bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PATTERNS OF CO‐MOVEMENT BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND GERMANY: EVIDENCE FROM THE PERIOD 1985 TO 2006
Authors: Kabundi Alain , Loots Elsabé 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the co‐movement between Germany and South Africa by applying a dynamic factor model. Because these two countries have a long history of predominant trade ties, they deemed to be suitable proxies to analyse the channels of transmission of positive supply and demand shocks in a developed economy and the effects of these on an emerging market economy. In contrast to general expectations, the paper concludes that a German supply shock has more of a demand‐shock effect on the South African economy, while a German demand shock is transmitted through price in South Africa. This implies that the policy response in South Africa should not necessarily be the same as in Germany.
ZONE‐TARGETING MONETARY POLICY PREFERENCES AND FINANCIAL MARKET CONDITIONS: A FLEXIBLE NON‐LINEAR POLICY REACTION FUNCTION OF THE SARB MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Naraidoo Ruthira , Raputsoane Leroi 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe estimate a flexible model of the monetary policy reaction function of the South African Reserve Bank based on a representation of the policymaker's preferences that capture asymmetries and zone‐targeting behaviours. We augment the analysis to allow for responses to financial market conditions over and above inflation and output stabilisation to address the current debate on the importance of financial asset prices in monetary policy decision making. The empirical results show that the monetary authorities' response to inflation is zone symmetric. Secondly, the monetary authorities' response to output is asymmetric with increased reaction during business cycle downturns relative to upturns. Thirdly, the monetary authorities pay close attention to the financial conditions index by placing an equal weight on financial market booms and recessions.
Direct versus indirect pathways of salmon-derived nutrient incorporation in experimental lotic food webs
Authors: Kiernan Joseph D. , Harvey Brett N. , Johnson Michael L. 
Published: December 2010

The objective of our study was to examine how salmon carcass subsidization through alternative trophic pathways affected stream food web productivity. Three salmon carcass treatments (dissolved carcass nutrients only, dissolved carcass nutrients + carcass material, and a carcass-free control) were replicated five times in artificial stream channels. We quantified changes in water chemistry and the production of periphyton, macroinvertebrates, and age 0+ steelhead trout (i.e., sea-run rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss ) over 65 days. Dissolved ammonium and periphyton chlorophyll a concentrations increased for an approximate 2-week period in both carcass-augmented treatments. However, there was no commensurate effect on periphyton ash-free dry mass. Total macroinvertebrate biomass was significantly greater in the presence of nutrients + material after 65 days, but no such increase was observed in response to the addition of dissolved nutrients only. Despite modest and inconsistent effects at lower trophic levels, both the nutrients only and nutrients + material treatments increased the growth and condition of age 0+ steelhead trout, with significantly greater gains occurring in the presence of nutrients + material. These data suggest that while salmon carcasses can enhance the short-term growth of juvenile salmonids via bottom-up pathways, the availability and direct consumption of carcass biomass may promote a substantial amount of additional production.
Comment on “Egg consumption in mature Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)”Appears in Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66(9): 1546–1553.
Authors: Armstrong Jonathan B. 
Published: December 2010

In their recent article, “Egg consumption in mature Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.)” (Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 66(9): 1546–1553), Garner et al. observed salmon eggs in the stomach contents of mature Chinook, coho, and chum salmon. Through experimentation and simulation of salmon energetics, the authors conclude that the observed feeding represents an important gain in energy, challenging the accepted paradigm that assumes salmon energy budgets contain no gains once adults return to freshwater. Here, I argue that Garner et al. have overestimated the energetic consequence of egg consumption and that the observed consumption rates do not represent biologically significant gains in energy.
Organosulfur oxoacids. Part 2. A novel dimethylthiourea metabolite — Synthesis and characterization of the surprisingly stable and inert dimethylaminoiminomethane sulfonic acid
Authors: Petersen Jeffrey L. , Otoikhian Adenike A. , Morakinyo Moshood K. , Simoyi Reuben H. 
Published: December 2010

