bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz among HIV‐infected Ugandans
Authors: Nanzigu S , Eriksen J , Makumbi F , Lanke S , Mahindi M , Kiguba R , Beck O , Ma Q , Morse GD , Gustafsson LL , Waako P 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundPharmacokinetic variability of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor efavirenz has been documented, and high variation in trough concentrations or clearance has been found to be a risk for virological failure. Africans population exhibits greater variability in efavirenz concentrations than other ethnic groups, and so a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the drug is needed in this population. This study characterized efavirenz pharmacokinetics in HIV‐infected Ugandans.MethodsEfavirenz plasma concentrations were obtained for 66 HIV‐infected Ugandans initiating efavirenz‐ based regimens, with blood samples collected at eight time‐points over 24 h on day 1 of treatment, and at a further eight time‐points on day 14. Noncompartmental analysis was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz.ResultsThe mean steady‐state minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) of efavirenz was 2.9 µg/mL, the mean area under the curve (AUC) was 278.5 h µg/mL, and mean efavirenz clearance was 7.4 L/h. Although overall mean clearance did not change over the 2 weeks, 41.9% of participants showed an average 95.8% increase in clearance. On day 14, the maximum concentration (Cmax) of efavirenz was >4 µg/mL in 96.6% of participants, while Cmin was <1 µg/mL in only 4.5%. Overall, 69% of participants experienced adverse central nervous system (CNS) symptoms attributable to efavirenz during the 2‐week period, and 95% of these participants were found to have efavirenz plasma concentrations >4 µg/mL, although only half maintained a high concentration until at least 8 h after dosing.ConclusionThe findings of this study show that HIV‐infected patients on efavirenz may exhibit autoinduction to various extents, and this needs to be taken into consideration in the clinical management of individual patients. Efavirenz CNS toxicity during the initial phase of treatment may be related to Cmax, regardless of the sampling time.
Executive Stock Options and Manipulated Stock‐Price Performance
Authors: Zheng Liu , Zhou Xianming 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPrevious studies have examined the manipulation of executive stock option awards and exercises, focusing on information timing by managers. In this paper, we investigate managerial manipulation of stock‐price performance motivated by stock options. To distinguish performance manipulation from information timing, we examine stock returns surrounding the departure of retiring CEOs, whose option holdings typically expire shortly after their departure and whose chances to manipulate option awards and exercises are minimized. Consistent with manipulated performance, we find significant abnormal stock returns in the months surrounding CEO departure for those with strong option incentives, which are reversed shortly after CEO departure.
Social rejection by peers: a risk factor for psychological distress
Authors: Beeri Anat , Lev‐Wiesel Rachel 
Published: November 2011

Aims:  The study examined the relationship between social rejection by peers, personal resources (potency and perceived social support) and psychological distress among Israeli adolescents.Methods:  Five hundred and eleven adolescents aged 12–17 (high‐school students from two rural Israeli schools) completed self‐report questionnaires consisting of the following measures: peer rejection (PR; ranged from having been ignored, cursed, assaulted, bullied, to having been physically attacked), posttraumatic symptoms (PTS), social avoidance, depression symptoms, potency and perceived social support.Results:  Thirty‐five percent of the students reported experiencing some kind of social rejection (SR). One‐way ANOVA and stepwise linear regression tests showed that those who experienced SR had higher levels of depression, PTS symptoms, and social avoidance compared to those who had no such history. In addition, personal resources, potency in particular was found to mediate the distress.Conclusions:  Findings indicated that adolescents who reported experiencing peer rejection had higher levels of psychological distress. In addition, the lower the personal resources were, the higher the levels of psychological distress. Potency buffered the level of distress resulting from social rejection by peers. Compared to boys, rejected girls had lower potency levels.
Genetic variability of green citrus aphid populations from Tunisia, assessed by RAPD markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: MEZGHANI‐KHEMAKHEM Maha , BOUKTILA Dhia , KHARRAT Imen , MAKNI Mohamed , MAKNI Hanem 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe green citrus aphidAphis spiraecola(Patch) is one of the major pests of several plant species including economically important crops such as citrus. In this study, we used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences to assess the level and distribution of genetic diversity ofA. spiraecolapopulations reared from Rutaceae and Rosaceae in different regions in Tunisia. RAPD analysis conducted on 141 individuals with 5 primers revealed only 50 polymorphic RAPD markers, indicating a low genetic diversity that might result from the lack of sexual phase for this species in Tunisia. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) showed that the genetic structure was not associated with geographic location or year of collection (P = 0.70 and 0.34, respectively); however, the host‐plant had a significant effect on the partitioning of the total genetic diversity (P < 0.01). Multidimensional scaling analysis indicated that the distribution of genetic variability was significantly influenced by the host‐plant with no evidence of spatial differentiation. Based on 20 barcode sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome‐coxidase subunit I (COI) gene, we revealed the occurrence of two haplotypes in association with the host‐plant. Results reported here suggest the occurrence of a limited gene flow betweenA. spiraecolapopulations from Rosaceae and Rutaceae and, therefore, a possible host‐race status that could be considered in the development of an integrated controlling strategy.
Is parental care behavior in Belostoma species an evolutionary cause for their common sexual size dimorphism pattern?
Authors: IGLESIAS Mónica Sandra , CRESPO Francisco Antonio , VALVERDE Alejandra del Carmen 
Published: November 2011

