bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographics of increasing populations of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys
Authors: McMurray Steven E. , Henkel Timothy P. , Pawlik Joseph R. 
Published: March 2010

The structure of Caribbean coral reef communities has been altered by numerous anthropogenic and natural stressors. Demographic studies of key functional groups have furthered efforts to describe and understand these changes. Little is known, however, about the demographics of sponges on coral reefs, despite their abundance and the important functions they perform (e.g., increased habitat complexity, water filtration). We have monitored permanent plots on reefs off Key Largo, Florida, USA, to study the demography of a particularly important species, the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta. From 2000 to 2006, population densities of X. muta significantly increased at sites on Conch Reef by a mean of 46% (range = 16–108%) and on Pickles Reef by a mean of 33%. In 2006, densities of X. muta on Conch Reef ranged from 0.134 to 0.277 sponges/m2, and mean sponge volume was 1488 cm3/m2, with the largest size class of sponges constituting 75% of the total volume. Increased population density resulted from a significant increase in the number of sponges in the smallest size class. Recruit survival did not significantly change through time; however, a significant interaction between season and year on recruitment suggests that large recruitment pulses are driving population increases. Mean yearly recruitment rates ranged from 0.011 to 0.025 recruits·m−2·yr−1, with pulses as high as 0.036 recruits/m2.To explore the demographic processes behind the population increase and determine future population growth of X. muta under present reef conditions, a stage‐based matrix modeling approach was used. Variable recruitment pulses and mortality events were hypothesized to be large determinants of the demographic patterns observed for X. muta. Elasticity and life table response analysis revealed that survival of individuals in the largest size class has the greatest effect on population growth. Projections indicate that populations of X. muta will continue to increase under present conditions; however population growth may be negatively affected by continued mortality of the largest individuals from a recently described pathogenic syndrome.
Termites, vertebrate herbivores, and the fruiting success of Acacia drepanolobium
Authors: Brody Alison K. , Palmer Todd M. , Fox-Dobbs Kena , Doak Dan F. 
Published: March 2010

In African savannas, vertebrate herbivores are often identified as key determinants of plant growth, survivorship, and reproduction. However, plant reproduction is likely to be the product of responses to a suite of abiotic and biotic factors, including nutrient availability and interactions with antagonists and mutualists. In a relatively simple system, we examined the role of termites (which act as ecosystem engineers—modifying physical habitat and creating islands of high soil fertility), vertebrate herbivores, and symbiotic ants, on the fruiting success of a dominant plant, Acacia drepanolobium, in East African savannas.Using observational data, large‐scale experimental manipulations, and analysis of foliar N, we found that Acacia drepanolobium trees growing at the edge of termite mounds were more likely to reproduce than those growing farther away, in off‐mound soils. Although vertebrate herbivores preferentially used termite mounds as demonstrated by dung deposits, long‐term exclusion of mammalian grazers did not significantly reduce A. drepanolobium fruit production. Leaf N was significantly greater in trees growing next to mounds than in those growing farther away, and this pattern was unaffected by exclusion of vertebrates. Thus, soil enrichment by termites, rather than through dung and urine deposition by large herbivores, is of primary importance to fruit production near mounds.Across all mound–herbivore treatment combinations, trees that harbored Crematogaster sjostedti were more likely to fruit than those that harbored one of the other three ant species. Although C. sjostedti is less aggressive than the other ants, it tends to inhabit large, old trees near termite mounds which are more likely to fruit than smaller ones.Termites play a key role in generating patches of nutrient‐rich habitat important to the reproductive success of A. drepanolobium in East African savannas. Enhanced nutrient acquisition from termite mounds appears to allow plants to tolerate herbivory and the reduced defense by a relatively ineffective ant partner. Our results underscore the importance of simultaneously examining top‐down and bottom‐up effects to understand those factors most important to plant reproductive success.
Soil biota community structure and abundance under agricultural intensification and extensification
Authors: Postma-Blaauw Maria B. , de Goede Ron G. M , Bloem Jaap , Faber Jack H. , Brussaard Lijbert 
Published: March 2010