A new metabolite of the biologically active thiocarbamide dimethylthiourea (DMTU) has been synthesized and characterized. DMTU’s metabolic activation in the physiological environment is expected to be dominated by S-oxygenation, which produces, successively, the sulfenic, sulfinic, and sulfonic acids before forming sulfate and dimethylurea. Only the sulfinic and sulfonic acids are stable enough to be isolated. This manuscript reports on the first synthesis, isolation, and characterization of the sulfonic acid: dimethylaminoiminomethanesulfonic acid (DMAIMSOA). It crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pbca space group and exists as a zwitterion in its solid crystal form. The negative charge is delocalized over the sulfonic acid oxygens and the positive charge is concentrated over the planar N–C–N framework rather than strictly on the sp2-hybridized cationic carbon center. As opposed to its sulfinic acid analogue, DMAIMSOA is extremely inert in acidic environments and can maintain its titer for weeks at pH 6 and below. It is, however, reasonably reactive at physiological pH conditions and can be oxidized to dimethylurea and sulfate by mild oxidants such as aqueous iodine.
Predicting branch to bole volume scaling relationships from varying centroids of tree bole volume
Authors: MacFarlane David W. 
Published: December 2010

A novel “varying-centroid” method is presented for predicting whole-tree, aboveground stem volume (i.e., bole plus branch volume) to bole volume ratios from changes in the centroid of tree bole volume associated with branching of the bole. The method was derived from a simple fractal-like tree model based on a conceptualization of tree branching architecture by Leonardo da Vinci. The method recognizes that the centroid of bole volume (the point at which one half of bole volume is above and one half is below) is always lower than the centroid of whole-tree volume and that shifts in the centroid of bole volume should be predictably related to the size of a tree’s crown. The method assumes that branch-displaced bole volume profiles can be compared with reference bole profiles that are not significantly influenced by branching, at the centroid of bole volume, and that the magnitude of bole centroid displacement predicts the branch volume necessary to cause it. When the method was applied to hardwood trees representing diverse species, sizes, and stand conditions across Michigan, the centroid of bole volume was found to vary predictably with measurable tree crown attributes and bole plus branch wood to bole wood volume ratios were generally predicted within 10% of the true value using the new method.
Long-term responses of mammalian herbivores to stand thinning and fertilization in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) forest
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P. , Sullivan Druscilla S. , Lindgren Pontus M.F. , Ransome Douglas B. 
Published: December 2010

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Exrleben, 1777), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)), and moose (Alces alces (L., 1758)) commonly occur in young coniferous forests. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that large-scale pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and repeated fertilization 15–20 years after the onset of treatments in young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Wats.) stands would enhance relative habitat use by hares, deer, and moose compared with unmanaged stands. Study areas were located in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Habitat use was measured by fecal pellet and pellet-group counts. Understory vegetation and coniferous stand structure were measured in all stands. Habitat use by deer and moose was highest in heavily thinned stands, probably due to the higher levels of forage and cover provided by understory shrubs and conifers in thinned stands. Habitat use by snowshoe hares was highest in high-density stands, but also in lower-density (≤1000 stems·ha–1) stands where an increase in understory conifers provided essential cover for hares. Managers should consider the long-term nature of understory development in young stands managed for timber production. Heavy thinning (≤1000 stems·ha–1) will generate suitable understory habitat for these herbivores sooner than conventional PCT at higher stand densities.
Talking about fire: Pikangikum First Nation elders guiding fire management
Authors: Miller Andrew M. , Davidson-Hunt Iain J. , Peters Paddy 
Published: December 2010