AbstractCurrent evidence suggests that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) reflects the male and female adaptation to their different reproductive roles. Belostoma and Lethocerus species, included in Belostomatidae, present different kinds of paternal care. Females of Belostoma Latreille species lay their eggs on the back of males. Males carry, aerate and protect the clutch until hatching, which is critical for offspring survival. Males of Lethocerus Mayr species exhibit some parental care behavior but do not carry the eggs. The genera are nearly related. We studied and compared the SSD patterns of B. oxyurum (Dufour), B. micantulum (Stål), B. elegans (Mayr), B. bifoveolatum Spinola, B. gestroi Montandon and Lethocerus annulipes (Herrich‐Schäffer) by means of a multivariate approach to distinguish selection targets in different components of size. Morphometric analysis revealed that SSD patterns vary among traits and that the arrangements are similar in Belostoma species, showing a common trend under resembling selective mechanisms. The widespread SSD trend in insects is that all components of body size are biased towards females, generally related to a fecundity advantage, a pattern now also detected in L. annulipes. We found in Belostoma species that the male has relatively longer middle and hind legs. We propose that SSD in hind legs biased towards males is a selective response for paternal care; they denote a brood‐adapted morphology. The middle leg enlargement may be an associated response to maintain effective locomotion.
Home Hemodialysis in Australia and New Zealand: How and Why it has been Successful
Authors: Agar John W. M. , Hawley Carmel M. , Kerr Peter G. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAfter early strong support, home hemodialysis (HHD) has all but disappeared as a viable modality in most western countries––except in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), where a mean 12.9% of all HD (June 2010) is home‐based. The reasons for this unique difference are neither demographic nor geographic; rather, they result from a strong belief held by ANZ nephrologists, nurses, and funding agencies in the clinical outcome and economic benefits of HHD. This “hemodialysis is best at home” approach has permitted ANZ programs to take full advantage of a renewed interest in extended hour and higher frequency dialysis. This article explores the reasons for the success of HHD in this region.
Do Publicly Traded Property–Casualty Insurers Cater to the Stock Market?
Authors: Ma Yu‐Luen , Ren Yayuan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article examines the catering theory in the insurance industry. We investigate whether managers of publicly traded insurers pursue a growth strategy catering to the stock market's preference. Two hypotheses are tested in this study: (1) an insurer will devote more efforts to increasing premium growth when the stock market places greater values on growth, and (2) this catering effect will be more pronounced at firms where managers have greater incentives to maximize short‐term stock prices. We find evidence supporting both hypotheses. Our study discovers a new channel through which the stock market and executive compensation affect insurance companies’ business strategies and the insurance market. The implication of the interplay between insurers and the stock market is significant and deserves future research.
The Impact of Scale, Complexity, and Service Quality on the Administrative Costs of Pension Funds: A Cross‐Country Comparison
Authors: Bikker Jacob A. , Steenbeek Onno W. , Torracchi Federico 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAdministrative costs per participant appear to vary widely across pension funds in different countries. Using unique data on 90 pension funds over the period 2004–2008, this article examines the impact of scale, the complexity of pension plans, and service quality on the administrative costs of pension funds, and compares those costs across Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States. We find that, except for Canada, large unused economies of scale exist. Higher service quality and more complex pension plans significantly raise costs. Administrative costs vary significantly across pension fund types, with differences amounting to 100 percent.
Proposed Acceleratory Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Belite Hydration: Preliminary Results
Authors: Lee Bo Yeon , Kurtis Kimberly E. 
Published: November 2011

The effect of chemically inert nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) on hydration rate of belite (β‐C2S) was studied using isothermal calorimetry. The TiO2 was added to β‐C2S paste at 0%, 5%, and 10% by mass. The results indicate that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles shorten the induction period and accelerate hydration beyond 3 days, showing rate peaks at 40 days of age. The cumulative heat data suggests that TiO2‐containing C2S pastes increase in degree of hydration at 90 days by 47% compared to neat C2S pastes. These results suggest that addition of inert nanoparticles could potentially promote earlier strength gain of C2S in cement, ameliorating a perceived deficiency in cement compositions which could contribute to sustainability in terms of lower CO2 emissions and lower energy use compared to traditional chemistries.
The role of functional traits in species distributions revealed through a hierarchical model
Authors: Pollock Laura J. , Morris William K. , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: November 2011

