bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest fragmentation drives Atlantic forest of northeastern Brazil to biotic homogenization
Authors: Lôbo Diele , Leão Tarciso , Melo Felipe P. L. , Santos André M. M. , Tabarelli Marcelo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim  To examine whether the tree flora of the Atlantic forest of northeastern Brazil has experienced detectable taxonomic homogenization via the proliferation of native pioneer species in response to habitat loss and fragmentation.Location  Biotic homogenization (BH) was examined across the Atlantic forest of northeast Brazil, i.e. a 56,000 km2 piece of tropical forest and a distinct centre of species endemism in South America.Methods  We assessed a dataset consisting of 5122 tree records and compared the similarity of tree floras from 12 semi‐natural sub‐regions of the Atlantic forest between two time periods: pre‐1980 (plant records between 1902 and 1980), and post‐1980 (between 1981 and 2006). To understand the mechanisms leading to BH (1) tree floras were ordered (via non‐metric multidimensional scaling – NMDS) by date (pre/post 1980) based on species occurrence and frequency, (2) NMDS axes were regressed against the proportion of those species that increased their occurrence post‐1980 (i.e. the winner species), and (3) patterns of geographic distribution and frequency of particular life‐history traits were examined across winner species and a control group.Results  Tree floras across the Atlantic forest became c. 20–40% more similar to each other post‐1980, but patterns of species similarity were also influenced by between‐plot geographical distance. NMDS ordination clearly segregated pre‐ and post‐1980 floras with a clear signal of floristic convergence. Furthermore, winner tree species were largely composed of short‐lived and small‐seeded pioneer species that exhibit wide geographic distributions.Main conclusions  Our results suggest that tropical forest biotas are susceptible to taxonomic homogenization (i.e. increasing levels of similarity) in the context of severe human‐disturbance via the proliferation of particular groups of native species comprised mainly by ecologically‐plastic, generalist species. We are thus extending the concept of homogenization to address and highlight a pervasive biological shift in the structure of tropical forest communities currently taking place across hyper‐fragmented landscapes.
Consequences and Institutional Determinants of Unregulated Corporate Financial Statements: Evidence from Embedded Value Reporting
Authors: SERAFEIM GEORGE 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTI analyze Embedded Value (EV) reporting by firms with life insurance operations to assess the impact of unregulated financial reporting on transparency and to examine the institutional characteristics that promote unregulated reporting. Under EV accounting, the present value of future cash flows from in‐force contracts is included in shareholders’ equity, and profit is calculated as the change in equity between two periods. In contrast to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), this approach produces higher shareholder's equity and recognizes income at contract inception. I find firms that adopt EV reporting exhibit a decline in information asymmetry, with the decline increasing as EV reporting evolves to address methodological deficiencies and to permit more comparability across firms. The decrease in information asymmetry is contingent on providing an audit certification, and larger for firms that commit to providing EV reports. Moreover, I document that EV reporting is more widespread in countries with more hostile takeovers, managers that do not avoid volatile income measures, regulators that are less likely to intervene in the product market, and analysts that believe EV disclosure increases the value of their information intermediation function.
Evaluation of S‐Adenosyl l‐Methionine in a Double‐Blinded, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Clinical Trial for Treatment of Presumptive Osteoarthritis in the Dog
Authors: Imhoff Darren J. , Gordon‐Evans Wanda J. , Evans Richard B. , Johnson Ann L. , Griffon Dominique J. , Swanson Kelly S. 
Published: January 2011

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of S‐adenosyl l‐methionine (SAMe) in the treatment of clinically inferred canine osteoarthritis (OA).Study Design: Six weeks, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial.Animals: Dogs (n=33) with clinical signs, history, and orthopedic exams consistent with OA.Methods: Dogs were block randomized by body condition score (<6/9, or ≥6/9) into either the placebo or SAMe group. Outcome was assessed using pressure platform gait analysis, examination score, goniometry, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at the time of study entrance and at 3 and 6 weeks after entry. Groups were compared using parametric and nonparametric paired tests as appropriate, and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for the CBPI and peak vertical force (PVF).Results: Both groups (n=15 placebo, n=18 SAMe) had a reduction in mean PVF (P=.02) and vertical impulse (VI; P=.06) from the 1st to 3rd visit. There was no significant difference between the placebo group and SAMe group for PVF, VI, or either part of the CBPI (Severity or Impact). The NNT at 6 weeks for the Severity score was 3, Impact score was 25, and PVF was 45.Conclusions: These data do not support the use of SAMe as an effective stand alone treatment for reducing clinical signs of OA, as measured by PVF, VI, goniometry, CBPI (both Severity and Impact), and examination score within 6 weeks of treatment.
Management of Femoral Fractures in Dogs with Unilateral Semicircular External Skeletal Fixators
Authors: Yardimci Cenk , Ozak Ahmet , Nisbet H.Ozlem 
Published: January 2011