Understanding the impacts of agricultural intensification and extensification on soil biota communities is useful in order to preserve and restore biological diversity in agricultural soils and enhance the role of soil biota in agroecosystem functioning. Over four consecutive years, we investigated the effects of agricultural intensification and extensification (including conversion of grassland to arable land and vice versa, increased and decreased levels of mineral fertilization, and monoculture compared to crop rotation) on major soil biota group abundances and functional diversity. We integrated and compared effects across taxonomic levels to identify sensitive species groups.Conversion of grassland to arable land negatively affected both abundances and functional diversity of soil biota. Further intensification of the cropping system by increased fertilization and reduced crop diversity exerted smaller and differential effects on different soil biota groups. Agricultural intensification affected abundances of taxonomic groups with larger body size (earthworms, enchytraeids, microarthropods, and nematodes) more negatively than smaller‐sized taxonomic groups (protozoans, bacteria, and fungi). Also functional group diversity and composition were more negatively affected in larger‐sized soil biota (earthworms, predatory mites) than in smaller‐sized soil biota (nematodes). Furthermore, larger soil biota appeared to be primarily affected by short‐term consequences of conversion (disturbance, loss of habitat), whereas smaller soil biota were predominantly affected by long‐term consequences (probably loss of organic matter). Reestablishment of grassland resulted in increased abundances of soil biota groups, but since not all groups increased in the same measure, the community structure was not completely restored.We concluded that larger‐sized soil biota are more sensitive to agricultural intensification than smaller‐sized soil biota. Furthermore, since larger‐sized soil biota groups had lower taxonomic richness, we suggest that agricultural intensification exerts strongest effects on species‐poor soil biota groups, thus supporting the hypothesis that biodiversity has an “insurance” function. As soil biota play an important role in agroecosystem functioning, altered soil biota abundances and functional group composition under agricultural intensification are likely to affect the functioning of the agroecosystem.
Significance of LRP and PPAR-γ Expression in Lipomatous Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Tajima Takashi , Morii Takeshi , Kikuchi Fumihito , Matsumine Akihiko , Murata Hiroaki , Nobuto Hiroo , Mochizuki Kazuo 
Published: March 2010

Background:Molecular mechanism of differentiation in lipogenic tumor is still unknown in detail. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), representative regulatory molecules of lipogenic differentiation, have been reported today as multi-functional molecules and to modulate tumorigenesis in various kind of cancer. To date, diagnostic and therapeutic significance of the expression of these molecules in lipogenic tumors are not defined.Methods:The immunohistochemical expression status of LRP and PPAR-γ in various grades of 54 lipogenic tumors was analyzed. Correlation between the expression levels and the differentiation of the tumors was confirmed. Forstatistical analyses, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Steel-Dwass test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used.Results:LRP and PPAR-γ expression was detected in 50 (92.6%) and 44 (81.5%) cases, respectively. The expression level in LRP was significantly higher in cases with well differentiated liposarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma than in lipoma. Compared with lipoma or well differentiated liposarcoma, significant elevation in expression level of PPAR-γ was confirmed in myxoid liposarcoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma and the differentiated area of dedifferentiated liposarcoma.Conclusion:The up-regulation of LRP and PPAR-γ in higher grade cases, i.e. less differentiated tumors than in low grade cases was shown, suggesting the candidate role of these molecules as tumor progression modulators rather than regulatory molecules of differentiation in lipogenic tumors.
Nip, Tuck and Click: Medical Tourism and the Emergence of Web-Based Health Information
Authors: Lunt Neil , Hardey Mariann , Mannion Russell 
Published: March 2010

