bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The levels of nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine in the rat endometriosis model
Authors: Cayci Tuncer , Akgul Emin Ozgur , Gulcan Kurt Yasemin , Ceyhan Temel S. , Aydin Ibrahim , Onguru Onder , Yaman Halil , Cakir Erdinc , Yasar Mehmet , Bilgi Cumhur , Erbil Kemal M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in all the rat endometriosis models.Material & Methods:  Forty‐one rats with endometriotic implants were divided into four groups (1 to 4) and administered infliximab, etanercept, letrozole and control, respectively. There were 11 rats in group 5 (normal). The size of implants, plasma ADMA and nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels and histological score were assessed.Results:  In groups 1, 2 and 3, plasma ADMA levels were higher than groups 4 and 5, 296.8 ± 66.2, 285.9 ± 35.7, 200.3 ± 41.0, 125.3 ± 16.7, 111.3 ± 6.5 µmol/L, respectively, while NOx levels were lower than groups of control and normal 19.6 ± 3.8, 19.8 ± 4.4, 39.3 ± 6.1, 80.5 ± 5.3, and 91.1 ± 5.0 µmol/L, respectively.Conclusions:  Infliximab, etanercept and letrozole have regressed endometriotic implants, decreased plasma NOx levels, and increased plasma ADMA levels.
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a tertiary obstetric center: nine years evaluation
Authors: Demirci Oya , Tuğrul Ahmet S. , Yılmaz Ertuğrul , Tosun Özgür , Demirci Elif , Eren Yadigar S. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAims:  The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, indications, risk factors, complications, and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with obstetric hysterectomy performed at the Zeynep Kamil Gynecologic and Pediatric Training and Research Hospital between January 2000 and January 2008.Material & Methods:  A retrospective study of patients requiring an emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) over a 9‐year period was conducted. Emergent peripartum hysterectomy was defined as an operation performed in cases whose bleeding was not prevented by other approaches for 24 h after delivery. Thirty‐nine cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy were performed.Results:  The incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy was 0.37 per 1000 deliveries. Thirty‐four cases of hysterectomy were performed after cesarean section (CS). The main indication for EPH was placenta accreta (53.8%), followed by uterine atony (25.6%). There were six maternal deaths (15.4%). Severe maternal morbidity included: bladder injury (15.4%), relaparotomy (35.4%), and transfusion >10 unit's red blood cells (15.6%). Both previous CS and CS in the index pregnancy were associated with a significant increased risk of EPH. The number of previous CS was related to an increased risk of placenta accreta; the relative ratio increased from 3.6 for one previous CS to 37 for three or more previous CS.Conclusion:  Emergency peripartum hysterectomy is significantly related to CS in index or previous pregnancy. Placenta accreta is the most common indication to perform peripartum hysterectomy. EPH is associated with a high incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Role of transesophageal echocardiography in the management of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Kamra Komal , Russell Isobel , Miller‐Hance Wanda C. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a critical diagnostic and perioperative management tool for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgical procedures. This review highlights the role of TEE in routine management of pediatric cardiac patient population with focus on indications, views, applications and technological advances.
The Prospect of Migration, Sticky Wages, and “Educated Unemployment”
Authors: Stark Oded , Fan C. Simon 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn increase in the probability of work abroad, where the returns to schooling are higher than at home, induces more individuals in a developing country to acquire education, which leads to an increase in the supply of educated workers in the domestic labor market. Where there is a sticky wage rate, the demand for labor at home will be constant. With a rising supply and constant demand, the rate of unemployment of educated workers in the domestic labor market will increase. Thus, the prospect of employment abroad causes involuntary “educated unemployment” at home. A government that is concerned about “educated unemployment” and might therefore be expected to encourage unemployed educated people to migrate will nevertheless, under certain conditions, elect to restrict the extent of the migration of educated individuals.