Objective: To report use of semicircular external skeletal fixators (ESF) for management of femoral fractures in dogs.Study Design: Prospective clinical study.Animals: Dogs (n=16) with femoral fractures (n=18).Methods: A semicircular ESF system composed of 6‐hole 45° or 5‐hole 40° carbon‐fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half pin fixation bolts, 6 mm nuts, and negative profile end‐threaded half pins were used for open repair of femoral fractures. ESF configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor.Results: Seventeen fractures with sufficient follow‐up healed. Eight dogs started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 1–4 days after repair in the other dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 28 to 63 days (mean, 38 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 13 cases, good in 4, and poor in 1 nonunion.Conclusion: Semicircular ESF combined with open surgical reduction can be used to successfully repair metaphyseal and diaphyseal femoral fractures in young growing dogs.
Evaluation of Ethyl Alcohol for Use in a Minimally Invasive Technique for Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis
Authors: Wolker Ryan R.E. , Wilson David G. , Allen Andrew L. , Carmalt James L. 
Published: January 2011

Objective:To determine whether intra‐articular 70% ethyl alcohol alone (IAEA) or in combination with 2 percutaneously placed transarticular lag screws (EA‐TLS) would result in arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.Study Design:Experimental.Animals:Healthy horses (n=6), aged 1.5–3 years, free of lameness, diagonally paired front and hind PIP joints.Methods:Six milliliters 70% ethyl alcohol was injected into randomly selected diagonally paired front and hind PIP joints. Thirty days later, 2 parallel 5.5 mm cortical screws were inserted in lag fashion across the hind PIP joints and the limbs were cast. Horses were confined for 60 days after surgery before free exercise was permitted. Serial lameness examinations were performed at 1, 6, and 10 months. Radiographs of the PIP joints were obtained before injection with alcohol (front, hind PIP joints), at 6 and 10 months (front PIP joints) and 1, 3, 6, and 10 months (hind PIP joints). At 10 months, horses were euthanatized and gross and histopathologic examination of the treated joints was performed.Results:Horses had variable cartilage thinning (more severe in hind PIP joints) and dorsal bone proliferation. One front and 1 hind PIP joint were fused 10 months after alcohol injection.Conclusions:Ethyl alcohol injected alone or in combination with percutaneously placed transarticular lag screws failed to reliably produce fusion of the PIP joint.
Toward “Strong Democracy” in Global Cities? Social Capital Building, Theory‐Driven Reform, and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Experience
Authors: Musso Juliet , Weare Christopher , Bryer Thomas , Cooper Terry L. 
Published: January 2011

With faith in government waning, cultural diversity spiraling, and fiscal stress straining the ability of policy makers to address the policy challenges accompanying these developments, the salience of (re)connecting citizens with government takes on renewed urgency today. Nowhere is this more the case than in urban America, where so‐called global cities teeming with ethnic diversity and controlling a disproportionate amount of global business in the world economy confront profound citizen participation challenges, choices, and opportunities. In this installment ofTheory to Practice,the authors cull lessons from their 10‐year action theory–based assessment and participation in the city of Los Angeles’ neighborhood council experience. Comparing and contrasting their findings in this global city with those from related studies on participatory mechanisms and deliberative processes more generally, they offer six lessons for those seeking to build stronger democracy in urban areas, argue that further advances require a greater research focus on the longitudinal implementation of these efforts rather than just on their design, and contend that university researchers have a role to play in these efforts as long as they appreciate the paradoxical nature of their participation.Expert e‐commentary by Brian Cook of Virginia Tech, Tina Nabatchi of Syracuse University, and John Thomas of Georgia State University on the perspectives and arguments culled from Los Angeles’ theory‐based participatory efforts can be found on thePARwebsite (go to aspanet.org, click on the link toPAR,and then on theTheory to Practicelink). These e‐commentaries are accompanied by the authors’ response and instructions on howPARreaders can join the exchange.
Are Your Disputants Insecure and Does It Matter? Attachment and Disputants' Speech during Mediation
Authors: Nelson Noa , Albeck‐Solomon Rivka , Ben‐Ari Rachel 
Published: January 2011

