bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenting area reflects disease severity and prognosis in patients with non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Karaca Oguz , Avci Anil , Guler Gamze B. , Alizade Elnur , Guler Ekrem , Gecmen Cetin , Emiroglu Yunus , Esen Ozlem , Esen Ali M. 
Published: November 2010

AimsTo define which echocardiographic parameters are related to the degree of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and to establish their relationship with clinical status, plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, and prognosis in patients with non‐ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICMP).Methods and resultsNinety patients (mean age: 50 ± 14, 31% females) with NICMP and FMR were prospectively analysed by echocardiography. Global and local left ventricular remodelling parameters such as ejection fraction and sphericity index, inter‐papillary muscle distance, coaptation to septal distance, and mitral annular area, as well as mitral valve deformation indices such as tenting area (TA) and tenting distance, were measured as indicators of FMR. Patients were defined as having severe FMR [effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) ≥ 0.2 cm2, n = 41] or non‐severe FMR (EROA < 0.2 cm2, n = 49) and followed for 15 ± 3 months. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that TA had the greatest ability to predict severe FMR at a cut‐off level of 3.4 cm2 with 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity. Patients with higher TA values (>3.4 cm2) had statistically higher BNP levels, worse functional status, more hospitalizations, and higher death rates. The plasma BNP level (P: 0.012) and TA (P: 0.056) were predictors of all‐cause mortality. New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001) and TA (P: 0.005) were predictors of combined death or hospitalization on multivariate Cox's regression analysis.ConclusionTenting area accurately reflects the degree of FMR at a cut‐off value of 3.4 cm2 and has a strong correlation with functional status, plasma BNP, mortality, and hospitalization rates. Tenting area is also an independent predictor of mortality and hospitalizations in patients with NICMP and FMR.
Asthma related to Alternaria sensitization: an analysis of skin‐test and serum‐specific IgE efficiency based on the bronchial provocation test
Authors: Fernández C. , Bevilacqua E. , Fernández N. , Gajate P. , de la Cámara A. G. , Garcimartín M. , Vives R. , Rodríguez J. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryBackground
It is difficult to find a causal relationship between exposure to Alternaria spores and the development of asthma symptoms in sensitized individuals due to the complexity of clinical situations in which positive diagnostic tests are often found.Objective
To analyse the diagnostic efficiency of skin testing (ST) and serum‐specific IgE to Alternaria, based on the results of a bronchial specific challenge with Alternaria extracts.Methods
Seventy‐four asthmatic patients sensitized to Alternaria underwent a specific bronchial challenge with this mould. Skin‐testing weal sizes, serum‐specific IgE values (CAP‐system) and bronchial challenge results were analysed by receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC curves) and logistic regression. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for different cut‐off points.Results
Bronchial challenges to Alternaria elicited a positive result in 45 patients (61%). Skin prick testing almost perfectly predicted the outcome of bronchoprovocation tests (area under the ROC curve of 0.957), whereas intradermal skin testing had moderate efficacy. A negative result for skin prick test (SPT) showed a 4% probability of a positive bronchial challenge in the logistic regression analysis. However, weals around 5.5 mm in diameter had 90% probability of a positive challenge. Quantification of serum‐specific IgE correctly classified 86% of the cases. In the logistic regression analysis, a CAP value 16 kUA/L predicted a positive bronchial challenge result with 99% accuracy, whereas for a CAP value <0.35 kUA/L, this probability was 33%.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Most asthmatic patients with positive SPT results to Alternaria would have a positive bronchial challenge. As atmospheric mould levels may vary significantly with the weather conditions, sensitized patients should be instructed on the risk situations, environmental control measures and the importance of correct medication compliance. Immunotherapy with Alternaria could also be taken into account as a valid therapeutic option. Cite this as: C. Fernández, E. Bevilacqua, N. Fernández, P. Gajate, A. G. de la Cámara, M. Garcimartín, R. Vives and J. Rodríguez, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 649–656.
Reports of life skills training for students with intellectual disabilities in and out of school
Authors: Bouck E. C. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground Life skills can be critical to the success of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in terms of postschool outcomes. Yet, research suggests a decreasing emphasis on the acquisition of life skills in school for students with ID, raising the question if students then receive training in these areas after graduation.Method This study represented a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study‐2 data to understand the reported receipt of life skills instruction in school and out of school for individuals with mild and moderate/severe ID. Frequency distributions, significant tests and at‐test were used to understand receipt of life skills in and out of school for both individuals with mild and moderate/severe ID.Results The results suggest low‐reported receipt of life skills instruction/training in school and postschool for individuals with mild ID, few students with moderate/severe ID report receiving life skills training out of school, and receipt of life skills instruction in school is not related to receipt of life skills training/therapy after school by either individuals with mild ID or moderate/severe ID.Conclusions Given the current educational policy situation (i.e. a predisposition towards inclusive general education placements for students with disabilities and participation in the accountability system for all students), educators who believe in the value of a life skills curriculum will need to be creative in its implementation and look towards transition plan and activities to provide students with the needed training. Regardless, teachers will need to rectify providing students with the academic skills they need to be successful on a general large‐scale assessment with providing them with the life skills (e.g. independent living, daily living, financial) to be successful after school in employment and independent living.
