bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pathogenesis of acute allograft dysfunction in desensitized renal transplant recipients
Authors: Singh N. , Sun Q. , Nadasdy T. , Adams P. , DiPaola N.R. , Pesavento T. , Winters H. , Satoskar A. , Yu Z. , Henry M. , Hadley G.A. , Pelletier R.P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundAcute allograft rejection after HLA desensitization is common early post‐transplant but the sequence of histopathologic changes leading to graft dysfunction has not been well defined.MethodsWe evaluated the early pathogenesis and sequence of antibody‐mediated graft damage of 35 desensitized living donor kidney recipients by studying the course of biopsies taken in the very early post‐transplant period (<1 month).ResultsA total of 14 of the 35 patients met criteria for acute antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR). In these patients, the chronologic sequence of pathologic changes was C4d peritubular capillary deposition, acute tubular injury, and peritubular capillaritis, followed by glomerulitis and interstitial inflammation. Classic AMR lesions occurred early, followed by mononuclear cellular infiltration, which comprised CD4 and CD8 T cells and monocytes. Development of graft dysfunction in most patients occurred concurrently with the emergence of graft cellular infiltration, rather than at the earlier time of antibody deposition as detected via C4d deposition.ConclusionThese data provide novel insight into the sequence of pathologic changes in patients with AMR post‐transplant after HLA desensitization.
First isolation of pine wood nematode from Pinus tabuliformis forests in China
Authors: Shi J. , Chen F. , Luo Y‐Q. , Wang Z. , Xie B‐Y. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPrevious risk prediction studies have mostly shown that suitable areas for pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (PWN), in China are mainly concentrated in eastern and southern China, with pest reaching no further northern than the Yangtze River basin. The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis, Chinese pine or Chinese red pine) is the main, native, afforestation species in areas to the north of the Yangtze River basin. To our knowledge, there is no report on PWN infecting Chinese pines in the north of the Yangtze. In this study, we used Baermann funnel method and several PCR primers to detect the presence of PWN in Chinese pine forest fields in 2010 in Shaanxi, China, which is far to the north of the Yangtze River and a cause for concern. Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine) may also be at risk and should also be monitored to prevent invasion by PWN.
The Relationship Between Post‐Thaw Sperm DNA Integrity and Non‐Return Rate Among Norwegian Cross‐Bred Rams
Authors: Nordstoga AB , Krogenæs A , Nødtvedt A , Farstad W , Waterhouse K 
Published: August 2012

ContentsWith the aim of investigating the relationship between sperm DNA integrity and non‐return rate (NRR) among Norwegian cross‐bred rams, semen from 15 individuals was examined by flow cytometry. Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) quantifies the proportion of spermatozoa with denatured DNA after in situ acid treatment, and the four parameters % DFI, % HDS, MEAN DFI and SD DFI are all different measures of DNA denaturation and maturation. Field fertility, reported as NRR 25 days after insemination was based on all inseminations from a large‐scale breeding programme and supplied by the Norwegian Association of Sheep and Goat Farmers. From each ram, four straws from four different weeks of the breeding season were analysed, and the associations between 25‐day NRR and the mean of the four SCSA parameters were tested using a logistic regression model. The results revealed no association between fertility and % DFI or % HDS, while SD DFI and MEAN DFI showed a significant negative association with NRR. Further, the SCSA values varied significantly between ejaculates within ram among some of the rams in the study. However, no significant association was seen between these intra‐individual differences in sperm DNA integrity and NRR. In conclusion, this study suggests an association between sperm DNA integrity and NRR for rams. However, further research must be conducted to confirm these findings and determine whether sperm DNA assessments can be applied to predict ram fertility.