Quantifying how functional traits relate to environmental gradients provides insight into mechanisms governing species distributions. Here, we bring together the fields of species distribution modelling and functional trait ecology with hierarchical modelling by explicitly incorporating traits into a multi‐species distribution model. We combined traits from the leaf‐height‐seed strategy scheme (specific leaf area (SLA), plant height and seed mass) with a distribution model for 20 eucalypt taxa in Victoria, Australia.The key insight of this approach is how traits modulate species responses to environmental gradients. The strongest link was between SLA and percent rock cover (species with low SLA had positive responses to rockiness, whereas high SLA species responded negatively to rockiness). We found evidence for complex yet potentially important interactions. For instance, the probability of species occurrence increased with rainfall and solar radiation on average yet the response varied depending on species height and SLA. Tall species were predicted to increase with rainfall and solar radiation across the range of SLA values (tall species with low SLA were especially sensitive to rainfall). Short species responded positively to rainfall and solar radiation only if they had low SLA.This framework readily accounts for interactions between combinations of traits and environmental variables unlike multi‐step approaches. Further application of this concept will contribute to a generalized mechanistic understanding of how traits influence species distributions along environmental gradients, with implications for understanding the response of species to global change.
From diversity indices to community assembly processes: a test with simulated data
Authors: Münkemüller T. , de Bello F. , Meynard C. N. , Gravel D. , Lavergne S. , Mouillot D. , Mouquet N. , Thuiller W. 
Published: November 2011

Ecological theory suggests that spatial distribution of biodiversity is strongly driven by community assembly processes. Thus the study of diversity patterns combined with null model testing has become increasingly common to infer assembly processes from observed distributions of diversity indices. However, results in both empirical and simulation studies are inconsistent. The aim of our study is to determine with simulated data which facets of biodiversity, if any, may unravel the processes driving its spatial patterns, and to provide practical considerations about the combination of diversity indices that would produce significant and congruent signals when using null models. The study is based on simulated species’ assemblages that emerge under various landscape structures in a spatially explicit individual‐based model with contrasting, predefined assembly processes. We focus on four assembly processes (species‐sorting, mass effect, neutral dynamics and competition colonization trade‐off) and investigate the emerging species’ distributions with varied diversity indices (alpha, beta and gamma) measured at different spatial scales and for different diversity facets (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic).We find that 1) the four assembly processes result in distinct spatial distributions of species under any landscape structure, 2) a broad range of diversity indices allows distinguishing between communities driven by different assembly processes, 3) null models provide congruent results only for a small fraction of diversity indices and 4) only a combination of these diversity indices allows identifying the correct assembly processes.Our study supports the inference of assembly processes from patterns of diversity only when different types of indices are combined. It highlights the need to combine phylogenetic, functional and taxonomic diversity indices at multiple spatial scales to effectively infer underlying assembly processes from diversity patterns by illustrating how combination of different indices might help disentangling the complex question of coexistence.
Intrusive luxation of 60 permanent incisors: a retrospective study of treatment and outcome
Authors: Tsilingaridis Georgios , Malmgren Barbro , Andreasen Jens O. , Malmgren Olle 
Published: November 2011

