bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat‐specific demography across dune fixation stages in a semi‐arid sandland: understanding the expansion, stabilization and decline of a dominant shrub
Authors: Li Shou‐Li , Yu Fei‐Hai , Werger Marinus J. A. , Dong Ming , Zuidema Pieter A. 
Published: January 2011

Summary 1. Maintaining viable populations in different habitats requires physiological, morphological and demographic adaptations of plants. In sandland environments, plants experience substantial variation in growing conditions during the dune fixation process, with high sand mobility in early stages and denser vegetation cover in later stages. 2. We studied the changes in demography of a dominant shrub, Artemisia ordosica, at three stages of dune fixation: semi‐fixed dunes, fixed dunes and fixed dunes covered with microbiotic crust. Demographic data from three annual censuses were used to parameterize integral projection models (IPMs) to conduct comparative demographic analyses. 3. Plant growth and reproduction decreased strongly as dunes became more fixed. Shrinkage in plant height occurred very frequently, particularly in the fixed dunes with microbiotic crust. Population growth rate (λ) declined substantially with dune fixation: from rapid expansion in semi‐fixed dunes (λ = 1.35–1.09) to moderate decline in fixed dunes with microbiotic crust (λ = 0.94–0.89). 4. Elasticity analysis revealed that survival was a key vital rate for population growth in all habitats. Growth and fecundity were of higher importance in the semi‐fixed habitat than in the other two habitats where shrinkage became an important factor determining λ. Seedlings and small plants were critical for population growth in semi‐fixed dunes, whereas moderate to large‐sized plants were most important in the other habitats. 5. Results of life table response experiments showed that the observed strong decrease in λ during dune fixation was mainly caused by reduction in fecundity, but with additional and considerable contributions from reduced plant growth and increased occurrence of shrinkage. Thus, populations in semi‐fixed dunes are able to expand rapidly due to a much higher fecundity compared to those in other habitats. 6. Synthesis. Artemisia ordosica adopts different life history strategies along the dune fixation process. Fast expansion in semi‐fixed dunes is enabled by high seed production and effective recruitment, while populations at later dune fixation stages are maintained through frequent plant shrinkage. Integral projection models are highly appropriate tools for analysing such life history changes as they are based on statistical comparisons of vital rates across habitats.
Invasion of Norway spruce diversifies the fire regime in boreal European forests
Authors: Ohlson Mikael , Brown Kendrick J. , Birks H. John B. , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Hörnberg Greger , Niklasson Mats , Seppä Heikki , Bradshaw Richard H. W. 
Published: January 2011

Summary 1. Global wildfire activity and biomass burning have varied substantially during the Holocene in both time and space. At the regional to continental scale, macroclimate is considered to be the predominant control regulating wildfire activity. By contrast, the role of forest tree composition is often considered as a subsidiary factor in studies addressing temporal variation in regional wildfire activity. 2. Here, we assemble a spatially comprehensive data set of 75 macroscopic charcoal records that reflect local burning and forest landscapes that are spread over a substantial part of the European boreal forest, spanning both oceanic and continental climates. 3. We show that the late‐Holocene invasion of Norway spruce Picea abies, a new forest dominant in northern Europe, significantly reduced wildfire activity, thus altering forest disturbance dynamics at a subcontinental scale. 4. Synthesis. Our findings show that a biotic change in the local forest ecosystem altered the fire regime largely independent of regional climate change, illustrating that forest composition is an important parameter that must be considered when modelling future fire risk and carbon dynamics in boreal forests.
Childhood obesity and co‐morbid problems: effects of Epstein's family‐based behavioural treatment in an Icelandic sample
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Njardvik Urdur , Olafsdottir Anna S. , Craighead Linda , Bjarnason Ragnar 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjective  This study assessed the effects of Epstein's family‐based behavioural treatment in a clinical sample of obese children in Iceland. Also, it explored whether co‐morbid concerns affect treatment outcome.Methods  Eighty‐four obese children [mean body‐mass‐index standard‐deviation‐scores (BMI‐SDS) = 3.11, aged 7.5–13.6 years] and a participating parent initiated treatment in response to a school‐based screening. Sixty‐one families completed treatment and were followed for 1 year post treatment. Measurements included height, weight, reports of psychological well‐being (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Children's Depression Inventory, Piers–Harris Self Concept Scale, Social Skills Rating System) and academic competencies.Results  Among treatment completers a large effect size was obtained for change in BMI‐SDS during treatment (mean difference = −0.40, SD = 0.29). Psychological well‐being improved and treatment effects were maintained at 1‐year follow‐up. At baseline, 69% of the children presented with one or more co‐morbid concerns. Children who scored above cut‐off for concern on parent‐reported hyperactivity (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscale T‐score ≥ 65) reduced their BMI‐SDS less during treatment than children with lower hyperactivity scores whereas children who scored in the clinical range for social anxiety (Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children subscale T‐score ≥ 65) reduced their BMI‐SDS significantly more than children with lower social anxiety scores. The social anxiety effect was still present at 1‐year follow‐up, but not the hyperactivity effect (P > 0.05). No differential response was shown for children with higher depression scores, lower self‐concept or low academic competencies.Conclusions  Epstein's family‐based behavioural treatment produced promising effects in both the short and the longer term in a clinical sample of Icelandic children with substantial rates of co‐morbid concerns. Co‐morbid problems affect outcome and tailoring treatment to address co‐morbid concerns might improve outcomes for certain subgroups.