In this paper, we present how elders of Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario have drawn upon their knowledge and values associated with fire to engage in fire management planning for 1.3 million hectares of their traditional boreal forest territory. Over a period of 18 months, we engaged in collaborative research strategies that included interviews, visits to historic fire sites, and community meetings with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) to document the elders’ understandings of fire behaviour, forest disturbance and renewal cycles, traditional controlled burning practices, and perspectives on current fire management policies. The elders demonstrated the relevance of their knowledge of fire to contemporary planning efforts affecting woodland caribou habitat and fire management at site and landscape scales within their territory. We identified three themes and six recommendations that elders confirmed as priorities for future fire management planning. The three themes include (i) the need for continuing dialogue for fire management planning with OMNR, (ii) extending traditional teachings of fire safety to community youth, and (iii) the desire to re-engage in fire management using traditional processes.
RhoJ/TCL Regulates Endothelial Motility and Tube Formation and Modulates Actomyosin Contractility and Focal Adhesion Numbers
Authors: Kaur Sukhbir , Leszczynska Katarzyna , Abraham Sabu , Scarcia Margherita , Hiltbrunner Sabina , Marshall Christopher J. , Mavria Georgia , Bicknell Roy , Heath Victoria L. 
Published: December 2010

Objective—
RhoJ/TCL was identified by our group as an endothelial-expressed Rho GTPase. The aim of this study was to determine its tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and function in endothelial migration and tube formation.

Methods and Results—
Using in situ hybridization, RhoJ was localized to endothelial cells in a set of normal and cancerous tissues and in the vasculature of mouse embryos; endogenous RhoJ was localized to focal adhesions by immunofluorescence. The proangiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor activated RhoJ in endothelial cells. Using either small interfering (si)RNA-mediated knockdown of RhoJ expression or overexpression of constitutively active RhoJ (daRhoJ), RhoJ was found to positively regulate endothelial motility and tubule formation. Downregulating RhoJ expression increased focal adhesions and stress fibers in migrating cells, whereas daRhoJ overexpression resulted in the converse. RhoJ downregulation resulted in increased contraction of a collagen gel and increased phospho–myosin light chain, indicative of increased actomyosin contractility. Pharmacological inhibition of Rho-kinase (which phosphorylates myosin light chain) or nonmuscle myosin II reversed the defective tube formation and migration of RhoJ knockdown cells.

Conclusion—
RhoJ is endothelial-expressed in vivo, activated by vascular endothelial growth factor, localizes to focal adhesions, regulates endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and modulates actomyosin contractility and focal adhesion numbers.
Impaired Splicing of Fibronectin Is Associated With Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Paloschi Valentina , Kurtovic Sanela , Folkersen Lasse , Gomez Delphine , Wågsäter Dick , Roy Joy , Petrini Johan , Eriksson Maria J. , Caidahl Kenneth , Hamsten Anders , Liska Jan , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Eriksson Per 
Published: December 2010

Objective—
Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a common complication in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Alternatively spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin (FN) has an essential role in tissue repair. Here we analyze the expression of FN spliceforms in dilated and nondilated ascending aorta of tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and BAV patients.

Methods and Results—

The mRNA expression was analyzed in the ascending aorta by Affymetrix Exon arrays in patients with TAV (n=40) and BAV (n=69). EDA and extra domain B (EDB) expression was increased in dilated aorta from TAV patients compared with nondilated aorta (
P
<0.001 and
P
<0.05, respectively). In contrast, EDA expression was not increased in dilated aorta from BAV patients (
P
=0.25), whereas EDB expression was upregulated (
P
<0.01). The expression of EDA correlated with maximum aortic diameter in TAV (ρ=0.58) but not in BAV (ρ=0.15) patients. Protein analyses of EDA-FN showed concordant results. Transforming growth factor-β treatment influenced the splicing of FN and enhanced the formation of EDA-containing FN in cultured medial cells from TAV patients but not in cells derived from BAV patients. Gene set enrichment analysis together with multivariate and univariate data analyses of mRNA expression suggested that differences in the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway may explain the impaired EDA inclusion in BAV patients.

