bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental warming transforms multiple predator effects in a grassland food web
Authors: Barton Brandon T. , Schmitz Oswald J. 
Published: September 2009

Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1317–1325AbstractThis experimental study tests new theory for multiple predator effects on communities by using warming to alter predator habitat use and hence direct and indirect interactions in a grassland food web containing two dominant spider predator species, a dominant grasshopper herbivore and grass and herb plants. Experimental warming further offers insight into how climate change might alter direct and indirect effects. Under ambient environmental conditions, spiders used habitat in spatially complementary locations. Consistent with predictions, the multiple predator effect on grasshoppers and on plants was the average of the individual predator effects. Warming strengthened the single predator effects. It also caused the spider species to overlap lower in the vegetation canopy. Consistent with predictions, the system was transformed into an intraguild predation system with the consequent extinction of one spider species. The results portend climate caused loss of predator diversity with important consequences for food web structure and function.
A Shape Grammar for Developing Glyph‐based Visualizations
Authors: Karnick P. , Jeschke S. , Cline D. , Razdan A. , Wentz E. , Wonka P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this paper we address the question of how to quickly model glyph‐based Geographic Information System visualizations. Our solution is based on using shape grammars to set up the different aspects of a visualization, including the geometric content of the visualization, methods for resolving layout conflicts and interaction methods. Our approach significantly increases modelling efficiency over similarly flexible systems currently in use.
Fast Inverse Reflector Design (FIRD)
Authors: Mas A. , Martín I. , Patow G. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract This paper presents a new inverse reflector design method using a GPU‐based computation of outgoing light distribution from reflectors. We propose a fast method to obtain the outgoing light distribution of a parametrized reflector, and then compare it with the desired illumination. The new method works completely in the GPU. We trace millions of rays using a hierarchical height‐field representation of the reflector. Multiple reflections are taken into account. The parameters that define the reflector shape are optimized in an iterative procedure in order for the resulting light distribution to be as close as possible to the desired, user‐provided one. We show that our method can calculate reflector lighting at least one order of magnitude faster than previous methods, even with millions of rays, complex geometries and light sources.
GIzMOs: Genuine Image Mosaics with Adaptive Tiling
Authors: Pavić D. , Ceumern U. , Kobbelt L. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract We present a method that splits an input image into a set of tiles. Each tile is then replaced by another image from a large database such that, when viewed from a distance, the original image is reproduced as well as possible. While the general concept of image mosaics is not new, we consider our results as ‘genuine image mosaics’ (or short GIzMOs) in the sense that the images from the database are not modified in any way. This is different from previous work, where the image tiles are usually colour shifted or overlaid with the high‐frequency content of the input image. Besides the regular alignment of the tiles we propose a greedy approach for adaptive tiling where larger tiles are placed in homogenous image regions. By this we avoid the visual periodicity, which is induced by the equal spacing of the image tiles in the completely regular setting. Our overall system addresses also the cleaning of the image database by removing all unwanted images with no meaningful content. We apply differently sophisticated image descriptors to find the best matching image for each tile. For aesthetic and artistic reasons we classify each tile as ‘feature’ or ‘non‐feature’ and then apply a suitable image descriptor. In a user study we have verified that our descriptors lead to mosaics that are significantly better recognizable than just taking, e.g. average colour values.
Geographical Proximity and Immigrant Labour in Agriculture: Albanian Immigrants in the Greek Countryside
Authors: Labrianidis Lois , Sykas Theodosis 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe investigate the importance of geographical proximity between Greece and Albania for the migrating experience of Albanian immigrants who work in the Greek countryside. From the fieldwork research we conducted in the countryside of northern Greece we find that the geographical proximity between Greece and Albania (the fact that they are bordering countries) and the inherent seasonality of agricultural employment allow immigrants to make rapid and repeated moves between the two countries and also work on a seasonal basis on their family agricultural holdings for the few months when they return home. Hence, these features embody a range of employment options that give these immigrants the opportunity to work on both sides of the border, transferring resources and skills acquired in Greece to Albania. As a result, a considerable proportion of immigrants working in agriculture actually work in both countries, and their annual employment and attempts at upward economic mobility are geographically dispersed in the two countries.
Role of 1 and 3 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function recovery after acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Khedr E. M. , Abdel‐Fadeil M. R. , Farghali A. , Qaid M. 