International R&D Networks
Authors: Zu Lei , Dong Baomin , Zhao Xin , Zhang Jin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper considers the Goyal and Moraga‐Gonzalez (2001) model of strategic R&D collaboration networks in the open economy framework. The R&D is the d'Aspremont and Jacquemin (1988) process innovation and collaboration takes the form of research joint ventures (RJV) in which firms cooperate in R&D but compete in product markets. Countries decide whether to establish free‐trade links while firms decide whether and with whom to form RJVs. A double‐layer pairwise stability concept is introduced to characterize equilibrium network structures. In contrast with conventional wisdom, it is shown that global free trade generally reduces collaborative R&D levels. We give conditions for which pairwise stable R&D networks are welfare maximizing. Stability and efficiency are congruent when R&D cost is either too high or too low. A large public spillover effect is detrimental to an R&D network when trade networks are regional.
Integrating immigrant minorities: Developing a scale to measure majority members’ attitudes toward their own proactive efforts
Authors: PHELPS JOSHUA MARVLE , EILERTSEN DAG ERIK , TÜRKEN SALMAN , OMMUNDSEN REIDAR 
Published: April 2011

Phelps, J. M., Eilertsen, D. E., Türken, S. & Ommundsen, R. (2011). Integrating immigrant minorities: Developing a scale to measure majority members’ attitudes toward their own proactive efforts. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 404–410.The present study is based on the premise that the integration of ethnic minorities may involve more than the majority’s expression of tolerance. In order to promote inclusion, the majority may have to play a more active role in the integration process. We describe the development and validation of a new psychometric scale which assesses majority members’ attitudes toward their own proactive contribution to the integration of immigrants within three domains: cultural and structural efforts, and openness to diversity. The scale is investigated by analyses of internal structure and exploration of construct validity in relation to relevant social psychological and personality constructs in a sample of 486 Norwegian university students (28% male, mean age = 26.5, SD = 6.08). Factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure and the estimated reliability of an additive scale was satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). The scale correlated negatively with measures of right‐wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation, and positively with global identity. It was weakly related to the personality traits agreeableness, intellect, extraversion, and conscientiousness. The potential utility of the scale in both applied and experimental social psychological studies are discussed.
Means without ends: justifying supportive home care for frail older people in Canada, 1990–2010
Authors: Ceci Christine , Purkis Mary Ellen 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe challenges associated with ageing populations are very much on the policy and research agenda of many nations, with significant discussions focused on establishing appropriate, acceptable parameters of home care for those who are older and frail. This paper develops an analysis of changing justifications of home care in Canada (1990–2010) through examination of governmental and non‐governmental home care policy documents and position papers, as well as observations from recent fieldwork in home care. Boltanski and Thévenot’s sociology of justification provides a framework for analysis of these situations where competing and irreducible pluralities of goods complicate discussions of the ‘right’ way to proceed.
Improvements in survival of gynaecological cancer in the Anglia region of England: are these an effect of centralisation of care and use of multidisciplinary management?
Authors: Crawford R , Greenberg D 
Published: April 2011

Please cite this paper as: Crawford R, Greenberg D. Improvements in survival of gynaecological cancer in the Anglia region of England: are these an effect of centralisation of care and use of multidisciplinary management? BJOG 2012;119:160–165.Objective  Our hypothesis is that the adoption of Department of Health (DH) guidance has led to an improvement in outcome in gynaecological cancer survival.Setting  In 1999 the DH in England introduced the Improving Outcomes in Gynaecological Cancer guidance, advising case management by multidisciplinary teams with surgical concentration in specialist hospitals. This guidance was rapidly adopted in the East of England, with a population of 2.5 million.Population  The population of the Anglia Cancer Network was approximately 2.3 million.Methods  From 1996 to 2003, details of 3406 cases of gynaecological cancer were identified in the Anglia region of England. Survival analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards regression, relative to cases diagnosed in 1996.Main outcome measure  Primary endpoint was survival.Results  The survival rates for cases diagnosed between 1996 and 1999 were broadly the same across the time period, with a marked improvement taking place in 2000, and continuing to 2003 (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64–0.79, comparing 2000–03 with 1996–99 diagnoses), for all gynaecological sites combined. Adjustment for treatments or method of case follow‐up did not attenuate these improvements. There was a concurrent change towards major surgery being performed in specialist centres from 2000.Conclusions  The adoption of the 1999 guidance on gynaecological cancer, which included multidisciplinary case management and centralisation of surgery, resulted in a marked step‐change improvement in survival of gynaecological cancer in an area of eastern England in 2000.