The sedimentary expression of oceanic anoxic event 1b in the North Atlantic
Authors: ALEXANDRE JOÃO TRABUCHO , VAN GILST ROELAND IZAÄK , RODRÍGUEZ‐LÓPEZ JUAN PEDRO , DE BOER POPPE L. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe Aptian/Albian oceanic anoxic event 1b contains the record of several perturbations in the global carbon cycle and multiple black shale levels, particularly in the Western Tethys. The local lithological expression of an oceanic anoxic event depends on palaeogeographical and depositional setting as well as on regional palaeoclimate. Marine sediments at a particular location may therefore be more or less organic‐rich (or not at all) and they may consist of different lithologies. In most studies, however, much of the lithological variability associated with oceanic anoxic events is left unaccounted for and, thus, the exact processes leading to the enrichment of organic matter in these marine sediments and their subsequent preservation in the geological record are unknown. This study focuses on the local sedimentary processes behind the deposition of organic‐rich sediments at Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 545 and Ocean Drilling Program Sites 1049 and 1276 in the North Atlantic during oceanic anoxic event 1b. Although specifically dealing with the sediments deposited during this particular event at these localities, it is expected that the same processes were responsible for determining the exact sedimentary products at localities in similar settings, as well as during other similar events in the Mesozoic. Here, it is shown that the deposition of organic‐rich sediments during oceanic anoxic event 1b was a consequence of the enhanced productivity favoured by upwelling and by riverine nutrient input, or aeolian fertilization of the euphotic zone depending on geographical location. Slope instability processes resulted in the transfer of part of these organic‐rich sediments from the shelf to deep sea depocentres as mud‐laden organic‐rich turbidites, especially in the northern North Atlantic. The so‐called ‘black shales’ are much more varied than their name implies. The end product of sedimentation during an oceanic anoxic event at a particular location is commonly the result of several equifinal processes acting on a local scale rather than the direct result of basinal or even global mechanisms.
Oocyte Ultrastructural Characteristics in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Primordial to Large Antral Follicles
Authors: Davoodian N. , Mesbah F. , Kafi M. 
Published: November 2010

With 14 figures and 1 tableSummaryThis study was conducted to describe in detail the ultrastructural features and morphological characteristics of camel oocytes from preantral follicles in relation to the sequential stages of follicular development and also for oocytes from antral follicles in relation to their diameter. Camel oocytes from primordial, primary, secondary and also early to late antral follicles were processed and examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Primordial follicular oocytes were characterized by a layer of flattened granulosa cells around and also eccentric nucleus and few cytoplasmic organelles in the peripheral region. Up to the secondary follicle stage, flat cells were replaced by cuboidal granulosa cells and their number increased and also an increase in the number of organelles such as vesicles, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was observed. In the early antral stage, the formation of zona pellucida, appearance of microvilli and pleomorphic mitochondria was seen and the nucleus was dislocated to the peripheral region. During final growth phase, the extent of endoplasmic reticulum, vesicles and mitochondria increased, the number of lipid droplets decreased and cumulus cell process endings (CCPE) were observed. In conclusion, the growth of camel oocyte is associated with progressive increase in the number of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes and cytoplasmic vesicles as well as decrease in the number of lipid droplets and the nucleus migration from an eccentric in preantral to a peripheral location in antral follicles.
The Impact of Immigration on the Size of Government: Empirical Evidence from Danish Municipalities
Authors: Gerdes Christer 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSeveral studies have reported a negative relationship between ethnic heterogeneity and the size of the public sector. One problem with this literature is that ethnic composition is hardly exogenous, which obstructs attempts to reveal causal mechanisms. This paper explores the impact of changes in ethnic heterogeneity in Danish municipalities from 1995 through 2001, a period marked by an unprecedented influx of refugees. A state‐sponsored placement policy restricted their choice of residence and required local governments to accept them as citizens. The analysis of the impact of this influx has not revealed any support for the claim of a decline in public sector size.
Effects of Structural Constraints and Costs on Choices
Authors: Simmons Peter 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe paper argues that many choice situations involve a more complicated constraint structure than the standard linear budget constraint and consumption set. Some abstract examples are outlined and in each case some theoretical properties are derived, for example, of the comparative statics. One result of interest is to derive the direct utility choice problem, which generates quasihomothetic preferences. Some empirical examples for the generic cases are sketched for rural household choices, choices of costs of travel to work, a UK welfare benefit system.
