bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical aspects of adult syphilis
Authors: Read P. J. , Donovan B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSyphilis has been resurgent in Australian cities for the last decade. The varied presentation of this infection requires the physician to consider syphilis in the differential diagnosis of a broad range of conditions. Most cases are in men who have sex with men, young people in remote Aboriginal communities, or travellers from high‐prevalence countries. The diagnosis and staging of syphilis require a sexual history, physical examination and interpretation of serological and microbiological findings. Penicillin remains the mainstay of effective treatment and has been used successfully for over 65 years. Treatment failure is rare, whereas reinfection is common. The interaction of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus is complex, but standard therapy remains curative, and lumbar puncture is rarely required. Regular testing of high‐risk individuals, contact tracing with empirical treatment and serological follow up are important components of syphilis control.
Effectiveness of adherence therapy in patients with early psychosis: A mirror image study
Authors: Brown Ellie , Gray Richard , Jones Martin , Whitfield Simon 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTIn patients with early psychosis, medication non‐adherence is associated with more frequent relapse. Observational studies have reported that up to 60% of patients fail to take medication as prescribed. This study aimed to establish the effectiveness of adherence therapy (AT) training for two multidisciplinary early intervention in psychosis (EIIP) teams in preventing relapse in their patients. This intervention involved six 1‐day team AT training sessions delivered monthly over a 6‐month period. Participants were patients with early psychosis who were on the caseload of the EIIP teams during the study period. A mirror‐image design was used, comparing clinician ratings of relapse in the year preceding training (year 0) and the subsequent year (year 1). Results showed that in year 0, the mean number of relapses was 0.96 (standard deviation (SD) = 1.10). During year 1, relapses reduced significantly (P < 0.01) to 0.34 (SD = 0.64). No unexpected effects of training were reported. A thematic analysis of staff views of training, and service users' views of their care received from EIIP teams, was also completed. Challenges in faithfully incorporating AT skills into practice were reported. In conclusion, AT training coincided with reductions in relapse rates in patients receiving services from an EIIP team, but no other changes in outcomes were detected.
Postnatal experience modulates functional properties of mouse olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: He Jiwei , Tian Huikai , Lee Anderson C. , Ma Minghong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractEarly experience considerably modulates the organization and function of all sensory systems. In the mammalian olfactory system, deprivation of the sensory inputs via neonatal, unilateral naris closure has been shown to induce structural, molecular and functional changes from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb and cortex. However, it remains unknown how early experience shapes the functional properties of individual olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), the primary odor detectors in the nose. To address this question, we examined the odorant response properties of mouse OSNs in both the closed and open nostril after 4 weeks of unilateral naris closure, with age‐matched untreated animals as control. Using a patch‐clamp technique on genetically tagged OSNs with defined odorant receptors (ORs), we found that sensory deprivation increased the sensitivity of MOR23 neurons in the closed side, whereas overexposure caused the opposite effect in the open side. We next analyzed the response properties, including rise time, decay time, and adaptation, induced by repeated stimulation in MOR23 and M71 neurons. Even though these two types of neuron showed distinct properties with regard to dynamic range and response kinetics, sensory deprivation significantly slowed down the decay phase of odorant‐induced transduction events in both types. Using western blotting and antibody staining, we confirmed the upregulation of several signaling proteins in the closed side as compared with the open side. This study suggests that early experience modulates the functional properties of OSNs, probably by modifying the signal transduction cascade.
A hierarchical theory of macroecology
Authors: Passy Sophia I. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe relationships of local population density (N) with body size (M) and distribution (D) have been extensively studied because they reveal how ecological and historical factors structure species communities; however, a unifying model explaining their joint behaviour, has not been developed. Here, I propose a theory that explores these relationships hierarchically and predicts that: (1) at a metacommunity level, niche breadth, population density and regional distribution are all related and size‐dependent and (2) at a community level, the exponentsbanddof the relationshipsN ~ M bandN ~ D dare functions (f)of the environment and, consequently, species richness (S), allowing the following reformulation of the power laws:N ~ M f(S)andN ~ Df(S). Using this framework and continental data on stream environment, diatoms, invertebrates and fish, I address the following fundamental, but unresolved ecological questions: how do species partition their resources across environments, is energetic equivalence among them possible, are generalists more common than specialists, why are locally abundant species also regionally prevalent, and, do microbes have different biogeography than macroorganisms? The discovery that community scaling behaviour is environmentally constrained calls for better integration of macroecology and environmental science.