Antagonists show GTP‐sensitive high‐affinity binding to the sigma‐1 receptor
Authors: Brimson JM , Brown CA , Safrany ST 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sigma‐1 receptors are atypical receptors with potentially two transmembrane domains. Antagonists require doses significantly higher than their published affinities to have biological effects. We have reassessed the binding characteristics of these ligands and found antagonists bind to high‐ and low‐affinity states not distinguished by agonists.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The affinities of sigma‐1 receptor ligands was assessed using radioligand saturation and competition binding of [3H]‐(+)‐pentazocine to permeabilized MDA‐MB‐468 cells. This was compared with the effect of ligands on metabolic activity using an MTS‐based assay and calcium signalling using cells loaded with the calcium dye, Fura‐2.KEY RESULTS Sigma‐1 receptor antagonists, but not agonists, show GTP‐ and suramin‐sensitive high‐affinity binding. Functional responses (calcium signalling and metabolic activity), while associated with sigma‐1 receptor binding, required binding to an unidentified, low‐affinity target.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Sigma‐1 receptors are coupled to G proteins. This interaction is only observed when analysing antagonist binding. The identity of the G protein remains to be resolved. The concept of agonist and antagonist at the sigma‐1 receptor needs to be revisited.
Defining protein kinase/phosphatase isoenzymic regulation of mGlu5 receptor‐stimulated phospholipase C and Ca2+ responses in astrocytes
Authors: Bradley SJ , Challiss RAJ 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cyclical phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of a key residue within the C‐terminal domain of the activated type 5 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu5) receptor is believed to cause the synchronous, oscillatory changes in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate and Ca2+ levels observed in a variety of cell types. Here, we have attempted to better define the kinase and phosphatase enzymes involved in this modulation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Ca2+ and [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]IPx) measurements in astrocyte preparations have been used to evaluate the effects of pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein phosphatase activities and small interfering RNA‐mediated specific PKC isoenzymic knock‐down on mGlu5 receptor signalling.KEY RESULTS Ca2+ oscillation frequency or [3H]IPx accumulation in astrocytes stimulated by mGlu5 receptors, was concentration‐dependently decreased by protein phosphatase‐1/2A inhibition or by PKC activation. PKC inhibition also increased [3H]IPx accumulation two‐ to threefold and changed the Ca2+ response into a peak‐plateau response. However, selective inhibition of conventional PKC isoenzymes or preventing changes in [Ca2+]i concentration by BAPTA‐AM loading was without effect on mGlu5 receptor‐stimulated [3H]IPx accumulation. Selective knock‐down of PKCδ was without effect on glutamate‐stimulated Ca2+ responses; however, selective PKCε knock‐down in astrocytes changed Ca2+ responses from oscillatory into peak‐plateau type.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These data confirm the acute regulation of mGlu5 receptor signalling by protein kinases and protein phosphatases and provide novel data pinpointing the isoenzymic dependence of this regulation in the native mGlu5 receptor‐expressing rat cortical astrocyte. These data also highlight a potential alternative mechanism by which mGlu5 receptor signalling might be therapeutically manipulated.