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose:  The purpose of this study was to compare the long‐term effect of five daily sessions of 1 vs. 3 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor recovery in acute stroke.Methods:  A total of 36 patients with acute ischaemic stroke participated in the study. The patients were randomly assigned into one of three groups; the first and second groups received real rTMS; 1 and 3 Hz and third group received sham stimulation, daily for 5 days. Motor disability was assessed before and after the last session, and then after first, second and third month. Cortical excitability was assessed before and after the second and fifth session. The outcome measure was clinical disability at 3 months post‐rTMS.Results:  No significant differences were found in basal rating scales between the three groups. At the 3‐month time point, both of the real rTMS groups had improved significantly more in different rating scales than the sham group; in addition, the 1 Hz group performed better than the 3 Hz group. Measures of cortical excitability immediately after the last session showed that the 1 Hz group had reduced excitability of the non‐stroke hemisphere and increased excitability of the stroke hemisphere, whereas the 3 Hz group only showed increased excitability of the stroke hemisphere.Conclusion:  These results confirm that five daily sessions of rTMS over motor cortex using either 1 Hz over the unaffected hemisphere or 3 Hz over the affected hemisphere can enhance recovery. At 3 months, the improvement was more pronounced in 1 Hz group.
Autobiographical memory in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Zarei M. , Pouretemad H. R. , Bak T. , Hodges J. R. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  We aimed to investigate recall of autobiographical memories across lifetime periods in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).Method:  Patients with PSP (n = 10) were given a test of autobiographical and personal semantic information and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE). The result was compared to 30 matched neurologically intact participants.Result:  A mild autobiographical memory impairment was observed in PSP without a temporal gradient for the recall of autobiographical or personal semantic information. Performance correlated with verbal fluency in ACE.Conclusion:  Patients with PSP show mild deficits in autobiographical memory, which is likely to reflect a frontal retrieval deficit.
Impact of stroke units on mortality: a Bayesian analysis
Authors: O’Rourke K. , Walsh C. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Observational studies of the impact of care delivered in stroke units on mortality after acute stroke have been difficult to interpret because of bias.Methods:  This study used Bayesian methodology to (i) sequentially update current knowledge based on a systematic review of observational studies, (ii) adjust for the likely effect of observational bias in a conservative, scenario‐based approach and (iii) evaluate the likely impact of further studies. The data were interpreted both unmodified and adjusted for bias by explicitly correcting for point estimate and precision bias.Results:  As of 2007, the total evidence base was almost 47 000 patients. The unadjusted data yielded a current 95% posterior credible interval (Cr.I.) for the odds ratio of death within 1 year after stroke unit versus alternative models of stroke care of (0.77, 0.85). Given the adjusted data, the current 95% Cr. I. is (0.79, 0.93).Conclusions:  The current estimates are robust, with demonstrable stability despite the addition of recent large studies. Further studies are very unlikely to alter current knowledge but may have a role in ensuring regional stability of outcome.
Independent validation of the scales for outcomes in Parkinson’s disease‐autonomic (SCOPA‐AUT)
Authors: Rodriguez‐Blazquez C. , Forjaz M. J. , Frades‐Payo B. , De Pedro‐Cuesta J. , Martinez‐Martin P. ,   on behalf of the Longitudinal Parkinson’s Disease Patient Study (Estudio longitudinal de pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson–ELEP ) Group
Published: September 2009

Background and purpose: Autonomic dysfunction is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and causes a great impact in health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and functional status of patients. This study is the first independent validation of the Scales for Outcomes in PD‐Autonomic (SCOPA‐AUT).Methods: In an observational, cross‐sectional study (ELEP Study), 387 PD patients were assessed using, in addition to the SCOPA‐AUT, the Hoehn and Yahr staging, SCOPA‐Motor, SCOPA‐Cognition, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale‐Geriatrics, modified Parkinson Psychosis Rating Scale, Clinical Impression of Severity Index for PD, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SCOPA‐Sleep, SCOPA‐Psychosocial, pain and fatigue visual analogue scales, and EQ‐5D. SCOPA‐AUT acceptability, internal consistency, construct validity, and precision were explored.Results: Data quality was satisfactory (97%). SCOPA‐AUT total score did not show floor or ceiling effect, and skewness was 0.40. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.64 (Cardiovascular and Thermorregulatory subscales) to 0.95 (Sexual dysfunction, women). Item homogeneity index was low (0.24) for Gastrointestinal subscale. Factor analysis identified eight factors for men (68% of the variance) and seven factors for women (65% of the variance). SCOPA‐AUT correlated at a high level with specific HRQL and functional measures (rS = 0.52–0.56). SCOPA‐AUT scores were higher for older patients, for more advanced disease, and for patients treated only with levodopa (Kruskal–Wallis test,P < 0.01). Standard error of measurement for SCOPA‐AUT subscales was 0.81 (sexual, men) – 2.26 (gastrointestinal).Conclusions: Despite its heterogeneous content, which determines some weaknesses in the psychometric attributes of its subscales, SCOPA‐AUT is an acceptable, consistent, valid and precise scale.
