bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status and distribution of golden jackalsCanis aureusin Europe
Authors: ARNOLD Janosch , HUMER Anna , HELTAI Miklós , MURARIU Dumitru , SPASSOV Nikolai , HACKLÄNDER Klaus 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe golden jackalCanis aureusis one of the most widespread canid species with a range covering areas of central, eastern and southern Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia. Distribution of the golden jackal in Europe has been dynamic, including dramatic declines (until the 1960s), recovery (1960s and 1970s) and expansion (from the early 1980s onwards).We present up‐to‐date information on golden jackal status in Europe and range expansion.For data collection we reviewed the scientific literature and contacted scientists from the relevant countries. We distinguished between vagrant animals and established populations.In the last decade, there has been an increase in jackal records in areas where the species has not been reported before. Increased presence is recorded northwards and westwards of the distribution range of the golden jackal, specifically in Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia. In Austria, the first case of reproduction was confirmed in 2007; reproduction has also recently been reported in Italy.Results indicate an ongoing expansion in Europe's jackal population, with a particular spread of the Balkan populations towards central Europe. Although there are numerous reports of sightings, only few originate from confirmed sources and in many areas status is unknown or vague. There is a general lack of ecological data and almost no information on ecological consequences associated with the golden jackal expansion.
In vivo cytochrome and alternative pathway respiration in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants with altered alternative oxidase under different light conditions
Authors: FLOREZ‐SARASA IGOR , FLEXAS JAUME , RASMUSSON ALLAN G. , UMBACH ANN L. , SIEDOW JAMES N. , RIBAS‐CARBO MIQUEL 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe in vivo activity of the alternative pathway (νalt) has been studied using the oxygen isotope fractionation method in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana modified for the expression of the AtAOX1a gene by anti‐sense (AS‐12) or overexpression (XX‐2). Under non‐stressful conditions, νalt was similar in all plant lines regardless of its different alternative pathway capacities (Valt). Total leaf respiration (Vt) and Valt were directly related to growth light conditions while electron partitioning between the cytochrome pathway (CP) and alternative pathway (AP) was unchanged by light levels. Interestingly, the AP functioned at full capacity in anti‐sense plants under both growth light conditions. The role of the AP in response to a high light stress induced by short‐term high light treatment (HLT) was also studied. In wild type and XX‐2, both CP and AP rates increased proportionally after HLT while in AS‐12, where the AP was unable to increase its rate, the CP accommodated all the increase in respiration. The results obtained under high light stress suggest that flexibility in the response of the mitochondrial electron transport chain is involved in sustaining photosynthetic rates in response to this stress while the saturated AP in AS‐12 plants may contribute to the observed increase in photoinhibition.
Water relations of coast redwood planted in the semi‐arid climate of southern California
Authors: LITVAK ELIZAVETA , MCCARTHY HEATHER R. , PATAKI DIANE E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTTrees planted in urban landscapes in southern California are often exposed to an unusual combination of high atmospheric evaporative demand and moist soil conditions caused by irrigation. The water relations of species transplanted into these conditions are uncertain. We investigated the water relations of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) planted in the urbanized semi‐arid Los Angeles Basin, where it often experiences leaf chlorosis and senescence. We measured the sap flux (JO) and hydraulic properties of irrigated trees at three sites in the Los Angeles region. We observed relatively strong stomatal regulation in response to atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (D; JO saturated at D < 1 kPa), and a linear response of JO to photosynthetically active radiation. Total tree water use by coast redwood was relatively low, with plot‐level transpiration rates below 1 mm d−1. There was some evidence of xylem cavitation during the summer, which appeared to be reversed in fall and early winter. We conclude that water stress was not a direct factor in causing leaf chlorosis and senescence as has been proposed. Instead, the relatively strong stomatal control that is adaptive in the native habitat of coast redwood may lead to carbon limitation and other stresses in semi‐arid, irrigated habitats.
Elevated serum interleukin‐7 level in idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Kanai Takahiro , Shiraishi Hirohiko , Yamagata Takanori , Ito Takane , Odaka Jun , Saito Takashi , Aoyagi Jun , Momoi Mariko Y. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground:  Several cytokines have a pathological association with idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome (ISSNS) in inducing proteinuria or regulating T cells. Because interleukin (IL)‐7 plays important roles in regulating T‐cell proliferation and sustaining naïve or memory T cells, IL‐7 is one of the candidate cytokines in the pathogenesis of ISSNS. Very little is known, however, about the association of IL‐7 with ISSNS. To clarify the IL‐7 dynamics in children with ISSNS, serum IL‐7 level was investigated, from the nephrotic phase before steroid treatment (STx; group A1) to the remission phase with STx (group A2) and without STx (group A3).Methods:  Eighteen children with ISSNS were included in the present study. A total of 25 paired samples were analyzed for groups A1 and A2, and a total of 10 paired samples for groups A1, A2, and A3 due to recurrence. Two control groups (with normal urinalysis, group B; or with nephrotic syndrome other than ISSNS, group C), matched for age and gender, were also included. Serum cytokine level was measured on bead‐based assay.Results:  Each serum IL‐7 level in groups A1 and A3 was higher than each serum IL‐7 level of groups C and B, respectively. The group A2 serum IL‐7 level was higher than that of group A1. There was no statistical significance of serum IL‐7 level between group A1 and group A3.Conclusion:  Serum IL‐7 level was elevated in children with ISSNS regardless of the status of the disease. This brings us one step closer to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ISSNS in children.
