bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Service source and channel choice in G2C service environments: a model comparison in the anti/counter‐terrorism domain1
Authors: Lee JinKyu , Rao H. Raghav 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper compares the relative advantages of two models (a) a two‐factor (i.e. source and channel) choice model; and (b) a theory of planned behaviour (TPB)–based acceptance model, developed to explain electronic government (e‐government) service adoption. The models were empirically validated in the government‐to‐citizen (G2C) anti/counter‐terrorism (ACT) service domain by a telephone survey administered to a sample of 500 US residents systematically drawn from the mainland USA. The structured telephone survey questionnaire measured respondents' intentions to use Web‐based ACT services and their beliefs and attitudes towards various ACT service providers (e.g. the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, local police, non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) and news companies) and media (e.g. Web, email, telephone, TV, newspapers, postal mail). The results of multiple‐regression analysis of the 500 interview responses show that the source–channel choice model can explain the service usage intentions as well as, or better than, the TPB‐based acceptance model. Both service source and channel exerted consistent and substantive effects on citizens' intention to use ACT services, explaining, on average, more than 43% of variance in the dependent variable. In contrast, subjective norms in the TPB‐based model seemed to have a marginal effect. Privacy protection and integrity of the service source appeared to be key antecedents of source preference, while the influence of channel attributes on channel preference varied widely depending on the type of services. This study provides an empirical basis for the validity and applicability of the source–channel choice model and offers insightful and prescriptive knowledge for e‐government initiatives and service providers.
The role of asynapsis in human spermatocyte failure
Authors: Sciurano R. B. , Rahn M. I. , Rey‐Valzacchi G. , Coco R. , Solari A. J. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe basic molecular mechanisms by which chromosomal rearrangements in heterozygous state produce spermatogenic disturbances are poorly understood. Testicular biopsies from five patients – one carrier of a Robertsonian translocation rob t(13;14), two carriers of two different Y‐autosome translocations, a t(Y;6) and a t(Y;11), one carrier of a reciprocal translocation t(3;13) and one carrier of a heterochromatin duplication in chromosome 9 – were processed for histopathological analysis, electron microscopy and fluorescent immunolocalization of meiotic proteins. In all the patients, the asynaptic regions during pachytene are labelled by BRCA1 and retained RAD51 foci. The variant histone γ‐H2AX is located on the chromatin domains of the asynaptic regions and the XY body. In contrast, these meiotic proteins are absent in those chromosomal segments that are non‐homologously synapsed. The present observations on five new cases and a review of recent studies show that the common features shared by all these cases are the abnormal location of some meiotic proteins and the presence of transcriptionally silenced chromatin domains on asynaptic regions. The frequent association of these silenced regions with the XY body and the rescue of spermatocyte viability through non‐homologous synapsis are also shared by all these carriers. A passive, random mechanism of clustering of asynaptic regions with the XY body is suggested.
Patch occupancy and abundance of local populations in landscapes differing in degree of habitat fragmentation: a case study of the colonial black‐headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Authors: Kajzer Joanna , Lenda Magdalena , Kośmicki Andrzej , Bobrek Rafał , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Martyka Rafał , Skórka Piotr 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim  This study investigated whether habitat fragmentation at the landscape level influences patch occupancy and abundance of the black‐headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus, and whether the response of the species to environmental factors is consistent across replicated landscape plots.Location  Water bodies (habitat patches) in southern Poland.Methods  Surveys were conducted in two landscape types (four plots in each): (1) more‐fragmented landscape, in which habitat patches were small (mean size 2.2–6.2 ha) and far apart (mean distance 2.5–3.1 km); and (2) less‐fragmented landscape, in which habitat patches were large (mean size 9.2–16.5 ha) and separated by short distances (mean 0.9–1.4 km). Observations were performed twice in 284 potential habitat patches during the 2007 breeding season.Results  Colonies were significantly more frequent and larger in the less‐fragmented landscapes than in the more‐fragmented ones. Probability of patch occupancy and number of breeding birds were positively related with patch size and these relationships were especially strong in the more‐fragmented landscapes. In the less‐fragmented landscapes, the occurrence of black‐headed gulls was negatively related to the distance to the nearest local population, but in the more‐fragmented landscapes such a relationship was not detected. As distance to the nearest habitat patch increased, the probability of the patch occupancy decreased in the more‐fragmented landscapes. Moreover, abundance was negatively influenced by distance to the nearest habitat patch, especially strongly in more‐fragmented landscapes. Proximity of corridors (rivers) positively influenced the occupation of patches regardless of landscape type. The number of islets positively influenced occupancy and abundance of local populations, and this relationship was stronger in the more‐fragmented landscapes.Main conclusions  Our results are in agreement with predictions from metapopulation theory and are the first evidence that populations of black‐headed gulls may have a metapopulation structure. However, patch occupancy and abundance were differentially affected by explanatory variables in the more‐fragmented landscapes than in the less‐fragmented ones. This implies that it is impossible to derive, a priori, predictions about presence/abundance patterns based on only a single landscape.
