bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formalizing Diaspora–State Relations: Processes and Tensions in the Jamaican Case
Authors: Sives Amanda 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn common with many other developing states, the Jamaican government has recently sought to institutionalize relations with its diaspora in order to enhance its development potential. I explore the initiative in this paper. I begin with a definition of diaspora, in which I argue for the need to recognize the multiple meanings of the term, especially as they relate to migrant communities that do not follow the pattern of forced migration. Using Itzigsohn’s distinction between “narrow” and “broad” formations (see Itzigsohn et al., 1999), I argue that analysis of the operation of diaspora–state relations can only occur meaningfully using the narrow definition. This is followed by an examination of recent literature on diaspora–state relations, which provides a necessary context for the Jamaican case study. In the second section, I provide background to the 2004 initiative, showing that there was a clear progression from concern about the experiences of returned residents to an engagement with Jamaicans residing overseas. In the third section, I examine the structures created by the Jamaican government and, finally, I provide a critical appraisal of the process as it has unfolded thus far. I argue that tensions remain regarding the role and functioning of the “new” formalized process compared with the pre‐existing bodies, that resources are required to ensure a more equitable functioning of the process and that questions remain about the extent to which the new bodies “represent” the diaspora.
Substance P alterations in skin and brain of chronically stressed atopic‐like mice
Authors: Grip L. , Lonne‐Rahm S.‐B. , Holst M. , Johansson B. , Nordlind K. , Theodorsson E. , El‐Nour H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Stress is known to worsen the symptoms of atopic eczema (AE). Substance P is likely to play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of AE.Objective  To examine a possible connection between chronic mild stress and changes in the expression of substance P and its receptor (R) neurokinin (NK) 1 in the skin and stress‐related brain regions in NC/Nga atopic‐like mice.Methods  The mice were divided into three groups (eight animals per group): SE (stressed eczematous), NSE (non‐stressed eczematous) and SC (stressed control). Ears and brains of the mice were investigated using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR.Results  In the skin, there was a decrease in the number of substance P immunoreactive nerve fibres in SE compared with SC group. RT‐PCR showed a strong tendency to an increase in mRNA for NK1R in the skin of SE compared with NSE mice. There was an increase in the number of mast cells and the degree of their degranulation in the SE compared with both other groups.A decrease in substance P immunoreactivity in medial hippocampus was found in SE compared with NSE animals. In prefrontal cortex and central amygdala, there were no significant differences in substance P immunoreactivity between the three groups.Conclusion  Exposure to chronic mild stress in NC/Nga atopic‐like mice may result in altered expression patterns of substance P in the skin and hippocampus.
The EU an Actor Sui Generis? A Comparison of EU and ASEAN Actorness*
Authors: WUNDERLICH JENS‐UWE 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe core argument of this article is to advocate the recognition of regional organizations as international actors. Conceptions of the European Union (EU) as an international actor are not new. However, a great deal of the literature regards the EU as sui generis in nature and lacking in external capabilities when compared to nation‐states. Other regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) fare even worse. This article notes that we need to move beyond a state‐centric view of world politics to assess the actor capabilities, nascent or advanced, of other players in the global arena, particularly regional organizations.
Internal morphology of human facet joints: comparing cervical and lumbar spine with regard to age, gender and the vertebral core
Authors: Wilke Hans‐Joachim , Zanker Daniel , Wolfram Uwe 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBack pain constitutes a major problem in modern societies. Facet joints are increasingly recognised as a source of such pain. Knowledge about the internal morphology and its changes with age may make it possible to include the facets more in therapeutic strategies, for instance joint replacements or immobilisation. In total, 168 facets from C6/7 and L4/5 segments were scanned in a micro‐computed tomography. Image analysis was used to investigate the internal morphology with regard to donor age and gender. Additional data from trabecular bone of the vertebral core allowed a semi‐quantitative comparison of the morphology of the vertebral core and the facets. Porosity and pore spacing of the cortical sub‐chondral bone does not appear to change with age for either males or females. In contrast, bone volume fraction decreases in females from approximately 0.4 to 0.2 , whereas it is constant in males. Trabecular thickness decreases during the ageing process in females and stays constant in males , whereas trabecular separation increases during the ageing process in both genders. The results of this study may help to improve the understanding of pathophysiological changes in the facet joints. Such results could be of value for understanding back pain and its treatment.