Thiosulfate dehydrogenase: a widespread unusual acidophilic c‐type cytochrome
Authors: Denkmann Kevin , Grein Fabian , Zigann Renate , Siemen Anna , Bergmann Johannes , van Helmont Sebastian , Nicolai Anne , Pereira Inês A. C. , Dahl Christiane 
Published: June 2012

SummaryIn this work we identified the gene for the tetrathionate‐forming thiosulfate dehydrogenase (TsdA) from the purple sulfur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum by sequence analysis and reverse genetics. The recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli is a periplasmic, monomeric 25.8 kDa dihaem cytochrome c with an enzyme activity optimum at pH 4. UV‐visible and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy indicate methionine (strictly conserved M222 or M236) and cysteine (C123) as probable sixth distal axial ligands of the two haem irons in TsdA. These results place TsdA in the group of c‐type cytochromes with an unusual axial histidine‐cysteine coordination of the haem iron. These proteins appear to play a pivotal role in sulfur‐based energy metabolism. Exchange of C123 to glycine rendered thiosulfate dehydrogenase inactive, proving the importance of this residue for catalysis.TsdA homologues are present in α‐, β‐, δ‐, γ‐ and ε‐Proteobacteria. Three of these were produced in E. coli and exhibited the expected enzymatic activity. The widespread occurrence of tsdA agrees with reports of tetrathionate formation not only by specialized sulfur oxidizers but also by many chemoorganoheterotrophs that use thiosulfate as a supplemental but not as the sole energy source.
Association of chronic plaque psoriasis and severe periodontitis: a hospital based case‐control study
Authors: Lazaridou E. , Tsikrikoni A. , Fotiadou C. , Kyrmanidou E. , Vakirlis E. , Giannopoulou C. , Apalla Z. , Ioannides D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Both chronic plaque psoriasis and periodontitis have an increasing prevalence worldwide and have been associated with the metabolic syndrome; however limited information is available on their association.Objective  To evaluate the possible association of severe periodontitis and chronic plaque psoriasis.Methods  This was a hospital based case‐control study. Chronic plaque psoriasis patients and age‐ and gender‐matched controls have been recruited. Baseline demographic data have been recorded. To explore correlations between different dichotomous variables the Sperman Rho correlation coefficient was used. Correlations were further explored non‐parametrically and univariate and multivariate logistic regression was utilized after adjustment for the effect of confounders.Results  During the study enrolment period 100 patients with CPP and 100 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were included in this study. Mean age for both groups was 57.2 ± 5.3 years. 43% of patients and controls were males. Significant correlations where noted between psoriasis and 1) periodontitis (rho = 0.219, P = 0.02) and 2) metabolic syndrome (rho = 0.191, P = 0.07) using Spearman’s Rho correlation co‐efficient. Univariate logistic regression reported significant relations between psoriasis and periodontitis (OR = 3.329, 95%CI: 1.513–7.324, P = 0.003) and psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.293, 95%CI: 1.250–4.207, P = 0.007). On the contrary, a non‐significant relation between psoriasis and active smoking status was detected (OR = 1.041, 95%CI: 0.597–1.817, P = 0.887). In a multivariate analysis model we found a significant correlation of psoriasis and periodontitis when controlled for the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.486, 95%CI: 1.002–5.842, P = 0.049).Conclusion  Periodontitis may be associated with psoriasis but further studies are required to elucidate their relationship in the context of the biologic plausibility.
Human‐mediated long‐distance dispersal: an empirical evaluation of seed dispersal by vehicles
Authors: Taylor Kimberley , Brummer Tyler , Taper Mark L. , Wing Alexandre , Rew Lisa J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo determine seed retention rates on vehicles as a function of distance driven, road surface, weather condition and seed location on the vehicle undercarriage.LocationMontana,UnitedStates.MethodsMetal plates were covered with a seed‐soil slurry, dried and attached to different locations underneath a vehicle. The vehicle was then driven on paved and unpaved roads under both wet and dry conditions. Plates were removed from the vehicle at seven distances between 4 and 256 km. The number of seeds remaining was determined. Four general models were assessed to explain observed seed retention.ResultsUnder dry conditions, seed retention rates were high on both unpaved and paved roads, with 86–99% of the seeds remaining at 256 km. Under wet conditions, lower rates of seed retention were observed for both road surfaces: 0.3–80% of seeds were retained at 256 km on paved wet roads and 50–96% of seeds were retained at 256 km on unpaved wet roads. Plate location had a significant effect on seed retention under certain road surfaces and conditions, with loss generally being highest from the wheel wells. Of the statistical models compared, a double exponential model explained the most variation in seed retention.Main conclusionsVehicles act as vectors of long‐distance dispersal. Seed adhered to vehicles can be retained for hundreds of kilometres under dry conditions. When wet conditions occur, a greater proportion of seeds will be dispersed shorter distances. Consequently, vehicle seed dispersal has implications for plant invasions and species migration rates, and those concerned with prevention and control of non‐native plant invasions should consider vehicle seed transport when developing management strategies and plans.
