bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The (non) impact of invasive cane toads on freshwater crocodiles at Lake Argyle in tropical Australia
Authors: Somaweera R. , Shine R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe most substantial (and to date, unexplained) heterogeneity in the impact of toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) on the native fauna of tropical Australia involves freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni); some populations have experienced catastrophic mortality whereas others have been unaffected. A trend for higher impact in more arid areas suggests that Western Australian (Kimberley region) crocodile populations may be at high risk. We monitored crocodile densities and body sizes, and the spread of cane toads, at a large water body (Lake Argyle) in the eastern Kimberley. Toads arrived on the lakeshore in early 2009, and spread to cover > 300 km of lakeshore, and colonize all of the larger islands within a 24‐month period. Physical removal of > 10 000 toads by a community group depressed toad abundances, but only briefly. Spool‐tracking showed that toads moved extensively along the lakeshore (up to 90 m per night), often into floating vegetation in the lake. Crocodiles thus encountered toads (3–15% of crocodiles were < 2 m from a toad when sighted), and we recorded 36 cases of toads being seized by crocodiles. Nonetheless, crocodile mortality was rare, and crocodile numbers did not decrease through time, nor differ between toad‐infested versus toad‐free areas of the lake. Although ingestion of a single adult toad may be fatal to a freshwater crocodile, and the Lake Argyle crocodiles encounter and consume these toxic anurans, the population‐level impact of toad invasion has been trivial. Hence, the Lake Argyle crocodile population may not warrant immediate active management to reduce the impact of cane toads.
Shrinking sable antelope numbers in Kruger National Park: what is suppressing population recovery?
Authors: Owen‐Smith N. , Chirima G. J. , Macandza V. , Le Roux E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSable antelope numbers in the Kruger National Park have declined substantially since the mid‐1980s and have shown little recovery despite improved rainfall conditions. We used aerial survey records to investigate how changes in herd numbers, herd sizes, calf proportions and consequent changes in the distribution range of breeding herds contributed to this situation. Both herd sizes and herd numbers decreased in the drier northern half of the park, coupled with low calf proportions, especially during and following a severe drought, while declines in these measures became evident later in the wetter southern half. Herd extirpations led to a 25% contraction in the local distribution range of sable antelope, although some of these herds had only become established during the high rainfall period in the late 1970s. Local population trends were not related to increases in zebra numbers potentially attracting more predators. Compensatory density dependence in the population growth rate was no longer evident after 1986 during the period of the population decline. The population trajectory modelled from rainfall relationships indicated that the depressed population growth rate relative to rainfall apparent after 1986 has persisted, implicating either enduring habitat degradation or continuing high predation pressure. The pattern of the population decline and subsequent lack of recovery raises the possibility that an Allee effect could be operating, mediated through the consequences of reduced herd sizes for exposure to predation. Our findings suggest how delays in responding to declining population numbers could prejudice population recovery well before the overall population size drops to levels threatening population viability.
Common Variants in FTO Are Not Significantly Associated with Obesity‐Related Phenotypes among Samoans of Polynesia
Authors: Karns Rebekah , Viali Satupaitea , Tuitele John , Sun Guangyun , Cheng Hong , Weeks Daniel E. , McGarvey Stephen T. , Deka Ranjan 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe association between obesity and the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene has been widely replicated among Caucasian populations. The limited number of studies assessing its significance in Asian populations has been somewhat conflicting. We performed a genetic association study of 51 tagging, genome‐wide association studies, and imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms with 12 measures of adiposity and skeletal robustness in two Samoan populations of Polynesia. We included 465 and 624 unrelated American Samoan and Samoan individuals, respectively; these populations derive from a single genetic background traced to Southeast Asia and represent one sociocultural unit, although they are economically disparate with distinct environmental exposures. American Samoans were significantly larger than Samoans in all measures of obesity and most measures of skeletal robustness. In separate analyses of American Samoa and Samoa, we found a total of 36 nominal associations between FTO variants and skeletal and obesity measures. The preponderance of these nominal associations (32 of 36) was observed in the Samoan population, and predominantly with skeletal rather than fat mass measures (28 of 36). All significance disappeared, however, following corrections for multiple testing. Based on these findings, it could be surmised that FTO is not likely a major obesity locus in Polynesian populations.