Water release through plant roots: new insights into its consequences at the plant and ecosystem level
Authors: Prieto Iván , Armas Cristina , Pugnaire Francisco I. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryHydraulic redistribution (HR) is the passive movement of water between different soil parts via plant root systems, driven by water potential gradients in the soil–plant interface. New data suggest that HR is a heterogeneous and patchy process. In this review we examine the main biophysical and environmental factors controlling HR and its main implications at the plant, community and ecosystem levels. Experimental evidence and the use of novel modelling approaches suggest that HR may have important implications at the community scale, affecting net primary productivity as well as water and vegetation dynamics. Globally, HR may influence hydrological and biogeochemical cycles and, ultimately, climate.

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
Mechanisms controlling HR
832

III.
Below‐ground processes affected by HR
833

IV.
Ecological implications of HR
835

V.
Concluding remarks
838

Acknowledgements
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References
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In vitro platelet quality in storage containers used for pediatric transfusions
Authors: Weiss Sandra , Scammell Kenneth , Levin Elena , Culibrk Brankica , Zolfaghari Sima , Gyöngyössy‐Issa Maria I.C. , Acker Jason P. 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The in vitro quality of small‐volume platelet (PLT) aliquots for pediatric transfusions was assessed to determine the best practice approach.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Small volumes (50 mL) of single apheresis PLT components (APCs), collected on either CaridianBCT Trima or Haemonetics MCS+ instruments, were aliquoted on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5 postcollection into Fenwal PL1240 or 4R2014 bags or 60‐mL polypropylene syringes. Samples were tested for in vitro quality at their recommended expiry times (4 hr for 4R2014 bags and syringes or Day 5 for PL1240 bags). Assays included pH, CD62P expression, and metabolic measures.RESULTS: CD62P expression increased throughout storage in all containers. Among the small‐volume containers, pH, pCO2, lactate, and bicarbonate varied considerably. Regardless of the day of aliquoting, pCO2 was significantly higher and pO2 was significantly lower in gas‐impermeable syringes than other containers. No bacterial growth was detected in any sample.CONCLUSION: The quality of APCs aliquoted into small‐volume containers meets regulatory requirements and is generally equivalent to that of full‐volume APCs at expiry.
Fabrication of Transparent Polycrystalline ZnAl2O4 – A New Optical Bulk Ceramic
Authors: Goldstein Adrian , Yeshurun Yehoshua , Vulfson Marina , Kravits Haim 
Published: January 2012

There is interest in the enlarging of the bulk, transparent ceramics family. Polycrystalline ZnAl2O4 may constitute a useful addition to the existent set of such materials. The objective of this work was the development of a technology allowing the fabrication of bulk, polycrystalline, transparent ZnAl2O4 parts. It was determined that a nano ZnAl2O4 powder, synthesized by the hydrothermal technique, can be formed into green bodies having an average pore size of 30 nm and a bulk density of ~55% TD. A two stage sintering process, in which air heating (1500°C) was followed by hot‐isostatic pressing (1550°C), densified small (20 mm in diameter) disks to a bulk density ≈TD. Such specimens exhibit an in‐line transmission of 78% (λ = 800 nm; t = 2 mm), a hardness of 10.5 GPa and an average grains size of 1.1 μm.