Cannibalism can drive the evolution of behavioural phase polyphenism in locusts
Authors: Guttal Vishwesha , Romanczuk Pawel , Simpson Stephen J. , Sword Gregory A. , Couzin Iain D. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDuring outbreaks, locust swarms can contain millions of insects travelling thousands of kilometers while devastating vegetation and crops. Such large‐scale spatial organization is preceded locally by a dramatic density‐dependent phenotypic transition in multiple traits. Behaviourally, low‐density ‘solitarious’ individuals avoid contact with one another; above a critical local density, they undergo a rapid behavioural transition to the ‘gregarious phase’ whereby they exhibit mutual attraction. Although proximate causes of this phase polyphenism have been widely studied, the ultimate driving factors remain unclear. Using an individual‐based evolutionary model, we reveal that cannibalism, a striking feature of locust ecology, could lead to the evolution of density‐dependent behavioural phase‐change in juvenile locusts. We show that this behavioural strategy minimizes risk associated with cannibalistic interactions and may account for the empirically observed persistence of locust groups during outbreaks. Our results provide a parsimonious explanation for the evolution of behavioural plasticity in locusts.
Beyond the tradition: test of an integrative conceptual model on nurse turnover
Authors: Battistelli A. , Portoghese I. , Galletta M. , Pohl S. 
Published: August 2012

BATTISTELLI A., PORTOGHESE I., GALLETTA M. & POHL S. (2013) Beyond the tradition: test of an integrative conceptual model on nurse turnover. International Nursing Review60, 103–111Aim:  This paper aimed to extend research on nurse turnover by developing and testing a theoretical model of turnover intention that includes two emergent key off‐the‐job constructs, work–family conflict (WFC) and community embeddedness (CE).Background:  Nurse turnover is considered one of the most significant issues in health care. There is a considerable body of knowledge that has focused on the study of the on‐the‐job factors of nurse turnover, showing the important role of job attitudes. Recently, WFC and job embeddedness (JE) have been identified as variables that could help explain levels of nurse turnover.Methods:  Using structural equation modelling from a cross‐sectional survey, the relationships between the variables were explored in a sample of 440 nurses from an Italian public hospital. The questionnaire measures demographic data and psychosocial factors such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, WFC, CE and turnover intentions.Results:  The findings supported the importance of non‐work dimensions in turnover models.Conclusions:  The results suggest that when studying turnover phenomena in health organizations, the extra‐work domains (WFC and JE) can contribute to a decrease in the intention to leave, in addition to the more typically emphasized attitude dimension.
The Strength of Weak States? Non‐State Security Forces and Hybrid Governance in Africa
Authors: Meagher Kate 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this article, I explore the recent revalorization of non‐state forms of order and authority in the context of hybrid approaches to governance and state building in Africa. I argue for a more empirical and comparative approach to hybrid governance that is capable of distinguishing between constructive and corrosive forms of non‐state order, and sharpens rather than blurs the relationship between formal and informal regulation. A critique of the theoretical and methodological issues surrounding hybrid governance perspectives sets the scene for a comparative analysis of two contrasting situations of hybrid security systems: the RCD‐ML of eastern DR Congo, and the Bakassi Boys vigilante group of eastern Nigeria. In each case, four issues are examined: the basis of claims that regulatory authority has shifted to informal security systems; the local legitimacy of the security forces involved; the wider political context; and finally, whether a genuine transformation of regulatory authority has resulted, offering local populations a preferable alternative to the prior situation of neglectful or predatory rule. I argue that hybrid governance perspectives often essentialize informal regulatory systems, disguising coercion and political capture as popular legitimacy, and I echo calls for a more historically and empirically informed analysis of hybrid governance contexts.