Conclusion—
Decreased EDA expression may contribute to increased aneurysm susceptibility of BAV patients.
Thrombospondin-1 Is a Plasmatic Marker of Peripheral Arterial Disease That Modulates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenic Properties
Authors: Smadja David M. , d'Audigier Clément , Bièche Ivan , Evrard Solène , Mauge Laetitia , Dias Juliana-Vieira , Labreuche Julien , Laurendeau Ingrid , Marsac Bérengère , Dizier Blandine , Wagner-Ballon Orianne , Boisson-Vidal Catherine , Morandi Verônica , Duong-Van-Huyen Jean-Paul , Bruneval Patrick , Dignat-George Françoise , Emmerich Joseph , Gaussem Pascale 
Published: December 2010

Objective—
We examined whether plasma levels of angiogenic factors are altered in plasma of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and whether these factors affect endothelial progenitor cell–induced angiogenesis.

Methods and Results—

Plasma was collected from 184 patients with PAD and 330 age-matched healthy controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor concentrations did not differ between the groups, whereas we found a linear correlation between PAD disease and thrombospondin (TSP)-1 plasma level. TSP-1 was expressed in newly formed vessels in PAD patients having received local injections of bone marrow mononuclear cells. To analyze the functional role of TSP-1 during neoangiogenesis, we used a Matrigel-plug assay and showed that vascularization of implanted Matrigel-plugs was increased in
TSP-1
−/−
mice. Moreover, injections of TSP-1 in C57Bl6/J mice after hindlimb ischemia induced a significant decrease of blood flow recovery. To investigate the effects of TSP-1 on human endothelial colony-forming cell (ECFC) angiogenic potential, recombinant human TSP-1 and a small interfering RNA were used. In vitro, TSP-1 N-terminal part significantly enhanced ECFC adhesion, whereas recombinant human TSP-1 had a negative effect on ECFC angiogenic potential. This effect, mediated by CD47 binding, modulated stromal cell–derived factor 1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 pathway.

Conclusion—
TSP-1 is a potential biomarker of PAD and ECFC-induced angiogenesis, suggesting that TSP-1 modulation might improve local tissue ischemia in this setting. (Clinical trial registration: NCT00377897.)
Cost Efficiency of Anticoagulation With Warfarin to Prevent Stroke in Medicare Beneficiaries With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Mercaldi Catherine J. , Ciarametaro Mike , Hahn Beth , Chalissery George , Reynolds Matthew W. , Sander Stephen D. , Samsa Gregory P. , Matchar David B. 
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—
In controlled trials, anticoagulation with warfarin reduces stroke risk by nearly two thirds, but the benefit has been less pronounced in clinical practice. This report describes the extent of warfarin use, its effectiveness, and its impact on medical costs among Medicare patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods—
Using claims from >2 million beneficiaries in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 5% Sample Standard Analytic Files, we identified patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation from 2004 to 2005. Warfarin use was inferred from 3 or more tests of the international normalized ratio within 1 year. Incidence of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding was evaluated. Adjusted risk was calculated by Cox proportional-hazards regression. Medical costs (reimbursed amounts in 2006 US dollars) were estimated by multivariate linear regression.

Results—

Of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (N=119 764, mean age=79.3 years), 58.5% were categorized as warfarin users based on the study definition. During an average of 2.1 years' follow-up, the rate of ischemic stroke was 3.9 per 100 patient-years. After multivariate adjustment, ischemic stroke incidence was 27% lower in patients taking warfarin than in patients not taking warfarin (
P
<0.0001), with no increase in hemorrhagic stroke and a slightly elevated risk of a major bleed. Use of warfarin was independently associated with lower total medical costs, averaging $9836 per patient per year.