Reconstructing plant invasions using historical aerial imagery and pollen core analysis: Typha in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Lishawa Shane C. , Treering David. J. , Vail Lane M. , McKenna Owen , Grimm Eric C. , Tuchman Nancy C. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimDetermining the spatial‐temporal spread of an invasive plant is vital for understanding long‐term impacts. However, invasions have rarely been directly documented given the resources required and the need for substantial foresight. One method widely used is historical photography interpretation, but this can be hard to verify. We attempt to improve this method by linking historical aerial photos to a paleobotanical analysis of pollen cores.LocationLaurentian Great Lakes coastal wetlands, United States of America.MethodsWe chose invasive cattail (
Typha) as our model species because it is identifiable from aerial imagery and has persistent, identifiable pollen, and its ecological impacts appear to be time‐dependent. We used Geographic Information Systems, aerial photo‐interpretation and field verification to post‐dict the invasion history of
Typha in several wetland ecosystems. Using 210
Pb and 137
Cs sediment dating and pollen classification, we correlated the temporal dominance of
Typha to our estimates of per cent coverage at one site. The pollen record was then used to estimate the
Typha invasion dynamics for dates earlier than those for which aerial photos were available.Results
Typha spread through time in all study wetlands. Typha pollen dominance increased through time corresponding with increased spatial dominance. Hybrid cattail,
T. × glauca increased in pollen abundance relative to
T. angustifolia pollen through time.Main conclusionsThis study illustrates the value of generating historical invasion maps with publically available aerial imagery and linking these maps with paleobotanical data to study recent (< 100 years) invasions. We determined rates of
Typha expansion in two coastal wetland types, validated our mapping methods and modelled the relationship between pollen abundance and wetland coverage, enhancing the temporal precision and breadth of analyses. Our methodology should be replicable with similar invasive plant species. The combination of pollen records and historical photography promises to be a valuable additional tool for determining invasion dynamics.
Soil nitrogen and denitrification potential as affected by land use and stand age following agricultural abandonment in a headwater catchment
Authors: ZHANG K. , CHENG X. , DANG H. , YE C. , ZHANG Q. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChanges in vegetation and soil properties because of agricultural abandonment may affect soil nitrogen (N) and associated processes. We investigated soil N (total N: TN, inorganic N: NH4–N and NO3–N) and denitrification potential in cropland, pine plantations and abandoned agricultural land along a secondary succession sequence (grassland→shrubland→secondary forest) in a headwater catchment in the Qinling Mountains, northwest China. The results show that the soil denitrification potential differed significantly among the five land‐use types with the highest potential in the secondary forest, followed by grassland, shrubland, cropland and plantations. The denitrification potential of the 20‐ to 40‐cm layer was significantly lower compared with the topsoil (0–20 cm) across all land‐use types. TN, soil organic matter (SOM) and NH4–N increased significantly with stand age, whereas there was an opposite trend in soil pH. However, the denitrification potential did not relate to stand age in a linear manner. We conclude that changes in soil TN, SOM and pH during vegetation succession following agricultural abandonment are critical controls on the denitrification potential.
The Link between Household Income, University Applications and University Attendance*
Authors: Anders Jake 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGiven the high returns to holding a degree, it is important to understand the relationship between household income and university entry in terms of the likely consequences for social mobility. This paper provides new evidence using the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England. I provide estimates of the income gradients in university participation overall and at a group of high‐status institutions (the Russell Group). I also investigate the extent to which these gaps may be driven by discrimination against students from lower‐income backgrounds by universities, by considering income gradients in applications. I find substantial differences in university entry overall and at Russell Group institutions between students from high‐ and low‐income families. However, I show that most of the difference is driven by application decisions, particularly once I control for ‘ability’ at age 11. This suggests that universities do not discriminate against students from poorer backgrounds. Instead, those students are less likely to apply. These findings suggest that policies aimed at reducing the university participation gap at the point of entry are likely to face small rewards. More likely to be successful are policies aimed at closing the substantial applications gap, particularly by ensuring that students from poorer backgrounds have the necessary qualifications to apply.