Pediatric pacemakers and ICDs: how to optimize perioperative care
Authors: Navaratnam Manchula , Dubin Anne 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAn increasing number of pediatric patients with permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) require cardiac and noncardiac surgery. It is critical that the anesthesiologist caring for these patients understands the management of the device and the underlying heart disease. Children with these devices are more vulnerable to lead failure and inappropriate shocks compared with the adult population. Preoperative assessment and appropriate reprogramming of the device, in addition to minimizing sources of electromagnetic interference, are keystones in the perioperative care of these patients. Prior consultation with qualified programmers is recommended to enable timely optimization of the device. Magnets may be used in emergency situations but it is important to appreciate the limitations of magnet use on different models of pacemakers and ICDs. Safe and successful perioperative care is dependent upon a well‐organized and coordinated multidisciplinary team approach.
Mortality as an outcome measure following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease in the current era
Authors: Thiagarajan Ravi R. , Laussen Peter C. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryMortality following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease is rare in the current times. In this review article, we explore current mortality rates, factors associated with mortality, and pitfalls in the use of mortality as a measure for assessing outcomes following congenital heart surgery.
Perioperative management of blood glucose during open heart surgery in infants and children
Authors: Steven James , Nicolson Susan 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe perioperative management of blood glucose has been controversial since clinical associations between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes were first reported more than two decades ago. Despite some early evidence supporting a causal relationship between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes, prospective trials of tight glycemic control have been inconclusive, except in selected populations, like adult diabetics. These trials have consistently reported dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of hypoglycemia, which may also have associated adverse outcomes. Bedside glucose monitors typically used to manage glucose have increasingly been found to introduce systematic inaccuracies. Relevant studies of infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery are considerably fewer in number, requiring clinicians to extrapolate from other clinical conditions and patient populations.
Non‐food/feed seeds as biofactories for the high‐yield production of recombinant pharmaceuticals
Authors: Morandini Francesca , Avesani Linda , Bortesi Luisa , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , De Wilde Kirsten , Arcalis Elsa , Bazzoni Flavia , Santi Luca , Brozzetti Annalisa , Falorni Alberto , Stoger Eva , Depicker Ann , Pezzotti Mario 
Published: April 2011

SummaryWe describe an attractive cloning system for the seed‐specific expression of recombinant proteins using three non‐food/feed crops. A vector designed for direct subcloning by Gateway® recombination was developed and tested in Arabidopsis, tobacco and petunia plants for the production of a chimeric form (GAD67/65) of the 65 kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65). GAD65 is one of the major human autoantigens involved in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The murine anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) was expressed with the described system in Arabidopsis and tobacco, whereas proinsulin, another T1D major autoantigen, was expressed in Arabidopsis. The cost‐effective production of these proteins in plants could allow the development of T1D prevention strategies based on the induction of immunological tolerance. The best yields were achieved in Arabidopsis seeds, where GAD67/65 reached 7.7% of total soluble protein (TSP), the highest levels ever reported for this protein in plants. IL‐10 and proinsulin reached 0.70% and 0.007% of TSP, respectively, consistent with levels previously reported in other plants or tissues. This versatile cloning vector could be suitable for the high‐throughput evaluation of expression levels and stability of many valuable and difficult to produce proteins.
Political and Fiscal Risk Determinants of Sovereign Spreads in Emerging Markets
Authors: Baldacci Emanuele , Gupta Sanjeev , Mati Amine 
Published: April 2011

AbstractUsing a panel of 46 emerging market economies from 1997 to 2008, this paper investigates the key determinants of country risk premiums as measured by sovereign bond spreads. Unlike previous studies, the results indicate that both political and fiscal factors matter for credit risk in emerging markets. Lower levels of political risk are associated with tighter spreads, particularly during financial turmoil. Efforts at fiscal consolidation narrow credit spreads, especially in countries with high initial public debt levels. The composition of fiscal policy also matters as higher public investment lowers spreads as long as the fiscal position remains sustainable and the fiscal deficit does not worsen.