Abstract –  Background/Aim:  Intrusive luxation in the permanent dentition is an uncommon injury but it is considered one of the most severe types of dental trauma because of the risk for damage to the periodontal ligament, pulp and alveolar bone. Management of intrusive luxation in the permanent dentition is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pulp survival and periodontal healing in intrusive luxated permanent teeth in relation to treatment alternatives, degree of intrusion and root development.Material and Method:  The material consisted of 60 intruded permanent teeth in 48 patients (32 boys and 16 girls) aged 6–16 years (mean 9.4, median 9.0). The observation time was 6–130 months (mean 47.8, median 40.0). The analysed treatments were spontaneous re‐eruption (17 teeth), orthodontic extrusion (12 teeth) and surgical reposition (31 teeth). The degree of intrusion was registered as mild (0–3 mm), moderate (4–6 mm) and severe (≥7 mm). Root development was categorized with respect to root formation and development of the apex into four stages; one‐quarter to three‐quarters root formation, full root formation with open apex, full root formation with half‐closed apex and full root formation with apex closed. Ankylosis‐related resorption with pulp necrosis was diagnosed in 20 teeth, ingrowth of bone apically in two teeth, pulp necrosis without ankylosis‐related resorption in 23 teeth and pulp revitalization occurred in 15 teeth.Results:  Significant correlations to the treatment outcome were root development (P = 0.03) and degree of intrusion (P = 0.03).Conclusions:  No firm conclusion could be drawn for the difference in outcome between orthodontic extrusion and surgical reposition. To conclude, evaluation of the prognosis for intruded teeth should be based on the stage of root development and degree of intrusion. In teeth with immature root development, no active treatment appears to result in fewer healing complications.
Long‐term outcome in preterm children with human cytomegalovirus infection transmitted via breast milk
Authors: Bevot Andrea , Hamprecht Klaus , Krägeloh‐Mann Ingeborg , Brosch Sibylle , Goelz Rangmar , Vollmer Brigitte 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim: To investigate neurodevelopmental outcome and hearing in preterm children with breast milk transmitted human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection.Methods: Forty‐one preterm children (born before 32 weeks of gestation or birth weight <1500 g; 20 HCMV positive, 21 HCMV negative) from an original cohort of 44 children were examined at school age. Assessments included neurological examination, assessment of motor [Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M‐ABC)] and cognitive function [Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K‐ABC)], audiological tests and anthropometric measures.Results: In both groups, irrespective of the presence or absence of a history of HCMV infection, performance in assessments of cognitive and motor function was within the normal range. However, significant differences between the HCMV‐positive and the HCMV‐negative group were found in both motor and cognitive function, with poorer performance in the HCMV‐positive group. There were no significant differences in anthropometric parameters, and all 20 HCMV‐positive children had normal hearing function.Conclusions: In this study, cognitive and motor function in preterm children with early postnatally acquired HCMV infection transmitted via breast milk was within the normal range. However, the findings suggest that their outcome is poorer than outcome in preterm children without HCMV infection. These findings need to be replicated in larger scale studies.
Calcium‐dependent activator protein for secretion 2 interacts with the class II ARF small GTPases and regulates dense‐core vesicle trafficking
Authors: Sadakata Tetsushi , Sekine Yukiko , Oka Megumi , Itakura Makoto , Takahashi Masami , Furuichi Teiichi 
Published: November 2011

The Ca2+‐dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) family consists of two members (CAPS1 and CAPS2) and regulates the exocytosis of catecholamine‐containing or neuropeptide‐containing dense‐core vesicles (DCVs) at secretion sites such as nerve terminals. A large fraction of CAPS1, however, is localized in the cell soma, and we have recently shown the possible involvement of somal CAPS1 in DCV trafficking in the trans‐Golgi network. CAPS1 and CAPS2 are differentially expressed in various regions of the mouse brain but exhibit similar expression patterns in other tissues, such as the spleen. Thus, in the present study we analyzed whether CAPS2 displays similar subcellular localization and functional roles in the cell soma as CAPS1. We found that somal CAPS2 is associated with the Golgi membrane, and mediates binding and recruitment of the GDP‐bound form of ARF4 and ARF5 (members of the membrane‐trafficking small GTPase family) to the Golgi membrane. CAPS2 knockdown and overexpression of CAPS2‐binding‐deficient ARF4/ARF5 both induced accumulation of the DCV resident protein chromogranin A around the Golgi apparatus. CAPS2 knockout mice have dilated trans‐Golgi structures when viewed by electron microscopy. These results for CAPS2 strongly support our idea that the CAPS family proteins exert dual roles in DCV trafficking, mediating trafficking at both the secretion site for exocytosis and at the Golgi complex for biogenesis.Structured digital abstract
CAPS2 physically interacts with Arf5 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
CAPS2 and Vamp4 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
CAPS2 physically interacts with Arf4 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2)
CAPS2 physically interacts with Arf5 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)
Stx6 and CAPS2 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View Interaction: 1, 2)
GM130 and CAPS2 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
CAPS2 binds to Arf5 by pull down (View interaction)
Arf5 and Stx6 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Daytime Sleepiness and Quality of Life in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Bilgic Ayse , Akman Beril , Sezer Siren , Arat Zubeyde , Ozelsancak Ruya , Ozdemir Nurhan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe aimed to compare automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy with regard to patients' excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and quality of life (QOL). EDS was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and QOL with the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form (SF‐36) health survey. We included 59 patients (CAPD/APD, 30/29; male/female, 33/26; age, 45.3 ± 15.8 years; dialysis duration, 42.0 ± 33.6 months). The CAPD and APD groups were similar with respect to factors that affected sleep quality (age, sex, duration of PD), smoking, alcohol intake, socioeconomic status, body mass index, comorbid disease, and various laboratory parameters. Although one patient (3.3%) treated with CAPD and four patients (13.8%) treated with APD experienced EDS, there was no significant differences in ESS scores between the CAPD and APD patients. There was no difference in the SF‐36 total and subscale scores when APD patients were compared with CAPD patients. The independent predictors of ESS were the serum albumin level (β = −2.04, P < 0.01), total SF‐36 score (β = 0.08, P = 0.02), social functioning score (β = −2.47, P = 0.01), and role‐emotional subscale score (β = −1.12, P = 0.05). The incidence of EDS was slightly higher in APD patients, but it did not negatively affect daily activities or QOL.