The Distributional Impact of the 2012–13 Higher Education Funding Reforms in England*
Authors: Chowdry Haroon , Dearden Lorraine , Goodman Alissa , Jin Wenchao 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper investigates the financial implications of the higher education funding regime to be introduced in English universities in September 2012. The analysis is based on simulated lifetime earnings profiles among graduates, linked to imputed information on parental incomes and institution and course choices. We find that, on average, total gross tuition fees will increase by over £15,000 as a result of the reforms; nevertheless, students will be significantly better off while they study due to the increased generosity of student support. The average graduate will be roughly £8,850 worse off over their lifetime, while universities will, on average, be better off as they are more than able to make up for the loss of substantial amounts of direct public funding through higher fees. The taxpayer is set to lose 33p of every £1 loaned to students (up from 25p under the current system) because of the generosity of the loan repayment terms, although the new regime is still expected to save the taxpayer around £2,500 per graduate overall. The reforms involve a substantial shift in the incidence of the cost of higher education away from the public sector and towards the private sector.In terms of the likely implications for social mobility, our work confirms that the new funding regime is actually more progressive than its predecessor: the poorest 29 per cent of graduates will be better off under the new system, while other graduates will be worse off. Moreover, the richest 15 per cent of graduates will pay back more than they borrow, while others will be subsidised. If prospective students from poorer backgrounds are aware of these facts, then, in theory, the new funding system should not dissuade them from applying to university – and thus it would increase, rather than reduce, social mobility in the long run. However, this will require a lack of debt aversion amongst students from the poorest backgrounds, and the ability for the government and universities to provide students with clear information about the likely costs of going to university.
The Impact of Fathers' Job Loss during the Recession of the 1980s on their Children's Educational Attainment and Labour Market Outcomes*
Authors: Gregg Paul , Macmillan Lindsey , Nasim Bilal 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe research on intergenerational correlations in outcomes is increasingly moving from measurement into assessment of causal transmission mechanisms. This paper analyses the causal impact of fathers' job loss on their children's educational attainment and later economic outcomes. To do so, we isolate the effect of job loss associated with major industry contractions, mainly in manufacturing, during the recession of the 1980s by mapping industry‐level employment change data from 1980 to 1983 into the British Cohort Study (BCS). Children with fathers who were identified as being displaced did significantly worse in terms of their GCSE attainment than those with non‐displaced fathers. A child with a displaced father obtained, on average, 18 grade points lower or half a GCSE at grades A*–C less than their otherwise‐identical counterparts, the equivalent of about 2 per cent lower wages as an adult. There is also a small effect of fathers' displacement on the early labour market attachment of children, but no direct impact on their earnings at age 30/34. This does not mean that the impact of job loss will not affect social mobility. Those with lower income, education and social class were most affected by job losses and there is a direct effect on education and youth unemployment, which we know to be drivers of later earnings. This suggests that the recent recession may have significant long‐term consequences for the children of those who have lost their jobs.
The Quest for More and More Education: Implications for Social Mobility*
Authors: Lindley Joanne , Machin Stephen 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the quest for more and more education and its implications for social mobility. We document very rapid educational upgrading in Britain over the last 30 years or so and show that this rise has featured faster increases in education acquisition by people from relatively rich family backgrounds. At the same time, wage differentials for the more educated have risen. Putting these two together (more education for people from richer backgrounds and an increase in the pay‐off to this education) implies increasing within‐generation inequality. By reinforcing already‐existing inequalities from the previous generation, this has hindered social mobility. We also highlight three important aspects that, to date, have not been well integrated into the social mobility literature: the acquisition of postgraduate qualifications; gender differences; and the poor education performance of men at the lower end of the education distribution.
Evaluation of L‐lactate and cardiac troponin I in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery
Authors: Radcliffe Rolfe M. , Divers Thomas J. , Fletcher Daniel J. , Mohammed Hussni , Kraus Marc S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate changes in plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and L‐lactate (LLt) as prognostic indicators in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.DesignProspective observational study.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsThirty‐four horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.InterventionsSerial blood sampling during various times during hospitalization (hospital admission, and 12, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively) evaluating cTnI and LLt concentrations.Measurements and Main ResultsAll horses required surgery for correction of a strangulating (n = 29) or nonstrangulating obstruction (n = 5) of the small or large intestine. Twenty‐seven horses survived to discharge; 7 were euthanized either during (n = 1) or after (n = 6) surgery due to disease severity or systemic complications associated with the primary gastrointestinal lesion. Preoperative cTnI concentrations were increased above the normal reference interval in 24% of horses (8/34, median = 0.01 ng/mL, range = 0–12.23 ng/mL), whereas LLt concentrations were increased above the normal reference interval in 88% of horses (30/34, median = 3.37 mmol/L, range = 0.77–13.26 mmol/L). The LLt concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in nonsurviving compared with surviving horses at admission, and at 24 and 72 hours postoperatively. No significant difference in the cTnI concentration was detected between groups at admission. However, the cTnI concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) in nonsurviving compared with surviving horses at all time points postoperatively.ConclusionsMeasurement of both LLt and cTnI concentrations may provide information for prognostication in surgical colic horses. Marked increases in admission concentrations of LLt (median 7.56 mmol/L) and even moderate postoperative increases in cTnI concentration (median 0.97 ng/mL) may both indicate a poor prognosis in critically ill horses following abdominal surgery.