Differential regional response of the bushy‐tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) to late Quaternary climate change
Authors: Hornsby Angela D. , Matocq Marjorie D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim  To reconstruct the regional biogeographical history of the bushy‐tailed woodrat, Neotoma cinerea (Rodentia: Cricetidae), across its distribution using multiple sources of information, including genetic data, ecological niche models and the palaeorecord.Location  Western North America.Methods  We analysed complete cytochrome b gene (1143 bp) sequences from 182 specimens of N. cinerea using Bayesian and coalescent methods to infer phylogenetic relationships, time of major divergences, and recent demographic trends. For comparison, we developed clade‐specific ecological niche models for groups of interest and analysed spatial trends of N. cinerea in the palaeorecord as well as temporal frequency trends across strata of individual palaeomiddens.Results  We found two largely allopatric clades within N. cinerea, with several regionally distinct subclades showing contrasting recent population dynamics. Niche models showed consistent habitat at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and modern times in the Rocky Mountains and northern United States, while the Great Basin may have been markedly less suitable at the LGM than today. The palaeorecord showed great spatio‐temporal variability in the presence of N. cinerea, but documents broad‐scale patterns of occupancy and regional population trends.Main conclusions  The Quaternary dynamics and evolutionary history of N. cinerea appear to have been shaped by both vicariant events associated with geographical barriers and the availability of suitable habitat through time. Divergence of the two major clades dates to the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition, with clades separated by the Green and Colorado rivers and northern Rocky Mountain Pleistocene glaciations. We found largely concordant genetic, niche model and palaeorecord patterns suggesting long‐term population stability in the Rocky Mountains, while extant clades in the Great Basin and far north appear to have expanded or re‐expanded into these regions relatively recently. Furthermore, disjunct haplotype distributions, regional demographic history, and historical distribution of suitable habitat suggest that the Great Basin has been a particularly dynamic region.
Reply to comment on ‘Insights from the Mw 6.3 2009 L’Aquila earthquake (Central Apennines) – unveiling new seismogenic sources through their surface signatures: the adjacent San Pio Fault’
Authors: Di Bucci Daniela , Vannoli Paola , Burrato Pierfrancesco , Fracassi Umberto , Valensise Gianluca 
Published: October 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 421–423, 2011AbstractWe reply to a comment by Messina et al., who strongly criticized our article on the San Pio Fault, by showing that in areas of complex geology such as the central Apennines, where the current tectonic setting results from the superposition of different tectonic regimes, the equation: `most visible active fault = major seismogenic fault' can be misleading.
Crustal stress and strain patterns in the Indian plate interior: implications for the deformation behaviour of a stable continent and its seismicity
Authors: Mohanty Saradaprasad 
Published: October 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 407–415, 2011AbstractThe present analyses indicate that the maximum principal stress axis of the Indian plate interior does not coincide with the plate motion vector. The strain rate curves for the Indian plate indicate interference of two different orders of deformation. The magnitudes of the first‐order maximum strain rates are lower than local extreme strain rates of the second‐order deformation. It has been shown herein that the oblique motion of the Indian plate with respect to a state of dominant strike‐slip deformation in the Indian plate interior is partitioned into a principal deformation zone, synthetic shear and antithetic shear. The strain rates along these regional shear zones show complex association of second‐order high shortening rate coinciding with high extension rate. The earthquakes of the Indian plate interior are interpreted to be results of periodic accumulation of stress/strain due to shortening and release of strain along the same directions during the extension.