Origin of FDI and Intra‐Industry Domestic Spillovers: The Case of Greek and European FDI in Bulgaria
Authors: Monastiriotis Vassilis , Alegria Rodrigo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper uses firm‐level data to assess the horizontal impact of foreign firm ownership on domestic productivity in Bulgaria. We identify a theoretical tradeoff between technological distance (of domestic versus foreign firms) and internalization capacity (of spillovers) and examine the extent to which this is reflected in the impact on the domestic economy of different types and origins of FDI. Emphasis is placed upon the effects of Greek FDI, which is known to be of a distinctively “regional” character. We find that Greek FDI produces significantly larger positive spillovers, which appear more suitable for the Bulgarian context of transition and economic restructuring. We also unveil some notable “hysteresis” and “technology bias” effects for FDI spillovers of all origins, as well as some country‐specific ownership‐structure and threshold effects.
A Two‐Country Game of Competition Policies
Authors: Yano Makoto , Honryo Takakazu 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRecently a number of studies have recognized that trade policy can be substituted for by competition policy. This study demonstrates, however, that there is a fundamental difference in the working of terms‐of‐trade effects between competition policy and tariff policy and that if countries optimally set their respective competition policies, it is unlikely to result in a tariff‐war‐like state in which all countries adopt distortionary policies. Instead, in a Nash equilibrium, one country maintains perfect competition in its domestic service sector while the other country tolerates imperfect competition.
Tariff, Growth, and Welfare
Authors: Lee Shun‐Fa 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe develop a two‐country (Home and Foreign) by two‐good (consumption good and investment good) by one factor (capital) endogenous growth model with international knowledge spillover to study the relationship between an import tariff and economic growth and welfare. First, unlike the past literature, we do not need to make an assumption such that the growth rates between countries are identical in a balanced growth path (BGP). Second, we show that there exists a unique and saddle‐point BGP with both countries being incompletely specialized. Third, a higher import tariff on the consumption good in the domestic country may boost (reduce) the rate of economic growth when the foreign (domestic) country has an absolute advantage in the investment good. Finally, a rise in the tariff rate by one country may improve world welfare under some parameter spaces.
Division of Labor and Endogenous Comparative Advantage: A Smith–Ricardian Model of International Trade
Authors: Yu Zhihao 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper develops a Smith–Ricardian model that incorporates division of labor into the continuum‐good Ricardian model of Dornbusch et al. (1977). The tradeoff between the efficiency gain and coordination cost in production determines the efficient level of division of labor. Consequently, the traditional comparative advantage becomes endogenous. The model is able to explain how the recent progress in information technology (IT) would affect the efficient level of division of labor and competitive margin. In particular, we show that absolute advantage in division of labor and relative labor supply play a crucial role in determining the different effects of universal IT progress on a country's competitive margin in international trade.
The Distorting Impact of Capital Controls
Authors: El-Shagi Makram 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper uses panel data to show that capital controls have a significant impact on international interest rate differentials. Various types of controls can be distinguished within the data. The analysis shows that the aforementioned effects of capital controls on interest rates are especially strong in the case of capital import controls on portfolio capital; the implementation of these controls has been suggested in the wake of the Asian Crisis to prevent further crises. The results presented herein contradict the hypothesis that capital controls can achieve a restructuring of the maturity of capital inflows without a distortion in international capital allocation.
Eugenics and Modern Biology: Critiques of Eugenics, 1910–1945
Authors: Allen Garland E. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryEugenics in most western countries in the first four decades of the 20th century was based on the idea that genes control most human phenotypic traits, everything from physical features such as polydactyly and eye colour to physiological conditions such as the A‐B‐O blood groups to mental and personality traits such as “feeblemindedness,” alcoholism and pauperism. In assessing the development of the eugenics movement—its rise and decline between 1900 and 1950—it is important to recognise that its naïve assumptions and often flawed methodologies were openly criticised at the time by scientists and nonscientists alike. This paper will present a brief overview of the critiques launched against eugenicists’ claims, particularly criticisms of the American school led by Charles B. Davenport. Davenport's approach to eugenics will be contrasted to his British counterpart, Karl Pearson, founder and first editor of theAnnals of Eugenics.It was not the case that nearly everyone in the early 20th century accepted eugenic conclusions as the latest, cutting‐edge science. There are lessons from this historical approach for dealing with similar naïve claims about genetics today.