When, What, and How Much to Reward in Reinforcement Learning‐Based Models of Cognition
Authors: Janssen Christian P. , Gray Wayne D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractReinforcement learning approaches to cognitive modeling represent task acquisition as learning to choose the sequence of steps that accomplishes the task while maximizing a reward. However, an apparently unrecognized problem for modelers is choosing when, what, and how much to reward; that is, when (the moment: end of trial, subtask, or some other interval of task performance), what (the objective function: e.g., performance time or performance accuracy), and how much (the magnitude: with binary, categorical, or continuous values). In this article, we explore the problem space of these three parameters in the context of a task whose completion entails some combination of 36 state–action pairs, where all intermediate states (i.e., after the initial state and prior to the end state) represent progressive but partial completion of the task. Different choices produce profoundly different learning paths and outcomes, with the strongest effect for moment. Unfortunately, there is little discussion in the literature of the effect of such choices. This absence is disappointing, as the choice of when, what, and how much needs to be made by a modeler for every learning model.
Vertebral Artery Ostial Stenosis: Prevalence by Digital Subtraction Angiography, MR Angiography, and CT Angiography
Authors: Kumar Dundamadappa Sathish , Cauley Keith 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE(1) To determine the prevalence of vertebral arterial ostial stenosis (VOS) as determined by the “gold standard” of digital subtraction angiography (DSA). (2) To learn the correlation between vertebral ostial stenosis and study indication. (3) To determine the ability of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE MRA) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to reflect the true prevalence of vertebral ostial stenosis as determined by DSA.METHODSThree hundred and twenty‐nine patients who underwent DSA had recorded evaluation of 443 vertebral artery origins. Cases were categorized by patient age and study indication. Similar numbers of CTA and MRA studies were assessed.RESULTSThe prevalence of VOS in the study population was 5.4%. VOS was not observed in patients under 40 years of age, and was seen in 12.5% of patients over 70 years. CE MRA demonstrated decreased signal at the vertebral origins consistent with stenosis in 20% of patients. CTA estimated VOS at .8%, and yielded 7.3% of studies, which were nondiagnostic for VOS.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of VOS as determined by DSA is low and increases with patient age and correlates with factors such as anterior infarct (18.4%), posterior infarct (33.3%), carotid atherosclerosis (30.8%), and vertebrobasilar insufficiency (33%). Patients being evaluated for reasons less closely correlated with atherosclerotic disease, such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or hemorrhage showed a lower prevalence of VA stenosis (brain aneurysm or AVM 5/121, 4.1%, brain hemorrhage 5/153, 3.3%). Routine clinical MRA significantly overestimates VOS prevalence, and findings suggest that CTA underestimates the degree and prevalence of VOS.
Clinical and radiographic changes at implants supporting single‐unit crowns (SCs) and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with one cantilever extension. A retrospective study
Authors: Aglietta Marco , Iorio Siciliano Vincenzo , Blasi Andrea , Sculean Anton , Brägger Urs , Lang Niklaus P. , Salvi Giovanni E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and radiographic changes at implants in posterior maxillary and mandibular areas supporting single‐unit crowns (SCs) and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) with one mesial or distal cantilever extension after an observation period of at least 3 years.Material and methodsSeventeen subjects with 19 implant‐supported SCs and 21 subjects with 21 implant‐supported FDPs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All FDPs were supported by two implants and had a span of 3–4 units. All reconstructions were incorporated in the posterior maxilla or mandible. The mesial and distal radiographic marginal bone loss from baseline (i.e. delivery of the reconstruction) to the follow‐up examination was averaged and compared between SCs supporting one cantilever extension with that of implants supporting FDPs adjacent to or distant from the cantilever extension. Changes in mean pocket probing depth (PPD) were calculated and compared between the three groups.ResultsThe mean observation period was 78.2 ± 34.5 months for SCs supported by one implant and 67.8 ± 29.8 months for FDPs supported by two implants. No implant loss occurred, yielding a 100% survival rate. At baseline, the mean radiographic bone levels ± SD were 2.6 ± 0.3 mm for implants supporting SCs, 2.6 ± 0.3 mm for implants of FDPs adjacent to the cantilever extension, and 2.4 ± 0.5 mm for implants of FDPs distant from the cantilever extension. At follow‐up, the corresponding mean bone levels ± SD were 2.7 ± 0.4, 2.7 ± 0.5, and 2.8 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed comparing the mean marginal bone loss between the three groups. Moreover, mean changes in PPD between baseline and follow‐up were not statistically significantly different (P > 0.05) between the three groups.ConclusionThe presence of one mesial or distal cantilever extension in the posterior maxilla or mandible does not jeopardize the marginal bone levels of implants supporting SCs or short‐span FDPs after a mean observation period of at least 5 years.