An emerging trend is what has become commonly known as ‘Medical Tourism’ where patients travel to overseas destinations for specialised surgical treatments and other forms of medical care. With the rise of more affordable cross-border travel and rapid technological developments these movements are becoming more commonplace. A key driver is the platform provided by the internet for gaining access to healthcare information and advertising. There has been relatively little attention given to the role and impact of web-based information to inform Medical Tourism decisions.This article provides a brief overview of the most recent development in Medical Tourism and examines how this is linked to the emergence of specialized internet web sites. It produces a summary of the functionality of medical tourist sites, and situates Medical Tourism informatics within the broader literatures relating to information search, information quality and decision-making.This paper is both a call to strengthen the empirical evidence in this area, and also to advocate integrating Medical Tourism research within a broader conceptual framework.
Bone Mineral Content in Patients with Anaphylactic Reactions, Signs of Mastocytosis and Elevated Basal Serum Tryptase Levels
Authors: Bucher Christoph , Uebelhart Daniel , Wüthrich Brunello , Swanenburg Jaap , Goerres Gerhard W. 
Published: March 2010

Introduction:
To examine the relationship between elevated basal serum tryptase levels (BST), a marker of total mast cell
mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with anaphylactic reactions and signs of mastocytosis.

Methods:
Retrospective evaluation of patient charts at an allergy unit. Patients with BST levels above 20 ng/ml were eligible
if clinical and follow-up data and results of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were available. Patients with previous
use of anti-osteoporotic medications and with osteoporosis not caused by mastocytosis were excluded. Spearman’s rank
correlation, Mann-Whitney test and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used for analysis.

Results:
24 patients were included. The main presenting symptom (17 of 24 patients) was anaphylactic reactions to insect
stings. BST levels ranged between 21 and 158 ng/ml (median 48 ng/ml). Study participants with Z-score values below -
1.0 had a median BST level of 46 ng/ml, the patients with Z-score values above or equal to -1.0 had a median BST level
of 27 ng/ml. ROC analysis of the patient group with BST values between 30 and 100 ng/ml revealed a best cut-off value
of BST to detect a low BMD when BST level would be at least 27 ng/ml resulting in a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity
of 70%.