Evaluating the degree of knowledge on oral cancer among general practitioners and dentists in Qazvin
Authors: Borhan‐Mojabi Katayoun , Moradi Aboozar , Yazdabadi Anosha 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Despite easy accessibility of the oral cavity to examination most oral cancers are only identified at advanced stages. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of general doctors and dentists on oral cancer in Qazvin to form the basis of development of undergraduate and postgraduate education programmes for early detection and prevention of oral cancer.Methods  A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was performed on general medical practitioners and general dental practitioners in 2009. Analysis was performed using spss software.Results  The mean knowledge score of all participants was at moderate level and there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was a significant correlation between knowledge score and age, time from graduation and the interval since the last refresher course on oral cancer (P < 0.05). Smoking (78%) and alcohol consumption (34.9%) were noted as the two major risk factors by the entire population study. Approximately 80.9% of participants identified the tongue as among the most common sites for oral cancers while only 25.7% identified the floor of the mouth and 28.3% the lips as other areas of occurrence.Conclusion  This study demonstrated an inadequate level of knowledge on oral cancers in both groups. Additional training in universities as well as continuing educational programmes on prevention and early detection of oral cancers is recommended.
The impact of NICE (UK) recommendations on outcomes of cardiac pacemaker implantations – a single‐centre, district hospital experience
Authors: Choo Wai Kah , Gupta Sandeep 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAims The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of dual‐chamber pacemakers for all patients with bradycardia with a few exceptions. We aimed to evaluate our compliance to the guidelines and the implications of different pacing modalities on follow‐up outcomes.Methods We conducted two retrospective studies involving a total of 316 patients. The first study conducted over a 36‐month period examined our performance prior to the introduction of the NICE guidance. The more recent second study conducted over a 12‐month period examined our compliance to the NICE guidance upon its introduction and adoption. Data were analysed in separate groups according to pacemaker types. Symptom control and mortality were measures on follow‐up outcomes.Results Our compliance to the guidance increased from 72% in the former study to 78% in the latter study (P = 0.17). Symptom control and mortality were not significantly different between the two studies. Combining both studies, fewer NICE‐compliant patients complained of persisting symptoms after 1 year (P = 0.36). Although fewer deaths were observed in the compliant group, this again was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). Although age was not a criteria in selecting a device, younger patients were more likely to receive a pacemaker according to NICE recommendations (P = 0.001).Conclusions We achieved a near 80% level of compliance to NICE guidance. Our non‐NICE‐compliant patients did not have a poorer outcome than those who were compliant. The decision to insert single‐ or dual‐chamber pacemakers is often multifactorial and individual doctors may have different practices.
Discovering the value of research supervision
Authors: Severinsson Elisabeth 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe aim of this editorial was to discover the value of research supervision by reflecting on many years of researching the phenomenon. The main benefits of research supervision are improvements in the quality of academic education, the quality of practice, and nursing and midwifery disciplines. Hence, these values must be acknowledged and more resources, both at universities and in clinical practice, are required. The advantages of research supervision are inherent in all its aspects. More education in research supervision is required in order to implement strategies that improve the level of quality in practice, as well as further research in this area. From an ethical perspective, one of the research questions that needs to be addressed is: Which different responsibilities and rights are important in the supervisory process? This question can be answered by using a multidisciplinary perspective for the purpose of enhancing the quality of education and patient care.