What monozygotic twins discordant for phenotype illustrate about mechanisms influencing genetic forms of neurodegeneration
Authors: Ketelaar ME , Hofstra RMW , Hayden MR 
Published: October 2011

Ketelaar ME, Hofstra RMW, Hayden MR. What monozygotic twins discordant for phenotype illustrate about mechanisms influencing genetic forms of neurodegeneration.As monozygotic (MZ) twins are believed to be genetically identical, discordance for disease phenotype between MZ twins has been used in genetic research to understand the contribution of genetic vs environmental factors in disease development. However, recent studies show that MZ twins can differ both genetically and epigenetically. Screening MZ twins for genetic and/or epigenetic differences could be a useful and novel approach to identify modifying factors influencing phenotypic expression of disease. MZ twins that are phenotypically discordant for monogenic diseases are of special interest. Such occurrences have been described for Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, as well as for familial forms of Alzheimer's disease. By comparing MZ twins that are phenotypically discordant, crucial factors influencing the phenotypic expression of the disease could be identified, which may be of relevance for understanding disease pathogenesis and variability in disease phenotype. Overall, understanding the crucial factors in development of a neurodegenerative disorder will have relevance for predictive testing, preventive treatment and could help to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Clinical and radiological features of respiratory syncytial virus in solid organ transplant recipients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Ariza‐Heredia E.J. , Fishman J.E. , Cleary T. , Smith L. , Razonable R.R. , Abbo L. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections range from upper respiratory illness to severe lower respiratory disease. There is no universally accepted treatment for RSV in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.MethodsRetrospective review of adult SOT patients with RSV infections, between January 2007 and December 2009, in a single transplant center was performed.ResultsDuring the 3‐year period, a total of 24 adults developed RSV infection, including 12 (50%) SOT recipients (5 kidneys, 4 livers, and 3 lungs). Most cases were seen in 2009 during the influenza H1N1 pandemic, likely as a result of increased testing. In 83% of the cases, the diagnosis was based on RSV antigen detection, which was also used to follow subsequent shedding (mean duration: 20.6 days). Most of the cases presented with lower respiratory disease and required hospitalization. All the patients were on at least two classes of immunosuppressive drugs. We observed a lower lymphocyte count in patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Computed tomography was superior to chest x‐ray in demonstrating pulmonary disease, with the most common findings being pulmonary nodules and ground‐glass opacities. Novel radiographic findings were small cavities and pleural effusions. No co‐infections were documented, and no mortality could be attributed to RSV. Inhaled or oral ribavirin was administered in 67% of the cases, with variations in the treatment regimens.ConclusionSOT recipients accounted for half of all adult cases of RSV at our institution. Type and length of treatment varied widely, and we cannot conclude that outcomes differed between treatments with oral or inhaled ribavirin. Current therapeutic management of RSV in SOT is empiric, and can be rather expensive and difficult, without clear evidence of effectiveness.
Essential, but at what risk? A prospective study on central venous access in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Dix C. H. K. , Yeung D. T. O. , Rule M. L. , Ma D. D. F. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAims:  Central venous catheters (CVC) are integral to modern haematology practice; however, they are associated with a range of complications. This prospective study aimed to determine the rate of CVC‐related complications and risk factors in haematology patients, who are vulnerable because of their underlying pathology and treatments.Methods:  All inpatients that had a non‐tunnelled CVC inserted in a 14‐month period in the haematology ward at St Vincent's Hospital were enrolled. Complications (immediate and late), demographics, type of device, insertion technique and duration of dwell, were examined using multivariate analysis.Results:  One hundred and seventy‐four CVC in 84 patients were recorded, representing 3016 catheter‐days. At least one complication was found in 43 (24.7%) patients. Immediate complications occurred in 13 (7.5%) insertions, with a higher rate in those inserted after ≥2 attempts compared with one (P= 0.02). Catheter‐related bloodstream infection occurred at a rate of 7.6 per 1000 catheter‐days, with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia associated with a higher rate (P= 0.02), and subclavian vein CVC had a lower rate compared with other locations (P < 0.01). Thrombosis was found in seven (4.0%) patients, with subclavian CVC carrying an increased risk (P= 0.02).Conclusions:  This prospective observational study found almost a quarter of haematology patients experience a CVC‐related complication. An association was found with a number of attempts at insertion and immediate complications; other risk factors included anatomical location, underlying disease and duration of catheterisation. The relatively high complication rate, compared with reports of non‐haematology patients, highlights the need to improve CVC management, a vital part of care for this population.
Characterization of cytokines associated with Th17 cells in the eyes of horses with recurrent uveitis
Authors: Regan Daniel P. , Aarnio Megan C. , Davis Wesley S. , Carmichael K. Paige , Vandenplas Michel L. , Lauderdale James D. , Moore Phillip A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective  Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a spontaneous disease that is the most common cause of blindness in horses, affecting up to 15% of the horse population. Th17 cells are a major cell population driving the pathogenesis in several mouse models of autoimmune inflammation, including experimental autoimmune uveitis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role a Th17 cell‐mediated response plays in the pathogenesis of ERU.Procedure  Banked, Davidson’s‐fixed equine globes histopathologically diagnosed with ERU (n = 7) were compared immunohistochemically with healthy control globes (n = 7). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a pan‐Leptospira antibody and antibodies against IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23. Additionally, immunostaining was performed for T‐cell (CD3) and B‐cell (CD79α) markers. Specificity of immunoreactivity was confirmed by western blot analysis.Results  Immunohistochemical staining was positive for IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23 within the cytoplasm of nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells and mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating the iris, and ciliary body of ERU horses (n = 7) but negative in controls (n = 7). ERU‐affected eyes were CD3 positive (n = 7) and CD79α negative (n = 7). Staining for Leptospira was negative in all ERU and control globes.Conclusions  Strong immunoreactivity for IL‐6, IL‐17, and IL‐23, in conjunction with the fact that T lymphocytes are the predominating inflammatory cells present in ERU, suggests that IL‐17‐secreting helper T‐cells play a role in the pathogenesis of ERU. These findings suggest that horses with ERU may serve as a naturally occurring animal model for autoimmune uveitis.