Conclusion:
Patients with moderately elevated BST levels seem to be at increased risk for low BMD.
Microfinance, Commercialization and Ethics
Authors: Schmidt Reinhard H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses the so‐called commercial approach to microfinance under economic and ethical aspects. It first shows how microfinance has developed from a purely welfare‐oriented activity to a commercially relevant line of banking business. The background of this stunning success is the almost universal adoption of the commercial approach to microfinance in the course of the last decade. The author argues that this commercial approach is the only sound approach to adopt if microfinance is to have any social and developmental impact. Therefore, the wide‐spread “moralistic” criticism of the commercial approach, which was expressed again and again in the 1990s, is ill‐placed from an economic and an ethical perspective. However, some recent events in microfinance raise questions as to whether the commercial approach, in a number of cases, has gone too far. The evident example for such a development is Compartamos, the Mexican microfinance institution which recently undertook a financially extremely successful IPO. Therefore it seems that some microfinance institutions have become so radically commercial that the social and developmental considerations, which have traditionally motivated microfinance, may have lost their importance. Thus there is clearly a conflict between commercial and developmental aspirations. However, this conflict is not inevitable. The paper concludes by showing how a microfinance institution can try to use the strengths of the capital market while maintaining its developmental focus and importance.
Cancer Care of American Indians and Alaska Natives and Other Racial Groups Enrolled in Public and Private Insurance Plans
Authors: Ramsey Scott D , Zeliadt Steven B , Blough David K , Lopez Kerri , Buchwald Dedra 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectives. To compare cancer care among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) patients with other racial groups. Methods. We used Washington State cancer registry records to identify 33,624 patients < age 65 diagnosed with local and regional stage breast, colorectal, and lung cancer from 1997 to 2003. Records were linked with regional tribal registry and Medicaid records to identify AIAN. Results. Enrollment in Medicaid at or after diagnosis was 50% for AIAN, 34% for Hispanic, 33% for black, and 18% for Asian/Pacific Islander compared to 13% of white cancer patients. AIAN were equally as likely as whites and other minority groups to receive surgery for breast and colorectal cancer, but significantly less likely (OR = 0.67) to receive surgery for lung cancer. Medicaid patients in general were less likely to receive surgery within 2 months of diagnosis, but AIAN were no less likely to receive timely surgery compared to other racial groups. Conclusion. AIAN rely more heavily than other racial groups on Medicaid for insurance after they are diagnosed with cancer. Issues associated with Medicaid enrollment, as well as non‐insurance related factors may account for delays in time to surgery and lower rates of lung cancer surgery among AIAN.
Poverty and Deprivation in Young and Old: A Comparative Study of Australia and Japan
Authors: Saunders Peter , Abe Aya 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper compares the well‐being of children and older people within and between Australia and Japan using as of indicators of disadvantage income poverty rates, deprivation (defined as an enforced lack of socially perceived necessities) and consistent poverty (the combination of poverty and deprivation). Information on these three indicators is derived from two national surveys that were used to generate a set of comparable measures. The results indicate that conclusions about the extent of disadvantage and the ranking of children and older people within each country (and between them) are heavily dependent on the choice of indicator. The deprivation results confirm that the approach can be applied comparatively and is capable of producing credible and robust findings. Whether viewed in isolation or in combination with conventional poverty measures, the results indicate that the main factor that determines the risk of deprivation is living alone (or as a sole parent) rather than age or the presence of children. The results also imply that the findings and implications of studies of policy impact will be sensitive to the choice of indicator used to identify disadvantage.
Acoustic attenuation in ferroelectric Sn2P2S6 crystals
Authors: Kohutych Anton , Yevych Ruslan , Perechinskii Sergij , Vysochanskii Yulian 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe temperature and frequency dependencies of sound attenuation for the proper uniaxial ferroelectric Sn2P2S6, which has a strong nonlinear interaction of the polar soft optic and fully symmetrical optic modes that is related to the triple well potential, were studied by Brillouin spectroscopy. It was found that the sound velocity anomaly is described in the Landau-Khalatnikov approximation with one relaxation time. For explanation of the observed temperature and frequency dependencies of the sound attenuation in the ferroelectrric phase, the accounting of several relaxation times is needed and, for quantitative calculations, the mode Gruneisen coefficients are more appropriate as interacting parameters than are the electrostrictive coefficients. Relaxational sound attenuation by domain walls also appears in the ferroelectric phase of Sn2P2S6 crystals.
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome
Authors: Cojocaru Manole , Cojocaru Inimioara , Silosi Isabela , Vrabie Camelia 
Published: March 2010