Group cognitive behavior therapy for children with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorders and anxiety: a randomized trial
Authors: Reaven Judy , Blakeley‐Smith Audrey , Culhane‐Shelburne Kathy , Hepburn Susan 
Published: November 2011

Background:  Children with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at high risk for developing significant anxiety. Anxiety can adversely impact functioning across school, home and community environments. Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) are frequently used with success for children with anxiety symptoms. Modified CBT interventions for anxiety in children with ASD have also yielded promising results.Methods:  Fifty children with high‐functioning ASD and anxiety were randomized to group CBT or treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) for 12 weeks. Independent clinical evaluators, blind to condition, completed structured interviews (Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule – Parent Version; ADIS‐P) pre‐ and post‐intervention condition.Results:  Forty‐seven children completed either the CBT or TAU condition. Results indicated markedly better outcomes for the CBT group. Significant differences by group were noted in Clinician Severity Ratings, diagnostic status, and clinician ratings of global improvement. In the intent‐to‐treat sample, 10 of 20 children (50%) in the CBT group had a clinically meaningful positive treatment response, compared to 2 of 23 children (8.7%) in the TAU group.Conclusions:  Initial results from this randomized, designed treatment study suggest that a group CBT intervention specifically developed for children with ASD may be effective in decreasing anxiety. Limitations of this study include small sample size, lack of an attention control group, and use of outcome measures normed with typically developing children.
Dorlodotia and related genera (Rugosa) from the Visean (Mississippian; Carboniferous) of Zonguldak and Bartin (North‐Western Turkey)
Authors: DENAYER JULIEN 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  A rich and diverse coral fauna collected from the Livian (Viséan, Mississippian) of Zonguldak and Bartın (North‐western Turkey) contains numerous specimens of Dorlodotia and related forms. The most common species, D. delepineiCharles, 1933, is redetermined as Dorlodotia briarti, an European species. A new species of Dorlodotia is described for very large, phaceloid forms: D. euxinensis. The genus Ceriodotia is created for species close to Dorlodotia with a cerioid habit. It comprises two species: C. bartinensis and C. petalaxoides, both common in the Viséan of Zonguldak and Bartın. Based on comparison of morphological characters and features of the astogeny, a phylogenetic lineage is proposed for Dorlodotia and the new taxa. The evolution of D. euxinensis from D. briarti is peramorphic. Subsequent paedomorphosis resulted in the lineage D. euxinensis–C. bartinensis–C. petalaxoides. Ceriodotia probably includes Viséan taxa from Asia previously described as ‘Acrocyathus’.
Factors Associated With Triptan Use in Episodic Migraine: Results From the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study
Authors: Chu Min Kyung , Buse Dawn C. , Bigal Marcelo E. , Serrano Daniel , Lipton Richard B. 
Published: November 2011

Background.— Though triptans are considered the standard of acute therapy for migraine attacks with headache‐related disability, they are used by the minority of potentially eligible persons. Understanding the socio‐demographic and headache features that predict triptan use may help to clarify barriers to optimal treatment.Objective.— To assess the sociodemographic and headache features associated with triptan use in a US population sample of persons with episodic migraine.Methods.— The American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study (AMPP) is a longitudinal study conducted in a representative sample of US headache sufferers. Episodic migraineurs (n = 11,388) who provided treatment data in 2005 were included in the current analyses. We assessed factors associated with triptan use through univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, headache‐related disability, cutaneous allodynia, depression, and preventive headache medication use.Results.— Among persons with episodic migraine, 18.31% reported current use of triptans for acute headache treatment. In univariate analyses, triptan use was most common in midlife (ages 30‐59), among females, and was more common in Caucasians than in African Americans. Triptan use increased with headache frequency, headache‐related disability and allodynia, but decreased among persons with depression. In multivariate analyses, female gender, Caucasian race, age 40‐49, higher levels of education (college or higher), annual household income of ≥$40,000, having health insurance, the presence of cutaneous allodynia, greater headache‐related disability, and preventive medication use for migraine were significantly associated with triptan use.Conclusions.— Less than 1 in 5 persons with migraine in the United States who were respondents to this survey used triptans for acute headache treatment over the course of a year. Several markers of severe headache, including disability and allodynia, were associated with increased triptan use. Groups less likely to get triptans included males, African Americans, older adults, and the uninsured. Predictors of use provide insight into groups with unmet treatment needs.
