bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of fire and tree‐grass patches on soil nitrogen in Australian tropical savannas
Authors: RICHARDS ANNA E. , BRACKIN RICHARD , LINDSAY D. ALEXANDER J. , SCHMIDT SUSANNE 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFire is an important driver of nutrient cycling in savannas. Here, we determined the impact of fire frequency on total and soluble soil nitrogen (N) pools in tropical savanna. The study sites consisted of 1‐ha experimental plots near Darwin, Australia, which remained unburnt for at least 14 years or were burnt at 1‐, 2‐ or 5‐year intervals over the past 6 years. Soil was analysed from patches underneath tree canopies and in inter‐canopy patches at 1, 12, 28, 55 and 152 days after fire. Patch type had a significant effect on all soil N pools, with greater concentrations of total and soluble (nitrate, ammonium, amino acids) N under tree canopies than inter‐canopy patches. The ‘time since the last fire’ had no significant effect on N pools. Fire frequency similarly did not affect total soil N but it did influence soluble soil N. Soil amino acids were most prominent in burnt savanna, ammonium was highest in infrequently burnt (5‐year interval) savanna and nitrate was highest in unburnt savanna. We suggest that the main effect of fire on soil N relations occurs indirectly through altered tree‐grass dynamics. Previous studies have shown that high fire frequencies reduce tree cover by lowering recruitment and increasing mortality. Our findings suggest that these changes in tree cover could result in a 30% reduction in total soil N and 10–60% reductions in soluble N pools. This finding is consistent with studies from savannas globally, providing further evidence for a general theory of patchiness as a key driver of nutrient cycling in the savanna biome.
Models of case management for working with young children: Implications for mental health nurses
Authors: Browne Graeme , Cashin Andrew , Graham Iain 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe care of children with behavioural disorders/mental illnesses is an important and emerging role for mental health nurses. Unfortunately, there is little evidence on which to base their practice. Children, because of their rapid emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and their dependence on their families, need special consideration in their mental health care. The limited evidence available indicates that this special consideration should include a focus, not only on the child, but also on the parents and social and school networks of the child. Evidence from the adult literature indicates the most effective case management models are the ones in which the case manager offers as many services as possible, including talking therapies. This also seems to be true when working with children. Mental health nurses, because of their background and commitment to holistic care, are ideally suited to offer this type of service. However, mental health nurses have not been good at articulating what they do. This can limit the recognition of the contribution they make and their opportunities.
Mandated Recognition of Employee Stock Option Expense – The Case of Canada
Authors: Subramaniam Chandra , Tsay Jeffrey 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOn December 18, 2003 the Accounting Standards Board of Canada announced that all firms registered in Canada would be required to expense stock options‐based compensation effective January 1, 2004. While a few firms had voluntarily opted to expense stock options prior to this date, the vast majority of firms had not. This study investigates the market reaction to this announcement by listed firms in the Toronto Stock Exchange that continued to disclose option expense rather than report it in the financial statement. We find no average market reaction by our sample firms affected by this mandate around the announcement date, but a significantly negative market reaction during the 5‐day window around the issuance date of the exposure draft. However, in cross‐sectional tests around the mandated expense announcement date, we find a significant negative relationship between the cumulative abnormal returns and the Black–Scholes value (and number) of options outstanding and of options granted the previous year. These results suggest that the magnitude of the market reaction to the mandated expense announcement is related to the firm's usage of options. Our results provide further evidence that stock prices may not fully impound information disclosed in footnotes.
