bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of grazing on carbon stocks and assimilate partitioning in a Tibetan montane pasture revealed by 13CO2 pulse labeling
Authors: Hafner Silke , Unteregelsbacher Sebastian , Seeber Elke , Lena Becker , Xu Xingliang , Li Xiaogang , Guggenberger Georg , Miehe Georg , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSince the late 1950s, governmental rangeland policies have changed the grazing management on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Increasing grazing pressure and, since the 1980s, the privatization and fencing of pastures near villages has led to land degradation, whereas remote pastures have recovered from stronger overgrazing. To clarify the effect of moderate grazing on the carbon (C) cycle of the TP, we investigated differences in below‐ground C stocks and C allocation using in situ 13CO2 pulse labeling of (i) a montane Kobresia winter pasture of yaks, with moderate grazing regime and (ii) a 7‐year‐old grazing exclosure plot, both in 3440 m asl. Twenty‐seven days after the labeling, 13C incorporated into shoots did not differ between the grazed (43% of recovered 13C) and ungrazed (38%) plots. In the grazed plots, however, less C was lost by shoot respiration (17% vs. 42%), and more was translocated below‐ground (40% vs. 20%). Within the below‐ground pools, <2% of 13C was incorporated into living root tissue of both land use types. In the grazed plots about twice the amount of 13C remained in soil (18%) and was mineralized to CO2 (20%) as compared to the ungrazed plots (soil 10%; CO2 9%). Despite the higher contribution of root‐derived C to CO2 efflux, total CO2 efflux did not differ between the two land use types. C stocks in the soil layers 0–5 and 5–15 cm under grazed grassland were significantly larger than in the ungrazed grassland. However, C stocks below 15 cm were not affected after 7 years without grazing. We conclude that the larger below‐ground C allocation of plants, the larger amount of recently assimilated C remaining in the soil, and less soil organic matter‐derived CO2 efflux create a positive effect of moderate grazing on soil C input and C sequestration.
A clinical study of a laser fluorescence device for the detection of approximal caries in primary molars
Authors: CHEN JIANGHAO , QIN MAN , MA WENLI , GE LIHONG 
Published: September 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 132–138Objective.  To evaluate the efficacy of laser fluorescence (LF) device in detecting approximal caries in primary molars.Methods.  Two hundred and sixteen primary molars from 96 children were inspected visually to identify possible caries with contact approximal surfaces. Target molars and their contralateral molars were examined using bitewing radiographs (BR) and LF. Depending on the examination findings, invasive treatments were performed on molars to identify the presence of cavitation.Results.  Of 256 surfaces evaluated from 216 primary molars, 128 were intact, 39 had white spots, and 89 had cavities. At the white‐spot threshold, sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were 2.56% and 94.87% for visual inspection (VI); 64.10% and 97.43% for BR; and 56.41% and 94.87% for LF. At the cavity threshold, sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were 70.79% and 95.51% for VI; 97.75% and 93.26% for BR; and 92.14% and 97.75% for LF. Significant differences between intact surfaces and white spots, and white spots and cavities were shown through LF readings.Conclusions.  Both LF and BR can detect cavitations on approximal surfaces of primary molars. LF could be an alternative to radiographs in detecting approximal caries in primary molars.
Sexual antagonism for testosterone maintains multiple mating behaviour
Authors: Mokkonen Mikael , Koskela Esa , Mappes Tapio , Mills Suzanne C. 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. The persistence of multiple mating remains one of the fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. In theory, multiple mating is predicted to improve female fitness cumulatively through direct and/or genetic benefits. However, intra‐locus sexual conflicts may potentially constrain or even eliminate these benefits owing to the gender load imposed by sexually antagonistic selection.2. Here, we tested whether sexually antagonistic selection can maintain the variance in multiple mating behaviour of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) by manipulating the hormone testosterone through artificial selection in the laboratory. Among mammals, testosterone is a sexually dimorphic fitness‐related trait under selection and is known to affect mating behaviour. We conducted mating trials in which females derived from family‐based selection of testosterone were sequentially paired with four males of different testosterone profiles.3. We show that artificial selection for high testosterone increased the mating rate of males, but clearly decreased the number of partners that females mated with (and vice versa). Because multiple mating was beneficial for the reproductive success of both sexes, as evidenced by the positive Bateman gradients, the divergent evolutionary interests of testosterone between the sexes can maintain this polygynandrous mating system.4. Our results highlight how mating rate is concordantly selected in both sexes; however, it is largely influenced by testosterone, which is under sexually antagonistic selection.5. This study is the first one to emphasise the direct and indirect effects of the endocrine system not only on reproductive physiology and behaviour but also for the evolution of genetic mating strategies in mammals.