Developmental changes in the multisensory temporal binding window persist into adolescence
Authors: Hillock‐Dunn Andrea , Wallace Mark T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe live in a world rich in sensory information, and consequently the brain is challenged with deciphering which cues from the various sensory modalities belong together. Determinations regarding the relatedness of sensory information appear to be based, at least in part, on the spatial and temporal relationships between the stimuli. Stimuli that are presented in close spatial and temporal correspondence are more likely to be associated with one another and thus ‘bound’ into a single perceptual entity. While there is a robust literature delineating behavioral changes in perception induced by multisensory stimuli, maturational changes in multisensory processing, particularly in the temporal realm, are poorly understood. The current study examines the developmental progression of multisensory temporal function by analyzing responses on an audiovisual simultaneity judgment task in 6‐ to 23‐year‐old participants. The overarching hypothesis for the study was that multisensory temporal function will mature with increasing age, with the developmental trajectory for this change being the primary point of inquiry. Results indeed reveal an age‐dependent decrease in the size of the ‘multisensory temporal binding window’, the temporal interval within which multisensory stimuli are likely to be perceptually bound, with changes occurring over a surprisingly protracted time course that extends into adolescence.
Voluntary Pension Saving for Old Age: Are the Objectives of Self‐responsibility and Security Compatible?
Authors: Casey Bernard H. , Dostal Jörg Michael 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFiscal pressure and demographic change lead governments to seek ways of reducing state expenditure on pensions. Individuals are asked to take more responsibility, and funded, supplementary pension schemes have been established in many countries. This article looks at schemes that are voluntary – the NEST or Personal Accounts scheme in Britain and the Riester Pension scheme in Germany. It examines the debate about whether it is worthwhile for some people to participate in pension schemes that are not mandatory – particularly those with low incomes and/or potentially broken careers. The small pensions they accumulate in such schemes merely offset entitlements to means‐tested pension benefits, leaving them no better off in old age. Concerns about the behavioural consequences of pension means‐testing are not new. Nonetheless, few policymakers have been willing to look at when and how such concerns were expressed in the context of voluntary pension savings. Equally, they have seldom been prepared to explain the costs involved in guaranteeing savings‐based pensions or the implications that the lack of offering such a guarantee might have for individual behaviour. The state has sought for people to take greater ‘self‐responsibility’ for their retirement income, but many people wish for some certainty with respect to the pensions they can expect. These goals might well be in conflict. Whether the ‘state pension for the 21st century’, as proposed by the UK government, will succeed in satisfying the objectives both of the state and of pension savers remains an open question.
Modelling in vivo skeletal muscle ageing in vitro using three‐dimensional bioengineered constructs
Authors: Sharples Adam P. , Player Darren J. , Martin Neil R. W. , Mudera Vivek , Stewart Claire E. , Lewis Mark P. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryDegeneration of skeletal muscle (SkM) with age (sarcopenia) is a major contributor to functional decline, morbidity and mortality. Methodological implications often make it difficult to embark on interventions in already frail and diseased elderly individuals. Using in vitro three‐dimensional (3D) bioengineered skeletal muscle constructs that model aged phenotypes and incorporate a representative extracellular matrix (collagen), are under tension, and display morphological and transcript expression of mature skeletal muscle may more accurately characterize the SkM niche. Furthermore, an in vitro model would provide greater experimental manipulation with regard to gene, pharmacological and exercise (mechanical stretch/electrical stimulation) therapies and thus strategies for combating muscle wasting with age. The present study utilized multiple population‐doubled (MPD) murine myoblasts compared with parental controls (CON), previously shown to have an aged phenotype in monolayer cultures (Sharples et al., 2011), seeded into 3D type I collagen matrices under uniaxial tension. 3D bioengineered constructs incorporating MPD cells had reduced myotube size and diameter vs. CON constructs. MPD constructs were characterized by reduced peak force development over 24 h after cell seeding, reduced transcript expression of remodelling matrix metalloproteinases, MMP2 and MMP9, with reduced differentiation/hypertrophic potential shown by reduced IGF‐I, IGF‐IR, IGF‐IEa, MGF mRNA. Increased IGFBP2 and myostatin in MPD vs. CON constructs also suggested impaired differentiation/reduced regenerative potential. Overall, 3D bioengineered skeletal muscle constructs represent an in vitro model of the in vivo cell niche with MPD constructs displaying similar characteristics to ageing/atrophied muscle in vivo, thus potentially providing a future test bed for therapeutic interventions to contest muscle degeneration with age.