Environmentalism as a Context for Expressing Identity and Generativity: Patterns Among Activists and Uninvolved Youth and Midlife Adults
Authors: Matsuba M. Kyle , Pratt Michael W. , Norris Joan E. , Mohle Erika , Alisat Susan , McAdams Dan P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPrevious qualitative studies have identified themes of generativity and identity development in the interviews of environmental activists (Chan, ; Horwitz, ), suggesting their importance as motives for environmental behavior. The purpose of our study was to extend this work by identifying positive relationships between identity maturity, generativity, and environmentalism using quantitative methodologies. To explore these relationships, we designed quasi‐experimental and correlational studies. We recruited 54 environmental activists and 56 comparison individuals, half of whom were youth (mean age = 22 years) and the other half midlife adults (mean age = 43 years). Sixty‐three percent of our sample was female. Participants completed several environmental, generativity, and identity questionnaires. We found that activists and comparison individuals differed on the identity maturity, generativity, and environmental measures overall. Further, greater identity maturity and generativity were associated with higher environmental engagement. And generativity was found to mediate the relation between identity maturity and environmentalism. Our findings suggest that engaging in generative behaviors may be an important part of the process in forming an environmental identity and engaging in environmental actions.
Cumulative Incidence Association Models for Bivariate Competing Risks Data
Authors: Cheng Yu , Fine Jason P. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAssociation models, like frailty and copula models, are frequently used to analyse clustered survival data and to evaluate within-cluster associations. The assumption of non-informative censoring is commonly applied to these models, though it may not be true in many situations. We consider bivariate competing risk data and focus on association models specified for the bivariate cumulative incidence function (CIF), which is a non-parametrically identifiable quantity. Copula models are proposed which relate the bivariate CIF to its corresponding univariate CIFs, similarly to independently right-censored data, and accommodate frailty models for the bivariate CIF. Two estimating equations are developed to estimate the association parameter, permitting the univariate CIFs to be estimated either parametrically or non-parametrically. Goodness-of-fit tests are presented for formally evaluating the parametric models. Both estimators perform well with moderate sample sizes in simulation studies. The practical use of the methodology is illustrated in an analysis of dementia associations.
Falling In and Out of Love with Philosophy
Authors: Forrester John 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this article, principally through autobiographical remarks, some observations concerning philosophical temperament are made, the example of Gerd Buchdahl as a textual interpreter of classic philosophical texts is invoked, and the position of philosophy in relation to history of science is explored, in particular in the work of Kuhn and Foucault. The article concludes with a reminder of the overall history of philosophy at Cambridge through a discussion of the history of the moral sciences.
A Surfeit of Naturalism
Authors: Lewens Tim 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPhilosophers have nothing to lose, and much to gain, by paying close attention to developments in the natural sciences. This insight amounts to a case for a tempered, eclectic naturalism. But the case for naturalism is often overstated. We should not overestimate the heuristic benefits of close attention to scientists’ claims, nor should we give up on traditional “armchair” philosophical methods. We should not draw solely on the natural sciences (at the expense of the humanities) when seeking to enrich and discipline our philosophical theorising. Finally, philosophers should not shy away from criticising some scientists’ claims, at the same time as they learn from others.
Philosophy, Its Pitfalls, Some Rescue Plans, and Their Complications
Authors: Papazoglou Alexis 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article offers the motivation for organising a conference on philosophy as it is practised across several faculties and departments at the University of Cambridge. It also offers an overview of the main themes that emerge in the essays collected in this issue of Metaphilosophy, which derive from the aforementioned conference. In particular it focuses on the risk of scholasticism and dogmatism that philosophy faces when it divorces itself from its own history, other disciplines, and real life. It then discusses the potential problems that can arise from the practice of philosophy in close conjunction with other disciplines, such as the natural sciences and the history of philosophy. Finally, it briefly comments on how institutional/academic structures have an influence on the way philosophy is practised.