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative SyndromeThe autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a rare disease. ALPS is an inherited condition that affects both sexes. ALPS is not cancer, it is not infectious, and its incidence has not yet been estimated. ALPS generally does not lead to death and most individuals with ALPS are able to live normal lives. ALPS is a disorder associated with abnormal lymphocyte apoptosis, lymphoproliferation, and autoimmunity. Serologic testing is critical in the evaluation of these individuals. Lymphoproliferation in ALPS patients is generally benign, but they are at increased risk for the development of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is characterized by massive lymphoadenopathy, splenomegaly, autoimmunity including episodes of immune hemolityc anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. ALPS patients have lymphocytosis and a number of lymphocyte abnormalities, including the marked expansion of T lymphocytes that express alpha/beta T-cell receptors, but neither CD4 nor CD8 surface markers (TCR alpha/beta+; CD4-; CD8- cells).
Effects of a 6-Week, Individualized, Supervised Exercise Program for People With Bleeding Disorders and Hemophilic Arthritis
Authors: Mulvany Ruth , Zucker-Levin Audrey R. , Jeng Michael , Joyce Catherine , Tuller Janet , Rose Jonathan M. , Dugdale Marion 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundPeople with bleeding disorders may develop severe arthritis due to joint hemorrhages. Exercise is recommended for people with bleeding disorders, but guidelines are vague and few studies document efficacy. In this study, 65% of people with bleeding disorders surveyed reported participating in minimal exercise, and 50% indicated a fear of exercise-induced bleeding, pain, or physical impairment.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a professionally designed, individualized, supervised exercise program for people with bleeding disorders.DesignA single-group, pretest-posttest clinical design was used.MethodsThirty-three patients (3 female, 30 male; 7–57 years of age) with mild to severe bleeding disorders were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients had co-existing illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, neurofibromatosis, osteopenia, osteogenesis imperfecta, or cancer. Pre- and post-program measures included upper- and lower-extremity strength (force-generating capacity), joint range of motion, joint and extremity circumference, and distance walked in 6 minutes. Each patient was prescribed a 6-week, twice-weekly, individualized, supervised exercise program. Twenty participants (61%) completed the program.ResultsPre- and post-program data were analyzed by paired t tests for all participants who completed the program. No exercise-induced injuries, pain, edema, or bleeding episodes were reported. Significant improvements occurred in joint motion, strength, and distance walked in 6 minutes, with no change in joint circumference. The greatest gains were among the individuals with the most severe joint damage and coexisting illness.LimitationsLimitations included a small sample size with concomitant disease, which is common to the population, and a nonblinded examiner.ConclusionsA professionally designed and supervised, individualized exercise program is feasible, safe, and beneficial for people with bleeding disorders, even in the presence of concomitant disease. A longitudinal study with a larger sample size, a blinded examiner, and a control group is needed to confirm the results.
Accumulation of CD133-positive glioma cells after high-dose irradiation by Gamma Knife surgery plus external beam radiation
Authors: Tamura Kaoru , Aoyagi Masaru , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Ando Noboru , Nariai Tadashi , Yamamoto Masaaki , Ohno Kikuo 
Published: March 2010

Object
Recent evidence suggests that a glioma stem cell subpopulation might contribute to radioresistance in malignant gliomas. To investigate this hypothesis, the authors examined recurrent malignant gliomas for histopathological changes after high-dose irradiation with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

Methods
Thirty-two patients with malignant gliomas (Grade 3 in 8 patients, Grade 4 in 24) underwent GKS in combination with EBRT. Serial MR and L-[methyl-11C] methionine PET images were employed to assess remnant or recurrent tumors after GKS. Twelve patients underwent surgical removal after GKS and EBRT. Histological sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for MIB-1, factor VIII, and stem cell markers, nestin and CD133.

Results
The site of GKS treatment failure was local in 16 (76.2%) of 21 patients with glioblastomas showing progression; in 9 of these 16 patients, the recurrence clearly arose within the target lesion of GKS. Histopathological examination after GKS and EBRT showed variable mixtures of viable tumor tissues and necrosis. Viable tumor tissues exhibited high MIB-1 indices but reduced numbers of tumor blood vessels. There was marked accumulation of CD133-positive glioma cells, particularly in remnant tumors within the necrotic areas, in sections obtained after GKS plus EBRT, whereas CD133-positive cells appeared very infrequently in primary sections prior to adjuvant treatment.

Conclusions
The results indicate that CD133-positive glioma stemlike cells can survive high-dose irradiation, leading to recurrence, despite prolonged damage to tumor blood vessels. This could be an essential factor limiting the effectiveness of GKS plus EBRT for malignant gliomas.
The Maisonneuve Injury: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kalyani Bharati S. , Roberts Craig S. , Giannoudis Peter V. 
Published: March 2010

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

1.
Describe the pathoanatomy of Maisonneuve injuries.

2.
Discuss the various mechanisms of injury that can cause Maisonneuve injuries.

3.
Explain the various treatment options available.

4.
Identify the common complications of Maisonneuve injuries.