Cardiac troponin I does not independently predict mortality in critically ill patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Sultana Nasreen , Lewis David 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjective: Patients with sepsis often have elevated cardiac troponin I even in the absence of coronary artery disease. The prognostic value of cardiac troponins in critically ill patients with sepsis remains debatable. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac troponin I in critically ill patients with severe sepsis.Methods: In this retrospective study, we included patients with severe sepsis who had troponin assayed within 12 h of admission to intensive care over a 6 year period. Patients who had myocardial infarction at intensive care admission in the setting of sepsis were excluded. Included patients were classified into two groups based on their serum troponin I levels: low troponin group (troponin ≤ 0.1 µg/L) and elevated troponin group (troponin > 0.1 µg/L). The primary outcome of interest was hospital mortality. The secondary outcome measures included intensive care mortality, intensive care and hospital length of stay.Results: A total of 382 patients were admitted to intensive care with sepsis. Of these, 293 patients were included in analyses. There was a statistically significant difference in hospital (15% vs 36.1%; P < 0.01) and intensive care (11% vs 25%; P < 0.01) mortality, but not in intensive care and hospital duration of stay. Logistic regression analysis revealed temperature, simplified acute physiology score II and serum lactate to be independent predictors of hospital mortality. Cardiac troponin I was not an independent predictor of hospital mortality.Conclusion: Critically ill patients with severe sepsis who had elevated troponin had increased hospital and intensive care mortality. However, cardiac troponin I did not independently predict hospital mortality.
Endovascular treatment of very small (≤ 3 mm) intracranial aneurysms: An updated systemic review
Authors: Wong George Kwok‐Chu , Ng Rebecca Yuen‐Ting , Poon Wai‐Sang 
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Previously‐published meta‐analyses have concluded that coil embolization of very small (≤ 3 mm) intracranial aneurysms carry a high risk of procedural rupture, leading to morbidity and mortality. Several case series subsequently questioned the real procedural rupture risk. We therefore carried out an updated meta‐analysis.Patients and Methods:  Computerized EMBASE, MEDLINE and PubMed searches of the literature for reports on the safety and efficacy of treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a maximum dimension of ≤ 3 mm were carried out from January 1990 to January 2011. Statistical analyses were generated using SPSS for Windows Version 15.0 and Comprehensive MetaAnalysis 2.0 for Windows. Results of the meta‐analyses are presented with 95 per cent confidence intervals (CI).Results:  Twelve eligible studies with 637 patients (660 aneurysms) were analysed. Procedural aneurysm rupture occurred in 39 (5.9 per cent) of 660 aneurysm treatments (random‐effect‐weighted average: 7.2 per cent; 95 per cent CI: 5.3–9.6 per cent; Q‐value: 11; I2 = 4 per cent). Immediate satisfactory occlusion was achieved in 508 (88 per cent) of 579 aneurysm treatments (random‐effect‐weighted average: 84 per cent; 95 per cent CI: 81–87 per cent; Q‐value: 48; I2 = 81 per cent). Delayed satisfactory occlusion was achieved in 379 (88 per cent) of 433 aneurysm treatments (random‐effect‐weighted average: 82 per cent; 95 per cent CI: 77–86 per cent; Q‐value: 48; I2 = 83 per cent).Conclusions:  The present findings suggest that coiling of very small intracranial aneurysms is associated with 7.2 per cent procedural aneurysm rupture risk. Further prospective multicenter studies should be carried out in Hong Kong to review the procedural morbidity and mortality.