George III, Tyrant: The Crisis as Critic of Empire, 1775–1776
Authors: YORK NEIL 
Published: September 2009

Abstract The Crisis, a London weekly published between January 1775 and October 1776, attempted to join Britain and the American colonies in a transatlantic community of protest. It did so more stridently than virtually anything printed either in the colonies or elsewhere in the London press. King George III, his chief ministers, and their supporters in parliament were all fair game for its caustic commentary. It condemned their imperial policy as self‐destructive and their treatment of the Americans as foolishly shortsighted. It condoned American resistance to what it characterized as tyrannical policies and called on Britons to beware that what began as oppression of the colonies could end up threatening rights on their own side of the Atlantic as well. Even so, the men behind The Crisis hoped for a solution to the problems of empire within it, not outside it, and their ardour for the Patriot cause cooled once Revolutionary Americans declared independence. Despite their rhetorical blasts at Whitehall and Westminster, the men behind The Crisis were not looking to turn protest into rebellion nor were they interested in trading monarchy for a republic. They fell silent when their differences with American Revolutionaries became too obvious to deny.
Lagging behind in good times: immigrants and the increased dependence on social assistance in Sweden
Authors: Mood Carina 
Published: September 2009

Mood C. Lagging behind in good times: immigrants and the increased dependence on social assistance in SwedenInt J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: 55–65 © 2009 The Author, Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.After the 1990s recession in Sweden, social assistance (SA) recipiency decreased to levels that were clearly lower than before the recession. However, this decrease masked a strong polarisation: the number of short‐term recipients fell, but the number of long‐term recipients was higher than before the recession. This article shows how SA recipiency and dependence changed over a whole economic cycle in Sweden's largest city, Stockholm, and asks whether the increasing dependence can be explained by immigration. It is shown that the relative increase of long‐term SA is similar among immigrants and native‐born, but decomposition analysis reveals that the increase among native‐born is of minor importance for the overall increase. Nearly half the increase can be attributed instead to the increased representation of immigrants in the population, and another 38 per cent to increased dependence among immigrants. Only 15 per cent of the total increase in long‐term SA is a result of increased dependence among native‐born.
Serum insulin patterns and the relationship between insulin sensitivity and glycaemic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Seneviratne HR , Lankeshwara D , Wijeratne S , Somasunderam N , Athukorale D 
Published: September 2009

Objective  To evaluate serum insulin levels and insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in relation to their glycaemic status.Design  An observational study.Setting  A tertiary‐level reproductive health centre in Sri Lanka.Sample  Infertile women diagnosed as having PCOS (n = 168) on the basis of the Rotterdam criteria were included in the study.Methods  Glycaemic status and serum insulin values were assessed at fasting and at 2 hours after a 75‐g oral glucose load and stratified as diabetes mellitus (DM) (10.12%), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (23.21%) and normoglycaemia (66.67%). The normoglycaemic group was restratified as groups A (10.7%), B (79.5%) and C (9.8%) on the basis of serum insulin levels, with group A having the lowest and group C the highest values. The Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) scores of women with DM and IGT and those in groups A, B and C in the normoglycaemic category were compared.Main outcome measures  Insulin sensitivity in these groups of women.Results  Body mass index (BMI) exceeded 23 kg/m2 in 77.38% of the women. In normoglycaemic women with PCOS, insulin sensitivity was highest in group A. In groups B and C, insulin sensitivities corresponded to those found for women with IGT and DM respectively. This pattern was also reflected in the BMI.Conclusions  Normoglycaemic women with PCOS are heterogeneous regarding insulin sensitivity. The treatment offered to those with DM and IGT could be extended to subgroups B and C of normoglycaemic subjects. Normoglycaemic women with PCOS with high insulin sensitivity (group A) would not qualify for this treatment.