Tax–Benefit‐revealed Redistributive Preferences Over Time: Ireland 1987–2005
Authors: Bargain Olivier , Keane Claire 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBy inverting Saez's model of optimal income taxation, we characterize the redistributive preferences of the Irish government between 1987 and 2005. The (marginal) social welfare function revealed by this approach is consistently comparable over time and shows great stability despite profound changes in market incomes and important fiscal reforms over the period. Results are robust to numerous checks regarding data, income concepts, and elasticities. A comparison with the UK shows marked differences reflecting the narrow political spectrum in Ireland compared with radical changes in British politics over the past 30 years. Some ‘anomalies’ in the revealed social welfare function suggest introducing transfers to the working poor.
Fragmentation, dispersal and metapopulation function in remnant populations of endangered mountain caribou
Authors: van Oort H. , McLellan B. N. , Serrouya R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPopulations that are fragmented in space may persist because of metapopulation function that relies on dispersal among subpopulations. Assuming that a fragmented distribution means that the species operates as a metapopulation can lead to erroneous conclusions about population structure, unless the dispersal traits of the organism are understood. A wide‐ranging large mammal with an increasingly fragmented distribution is the mountain caribou, found in the interior rain forests of British Columbia, Canada. These caribou are an endangered ecotype of woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus caribou, and, based on movements of adult caribou, their population has been divided into 18 subpopulations. Their numbers have declined over at least the last 25 years, and it is unknown if their fragmented distribution operates as a metapopulation linked by juvenile dispersal or is simply a step towards extinction. From a database of radio‐locations collected over a 23‐year period (1984–2007) from 358 caribou, we used a spatial index to define summer/fall composite ranges (breeding ranges) across their distribution. The 18 previously recognized subpopulations were fragmented further into 41 summer/fall composite ranges. Young animals (<1 year of age) were not observed to disperse among subpopulations (0/26 opportunities) or even among summer/fall composite ranges (0/7). Similar results were found for animals 2 and 3 years of age. Breeding dispersal by adult caribou occurred in 1.4% of the observed opportunities (8/587). These dispersal rates are insufficient to rescue the smaller and declining subpopulations. We conclude that the distribution of these mountain caribou is more fragmented than thought previously and is not functioning as a classic metapopulation due to a lack of dispersal; rather, it is better described as an extreme non‐equilibrium metapopulation. Mountain caribou and other wide‐ranging species fragmented into subpopulations by human actions may appear to be in a metapopulation but unless they have the innate ability to disperse among subpopulations, the distribution is more likely the geographic pattern of the extinction process.
GPA‐9 is a novel regulator of innate immunity against Escherichia coli foods in adult Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hahm Jeong‐Hoon , Kim Sunhee , Paik Young‐Ki 
Published: November 2010

SummaryInnate immune responses to pathogens are governed by the nervous system. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying innate immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans against Escherichia coli OP50, a standard laboratory C. elegans food. Longevity was compared in worms fed live or UV‐killed OP50 at low or high density food condition (HDF). Expression of the antimicrobial gene lys‐8 was approximately 5‐fold higher in worms fed live OP50, suggesting activation of innate immunity upon recognition of OP50 metabolites. Lifespan was extended and SOD‐3 mRNA levels were increased in gpa‐9‐overexpressing gpa‐9XS worms under HDF in association with robust induction of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling (IIS). Expression of ins‐7 and daf‐28 that control lys‐8 expression was reduced in gpa‐9XS, indicating that GPA‐9‐mediated immunity is due in part to ins‐7 and daf‐28 downregulation. Our results suggest that OP50 metabolites in amphid neurons elicit innate immunity through the IIS pathway, and identify GPA‐9 as a novel regulator of both the immune system and aging in C. elegans.
Age‐related alterations in the dynamic behavior of microglia
Authors: Damani Mausam R. , Zhao Lian , Fontainhas Aurora M. , Amaral Juan , Fariss Robert N. , Wong Wai T. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryMicroglia, the primary resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), exhibit dynamic behavior involving rapid process motility and cellular migration that is thought to underlie key functions of immune surveillance and tissue repair. Although age‐related changes in microglial activation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases of aging, how dynamic behavior in microglia is influenced by aging is not fully understood. In this study, we employed live imaging of retinal microgliain situto compare microglial morphology and behavioral dynamics in young and aged animals. We found that aged microglia in the resting state have significantly smaller and less branched dendritic arbors, and also slower process motilities, which probably compromise their ability to survey and interact with their environment continuously. We also found that dynamic microglial responses to injury were age‐dependent. While young microglia responded to extracellular ATP, an injury‐associated signal, by increasing their motility and becoming more ramified, aged microglia exhibited a contrary response, becoming less dynamic and ramified. In response to laser‐induced focal tissue injury, aged microglia demonstrated slower acute responses with lower rates of process motility and cellular migration compared with young microglia. Interestingly, the longer term response of disaggregation from the injury site was retarded in aged microglia, indicating that senescent microglial responses, while slower to initiate, are more sustained. Together, these altered features of microglial behavior at rest and following injury reveal an age‐dependent dysregulation of immune response in the CNS that may illuminate microglial contributions to age‐related neuroinflammatory degeneration.