Empowerment and Commitment Perceptions of Community/Public Health Nurses and Their Tenure Intention
Authors: Royer Linda 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: A descriptive, nonexperimental study of community/public health nurses' (C/PHN) perceptions of their work and their workplace was conducted for the purpose of identifying factors that may affect tenure intention and, by extension, health care delivery, at a time when nursing workforce capacity is in crisis, a subject not studied well among the C/PHN workforce. It was thought that findings would potentially contribute to decisions about curriculum development, hiring practices, and work design by nurse educators, leaders, and administrators. Spreitzer's Theory of Structural and Psychological Empowerment and Meyer and Allen's Commitment theory were utilized together as a framework.
Design and Sample: A paper‐pen survey was mailed to 688 C/PHNs in 10 states seeking national accreditation serving in community‐oriented and population‐focused roles and selected randomly in local health departments with a census of 10 or more eligible nurses. The return of 478 completed surveys yielded a response rate of 76%.
Measures: Data were examined with descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple logistic regression methods.
Results: Results revealed 1/3 of C/PHNs were in some way considering leaving the job in spite of significant relationships among empowerment factors and between empowerment and commitment factors.
Conclusions: These data beg for a clearer understanding of C/PHNs' perceptions of empowerment and the reasons for intent to leave.
The Value of Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Hoyt Robert E. , Liebenberg Andre P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractEnterprise risk management (ERM) has been the topic of increased media attention in recent years. The objective of this study is to measure the extent to which specific firms have implemented ERM programs and, then, to assess the value implications of these programs. We focus our attention in this study on U.S. insurers in order to control for differences that might arise from regulatory and market differences across industries. We simultaneously model the determinants of ERM and the effect of ERM on firm value. We estimate the effect of ERM on Tobin's Q, a standard proxy for firm value. We find a positive relation between firm value and the use of ERM. The ERM premium of roughly 20 percent is statistically and economically significant.
The folliculostatins of two dipteran insect species, their relation to matrix proteins and prospects for practical applications
Authors: de Loof Arnold , Bylemans Dany , Schoofs Liliane , Janssen Ine , Huybrechts Roger 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe first insect folliculostatic peptide was isolated from vitellogenic ovaries of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. This decapeptide directly inhibits trypsin biosynthesis in the gut, and indirectly ovarian development. The factor was named Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor or TMOF by its discoverers. From the fleshfly Neobellieria bullata 2 folliculostatins have been isolated, the hexapeptide Neb‐TMOF and the 19‐mer Neb‐colloostatin. The available data suggest that at least 2 of the 3 folliculostatins originate from matrix (like) proteins present in the ovary, a hitherto unknown source of hormones. Furthermore, one of the folliculostatins (Neb‐TMOF) is a potent inhibitor of ecdysone biosynthesis by larval ring glands of fleshflies. The discovery of the dipteran folliculostatins, which do not show any resemblance to inhibins of vertebrates, may significantly contribute to a better understanding of the hormonal control of growth in insects and, perhaps, in other animals as well. None of the 3 folliculostatins is blocked at its N‐ or C‐terminus. This, in combination with the pleiotropy of their effects and the narrow species specificity make such peptides prime candidates for testing their potential in insect pest control by means of molecular biological methods.
Inter‐ and intraspecific variation in infectivity of Steinernema spp. to larvae of the mushroom fly Lycoriella solani
Authors: Hay D. B. , Richardson P. N. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLaboratory bioassays were done to assess the susceptibility of larvae of the mushroom sciarid fly Lycoriella solani Winnertz (Diptera; Sciaridae) to 16 isolates comprising five species of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema (Nematoda; Steinernematidae). Each isolate was tested by challenging sciarid larvae with single nematodes. Six isolates were also tested in dose‐response experiments. Variations in nematode infectivity occurred (p < 0.001) at both inter‐ and intraspecific levels. Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) was the most virulent species: two isolates, Nemasys (LD50 = 1.5–3.9) and Sus 94 (1.8–3.9) were superior to the rest. Steinernema kraussei (Steiner) was the least infectious nematode tested as its infection probability never exceeded 0.10. In addition, lethal dose50 values for this species ranged from 9.0–62.6 and two isolates failed consistently to infect any hosts.