Sulforaphane as an inducer of glutathione prevents oxidative stress‐induced cell death in a dopaminergic‐like neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Tarozzi Andrea , Morroni Fabiana , Merlicco Adriana , Hrelia Silvana , Angeloni Cristina , Cantelli‐Forti Giorgio , Hrelia Patrizia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe total GSH depletion observed in the substantia nigra (SN) appears to be responsible for subsequent oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and dopaminergic cell loss in patients with Parkinson’s disease. A strategy to prevent the OS of dopaminergic cells in the SN may be the use of chemopreventive agents as inducers of endogenous GSH, antioxidant and phase 2 enzymes. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of the dopaminergic‐like neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cell line with sulforaphane (SF), a cruciferous vegetables inducer, resulted in significant increases of total GSH level, NAD(P)H : quinone oxidoreductase‐1, GSH‐transferase and ‐reductase, but not GSH‐peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Further, the elevation of GSH levels, GSH‐transferase and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1 activities was correlated to an increase of the resistance of SH‐SY5Y cells to toxicity induced by H2O2 or 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). The pre‐treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with SF was also shown to prevent various apoptotic events (mitochondrial depolarization, caspase 9 and 3 activation and DNA fragmentation) and necrosis elicited by 6‐OHDA. Further, the impairment of antioxidant capacity and reactive oxygen species formation at intracellular level after exposure to 6‐OHDA was effectively counteracted by pre‐treatment with SF. Last, both the cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of SF were abolished by the addition of buthionine sulfoximine supporting the main role of GSH in the neuroprotective effects displayed by SF. These findings show that SF may play a role in preventing Parkinson’s disease.
Acrolein scavenging: a potential novel mechanism of attenuating oxidative stress following spinal cord injury
Authors: Hamann Kristin , Shi Riyi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIt has long been established that oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, and represents an important target of therapeutic intervention following the initial trauma. However, free radical scavengers have been largely ineffective in clinical trials, and as such a novel target to attenuate oxidative stress is highly warranted. In addition to free radicals, peroxidation of lipid membranes following spinal cord injury (SCI) produces reactive aldehydes such as acrolein. Acrolein is capable of depleting endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione, generating free radicals, promoting oxidative stress, and damaging proteins and DNA. Acrolein has a significantly longer half‐life than the transient free radicals, and thus may represent a potentially better target of therapeutic intervention to attenuate oxidative stress. There is growing evidence, from our lab and others, to suggest that reactive aldehydes such as acrolein play a critical role in oxidative stress and SCI. The focus of this review is to summarize the cellular and biochemical mechanisms of acrolein‐induced membrane damage, mitochondrial injury, oxidative stress, cell death, and functional loss. Evidence will also be presented to suggest that acrolein scavenging may be a novel means of therapeutic intervention to attenuate oxidative stress and improve recovery following traumatic SCI.
Analysis of human myocardial dynamics using virtual markers based on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kvitting John‐Peder Escobar , Sigfridsson Andreas , Wigström Lars , Bolger Ann F. , Karlsson Matts 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground:  Myocardial dynamics are three‐dimensional (3D) and time‐varying. Cineradiography of surgically implanted makers in animals or patients is accurate for assessing these events, but this invasive method potentially alters myocardial motion. The aim of the study was to quantify myocardial motion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and hence to provide a non‐invasive approach to characterize 3D myocardial dynamics.Methods:  Myocardial motion was quantified in ten normal volunteers by tracking the Lagrangian motion of individual points (i.e. virtual markers), based on time‐resolved 3D phase‐contrast MRI data and Fourier tracking. Nine points in the myocardium were tracked over the entire cardiac cycle, allowing a wire frame model to be generated and systolic and diastolic events identified.Results:  Radius of curvature of the left ventricular (LV) wall was calculated from the virtual markers; the ratio between the anterior–posterior (AP) and septal–lateral (SL) walls in the LV shows an oval shape of the apical short axis plane at end systole (ES) and more circular at end diastole (ED). The AP/SL ratio for the basal plane shows an oval shape at ES and ED. We found that the rotation of the basal plane in ES was less compared to the apical plane [−2·0 ± 2·2 versus 4·1 ± 2·6 degrees (P<0·005)]. The apical plane rotated counter clock wise as viewed from the apex.Conclusion:  This new non‐invasive tool, despite current limitations in temporal and spatial resolution, may provide a comprehensive set of virtual myocardial markers throughout the entire LV without the confounding effects introduced by surgical implantation.
Employer Demand for Health Services Researchers in the Year 2020
Authors: Thornton Craig , Brown Jonathan D. 
Published: September 2009

Objective. To describe factors that will shape future demand for doctoral‐trained health services researchers.Study Design/Data Sources. Commentary based on recent trends in funding for health services research (HSR), the number of federally funded HSR projects listed in HSRProj, national expenditures for health, and interviews with a small number of employers.Principal Findings. Despite rapid growth in the overall health care sector, inflation‐adjusted funding for HSR has declined, implying little or no net growth in demand for people to lead HSR studies. Employers report being able to hire researchers to conduct HSR by drawing on people trained in many disciplines.Conclusion. Employers have considerable flexibility in hiring individuals to conduct HSR when demand is relatively stable. They may have much more difficulty hiring well‐qualified researchers when faced with sharp increases in demand for HSR, such as could be generated by recent economic stimulus legislation.