Criticizing the data: some concerns about empirical approaches to ethics
Authors: Loughlin Michael 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThere are strong arguments in favour of the need for more ‘empirically informed philosophy’. Using papers in the current issue of JECP as case studies, I raise fundamental and unresolved methodological questions about the proper relationship between philosophy and empirical research, in particular concerning the relationship between ‘data’ in empirical research and the ‘responses’ people give in to questions in the process of philosophical dialogue. There are tensions between the role of data in empirical research and the critical stance required for philosophy that need to be addressed, if empirically informed philosophy is to make a serious and substantial contribution to our thinking about the matters of great import it addresses.
Gene network reconstruction identifies the authentic trans‐prenyl diphosphate synthase that makes the solanesyl moiety of ubiquinone‐9 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ducluzeau Anne‐Lise , Wamboldt Yashitola , Elowsky Christian G. , Mackenzie Sally A. , Schuurink Robert C. , Basset Gilles J. C. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryUbiquinone (coenzyme Q) is the generic name of a class of lipid‐soluble electron carriers formed of a redox active benzoquinone ring attached to a prenyl side chain. The length of the latter varies among species, and depends upon the product specificity of a trans‐long‐chain prenyl diphosphate synthase that elongates an allylic diphosphate precursor. In Arabidopsis, this enzyme is assumed to correspond to an endoplasmic reticulum‐located solanesyl diphosphate synthase, although direct genetic evidence was lacking. In this study, the reconstruction of the functional network of Arabidopsis genes linked to ubiquinone biosynthesis singled out an unsuspected solanesyl diphosphate synthase candidate – product of gene At2g34630 – that, extraordinarily, had been shown previously to be targeted to plastids and to contribute to the biosynthesis of gibberellins. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion experiments in tobacco and Arabidopsis, and complementation of a yeast coq1 knockout lacking mitochondrial hexaprenyl diphosphate synthase demonstrated that At2g34630 is also targeted to mitochondria. At2g34630 is the main – if not sole – contributor to solanesyl diphosphate synthase activity required for the biosynthesis of ubiquinone, as demonstrated by the dramatic (75–80%) reduction of the ubiquinone pool size in corresponding RNAi lines. Overexpression of At2g34630 gave up to a 40% increase in ubiquinone content compared to wild‐type plants. None of the silenced or overexpressing lines, in contrast, displayed altered levels of plastoquinone. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that At2g34630 is the only Arabidopsis trans‐long‐chain prenyl diphosphate synthase that clusters with the Coq1 orthologs involved in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone in other eukaryotes.
Costs, equity, efficiency and feasibility of identifying the poor in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme: empirical analysis of various strategies
Authors: Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Jehu‐Appiah Caroline , Spaan Ernst , Agyepong Irene , Baltussen Rob 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectives  To analyse the costs and evaluate the equity, efficiency and feasibility of four strategies to identify poor households for premium exemptions in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS): means testing (MT), proxy means testing (PMT), participatory wealth ranking (PWR) and geographic targeting (GT) in urban, rural and semi‐urban settings in Ghana.Methods  We conducted the study in 145–147 households per setting with MT as our gold standard strategy. We estimated total costs that included costs of household surveys and cost of premiums paid to the poor, efficiency (cost per poor person identified), equity (number of true poor excluded) and the administrative feasibility of implementation.Results  The cost of exempting one poor individual ranged from US$15.87 to US$95.44; exclusion of the poor ranged between 0% and 73%. MT was most efficient and equitable in rural and urban settings with low‐poverty incidence; GT was efficient and equitable in the semi‐urban setting with high‐poverty incidence. PMT and PWR were less equitable and inefficient although feasible in some settings.Conclusion  We recommend MT as optimal strategy in low‐poverty urban and rural settings and GT as optimal strategy in high‐poverty semi‐urban setting. The study is relevant to other social and developmental programmes that require identification and exemptions of the poor in low‐income countries.
The Structure of the Atrioventricular Node in the Heart of the Female Laying Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Parto P. 
Published: September 2011

With 5 figuresSummaryThe electrical impulse for cardiac contraction is generated in the Sinoatrial node (SA node), subsequently spreads to the Atrioventricular node (AV node) and continues in the Atrioventricular bundle (AV bundle). The AV node may not always be present in different avian species and seems to differ in location and contents between species. In this study, the anatomy and histology of the AV node were studied five female adult ostriches (Struthio camelus). Routine paraffin sectioning and transmission electron microscopic method were performed. The study showed that in the ostrich, the AV node is located in the endocardium of the atrial surface of the right atrioventricular valve adjacent to the fibrous ring. The parenchyma of the AV node is formed by small specialized muscle fibres that are spread within a loose connective tissue network. The AV node is not covered by a connective tissue sheath and some arterioles are present. Nerve fibres are seen related to the node. Ultrastructurally, they stain lighter and contain fewer organized myofibrils than usual myocardial cells. The myofibril bundles run parallel to one another and have interspersed mitochondria, which display distinct cristae. The cells have a large euchromatic nucleus with a clear perinuclear area, and they connected by desmosomes. The ostrich is, thus, one of the birds that have the AV node, whose position varies from the other birds.