ROP11 GTPase Negatively Regulates ABA Signaling by Protecting ABI1 Phosphatase Activity from Inhibition by the ABA Receptor RCAR1/PYL9 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zixing , Li Zheng , Gao Xiang , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Bressan Ray , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Wu Jia‐Wei , Liu Dong 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many key processes in plants, such as seed germination, seedling growth, and abiotic stress tolerance. In recent years, a minimal set of core components of a major ABA signaling pathway has been discovered. These components include a RCAR/PYR/PYL family of ABA receptors, a group of PP2C phosphatases, and three SnRK2 kinases. However, how the interactions between the receptors and their targets are regulated by other proteins remains largely unknown. In a companion paper published in this issue, we showed that ROP11, a member of the plant‐specific Rho‐like small GTPase family, negatively regulates multiple ABA responses in Arabidopsis. The current work demonstrated that the constitutively active ROP11 (CA‐ROP11) can modulate the RCAR1/PYL9‐mediated ABA signaling pathway based on reconstitution assays in Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts. Furthermore, using luciferase complementation imaging, yeast two‐hybrid assays, co‐immunoprecipitation assays in Nicotiana benthamiana and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we demonstrated that CA‐ROP11 directly interacts with ABI1, a signaling component downstream of RCAR1/PYL9. Finally, we provided biochemical evidence that CA‐ROP11 protects ABI1 phosphatase activity from inhibition by RCAR1/PYL9 and thus negatively regulates ABA signaling in plant cells. A model of how ROP11 acts to negatively regulate ABA signaling is presented.
Large spatial scale effects of rising temperatures: modelling a dragonfly’s life cycle and range throughout Europe
Authors: SÖNDGERATH DAGMAR , RUMMLAND JANIN , SUHLING FRANK 
Published: January 2012

Abstract. 1. Rising environmental temperature will likely affect life cycle and range of species. To forecast such effects in an odonate, we simulated the continent‐wide life cycle distribution pattern and range of a dragonfly applying a dynamic population model.2. The model was used to investigate how much of the current voltinism patterns and distribution range of the species are correctly predicted by using temperature and day length as the only environmental factors. We forecasted the range and voltinism changes on a European extent for the year 2050 using one GCM (CSIRO) driven by one greenhouse gas emission scenario (b2a) according to the IPCC.3. The model run lead to 80% correctly predicted distribution range, with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 55%, the latter because of high error in predicting absence in southern Europe.4. The projected voltinism ranged from 1 to 2 years per generation in southern latitudes to 5 years in the north. A comparison with field data indicated correct predictions in 50% of all cases, while the other 50% were slight over‐ or underestimates by half a year per generation.5. We conclude that the model led to sufficient predictions of range as well as of life cycle pattern in central and northern Europe. Wrong predictions of presence for southern Europe may be caused by factors not recognised in the model, likely competition by con generics, while incorrect voltinism was possibly because of habitat effects.6. Simulations with increased temperature scenarios implied a future northward shift of the fundamental niche and a decreased development duration towards the northern range.
Small molecule screening identifies targetable zebrafish pigmentation pathways
Authors: Colanesi Sarah , Taylor Kerrie L. , Temperley Nicholas D. , Lundegaard Pia R. , Liu Dong , North Trista E. , Ishizaki Hironori , Kelsh Robert N. , Patton E. Elizabeth 
Published: January 2012

SummarySmall molecules complement genetic mutants and can be used to probe pigment cell biology by inhibiting specific proteins or pathways. Here, we present the results of a screen of active compounds for those that affect the processes of melanocyte and iridophore development in zebrafish and investigate the effects of a few of these compounds in further detail. We identified and confirmed 57 compounds that altered pigment cell patterning, number, survival, or differentiation. Additional tissue targets and toxicity of small molecules are also discussed. Given that the majority of cell types, including pigment cells, are conserved between zebrafish and other vertebrates, we present these chemicals as molecular tools to study developmental processes of pigment cells in living animals and emphasize the value of zebrafish as an in vivo system for testing the on‐ and off‐target activities of clinically active drugs.