Understanding the effectiveness of school‐based interventions to prevent suicide: a realist review
Authors: Balaguru Vasumathi , Sharma Juhi , Waheed Waquas 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundSchools appear an obvious place to deliver suicide prevention interventions for children and adolescents. The complexity of suicide interventions lead to a paucity of good quality evidence. An alternate approach of information gathering is needed to identify and collate evidence from existing interventions.ScopeWe completed a realist review of school‐based suicide interventions. This is a novel method of understanding complex interventions that uses an iterative approach. In this review, we attempt to clarify and lay out what type of suicide intervention programme might be useful in schools, based on the local needs and context.ConclusionIt is possible to develop and implement an evidence‐based suicide intervention in schools by understanding the different processes that can contribute to success or failure of these interventions in a real‐world setting.
Exponential error reduction in pretransfusion testing with automation
Authors: South Susan F. , Casina Tony S. , Li Lily 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Protecting the safety of blood transfusion is the top priority of transfusion service laboratories. Pretransfusion testing is a critical element of the entire transfusion process to enhance vein‐to‐vein safety. Human error associated with manual pretransfusion testing is a cause of transfusion‐related mortality and morbidity and most human errors can be eliminated by automated systems. However, the uptake of automation in transfusion services has been slow and many transfusion service laboratories around the world still use manual blood group and antibody screen (G&S) methods.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The goal of this study was to compare error potentials of commonly used manual (e.g., tiles and tubes) versus automated (e.g., ID‐GelStation and AutoVue Innova) G&S methods. Routine G&S processes in seven transfusion service laboratories (four with manual and three with automated G&S methods) were analyzed using failure modes and effects analysis to evaluate the corresponding error potentials of each method.RESULTS: Manual methods contained a higher number of process steps ranging from 22 to 39, while automated G&S methods only contained six to eight steps. Corresponding to the number of the process steps that required human interactions, the risk priority number (RPN) of the manual methods ranged from 5304 to 10,976. In contrast, the RPN of the automated methods was between 129 and 436 and also demonstrated a 90% to 98% reduction of the defect opportunities in routine G&S testing.CONCLUSION: This study provided quantitative evidence on how automation could transform pretransfusion testing processes by dramatically reducing error potentials and thus would improve the safety of blood transfusion.
A Death Following Hemopericardium Due to Rupture of a Right Ventricular Aneurysm Due to a Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Kodikara Sarathchandra 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRight ventricular aneurysm (RVA) is a rare clinicopathological entity. Although it occurs as a consequence of a variety of conditions, congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) as an etiology for the RVA has not been previously reported. A 42‐year‐old man without a significant family or past medical history was found dead in bed. At autopsy, the internal examination revealed a hemopericardium of 280 mL. There was a 1.5 cm diameter ruptured aneurysm of the free wall of the right ventricle. A VSD was present in the lower part of the muscular interventricular septum. The RVA was directly facing to the VSD without any obstruction in between. Microscopically the wall of the aneurysm consisted only of a thin layer of fibrous tissue transmurally with minimal interspersed cardiomyocytes. Cause of death was concluded as hemopericardium following rupture of RVA caused by a congenital VSD.
Relation of fruit color, elongation, hardness, and volume to the infestation of olive cultivars by the olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae
Authors: Rizzo Roberto , Caleca Virgilio , Lombardo Alberto 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe susceptibility of olive cultivars to the olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera:Tephritidae), has seldom been studied. This article examines factors associated with olive fruit fly infestation of 16 commonly planted Sicilian olive cultivars. Total infestation data were simultaneously correlated with categorical and quantitative factors using ordinal logistic regression. When all factors were included in the analysis, year, sampling date, cultivar, and fruit color were highly significant, but the quantitative factors fruit volume, fruit elongation, and fruit hardness were not. When the analysis was repeated excluding cultivar, all quantitative factors were significant, and elongation and volume were highly significant. Spherical, large, and hard fruit seemed to be preferred byB. oleaeover fruit that are elongate, small, and soft. Therefore, fruit color, elongation, volume, and hardness provide useful information regarding the susceptibility of cultivars. In both organic and conventional olive cultivation, information about olive cultivar susceptibility to olive fruit fly will help orchard managers to produce quality oil and table olives while reducing treatments for olive fruit fly control.