Reducing fertilization: a management tactic against western flower thrips on roses
Authors: Chow A. , Chau A. , Heinz K. M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFertilization reduction could be a useful pest management tactic for floriculture crops if it reduced pest populations with minimal impact on crop yield and quality. We evaluated the response of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), to different fertilization levels for cut roses, Rosa hybrida L. cv. ‘Tropicana’, and quantified fertilization effects on (i) abundance of F. occidentalis on cut roses, (ii) biological control of F. occidentalis on cut roses and (iii) nutritional quality of the cut flower crop. We tested a commercially available fertilizer (Peters Excel 15‐5‐15 Cal‐Mag; The Scotts Company, Marysville, OH) at 100% and 33% of the recommended nitrogen level (150 ppm N) for rose production using liquid‐feeding and two control measures: no thrips control measure; release of a predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot). To maintain equivalent ratios of macro‐ and micronutrients for all our fertilizer treatments, we varied only the concentration of the fertilizer to the levels specified in our experiments. Lowering fertilization rate from 100% to 33% of the recommended level reduced mean F. occidentalis abundance on cut roses by 30%. Combinations of both bottom‐up (fertilization) and top‐down (biological control) tactics provided better F. occidentalis control than either tactic alone. Flower production was not compromised on plants fertilized with 33% of the recommended level. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content of the leaf tissue decreased at 33% of the recommended fertilization level, but all values were within optimal ranges for cut roses. We propose that fertility management may be an effective means of reducing thrips numbers on cut roses.
Effect of Low Oxygen Tension Atmosphere and Maturation Media Supplementation on Nuclear Maturation, Cortical Granules Migration and Sperm Penetration in Swine In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Marques MG , de Barros FRO , Goissis MD , Cavalcanti PV , Viana CHC , Assumpção MEOD , Visintin JA 
Published: September 2011

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of low oxygen tension (5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2) on in vitro oocyte maturation using defined media (0.1% polyvinyl alcohol – PVA) or 10% porcine follicular fluid (PFF)‐supplemented media. To achieve this goal, oocytes were evaluated regarding cortical granules (GCs) migration, nuclear maturation and sperm penetration. Oocytes were in vitro matured under different conditions: 5% or 20% O2 atmosphere and 0.1% PVA‐ or 10% PFF‐supplemented media and evaluated at 0 and 44 h of maturation. To evaluate the migration of CGs and nuclear maturation, by confocal microscopy, oocytes were incubated with 100 μg of FITC‐PNA/ml and 10 μg/ml of propidium iodide. To address sperm penetration, after maturation, in vitro fertilization for 6 h and in vitro culture for 18 h, zygotes were incubated with 10 mg/ml Hoechst 33342. Pronuclei and polar bodies were quantified using an epifluorescence microscope. Atmosphere conditions did not affect the CGs migration, but media supplementation did. Oocytes matured in 10% PFF media had a higher percentage of CGs in the oocyte periphery than oocytes matured in PVA‐supplemented media. However, this fact did not have effect on in vitro sperm penetration levels. No effect of atmosphere conditions and media supplementation was observed on the rates of metaphase II oocytes. Therefore, the use of low oxygen tension in association with PVA maturation media does not improve the in vitro maturation system of porcine oocytes, because its use did not improve nuclear maturation, CGs migration and zygotes monospermic rates.
Improved neonatal survival and outcomes at borderline viability brings increasing ethical dilemmas
Authors: Kuschel Carl A , Kent Alison 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWith improvements in neonatal intensive care over the past five decades, the limits of viability have reduced to around 24 weeks’ gestation. While increasing survival has been the predominant driver leading to lowering the gestation at which care can be provided, these infants remain at significant risk of adverse long‐term outcomes including neuro‐developmental disability. Decisions about commencing and continuing intensive care are determined in partnership with parents, considering the best interests of the baby and the family. Occasionally, clinicians and parents come to an impasse regarding institution or continuation of intensive care. Inevitably, these ethical dilemmas need to consider the uncertainty of the long‐term prognosis and challenges surrounding providing or withdrawing active treatment. Further reduction in the gestational age considered for institution of intensive care will need to be guided by short‐ and long‐term outcomes, community expectations and the availability of sufficient resources to care for these infants in the neonatal intensive care unit and beyond.
Going against the grain: Liam's story
Authors: Thiele Pauline 
Published: September 2011

AbstractYou might well say, ‘Why would you want to write about your son's death?’ And in response I may ask, ‘Why do you want to read it?’ Perhaps there are no correct answers to our questions, except to say that the only way we learn it, ethically, through the experiences of others as we witness their suffering. Although, for the most part, this journey would leave me feeling professionally abandoned, there were still times of joy, hope and love. I invite you to take this journey with me.