Cost‐effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Thailand
Authors: Sharma M , Ortendahl J , van der Ham E , Sy S , Kim JJ 
Published: April 2011

Please cite this paper as:Sharma M, Ortendahl J, van der Ham E, Sy S, Kim J. Cost‐effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Thailand. BJOG 2012;119:166–176.Objective To assess the health and economic outcomes of various screening and vaccination strategies for cervical cancer prevention.Design Cost‐effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective.Setting Thailand.Population Females aged 9 years and older.Methods Using a mathematical model of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer, calibrated to epidemiological data from Thailand, we estimated the cost‐effectiveness of pre‐adolescent HPV vaccination, screening [visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), HPV DNA testing, and cytology] between one and five times per lifetime in adulthood, and combined pre‐adolescent vaccination and screening. Vaccine efficacy, coverage, cost, and screening frequency were varied in sensitivity analyses.Main outcome measures Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios, expressed as cost per year of life saved (YLS).Results Assuming lifelong efficacy and 80% coverage, pre‐adolescent HPV vaccination alone was projected to reduce the lifetime risk of cervical cancer by 55%, which was greater than any strategy of screening alone. When cost per vaccinated girl was I$10 (approximately $2 per dose) or less, HPV vaccination alone was cost saving. Pre‐adolescent vaccination and HPV DNA testing five times per lifetime, starting at age 35 years, reduced the lifetime cervical cancer risk by 70%, and had a cost‐effectiveness ratio less than Thailand’s GDP per capita (I$8100), provided the cost per vaccinated girl was I$200 or less.Conclusions Low cost pre‐adolescent HPV vaccination followed by HPV screening five times per lifetime is an efficient strategy for Thailand. Costs may need to be lower, however, for this strategy to be affordable. If vaccination is not feasible, HPV DNA testing five times per lifetime is efficient.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the TP53 and MDM‐2 gene modifies breast cancer risk in an ethnic Arab population
Authors: Alshatwi Ali A. , Hasan Tarique N. , Shafi Gowhar , Alsaif Mohammed A. , Al‐Hazzani Amal A. , Alsaif Adulaziz A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common oncological disease in women worldwide. Genetic predisposition to breast cancer can be associated with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are observed in many women. Such gene polymorphisms, in combination with nutritional and environmental factors, can affect breast cancer development. The tumor suppressor TP53 and its negative regulator MDM2 play crucial roles in carcinogenesis. Previous case–control studies have revealed that TP53 72Arg > Pro and MDM2 309T > G polymorphisms contribute to the risk of common cancers. However, the relationship between these two functional polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility in the Saudi population has not been explored. In this study, we performed a case–control study of patients with breast cancer and healthy controls in a Saudi population using TaqMan‐based real‐time PCR. We found an increased breast cancer risk associated with the MDM2 GG [odds ratio (OR) = 2.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.04–3.92] and TG [OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.12–2.02] genotypes. An increased risk was also associated with the TP53 Pro/Pro genotype (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.54–3.06) compared with the Arg/Arg genotype. The gene–gene interaction of MDM2 and TP53 polymorphisms increased breast cancer risk in a multiplicative manner (OR for the presence of both MDM2 GG and TP53 Pro/Pro genotypes = 7.71, 95% CI = 3.49–17.54). These findings suggest that polymorphisms of MDM2 and TP53 genes may be a genetic modifier for developing breast cancer in this ethnic population in the Arab world.
Expression of Concern: Role of LOX/COX pathways in 3‐nitropropionic acid‐induced Huntington's Disease‐like symptoms in rats: protective effect of licofelone
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Kalonia Harikesh , Kumar Anil 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a degeneration of striatal neurons. The possible role of COX and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways has been well‐documented in the pathology of several neurodegenerative disorders including HD. Licofelone is a competitive inhibitor of COX‐1– and COX‐2 and 5‐LOX isoenzymes. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate possible neuroinflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms in the neuroprotective effect of licofelone against 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP)‐induced HD‐like symptoms in rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were administered 3‐NP (10 mg·kg−1day−1, i.p.) for 14 days. Licofelone (2.5, 5 and 10 mg·kg−1, p.o.) was given once a day, 1 h before 3‐NP treatment for 14 days. Body weight and behavioural parameters (locomotor and rotarod activity) were assessed on the 1st, 5th, 10th and 15th day post‐3‐NP administration. Malondialdehyde, nitrite concentration, endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase levels), mitochondrial enzyme complexes, pro‐inflammatory compounds (TNF‐α, IL‐6, NF‐κB), PGs (PGE2 and PGF2α) and caspase‐3 activity were measured on day 15 in the striatum.KEY RESULTS Systemic 3‐NP treatment significantly reduced body weight, locomotor activity, oxidative defence, mitochondrial enzyme complex activities and increased TNF‐α, IL‐6, caspase‐3 activity, NF‐κB and PGE2 and PGF2α levels in the striatum. Licofelone (2.5, 5 and 10 mg·kg−1) significantly attenuated the impairment in behavioural, biochemical and mitochondrial, pro‐inflammatory and pro‐apoptotic markers as compared with vehicle‐treated group.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results demonstrate the involvement of pro‐inflammatory compounds and the apoptotic cascade in the neuroprotective effect of licofelone against 3‐NP‐induced neurotoxicity.