An exploratory qualitative study explored the effect of attachment styles on disputants' speech during real‐life mediations. Drawing on attachment theory, we classified disputants as secure or insecure individuals using a self‐report attachment‐style questionnaire.Subsequently, they entered their mediation sessions, where their entire speech was recorded. Qualitative analysis of their speech yielded consistent and sometimes striking differences that portrayed secure speech as remarkably more useful and enhancing toward resolution compared with insecure speech. The findings, presented with many examples, strongly indicate the relevance of attachment to the research of communication during mediation sessions. In this report, we also consider the practical implications of the association between attachment and disputants' behavior, emphasizing the role of mediators.
A 2‐year prospective study on immediate loading with fluoride‐modified implants in the edentulous mandible
Authors: Collaert Bruno , Wijnen Lieve , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives: Chemically modified surfaces were introduced during the last decade to improve indications for implant treatment. The fluoride‐modified implant (Osseospeed®) was launched in 2004 and clinical studies suggest a more rapid bone formation and stronger bone to implant contact. However, limited clinical data are available on marginal bone loss and the outcome after >1 year under immediate loading conditions is not fully understood. Hence, the purpose of this prospective study was to present implant survival and marginal bone level data when fluoride‐modified implants are supporting a fully functional rehabilitation from the day after surgery in the completely edentulous mandible.Materials and methods: Twenty‐five patients, completely edentulous in the mandible, were consecutively treated with five fluoride‐modified implants that were functionally loaded with a provisional screw retained restoration. Marginal bone loss was measured from day of surgery to 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Implants were considered successful after 24 months if radiographic bone loss did not exceed 1 mm and no pain or mobility was caused under a torque of 20 N cm. Statistical analysis was carried out on both patient and implant levels.Results: All implants survived and mean bone loss on implant level after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months was 0.14, 0.13, 0.11 and 0.11 mm, respectively. Bone loss was only statistically significant between baseline and 3 months (P<0.001) and remained unchanged afterward. None of the implants lost >1 mm of bone after 2 years. On the patient level, the mean bone loss after 2 years was 0.12 mm (SD 0.14; range −0.06 to 0.55) with probing pocket depth 2.45 mm (SD 0.43; range 1.3–3.1) and bleeding index 0.55% (SD 0.34; range 0–1).Conclusion: Immediate loading of fluoride‐modified implants is a predictable treatment yielding a high survival and success rate after 2 years.To cite this article:
Collaert B, Wijnen L, De Bruyn H. A 2‐year prospective study on immediate loading with fluoride‐modified implants in the edentulous mandible. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 1111–1116. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02077.x
A modified in vitro stripping method to automate the calculation of geometry of corneocytes imaged with fluorescent microscopy: example of moisturizer treatment
Authors: Li Shuzheng , Guz Natalia V. , Sokolov Igor 
Published: January 2011

Background/purpose: To develop a modification of the stripping method allowing quick automated processing of corneocyte samples to study human skin conditions. Although the previous scrubbing technique and stripping method can provide sufficient information about human corneocytes, they are either subject to artifacts or involve time‐consuming data processing.Methods and Materials: In the first stage, an adhesive tape is used to collect corneocytes as in the regular stripping method. Then, a D‐squame skin indicator is used to divide the collected corneocytes into a lesser populated sample, in which more individual corneocytes can be observed with the help of fluorescent microscopy after dye staining. The method was applied to study the change of corneocytes after moisturizer (glycerin) treatment.Results: The modified stripping method described allows the automated processing of the geometrical characteristics of corneocytes. Data for several hundreds of corneocytes can easily be collected. The analysis of glycerin treatment demonstrated a high sensitivity for the method. An average increase of the corneocyte area of 5.1% was found after 9 days of treatment (the accuracy of the method was 0.5%).Conclusion: The method described is suitable for the automated data processing. It allows for the reliable detection of the expansion of the average area of corneocytes after 9 days of daily glycerin treatment.
Analysis of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1, Integrin Beta3, Beta Fibrinogen, and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms in Iranian Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood , Torabi Raheleh , Zarnani Amir H. , Mohammadzadeh Afsaneh , Arefi Soheila , Zeraati Hojjat , Akhondi Mohammad M. , Chamani‐Tabriz Leili , Idali Farah , Emami Shaghayegh , Zarei Saeed 
Published: January 2011