Familial colorectal cancer type X: polyp burden and cancer risk stratification via a family history score
Authors: Koh Poh‐Koon , Kalady Matthew , Skacel Marek , Fay Susan , McGannon Ellen , Shenal Janet , Arroyo Loretta , Toderick Kathy , Church James 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground:  Patients fulfilling Amsterdam‐1 criteria without mismatch repair deficiency (termed familial colorectal cancer type X (FCC type X)) were reported to have lower cancer risks than classic Lynch syndrome. This study investigates the polyp and cancer burden of this population and demonstrates relationships with a family history score (FHS).Methods:  The Jagelman Registry was queried for patients meeting Amsterdam criteria with microsatellite stable/low colorectal cancers. The risk of colorectal neoplasia was ascertained using a published FHS. Polyp distribution, histology and cumulative counts as well as extra‐colonic tumours in the pedigree were reviewed.Results:  Twenty‐one patients (9 males, 12 females) met study criteria. The median lifetime polyp count was 3 (range 1–36). FHS ≥ 8 (80%) was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with those with scores <8 who are more likely to develop polyps (P < 0.01). Twelve patients (57%) had predominantly left‐sided polyps. Ten colorectal cancers (7 left‐sided, 3 right‐sided) were diagnosed at a median age of 48 (range 30–74) years. Only three tumours were mucinous or demonstrated tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, typical of high microsatellite instability tumours. All patients had family history of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and at least 10 patients had a family history of uterine or breast cancer. One patient was found to have hyperplastic polyposis syndrome.Conclusions:  FCC type X likely represents a heterogenous group of as yet undefined CRC predispositions. The polyp burden and cancer risk are variable and can be somewhat delineated according to an FHS.
Emergency cricothyrotomy in infants – evaluation of a novel device in an animal model
Authors: Metterlein T. , Frommer M. , Kwok P. , Lyer S. , Graf B.M. , Sinner B. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryBackground:  According to different algorithms of airway management, emergency cricothyrotomy is the final step in managing an otherwise not accessible airway. As an alternative to an open surgical procedure, minimally invasive approaches exist. Quicktrach baby™ is a commercially available set for a minimal invasive cricothyrotomy in infants. The set consists of a plastic cannula over a metal needle for direct placement in the trachea. So far, this device has not been evaluated for its intended use.Objectives:  We hypothesize that Quicktrach baby™ allows the establishment of an emergency airway. The aim was to prove that the device is easy to handle and the cricothyrotomy fast to perform.Methods:  After approval of the local ethics committee, the study was performed on the cadavers of 10 adult rabbits. Cricothyrotomy was performed with Quicktrach baby™. Successful placement, performance time, and complication rate were documented. Possible ventilation with a breathing bag was evaluated. Data are reported as mean and interquartile range.Results:  Successful placement of Quicktrach baby™ was possible in all attempts. The placement took 31 [23–43] s. In two cases, a fracture of the cricoid’s cartilage was seen. In one animal, damage to the posterior wall mucosa was observed. In all cases, sufficient ventilation was possible.Conclusions:  Quicktrach™ baby proved to be a reliable technique. In the animal model, it is easy and fast to perform. Only a few minor complications occurred. Sufficient ventilation was possible in all attempts.
High‐dose dexmedetomidine sedation for pediatric MRI
Authors: Siddappa Rajashekhar , Riggins Jessica , Kariyanna Shathabish , Calkins Paul , Rotta Alexandre T. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryObjectives:  To test the hypothesis that high‐dose dexmedetomidine can be successfully used for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sedation without significant hemodynamic compromise.Background:  The dexmedetomidine dose required to achieve optimal sedation is often higher than its recommended dose. High doses of dexmedetomidine can lead to significant hemodynamic side effects.Methods:  Dexmedetomidine use for pediatric MRI over a 1‐year period was retrospectively reviewed. A dexmedetomidine bolus of 2 μg·kg−1 intravenous followed by 1 μg·kg−1·h−1 infusion was used. Dexmedetomidine efficacy, side effects, timing of side effects, and additional use of medications were analyzed. Data were compared by t‐test, Mann–Whitney rank‐sum test, Fisher’s exact test, and anova.Results:  High‐dose dexmedetomidine was used in 77 patients, and MRI was completed in 76 (99%) patients. A second bolus of dexmedetomidine was required in 28 (36%) patients, and 22 (29%) patients required additional medications (midazolam, fentanyl, or ketamine) for adequate sedation. A 25% decrease in blood pressure (BP) was observed in 10.5%, a transient increase in BP in 3.9%, and a heart rate <60 min−1 in 7.9% of cases. These side effects resolved spontaneously. There were no apneas or respiratory depression. Vital sign changes, recovery time, and discharge time were not significantly different in subgroups of patients receiving one or two boluses of dexmedetomidine with or without additional medications. Transient hypertension was more common in patients receiving two boluses of dexmedetomidine (P = 0.048).Conclusions:  High‐dose dexmedetomidine can be successfully used for pediatric MRI sedation, but a significant number of children require additional medications for optimal control. Hemodynamic side effects resolved spontaneously. High‐dose dexmedetomidine did not result in respiratory depression.
Genetic Information: Comparing Alternative Regulatory Approaches When Prevention Matters
Authors: BARIGOZZI FRANCESCA , HENRIET DOMINIQUE 
Published: January 2011

AbstractWe compare the alternative approaches used for regulating genetic information in the health insurance market when prevention measures are available. In the model, firms offer insurance contracts to consumers who are initially uninformed of their risk type but can obtain such information by performing a costless genetic test. A crucial ingredient of our analysis is that information has decision‐making value since it allows for the optimal choice of a self‐insurance action (secondary prevention). We focus on the welfare properties of market equilibria obtained under the different regulatory schemes and, by using an intuitive graphical analysis, we rank them unambiguously. Our results show that Disclosure Duty weakly dominates the other regulatory schemes and that Strict Prohibition represents the worst regulatory approach.