Olfactory antennal responses to plant volatiles in apterous virginoparae of the vetch aphid Megoura viciae
Authors: Visser J. H. , Piron P. G. M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractElectroantennogram (EAG) responses were recorded from apterous virginoparae of the vetch aphid Megoura viciae Buckton (Homoptera, Aphididae) to more than eighty volatile compounds in order to investigate its sensory ability to perceive plant odours. The response profile of M. viciae reveals a differential sensitivity for the array of plant volatiles tested. The whole group of general green leaf volatiles is very stimulatory. In addition to (E)‐2‐hexenal, the following compounds of this group elicit large EAG responses: (E)‐2‐heptenal, 1‐octenol‐3, hexyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, hexanol‐1, hexanal, 2‐heptanone and 3‐octanone. Relatively large EAGs are also produced by 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde (p‐anisaldehyde), hexanonitrile, heptanonitrile, 1, 6‐hexanedithiol, butyl isothiocyanate, 4‐pentenyl isothiocyanate, (‐)‐(1S)‐β‐pinene, (+)‐(S)‐carvone, (‐)‐(R)‐carvone, α‐terpineol, linalool and citronellal. The nitriles are the most effective of all plant volatiles tested. Structure‐activity relationships occur in various groups of chemicals and members of the green leaf volatiles, benzaldehydes, isothiocyanates and monoterpenes are ranked accordingly. In the group of green leaf volatiles, aliphatic aldehydes are more stimulating than the corresponding alcohols. EAG responses to series of saturated aliphatic alcohols and aldehydes reveal that C6 and C7 compounds are the most stimulatory. Dose‐response curves show that the rank order of EAG response amplitudes hardly changes at lower dosages. It is concluded that M. viciae perceives general plant volatiles as well as more‐specific components, such as nitriles and isothiocyanates, associated with the odour blends of non‐host plant species.
Measuring host finding capacity and arrestment of natural enemies of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti, in the field
Authors: Neuenschwander P. , Ajuonu O. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn uninfested fields, 80 cassava tips were artificially infested with 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 third instars, and 20 or 100 eggs of cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile‐Ferrero (Hom., Pseudococcidae). Another 80 uninfested tips served as a control. Tips were arranged in a circle of 28 m diameter, in the centre of which the following exotic natural enemies of P. manihoti were released: Apoanagyrus (Epidinocarsis) lopezi De Santis and A. diversicornis (Howard) (Hym., Encyrtidae), Hyperaspis notata (Mulsant) and Diomus hennesseyi Fürsch (Col., Coccinellidae), and others. This experiment was repeated six times. During the 4–14 days following release, all experimental tips were inspected at two‐hour intervals during each day and the presence of exotic as well as indigenous natural enemies, like Exochomus troberti Mulsant (Col., Coccinellidae), ants and spiders was noted. The experiment was repeated six times measured the aggregative response by the natural enemies to different host densities, achieved through host attractance and arrestment.All exotic natural enemies, except the males of Apoanagyrus spp., were fast attracted to the host colonies. As compared to the control tips, they concentrated on the infested tips about 50‐fold for the two Apoanagyrus spp. and 10 to 20‐fold for the exotic coccinellids. By contrast, non‐coevolved indigenous coccinellids, as well as generalist predators like ants and spiders were attracted to the infested tips only 2 to 5‐fold. A. lopezi responded best to different host densities, followed by A. diversicornis and the coccinellids, followed by ants and spiders. None of the parasitoids or predators was particularly attracted to egg masses. These results correspond closely to the known efficiencies of these natural enemies, A. lopezi standing out among all candidates. The results of such aggregation studies are compared with those of life‐table studies.