Low‐Dose Topiramate Plus Sodium Divalproate for Positive Responders Intolerant to Full‐Dose Monotherapy
Authors: Krymchantowski Abouch Valenty , da Cunha Jevoux Carla 
Published: November 2011

Background.— Neuromodulators such as topiramate (TPM) and divalproex sodium (DVS) are effective in the preventive treatment of migraine. Nonetheless, patients often discontinue their use due to side effects.Objectives.— The study aims to determine whether the combination of lower doses of TPM and DVS may be useful for patients responsive to higher doses of the individual drugs but experiencing intolerable side effects.Methods.— This clinic‐based study was conducted to evaluate a series of patients who experienced at least a 50% reduction in headache frequency after 6 weeks of treatment with either TPM 100 mg/day or DVS 750 mg/day, but suffered intolerable drug‐related side effects. At that point, patients were switched to TPM (50 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night) plus DVS 500 mg/day (single dose) and reevaluated after 6 further weeks.Results.— Thirty‐eight patients were evaluated. Mean age was 37 years, and 84% were female. Of the 38, 17 (77.3%) initially were using TPM only, and 10 (62.5%) initially were using DVS only. After 6 weeks on combination therapy, 27 (62.9%) reported improved tolerability without any decrease in efficacy. Five patients who initially were using TPM only and six using DVS only failed to return for follow‐up or were noncompliant with treatment due to persistent or worsening side effects.Conclusions.— This small, open‐label study suggests that the combination of TPM and DVS in doses lower than those typically used for migraine prophylaxis may be an effective option for patients who benefited from higher doses of these same medications used as monotherapy but were unable to tolerate such treatment due to side effects.
A Robust Vision of Europe
Authors: SCHRÖDER GERHARD 
Published: November 2011

The sovereign debt problem in Europe, ignited by Greece, has morphed into an economic crisis challenging the solvency of major banks and countries as well as a generalized crisis of governance. Lacking the legitimacy of public support, the leaders of the European Union's fledgling institutions have been indecisive and unable to contain the looming danger of financial contagion. Along with the economic slowdown in the United States, instability and volatility in Europe threaten to derail the fragile global recovery.In this section, several former European leaders as well as political figures from the emerging economies offer their ideas on how to fix Europe and stem the global threat.
Commentary: Peering Inside the Black Box of Policy Interventions
Authors: Wilcox Brian L. , Deutsch Arielle 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe New Hope evaluation generated a variety of useful findings that will help guide future iterations of antipoverty policymaking, despite the fact that the intervention was only selectively effective and impacts were generally short lived. The evaluation process itself, however, representing a blend of sound design, mixed methods, and theories drawn from psychological anthropology as well as other disciplines, is likely to significantly shape future large‐scale policy evaluation efforts.
Commentary: Pound Foolish: Lester's Case for Developmentally Appropriate Eating Disorder Treatment
Authors: Celeste Bobbie L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA practicing psychologist, active in public policy work, supports the recommendations made in Lester's article, “How Do I Code for Black Fingernail Polish? Finding the Missing Adolescent in Managed Mental Health Care.” Psychotherapy outcome research is consistent with Lester's premise that managed mental health care policies hinder effective, evidence‐based results. The role of stigma in perpetuating neglect in managed mental health care is also highlighted. Efforts by psychologists to educate policymakers and to become involved in politics are described. Efforts to change insurance policy through collaborative efforts with other social scientists is encouraged.
Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 Infrared Transparent Ceramic Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Jiwen , Zhang Lichun , Chen Dianying , Jordan Eric H. , Gell Maurice 
Published: November 2011

Increased strength and improved erosion resistance are required for future infrared windows working in harsher mechanical and thermal environments than those used today. In this study, Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 composite nanopowders were synthesized using a sol–gel combustion process. The fully dense Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 nanocomposites were prepared by pressureless sintering of the nanopowders at 1400°C for 2 h, followed by hot isostatic pressing at 1350°C for 1 h. The effects of ZrO2 concentration on the microstructure, infrared transmittance, and microhardness of the nanocomposites were studied. It is shown by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that ZrO2 is selectively soluble in Y2O3 with the concentration up to 13.2 mol%, forming supersaturated solid solution. The microhardness of the Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 nanocomposites scales linearly with the square root of the ZrO2 concentration (from 10.6 GPa without ZrO2 to 13.5 GPa with 13.2 mol% ZrO2 addition). Good mid‐infrared transmittance (53%–70%) over 3–7 μm wavelength was maintained with ZrO2 concentration up to 8.8 mol%, compared with that of Y2O3–MgO nanocomposites (62%–80%) at the same wavelength range. This work shows ZrO2 solid solution strengthened Y2O3 (ZSSY) nanocomposites for their potential to be used as infrared transparent materials with enhanced mechanical properties.
Ion‐Exchange Protonation and Enhanced Seed Layer Property of Uniaxially Grown RbLaNb2O7 Thin Films on Glass Substrates
Authors: Nakajima Tomohiko , Tsuchiya Tetsuo 
Published: November 2011

We demonstrated ion exchange (hydration and dehydration) in the perfect (010)‐oriented growth of Dion–Jacobson perovskite RbLaNb2O7 thin films prepared by ELAMOD. The hydration of the RbLaNb2O7 thin film immediately proceeded in an acid solution at room temperature, and the obtained HLaNb2O7·0.5H2O film was rapidly dehydrated by low‐temperature heating at 250°C. The hydrated HLaNb2O7·0.5H2O and dehydrated HLaNb2O7 films rigidly kept their uniaxial ordering to the substrate normal. Furthermore, their surface roughness decreased by 25% and the X‐ray reflection peak width of their χ profile also decreased by 24% throughout the ion exchange. These improvements in the surface roughness and orientation quality of the seed layer enhanced the orientation growth and conducting property of the LaNiO3 film on the seed layer. The ρ of the LaNiO3 film on the protonated HLaNb2O7 seed layer was 0.79 mΩ·cm, which was 30% lower than that of the film on the original RbLaNb2O7 seed layer. Thus, we confirmed that the ion‐exchange protonation of a RbLaNb2O7 seed layer prepared by ELAMOD is effective in improving seed layer properties.
Dermal uptake study with 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate led to active sensitization
Authors: Hamada Haneen , Isaksson Marléene , Bruze Magnus , Engfeldt Malin , Liljelind Ingrid , Axelsson Sara , Jönsson Bo , Tinnerberg Håkan , Zimerson Erik 
Published: November 2011

Background. To investigate the dermal uptake of 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (4,4′‐MDI), a study was performed in which 2 female volunteers were exposed to 10 and 25 mg, respectively, of 4,4′‐MDI by applying 2.0% 4,4′‐MDI in petrolatum over areas where the surface concentration corresponded to 800 µg/cm2. Ten days later, they developed eczematous dermatitis at the area of application.Objectives. To investigate whether the dermal application caused active sensitization to 4,4′‐MDI.Methods. Chemical analysis of the 4,4′‐MDI preparation used in the application and the amount of 4,4′‐MDI not absorbed by the skin was performed with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The volunteers were tested with serial dilutions of 4,4′‐MDI and the potentially cross‐reacting substances 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4′‐MDA), p‐phenylenediamine (PPD), and dicyclohexylmethane‐4,4′‐diisocyanate (DMDI).Results. Patch test results suggested that the volunteers were actively sensitized to 4,4′‐MDI following the dermal uptake study, as they reacted positively to 4,4′‐MDA, a marker for 4,4′‐MDI allergy. No positive reactions were seen to PPD or DMDI. Chemical investigation confirmed that the correct concentration had been used for the dermal uptake study, and showed that about 70% of the applied 4,4′‐MDI was not absorbed.Conclusions. A dermal uptake study with 4,4′‐MDI in 2.0% pet. with an occlusion time of 8 hr induced active sensitization to 4,4′‐MDI and subsequently to 4,4′‐MDA.