A preliminary study of changes in tear film proteins in the feline eye following nictitating membrane removal
Authors: Petznick Andrea , Evans Margaret D. M. , Madigan Michele C. , Garrett Qian , Sweeney Deborah F. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective  To investigate the influence of nictitating membrane (third eyelid) removal on selected proteins in feline tears.Animal studied  Domestic short‐haired cats (7–17 months; 2.6–5.2 kg) were used.Procedures  Eye‐flush tears were collected periodically for up to 18 weeks from both eyes of animals with nictitating membranes removed, but nictitating gland left intact, (n = 4) or with nictitating membranes intact (n = 4). Tear comparisons were based on total protein content (TPC) using micro bicinchoninic acid assay, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and matrix‐metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 measurements using sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tear gelatinase activity using gelatin zymography. Expression of MMP‐2 and ‐9 in nictitating membranes removed at baseline (week 0) and eyes collected at 18 weeks were also investigated in histological sections using immunoperoxidase for visualization.Results  Nictitating membrane removal did not significantly change TPC and MMP‐9 in tears within the first 4 weeks. MMP‐9 was not detected by ELISA in tears from eyes without nictitating membranes from week 5 onwards. IgA (%IgA of TPC) data varied between animals. Gelatin zymography showed increased MMP‐2 and ‐9 activity in tears from eyes without nictitating membranes at week 1 and a decrease following week 2 post‐surgery. MMP‐2 and ‐9 were immunolocalised to conjunctival goblet cells of removed nictitating membranes and to the conjunctival epithelium, respectively. After 18 weeks, the distribution of MMPs in tissue was comparable between eyes with and without nictitating membranes.Conclusions  Based on this preliminary study, nictitating membrane removal appeared to cause long‐term changes in expression of tear proteins, including reduced MMP‐9 expression.
Genome gender diversity in affected sib‐pairs with familial vesico‐ureteric reflux identified by single nucleotide polymorphism linkage analysis
Authors: Marchini Giovanni S. , Onal Bulent , Guo Chao‐Yu , Rowe Courtney K. , Kunkel Louis , Bauer Stuart B. , Retik Alan B. , Nguyen Hiep T. 
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Aetiology (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Genetic linkage to distinguish loci for VUR has been previously described in several autosomal chromosomes. Although there are numerous explanations for the dissimilar findings, e.g. multifactorial etiology of VUR and hereditary miscellany among studied populations, clinical diversity between males and females may indicate a central gender‐specific genetic susceptibility.Early studies suggested the presence of modified VUR gene(s) on the X‐chromosome, accounting for the higher incidence of this disorder among female members in the pedigrees studied. On the other hand male‐to‐male transmission and a higher ratio of females to males argued against X‐linked inheritance. More recently, additional chromosomal regions (i.e. chromosomes 1–7, 10–13, and 18–22) have been identified for VUR by using single nucleotide polymorphism‐genome‐wide linkage analysis.This is the first study to show that there is autosomal difference in VUR expression in males and females. This genotype variability may be the basis for the clinical differences between genders in children with VUR.OBJECTIVE
To assess gender‐specific genetic differences in the susceptibility loci for vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) in families who have two or more affected children.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A genome‐wide linkage analysis of VUR with high‐density single nucleotide polymorphisms was conducted in 98 families with two or more affected children.
A total of 221 affected offspring (123 sibling pairs) were included in the analysis.
Genomic DNA was extracted from blood or saliva from all the patients.
Data was stratified and analysed according to clinical presentation and gender of the proband and affected siblings.
RESULTS
Using the affected sib‐pair method, statistically significant peaks were found on chromosomes 1 (logarithm of odds, base10 [LOD] 4.4) and 5 (LOD 3.7) in males and on chromosomes 3 (LOD 3.5), 13 (LOD 4.5), and 15 (LOD 3.4) in females.
CONCLUSION
This genotype variability might be the basis for the clinical differences between genders in children with VUR. Our data might be the first step to understanding the genetic background behind the gender‐specific differences of VUR and more clearly defining the genetically different subgroups of VUR.