activity of the oestrogen‐responsive genes by altering the conformation of the liganded‐ERαcomplex. This study determined the molecular mechanism of oestrogen‐agonistic/antagonistic action of structurally similar ligands, bisphenol (BP) and bisphenolA(BPA) on cell proliferation and apoptosis ofERα+ ve breast cancer cells.Experimental ApproachDNAwas measured to assess the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells.RT‐PCRandChIPassays were performed to quantify the transcripts ofTFF1gene and recruitment ofERαandSRC3at the promoter ofTFF1gene respectively. Molecular docking was used to delineate the binding modes ofBPandBPAwith theERα.PCR‐based arrays were used to study the regulation of the apoptotic genes.Key ResultsBPandBPAinduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells; however, unlikeBPA,BPfailed to induce apoptosis.BPAconsistently acted as an agonist in our studies butBPexhibited mixed agonistic/antagonistic properties. Molecular docking revealed agonistic and antagonistic mode of binding forBPAandBPrespectively.BPAtreatment resembledE2treatment in terms ofPCR‐based regulation of apoptotic genes whereasBPwas similar to4OHTtreatment.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe chemical structure ofERαligand determines the agonistic or antagonistic biological responses by the virtue of their binding mode, conformation of the liganded‐ERαcomplex and the context of the cellular function.
Effects by silodosin on the partially obstructed rat ureter in vivo and on human and rat isolated ureters
Authors: Villa L , Buono R , Fossati N , Rigatti P , Montorsi F , Benigni F , Hedlund P 
Published: February 2013

Background and Purposeα1‐adrenoceptor (‐AR) antagonists may facilitate ureter stone passage in humans. We aimed to study effects by the α1A‐AR selective antagonist silodosin (compared to tamsulosin and prazosin) on ureter pressures in a rat model of ureter obstruction, and on contractions of human and rat isolated ureters.Experimental ApproachAfter ethical approval, ureters of male rats were cannulated beneath the kidney pelvis for in vivo ureteral intraluminal recording of autonomous peristaltic pressure waves. A partial ureter obstruction was applied to the distal ureter. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was recorded. Approximate clinical and triple clinical doses of the α1‐AR antagonists were given intravenously. Effects by the α1‐AR antagonists on isolated human and rat ureters were studied in organ baths.Key ResultsIntravenous silodosin (0.1–0.3 mg kg−1) or prazosin (0.03–0.1 mg kg−1) reduced obstruction‐induced increases in intraluminal ureter pressures by 21–37% or 18–40% respectively. Corresponding effects by tamsulosin (0.01 or 0.03 mg kg−1) were 9–20%. Silodosin, prazosin and tamsulosin reduced MAP by 10–12%, 25–26% (P < 0.05), or 18–25% (P < 0.05) respectively. When effects by the α1A‐AR antagonists on obstruction‐induced ureter pressures were expressed as a function of MAP, silodosin had six‐ to eightfold and 2.5‐ to eightfold better efficacy than tamsulosin or prazosin respectively. Silodosin effectively reduced contractions of both human and rat isolated ureters.Conclusions and ImplicationsSilodosin inhibits contractions of the rat and human isolated ureters and has excellent functional selectivity in vivo to relieve pressure‐load of the rat obstructed ureter. Silodosin as pharmacological ureter stone expulsive therapy should be clinically further explored.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Negative Life Events From Late Childhood to Adolescence
Authors: Johnson Daniel P. , Rhee Soo Hyun , Whisman Mark A. , Corley Robin P. , Hewitt John K. 
Published: February 2013

This multiwave longitudinal study tested two quantitative genetic developmental models to examine genetic and environmental influences on exposure to negative dependent and independent life events. Participants (N = 457 twin pairs) completed measures of life events annually from ages 9 to 16. The same genetic factors influenced exposure to dependent events across time and increased in magnitude during the transition to adolescence. Independent events were less genetically influenced than dependent events in boys, but not girls. Shared environmental influences decreased in magnitude as youth transitioned into adolescence. Nonshared environmental influences were mostly age specific and contributed significantly to both types of events at all ages. Results provide theoretical implications for developmental risk pathways to stress exposure and stress‐related psychopathology.
Board Task Evolution: A Longitudinal Field Study in theUK
Authors: Machold Silke , Farquhar Stuart 
Published: February 2013