Non‐invasive translational Cynomolgus model for studying folliculogenesis and ovulation using color Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: van Diepen Harry A. , Pansier Jeffrey , Oude Wesselink Paul , van Drie Aric , van Duin Marcel , Mulders Sabine 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  In women, different events of folliculogenesis can be measured and evaluated using ultrasound (US) technology. The availability of a non‐invasive translational non‐human primate model to study these processes would represent a major contribution to further advance R&D efforts toward novel therapies in assisted reproduction.Methods  In our study, follicular growth and ovulation was measured in six cyclic Cynomolgus monkeys using abdominal Doppler US.Results  The mean follicular diameter on cycle day −6 (cycle day 0 = day of ovulation) was 3.7 mm that increased to 6.8 mm on cycle day −1. After ovulation, the mean diameter decreased to 4.6 mm, confirming ovulation. The mean percentage of follicular size reduction after ovulation was 31%.Conclusion  Ultrasonography in combination with color‐flow Doppler imaging was shown to be a useful, non‐invasive translational method to measure ovarian follicular growth and occurrence and timing of follicular rupture in Cynomolgus monkeys.
Photosensitivity induced by naproxen
Authors: Gutiérrez‐González Enrique , Rodríguez‐Pazos Laura , Rodríguez‐Granados Maria Teresa , Toribio Jaime 
Published: November 2011

SummaryWe present two cases of systemic photosensitivity due to naproxen that presented as photodistributed erythema multiforme (EM) and lichenoid photodermatitis (LP). Although naproxen is a commonly used nonsteroidal antinflammatory drug and has the capacity of causing systemic photosensitivity, there are very few reports about it in the literature. The diagnosis was suspected by the recent ingestion of the drug and the photodistribution of the lesions. A positive photopatch test in the first patient and the normalization of the MED‐UVB after discontinuing naproxen in the second patient supported the diagnosis.
An explorative study of non‐invasive ultra‐weak photon emission and the anti‐oxidative influence of oral zinc sulphate in light‐sensitive patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Petersen Anita Birgit , Philipsen Peter Alshede , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundErythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare, inherited disorder of haem biosynthesis owing to deficient ferrochelatase (FECH) and accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). This results in acute cutaneous photosensitivity upon light exposure with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ultra‐weak photon emission (UPE) as a by‐product. We investigated if UPE evaluated the light sensitivity in EPP patients and influence of zinc treatment.MethodsFourteen EPP patients took zinc sulphate (3 × 200 mg/day) during spring and summer. Using a photomultiplier (PM), UPE was measured from the buttock skin and dorsal hand before and after solar‐simulated light (SUN) exposure. Blood samples were analysed routinely for plasma zinc, iron, ferritin, transferrin, haemoglobin, erythrocyte PPIX and Zn‐PPIX.ResultsUPE in EPP patients resembled that seen in healthy individuals. Without treatment, a seasonal decrease was seen from spring to summer in four control patients. However, oral zinc treatment reduced ROS formation significantly regardless of SUN exposure. After SUN exposure, the initial burst was correlated to plasma iron and erythrocyte PPIX. During treatment, an inverse correlation was found between plasma zinc concentration and the initial burst.ConclusionMeasurements of UPE can be used for monitoring UVA‐induced oxidative processes in vivo in the skin of EPP patients.