Ethical and legal aspects of management for disorders of sex development
Authors: Warne Garry L , Mann Annabelle 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntense controversy surrounds the management of disorders of sex development, particularly in relation to the validity of parental consent for genital surgery and the removal of gonadal tissue carried out during infancy or childhood. Past practices have been heavily criticised on ethical grounds by patient advocacy organisations, who have demanded a moratorium on these kinds of operations unless authorised by a court. Some doctors and hospital administrators have been influenced by the controversy and have referred cases to the Family Court of Australia, where a series of judgements have now established legal precedents that apply across Australia, restricting the circumstances in which parents can give consent for surgery. An alternative approach is to use a hospital‐based Clinical Ethics Response Group and, if necessary, Clinical Ethics Committee, which has lay and legal representatives as well as health professionals, as a semi‐independent committee of review. Finding a solution that protects the human rights and best interests of children is an ongoing challenge.
Stem cells: Research tools and clinical treatments
Authors: Fahey Michael C , Wallace Euan M 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe term ‘stem cell’ most commonly refers to embryonic stem cells, particularly in the lay media; however, it also describes other cell types. A stem cell represents a cell of multi‐lineage potential with the ability for self‐renewal. It is now clear that the plasticity and immortality of a given stem cell will depend on what type of stem cell it is, whether an embryonic stem cell, a fetal‐placental stem cell or an adult stem cell. Stem cells offer great promise as cell‐based therapies for the future. With evolving technology, much of the socio‐political debate regarding stem cells can now be avoided.
Organ donation in Australia
Authors: Oberender Felix 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOrgan donation in Australia has undergone a series of important changes in the past 3 years. An ethically complex and emotionally profound subject, important questions are being raised about the approach to organ donation by the government, by health‐care professionals and also by the public. This paper highlights some of the changes within the Australian organ donation community and explores several controversies that accompany the widespread implementation of measures aimed at significantly improving organ donation throughout the country.
Ethical advocacy based on caring: A model for neonatal and paediatric nurses
Authors: Spence Kaye 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAdvocacy has been identified as an ideal in nursing practice. National codes (Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council) and professional standards (Australian College of Neonatal Nurses) state that nurses are to respect their patients' autonomous choices and act as their advocates. This responsibility includes acting as advocates for the needs and welfare of patients, for the profession of nursing and for the interests of colleagues in nursing. However, ambiguous interpretations of the concept of patient advocacy continue to pose a number of problems for nurses in practice and in particular neonatal practice. Neonatal nurses often perceive themselves primarily as advocates for the rights of helpless and vulnerable infants in their care. Advocacy is underpinned by caring, which is a significant feature in the delivery of quality care for each baby and child. This advocacy may be expressed at the bedside, in committee meetings, in agency discussions or in the public arena.
Clinician views of referring people with negative symptoms to outcome research: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Mairs Hilary , Lovell Karina , Keeley Philip 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on a survey of mental health clinician views of including people with psychosis and negative symptoms in outcome research. A questionnaire was forwarded to clinicians (the majority of whom were mental health nurses) completing post‐registration undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in psychosocial interventions for psychosis. Fifty questionnaires were returned (a response rate of 84.7%). A total of 47% of respondents indicated that they might refrain from offering this group as potential participants to clinical trials. Thematic analysis suggests views that negative symptoms are not amenable to treatment inform such decisions. The results highlight the potential difficulties faced by researchers investigating new treatments for people with negative symptoms, and suggest further exploration of clinician views of referring this group to research and psychosocial treatments is warranted.
Service Sector Restrictiveness and Economic Performance: An Estimation for the MENA Region
Authors: Bottini Novella , Marouani Mohamed Ali , Munro Laura 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis article aims to assess barriers to service provision in the banking and telecom sectors of four Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, and the impact of these barriers on firm performance. Our methodology involves the computation of aggregate and modal trade restrictiveness indices (TRIs) by sector, and utilisation of these TRIs as regressors of firms’ economic performance. Our analysis shows that significant regulatory reforms have taken place in the service sectors over the last decade in the MENA region, but that a broad range of restrictions still remain. The most significant change in these service sectors has been the lifting or softening of constraints on foreign equity participation. These regulatory reforms, however, have had varying degrees of impact on market structure depending on the country, the sector and the mode. Moreover, service restrictions have had an impact on economic performance in the three studied sectors. While a rent‐creating effect seems to dominate restrictions on banking and fixed telecom sectors, a cost‐inefficiency effect seems to dominate the mobile telecom sector. Finally, we find evidence of interactions between modal restrictions for banking services. Our results suggest a complementarity between Modes 3 and 1, as well as a substitution effect between Modes 3 and 4 in the banking sector.