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueSeveral studies have investigated the antecedents of board tasks but there are disagreements about the number of tasks, their content and how they are operationalized. Moreover, the question of how board tasks evolve is under‐researched. This study seeks to map the patterns of board tasks over time and the contingent conditions under which they evolve.Research Findings/InsightsBy means of a longitudinal observation study of sixUKboards, this study shows how board task profiles can be categorized according to (1) the range of tasks boards engage with, (2) the degree and mode of adaptability of board tasks to changing strategic contexts, and (c) the extent to which boards are passive.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsTraditional governance theories such as agency and resource‐dependency perspectives provide insights to the content of board tasks, but do not explain how and why these tasks change. Combining traditional conceptualizations of board tasks with a process‐based theoretical lens offers new insights into board tasks and how effectively they are performed.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe results show how boards can better structure their activities to make effective use of scarce meeting time. Activities such as dissemination of information should be curtailed to leave more room for board debate on strategic issues. The study also highlights how board evaluations may benefit from having a “fly‐on‐the‐wall” observer.
Investigation of the effect of different prefabricated intracanal posts on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth
Authors: Dikbas Idil , Tanalp Jale , Koksal Temel , Yalnız Ayşe , Güngör Tufan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess fracture resistances of simulated immature single‐rooted teeth whose roots have been backfilled using 3 different post systems after a 4 mm apical mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) placement.Materials and methodsForty‐eight maxillary anterior teeth were assigned into four groups. The lengths of each root were standardized by cutting off the coronal and apical portions to obtain 13 ± 1 mm samples and root canals were enlarged. The #6 Peeso reamers were allowed to protrude 1 mm beyond apex to simulate immature teeth. Apical 4 mm of each tooth was filled using MTA. The remaining portions were treated as follows: Group 1 (Control): AH Plus + Gutta‐percha cold lateral compaction. Group 2: Glass fiber posts (FRC Postec Plus post) cemented using self‐adhesive resin cement. Group 3: Quartz fiber posts (D.T. Light post) cemented using self‐adhesive resin cement. Group 4: Zirconia posts (Cosmopost) were placed using self‐adhesive resin cement. Specimens were embedded in self‐curing acrylic. A compressive load was applied lingually at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min at an angle of 45º until fracture in a universal testing machine.ResultsThe mean fracture resistances were 823.17 ± 188.80, 1155.50 ± 190.37, 1208.00 ± 254.32, and 1153.25 ± 195.71 Newtons for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. All experimental groups had significantly higher fracture resistance compared with the control group (P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was noted between the experimental groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsAll post systems exerted a similar reinforcing effect to a simulated immature tooth and may be preferred specifically in situations which require additional reinforcement.
Dutch elm disease pathogen transmission by the banded elm bark beetle Scolytus schevyrewi
Authors: Jacobi W. R. , Koski R. D. , Negron J. F. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDutch Elm Disease (DED) is a vascular wilt disease of Ulmus species (elms) incited in North America primarily by the exotic fungus Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi. The pathogen is transmitted via root grafts and elm bark beetle vectors, including the native North American elm bark beetle, Hylurgopinus rufipes and the exotic smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus. The banded elm bark beetle, Scolytus schevyrewi, is an exotic Asian bark beetle that is now apparently the dominant elm bark beetle in the Rocky Mountain region of the USA. It is not known if S. schevyrewi will have an equivalent vector competence or if management recommendations need to be updated. Thus the study objectives were to: (i) determine the type and size of wounds made by adult S. schevyrewi on branches of Ulmus americana and (ii) determine if adult S. schevyrewi can transfer the pathogen to American elms during maturation feeding. To determine the DED vectoring capability of S. schevyrewi, newly emerged adults were infested with spores of Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi and then placed with either in‐vivo or in‐vitro branches of American elm trees. The inoculation of trees via feeding wounds was successful 30% of the time for in‐vivo trials and 33% for in‐vitro trials. Although the infection rate of DED has declined in Colorado over the past 10 years, the disease is still present in urban elms. While it appears that S. schevyrewi is another vector of the DED pathogens, it appears that S. schevyrewi is no more efficient than S. multistriatus. Thus, management programs that remove elm bark beetle breeding sites, rapidly remove DED‐infected elms and include the planting of DED‐resistant elms should continue to be effective management tactics.