Citation  Jeddi‐Tehrani M, Torabi R, Zarnani AH, Mohammadzadeh A, Arefi S, Zeraati H, Akhondi MM, Chamani‐Tabriz L, Idali F, Emami S, Zarei S. Analysis of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, integrin beta3, beta fibrinogen and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms in Iranian women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 149–156Problem  To identify the associations of the plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) −675 4G/5G, beta fibrinogen (BF) −455G/A, integrin beta 3 (ITGB3) 1565T/C, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C/T and 1298A/C polymorphisms with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Method of study  Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) were performed to assess the frequency of five candidate genetic risk factors for RPL, and the frequencies of the polymorphisms were calculated and compared between case and control groups.Results  The BF −455G/A, MTHFR 677C/T, and 1298A/C polymorphisms were found to be positively, and ITGB3 1565T/C polymorphism negatively, associated with RPL. Homozygosity but not heterozygosity for PAI‐1 −675 4G/5G polymorphism was significantly higher in patients with RPL than in the control group. The presence of both mutations of MTHFR genes highly increased the risk of RPL.Conclusion  The data highlight the importance of thrombophilia screening in patients with RPL.
Helicobacter pylori and autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hasni S , Ippolito A , Illei GG 
Published: January 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 621–627Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a widely prevalent microbe, with between 50 and 80% of the population infected worldwide. Clinically, infection with H. pylori is commonly associated with peptic ulcer disease, but many of those infected remain asymptomatic. H. pylori has evolved a number of means to affect the host immune response and has been implicated in many diseases mitigated by immune dysregulation, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), atrophic gastritis, and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, are the result of a dysregulated host immune system which targets otherwise healthy tissues. The exact etiology of autoimmune diseases is unclear, but it has long been suggested that exposure to certain environmental agents, such as viral and bacterial infection or chemical exposures, in genetically susceptible individuals may be the catalyst for the initiation of autoimmune processes. Because of its prevalence and ability to affect human immune function, many researchers have hypothesized that H. pylori might contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. In this article, we review the available literature regarding the role of chronic H. pylori infection in various autoimmune disease states.
Comparison of television viewing between children with autism spectrum disorder and controls
Authors: Chonchaiya Weerasak , Nuntnarumit Prapasri , Pruksananonda Chandhita 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim:  To examine the pattern and extent of television viewing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with typically developing controls and those with delayed language development (DLD).Methods:  Fifty‐four individuals with ASD (mean age 2.56 ± 0.66 years) and 84 controls (mean age 2.43 ± 0.81 years) were enrolled. Fifty‐six individuals with DLD, who had language developmental levels similar to those with ASD, were enrolled in our previous study. Main outcome measures included onset and frequency of television viewing, in addition to the type of programme and whether a caregiver cowatched television.Results:  Those with ASD began to watch television significantly earlier than controls (6.44 ± 6.35 vs. 12.41 ± 6.00 months of age, p ≤ 0.0001*) and spent more time watching television than those with DLD (4.60 ± 1.91 vs. 3.05 ± 1.90 h/day, p ≤ 0.0001*) and controls (4.60 ± 1.91 vs. 2.06 ± 1.21 h/day, p ≤ 0.0001*). Those with ASD appeared to watch more adult programmes than normal controls, and they were less likely to watch television with caregivers than both control groups.Conclusion:  There is an earlier onset and higher frequency of television viewing in autistic children compared with children with typical development.
Regional analysis of the annual maximum daily rainfall in the province of Malaga (southern Spain) using the principal component analysis
Authors: García‐Marín A. P. , Ayuso‐Muñoz J. L. , Taguas‐Ruiz E. V. , Estevez J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe flood and drought cycles suffered of old by the province of Malaga, the variability in the distribution of rainfall throughout the province and the reduced length of the data series make it of interest to carry out a regional analysis (RA) of the yearly maximum daily precipitation data to obtain appropriate rainfall quantiles. By taking these maximum precipitations values from 72 weather stations, and their physiographic parameters latitude and altitude, four regions with similar rainfall patterns have been determined by the principal component analysis statistical technique. Then, carrying out an RA of the yearly maximum daily precipitations for each of the regions discriminated, it was observed that three of them were homogeneous for the parameter being studied. In those homogeneous regions that grouped data of different stations but close rainfall pattern, frequency curves could be calculated for several return periods by means of the functions that best fit the data of each region. With these regional curves, it has been possible to obtain more accurate values of the maximum daily quantiles for each of the stations analysed than through the conventional local frequency analysis.
The Vitamin D Debate: Translating Controlled Experiments into Reality for Human Sun Exposure Times
Authors: Webb Ann R. , Kift Richard , Berry Jacqueline L. , Rhodes Lesley E. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractExposure to sunlight, specifically the ultraviolet radiation, has both positive and negative health effects. Maximizing the benefits (vitamin D synthesis) while minimizing the damage is a multifaceted problem in which many of the elements are poorly quantified. Here we show how rigorously conducted large sample size laboratory studies of the effect of ultraviolet radiation dose on vitamin D status can be applied to real‐life situations. This was achieved by modeling the radiation incident on different surfaces for different solar locations, and equating with the controlled exposures in the laboratory studies. Results from both model and experimental data show that relatively short exposures of a modest amount of unprotected skin to summer sunlight in northern climes, on a regular basis during lunchtime hours, increases vitamin D to sufficiency status (≥20 ng mL−1) in the white Caucasian population. While both sun exposure conditions and human skin responses are variable in real life, these quantitative findings provide a guide for authorities devising sunlight exposure recommendations.