Baboon spermatology: basic assessment and reproducibility in olive baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: Nyachieo Atunga , Spiessens Carl , Chai Daniel C. , Kiulia Nicholas M. , Mwenda Jason M. , D'Hooghe Thomas M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundDevelopment of a reproducible baboon in vitro fertilization (IVF) system require optimized and reproducible sperm parameters. The objective of this study was to document basic spermatology values and investigate the reproducibility of these variables in the same baboons 1 or 3 months later in a larger number of baboons.MethodsIn this prospective study, sperm quality (semen volume, pH, concentration, motility, morphology and size) was evaluated in 27 sperm samples obtained from 9 baboons electroejaculated three times with a time interval of 1 month (between first and second sample collection) and 3 months (between second and third round sample collection).ResultsBaseline sperm values for semen volume (0.5 ± 0.3 ml), pH (7.5 ± 0.3), concentration (54.2 ± 19.3 million/ml), motility (67.3 ± 18.5%) and morphology (89.2 ± 4.8%) were similar to sperm samples obtained after 1 or 3 months (P > 0.05). Head, midpiece and tail abnormalities were rarely observed (0–9%). Sperm dimensions were characterized by a tail length of 69.6 ± 13.9 μm, a head width of 2.41 ± 0.43 μm and a head length of 3.49 ± 0.6 μm.ConclusionSperm quality was not affected by repeated electroejaculation with time intervals of 1 or 3 months, suggesting that the same baboon can participate multiple times in reproductive research.
Viability of small seeds found in feces of the Central American tapir on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: CAPECE Paula I. , ALIAGA‐ROSSEL Enzo , JANSEN Patrick A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTapirs are known as effective dispersers of large‐seeded tree species, but their role in dispersing small‐seeded plant species has yet to be established. Tapir feces have been reported to contain large numbers of small seeds, but whether these are viable has rarely been evaluated. We determined the abundance and viability of small seeds in feces of Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii) on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. A total of 72 fecal samples were collected opportunistically from 4 tapir latrine sites. Seeds were manually extracted from feces and classified by size. Seed viability was estimated by opening each seed and examining for the presence of at least 1 intact firm white endosperm. In total, we obtained 8166 seeds of at least 16 plant species. Small‐seeded species dominated, with 96% of all seeds found measuring <5 mm. The canopy tree Laetia procera was the most abundant species in the samples. Of all small seeds found, 69% contained an intact endosperm and appeared viable. This suggests that small seeds, like large seeds, often pass through the digestive tract of T. bairdii intact. Thus, tapirs potentially serve as effective dispersers of a wide range of small‐seeded plant species.
Dilemmas in Treating Hypertension in Octogenarians
Authors: Tabriziani Hossein , Steiner Jill , Papademetriou Vasilious 
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;14:711–717. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.One quarter of Americans will be older than 80 by 2030, and hypertension in this group will be ubiquitous. Most studies of hypertension exclude octogenarians and are not able to be generalized because of differences in physiologic and social phenomena. This review evaluates the existing literature in an effort to identify unresolved issues and guide future areas of investigation. Hypertension has been well characterized in adults and the young elderly, and the focus is on optimizing treatment regimens. However, research specifically involving this rapidly growing minority is sparse. Most studies are still trying to characterize blood pressure goals, and only one major series has begun to evaluate treatment options. Based on available evidence, it appears that an appropriate blood pressure goal may be somewhat higher in octogenarians and that thiazide diuretics may be the initial treatment of choice.