Digital dermatoscopic follow‐up of 1027 melanocytic lesions in 121 patients at risk of malignant melanoma
Authors: Fikrle T. , Pizinger K. , Szakos H. , Panznerova P. , Divisova B. , Pavel S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjective The aim of the presented prospective study was to use a digital dermatoscopic system to follow‐up patients with multiple melanocytic naevi, and to evaluate the frequency and character of dermatoscopic changes.Methods We monitored selected melanocytic lesions with the use of a 6‐month follow‐up interval between check‐ups. We searched for changes in size, shape, symmetry, structure and colour. We defined the criteria for surgical excision and histopathological examination of changing lesions. We created a small group of excised unchanged atypical melanocytic naevi.Results We completed dermatoscopic monitoring of 1027 melanocytic lesions in 121 patients at risk of developing malignant melanoma. The average total follow‐up interval was 21.0 months. We noticed a substantial enlargement of monitored lesions in 4.5% of cases, and there was a change of shape in 1.3% and change of asymmetry in 2.0%. The appearance of new structures, frequently being associated with malignant melanoma, was observed in 10 lesions, and it was predictive for the histopathological confirmation of this diagnosis in all cases. About 80% of monitored lesions remained unchanged. We excised 38 monitored lesions (seven melanomas in situ, four thin invasive melanomas and 27 melanocytic naevi). There was no melanoma excised in the group of unchanged atypical melanocytic lesions.Conclusion Digital dermatoscopic follow‐up facilitates the recognition of thin malignant melanomas and helps to reduce the number of unnecessary excisions.
Do regional modifications in tissue mineral content and microscopic mineralization heterogeneity adapt trabecular bone tracts for habitual bending? Analysis in the context of trabecular architecture of deer calcanei
Authors: Skedros John G. , Knight Alex N. , Farnsworth Ryan W. , Bloebaum Roy D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCalcanei of mature mule deer have the largest mineral content (percent ash) difference between their dorsal ‘compression’ and plantar ‘tension’ cortices of any bone that has been studied. The opposing trabecular tracts, which are contiguous with the cortices, might also show important mineral content differences and microscopic mineralization heterogeneity (reflecting increased hemi‐osteonal renewal) that optimize mechanical behaviors in tension vs. compression. Support for these hypotheses could reveal a largely unrecognized capacity for phenotypic plasticity – the adaptability of trabecular bone material as a means for differentially enhancing mechanical properties for local strain environments produced by habitual bending. Fifteen skeletally mature and 15 immature deer calcanei were cut transversely into two segments (40% and 50% shaft length), and cores were removed to determine mineral (ash) content from ‘tension’ and ‘compression’ trabecular tracts and their adjacent cortices. Seven bones/group were analyzed for differences between tracts in: first, microscopic trabecular bone packets and mineralization heterogeneity (backscattered electron imaging, BSE); and second, trabecular architecture (micro‐computed tomography). Among the eight architectural characteristics evaluated [including bone volume fraction (BVF) and structural model index (SMI)]: first, only the ‘tension’ tract of immature bones showed significantly greater BVF and more negative SMI (i.e. increased honeycomb morphology) than the ‘compression’ tract of immature bones; and second, the ‘compression’ tracts of both groups showed significantly greater structural order/alignment than the corresponding ‘tension’ tracts. Although mineralization heterogeneity differed between the tracts in only the immature group, in both groups the mineral content derived from BSE images was significantly greater (P < 0.01), and bulk mineral (ash) content tended to be greater in the ‘compression’ tracts (immature 3.6%, P = 0.03; mature 3.1%, P = 0.09). These differences are much less than the approximately 8% greater mineral content of their ‘compression’ cortices (P < 0.001). Published data, suggesting that these small mineralization differences are not mechanically important in the context of conventional tests, support the probability that architectural modifications primarily adapt the tracts for local demands. However, greater hemi‐osteonal packets in the tension trabecular tract of only the mature bones (P = 0.006) might have an important role, and possible synergism with mineralization and/or microarchitecture, in differential toughening at the trabeculum level for tension vs. compression strains.