Optimal Nonlinear Redistributive Taxation and Public Good Provision in an Economy with Veblen Effects
Authors: MICHELETTO LUCA 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis paper deals with the consequences of the assumption of negatively interdependent preferences for the shape of the optimal nonlinear income tax and the efficient level of public good provision in a setting where the agents' market ability is private information. The analysis points out that the terms added in the tax formulas due to the presence of Veblen effects might justify a reduction in the optimal marginal tax rates faced by the different individuals. Also, the desirability of negative marginal tax rates cannot be ruled out. With respect to the issue of the optimal level of public good provision, I derive a modified Samuelson rule and highlight the fact that the Veblen‐based part of the formula might require to distort downwards the efficient level of public good provision.
Pathological significance of ganglioside clusters in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yanagisawa Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 806–812.AbstractOne of the key questions regarding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is how amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), a proteinaceous component of senile plaques, starts to assemble into amyloid fibrils in the brain. A body of evidence is growing to suggest that Aβ binds to ganglioside on neuronal membranes, and then, is converted to an endogenous seed with an altered conformation (ganglioside‐bound Aβ, GAβ) for amyloid fibril formation in the brain. Notably, the risk factors for the development of AD, including aging and apolipoprotein E4, likely facilitate the formation of ganglioside clusters in lipid raft‐like membrane microdomains at pre‐synaptic terminals, which provide a favorable milieu for the GAβ generation. Furthermore, it has also been suggested that endocytic pathway abnormality of neurons is involved in the formation of the ganglioside clusters. In this review, the nature of the ganglioside clusters and how gangliosides behave in the clusters leading to the GAβ generation are discussed.
Reggie/flotillin and the targeted delivery of cargo
Authors: Stuermer Claudia A. O. 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 708–713.AbstractThe two proteins reggie‐1/flotillin‐2 and reggie‐2/flotillin‐1 form microdomains at the plasma membrane and at intracellular compartments where src tyrosine kinases associate with them. Specific GPI‐anchored proteins, in particular prion protein and Thy‐1, co‐cluster with reggie microdomains at the plasma membrane and elicit signal transduction in association with reggies which regulates the activation of several GTPases involved in the recruitment of specific membrane proteins from intracellular carriers to target sites of the cell membrane in a cell type‐specific manner. For example, prion protein and reggie regulate the recruitment and targeted delivery of the T cell receptor complex to the T cell cap, of E‐cadherin to cell–cell contact sites in epithelial cells, and of bulk membrane and growth receptors to the growth cone in developing neurons. Evidence is accumulating that reggies are involved in guiding the cell‐type‐specific membrane proteins from the intracellular compartments to their target sites at the cell membrane, a function required in all cells which explains why reggies are expressed in many or all cells in invertebrates and vertebrates.
Cellular prion protein is implicated in the regulation of local Ca2+ movements in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Lazzari Cristian , Peggion Caterina , Stella Roberto , Massimino Maria Lina , Lim Dmitry , Bertoli Alessandro , Sorgato Maria Catia 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 881–890.AbstractThe cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a cell‐surface glycoprotein mainly expressed in the CNS. The structural conversion of PrPC generates the prion, the infectious agent causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which are rare and fatal diseases affecting animals and humans. Despite decades of intensive research, the mechanism of prion‐associated neurodegeneration and the physiologic role of PrPC are still obscure. Recent evidence, however, supports the hypothesis that PrPC may be involved in the control of Ca2+ homeostasis. Given the universal significance of Ca2+ as an intracellular messenger for both the life and death of cells, this possibility may help explain the complex, often controversial, dataset accumulated on PrPC physiology, and the events leading to prion‐associated neuronal demise. In this study, we have compared local Ca2+ movements in cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) derived from wild‐type (WT), or PrP‐knockout (KO), mice, by means of the Ca2+‐sensitive photo‐probe, aequorin, genetically targeted to specific intracellular domains and delivered to CGN by lentiviral vectors. The use of an aequorin that localizes to the cytosolic domains proximal to the plasma membrane has allowed us to demonstrate that there was a dramatic increase of store‐operated Ca2+ entry in PrP‐KO CGN compared to WT neurons. Notably, this phenotype was rescued upon restoring PrPC expression. The Ca2+‐phenotype of PrP‐KO neurons can in part be explained by the lower expression of two major Ca2+‐extruding proteins, namely the plasma membrane and the sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPases. The lower sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase content may also contribute to explain why PrP‐KO CGN accumulated less Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum than the WT counterpart.