Kukoamine B, a novel dual inhibitor of LPS and CpG DNA, is a potential candidate for sepsis treatment
Authors: Liu Xin , Zheng Xinchuan , Wang Ning , Cao Hongwei , Lu Yongling , Long Yupeng , Zhao Kecen , Zhou Hong , Zheng Jiang 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG DNA) are important pathogenic molecules for the induction of sepsis, and thus are drug targets for sepsis treatment. The present drugs for treating sepsis act only against either LPS or CpG DNA. Hence, they are not particularly efficient at combating sepsis as the latter two molecules usually cooperate during sepsis. In this study, a natural alkaloid compound kukoamine B (KB) is presented as a potent dual inhibitor for both LPS and CpG DNA.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The affinities of KB for LPS and CpG DNA were assessed using biosensor technology. Direct interaction of KB with LPS and CpG DNA were evaluated using neutralization assays. Selective inhibitory activities of KB on pro‐inflammatory signal transduction and cytokine expression induced by LPS and CpG DNA were analysed by cellular assays. Protective effects of KB in a sepsis model in mice were elucidated by determining survival and circulatory LPS and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) concentrations.KEY RESULTS KB had high affinities for LPS and CpG DNA. It neutralized LPS and CpG DNA and prevented them from interacting with mouse macrophages. KB selectively inhibited LPS‐ and CpG DNA‐induced signal transduction and expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators without interfering with signal pathways or cell viability in macrophages. KB protected mice challenged with heat‐killed Escherichia coli, and reduced the circulatory levels of LPS and TNF‐α.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first report of a novel dual inhibitor of LPS and CpG DNA. KB is worthy of further investigation as a potential candidate to treat sepsis.
Review of transportation choice research in Australia: Implications for sustainable urban transport design
Authors: Iftekhar Sayed , Tapsuwan Sorada 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn Australia, the transportation sector is the third largest contributor of CO2‐e emissions. In order for Australia to meet the ratified target of 5% below 2000 emissions levels by 2020, a number of changes must be put in place. Sustainable transport design allows for more carbon‐friendly travelling alternatives in urban and suburban areas where transportation activities mostly occur. In order for the design to be successfully accepted by the community, a good understanding of people's travel behaviour and preferences of transportation mode is required. This paper offers a review of current transportation research in the context of Australia that spans a number of disciplines including economics, engineering and psychology. The objectives are to assess the key factors that have been empirically shown to affect individual transportation mode choice, identify the shortcoming and gaps in the literature, and recommend how this research can be used to aid in future carbon reduction through better understanding of people's travelling behaviour.
Climate protection and motor vehicle regulations: Evaluation of motor vehicle regulations in China in the context of greenhouse gas management
Authors: Cao Mingde , Xu Yixiang 
Published: November 2010

AbstractClimate change requires a re‐evaluation of the regulations pertaining to motor vehicles from the perspective of greenhouse gas (GHG) management. This article evaluates the regulations of motor vehicles in China from that perspective. Technology‐based regulations on motor vehicles play an important role in reducing GHG emissions. However, technology‐based regulations are not likely to be sufficient to achieve effective GHG management. Non‐technology‐based regulations can influence the behaviour of citizens and promote climate‐friendly transport modes. They can contribute significantly to the mitigation of GHG. In China, both the regulations on automobile ownership and those on automobile utilization should be adopted in order for the country to avoid being locked into an unsustainable transportation system. Regulations to promote public transport and non‐motorized transport modes should be introduced as early as possible.
Sustainable transport indicators for Cape Town, South Africa: Advocacy, negotiation and partnership in transport planning practice
Authors: Kane Lisa 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper charts the emergence of and the movement towards new thinking on sustainable transport in the City of Cape Town, South Africa, and the adoption of a set of indicators for sustainable transport. The paper centres on two themes. It reviews the sustainable transport concepts debated and later adopted by the City of Cape Town. It then examines the day‐to‐day practice of developing sustainable transport indicators in Cape Town over a 14‐year period, from the advent of democracy in 1994 to the present day, with a particular focus on the 2007 to 2009 period. The paper tries to shed light on the process by which ideas of sustainability get translated into indicators in the midst of many constraints including limited staff resources, uncertain politics, and changing policy priorities.