The Cbln family of proteins interact with multiple signaling pathways
Authors: Wei Peng , Pattarini Roberto , Rong Yongqi , Guo Hong , Bansal Parmil K , Kusnoor Sheila V , Deutch Ariel Y , Parris Jennifer , Morgan James I 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 717–729.AbstractCerebellin precursor protein (Cbln1) is essential for synapse integrity in cerebellum through assembly into complexes that bridge pre‐synaptic β‐neurexins (Nrxn) to post‐synaptic GluRδ2. However, GluRδ2 is largely cerebellum‐specific, yet Cbln1 and its little studied family members, Cbln2 and Cbln4, are expressed throughout brain. Therefore, we investigated whether additional proteins mediate Cbln family actions. Whereas Cbln1 and Cbln2 bound to GluRδ2 and Nrxns1‐3, Cbln4 bound weakly or not at all, suggesting it has distinct binding partners. In a candidate receptor‐screening assay, Cbln4 (but not Cbln1 or Cbln2) bound selectively to the netrin receptor, (deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) in a netrin‐displaceable fashion. To determine whether Cbln4 had a netrin‐like function, Cbln4‐null mice were generated. Cbln4‐null mice did not phenocopy netrin‐null mice. Cbln1 and Cbln4 were likely co‐localized in neurons thought to be responsible for synaptic changes in striatum of Cbln1‐null mice. Furthermore, complexes containing Cbln1 and Cbln4 had greatly reduced affinity to DCC but increased affinity to Nrxns, suggesting a functional interaction. However, Cbln4‐null mice lacked the striatal synaptic changes seen in Cbln null mice. Thus, Cbln family members interact with multiple receptors/signaling pathways in a subunit composition‐dependent manner and have independent functions with Cbln4 potentially involved in the less well‐characterized role of netrin/DCC in adult brain.
Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate up‐regulates proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Jing‐Bo , Liu Wen‐Juan , Che Hui , Liu Jie , Sun Hai‐Ying , Li Gui‐Rong 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEATP is a potent signalling molecule that regulates biological activities including increasing or decreasing proliferation in different types of cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate how ATP regulates the proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHReverse transcription (RT)‐PCR, Western blot analysis, cell proliferation and migration assays were employed to investigate the effects of ATP on human adult ventricular fibroblasts.KEY RESULTSATP increased cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Similarly, the P2X receptor agonist α,β‐methylene ATP and P2Y receptor agonist ATP‐γS also up‐regulated cell proliferation. The P2 receptor antagonists suramin and reactive blue‐2 prevented the ATP‐induced increase in proliferation and RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that mRNAs of P2X4/7 and P2Y2 are abundant in cardiac fibroblasts. ATP increased phosphorylated PKB (Akt) and ERK1/2 levels; an effect antagonized by suramin, reactive blue‐2, the PI3‐kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, PKB inhibitor, API‐2, and MAPK inhibitor, PD98059. These kinase inhibitors also prevented the ATP‐induced increase in proliferation. In addition, ATP enhanced the progression of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase by increasing the expression of proteins for cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Silencing the P2X4/7 and P2Y2 receptors with siRNA targeting the corresponding receptor diminished ATP‐stimulated proliferation and migration of the cardiac fibroblasts.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONATP activates P2X4/7 and P2Y2 receptors and up‐regulates the proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts by promoting cell cycling progression. It also increases the migration of these cells. These effects of ATP may be involved in cardiac remodelling of injured hearts.
Do primigravidae and their carers have a realistic expectation of uncomplicated labour and delivery?
Authors: Shub Alexis , Williamson Karen , Saunders Lauren , McCarthy Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundWomen who experience unexpected labour and birth interventions describe feeling distressed and have an increased risk of postnatal depression. Primigravidae who have an unrealistic expectation of labour and birth may be at higher risk of these outcomes.AimsTo determine whether primigravidae and their carers have a realistic expectation of uncomplicated labour and birth.MethodsOne hundered and ninety‐five primigravidae, 32 obstetricians, 76 midwives, 198 medical students prior to their obstetric term and 131 medical students after their obstetric term completed a short questionnaire about the likelihood of primigravid women undergoing spontaneous onset of labour, no augmentation of labour and a cephalic vaginal birth without instrumental assistance, defined as birth without intervention. This number was compared to the local published data.ResultsOverall, the study subjects believed that women had a 48% chance of birth without intervention, and a 26% chance of birth without intervention or perineal sutures. The statewide published figures for these two outcomes are 21 and 8%, respectively. Staff, both obstetric and midwifery, were more accurate than medical students who were in turn more accurate than pregnant women. Attendance at antenatal education classes by pregnant women did not improve accuracy. Level of experience did not improve accuracy by medical staff. Medical students were more accurate after teaching than before teaching.ConclusionPrimigravidae in late pregnancy and maternity staff do not have a realistic expectation of a labour and birth that is free from medical intervention. This may impact on choices women make about care in pregnancy and labour.
Combined Hormonal Contraceptives: Is It Time to Reassess Their Role in Migraine?
Authors: Calhoun Anne 
Published: January 2012

Objective.— This paper will review the extensive array of hormonal contraceptives. It will examine the benefits and risks associated with them – particularly with regard to stroke risk – and shed light on divergent findings in the literature.Background.— Menstrual‐related migraine is a particularly disabling presentation of migraine often deserving of specific prevention. There is accumulating evidence that hormonal preventives may offer such protection. Although a legacy of research shows an increased risk of stroke with high‐dose oral contraceptives (OCs) (those containing 50‐150 µg of estrogen), there is evidence to suggest that this does not apply to ultralow‐dose OCs – those containing <25 µg ethinyl estradiol – when used in appropriate populations (ie, normotensive non‐smokers). Migraine with aura (MwA) increases stroke risk, and that risk is directly correlated to the frequency of aura, a factor that can be modified – either upward or downward – by combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs). The argument against using CHCs in MwA is based on the concerns that (1) OCs increase stroke risk, (2) MwA increases stroke risk, and (3) combining these risk factors might produce additive or synergistic risk. Evidence does not support concerns (1) and (3), and suggests otherwise.Summary.— The risk/benefit analysis of CHCs is shifting. There is growing evidence for a potential role for CHCs in the prevention of menstrual‐related migraine. At the same time, the risk of these products is declining, as newer and lower dose formulations replace their historical predecessors. And although migraine aura is a risk factor for stroke, there is not convincing evidence to suggest that the addition of a low‐dose CHC alters that risk in non‐smoking, normotensive users. Selected hormonal preventives could potentially decrease stroke risk in MwA via reduction in aura frequency achieved by reducing peak estrogen exposure. With this shift in risk/benefit analysis, it is time to reconsider the role of CHCs in migraine – both with and without aura.
A neurocognitive endophenotype associated with rolandic epilepsy
Authors: Smith Anna B. , Kavros Peregrine M. , Clarke Tara , Dorta Nelson J. , Tremont Geoffrey , Pal Deb K. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPurpose: Children with rolandic epilepsy (RE) experience difficulties with reading, language, and attention. Their siblings are at high risk of dyslexia but are not otherwise known to have neurocognitive deficits. We therefore sought evidence for an RE‐associated neurocognitive endophenotype.Methods: Thirteen probands (male‐to‐female ratio 9:4) and 11 epilepsy‐free siblings (male‐to‐female ratio 5:6) completed a neurocognitive evaluation within the domains of reading, language, and attention. Frequencies of impairment were compared, and mean standardized scores of children with RE and their siblings were each compared against population means.Key Findings: Frequency of impairment in each domain was comparable for siblings and probands: 9% of siblings and 31% of probands were reading impaired; 36% of siblings and 54% of probands were language impaired; and 70% of siblings and 67% of probands had attention impairments. Comparison of differences between sample and population means revealed evidence of a similar pattern of language deficits in both groups, specifically for picture naming and attention to competing words. For measures of attention, both groups made significantly higher omission errors and were impaired in their ability to sustain attention.Significance: Children with RE and unaffected siblings demonstrate neurocognitive impairments in the domains of language and attention that are likely to remain undetected with general clinical protocols. Neurocognitively impaired probands and siblings showed a remarkably similar profile of deficits in language and attention that could explain poor academic performance. Early evaluation and intervention may benefit these children academically.