Conclusions—
These results indicate that 41.5% of Medicare patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are not anticoagulated with warfarin. The incidence of stroke and overall medical costs were significantly lower in patients treated with warfarin.
Genetic Variant on Chromosome 12p13 Does Not Show Association to Ischemic Stroke in 3 Swedish Case-Control Studies
Authors: Olsson Sandra , Melander Olle , Jood Katarina , Smith J. Gustav , Lövkvist Håkan , Sjögren Marketa , Engström Gunnar , Norrving Bo , Lindgren Arne , Jern Christina 
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—
In a genome-wide association study and subsequent case-control studies, the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12425791 on chromosome 12p13 was reported to be associated with ischemic stroke, but this could not be validated in a recent well-powered study. We therefore investigated whether an association between ischemic stroke and rs12425791 could be detected in 3 different case-control studies from the southwest of Sweden.

Methods—
We examined 3606 patients with ischemic stroke and 2528 controls from 3 independent case-controls studies.

Results—
No significant association between ischemic stroke and the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12425791 was detected in any of the 3 case-control samples or in the samples combined. The odds ratio for ischemic stroke for the minor allele in the combined sample was 1.02 (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.13).

Conclusions—
The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs12425791 does not confer a substantial risk for ischemic stroke in our population. Our results support a recent large study including other European populations.
Brain Atrophy and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Nitkunan Arani , Lanfranconi Silvia , Charlton Rebecca A. , Barrick Thomas R. , Markus Hugh S. 
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—
Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is the most common cause of vascular dementia. Interest in the use of surrogate markers is increasing. The aims of this study were to determine if brain volume was different between patients with SVD and control subjects, whether it correlated with cognition in SVD, and whether changes in brain volume could be detected during prospective follow-up.

Methods—
Thirty-five patients (mean age, 68.8 years) who had a lacunar stroke and radiological evidence of confluent leukoaraiosis and 70 age- and gender-matched control subjects were recruited. Whole-brain T1-weighted imaging and neuropsychological testing were performed after 1 year on all patients and after 2 years for the control subjects. Fully automated software was used to determine brain volume and percentage brain volume change. An executive function score was derived.

Results—

There was a significant difference in brain volume between the patients with SVD and control subjects (mean±SD [mL] 1529±84 versus 1573±69,
P
=0.019). In the patients with SVD, there was a significant association between brain volume and executive function (
r
=0.501,
P
<0.05). The mean±SD yearly brain atrophy rate for patients with SVD and control subjects was significantly different (−0.914%±0.8% versus −0.498%±0.4%, respectively,
P
=0.017). No change in executive function score was detected over this period.

Conclusions—
Brain volume is reduced in SVD and a decline is detectable prospectively. The correlation with executive function at a cross-sectional level and the change in brain volume with time are both promising for the use of brain atrophy as a surrogate marker of SVD progression.
Very Early Mobilization After Stroke Fast-Tracks Return to Walking
Authors: Cumming Toby B. , Thrift Amanda G. , Collier Janice M. , Churilov Leonid , Dewey Helen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Bernhardt Julie 
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—
Regaining functional independence is an important goal for people who have experienced stroke. We hypothesized that introducing earlier and more intensive out-of-bed activity after stroke would reduce time to unassisted walking and improve independence in activities of daily living.

Methods—
A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) was a phase II randomized controlled trial. Patients with confirmed stroke (infarct or hemorrhage) admitted <24 hours after stroke and who met physiological safety criteria were eligible. Patients randomized to the very early and intensive mobilization group were mobilized within 24 hours of stroke and at regular intervals thereafter. Control patients received standard stroke unit care. The primary outcome for this analysis was the number of days required to return to walking 50 m unassisted. Secondary outcomes were the Barthel Index and Rivermead Motor Assessment at 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Results—

Seventy-one stroke patients with a mean age of 74.7 years were recruited from 2 hospitals. Adjusted Cox regression indicated that very early and intensive mobilization group patients returned to walking significantly faster than did standard stroke unit care controls (
P
=0.032; median 3.5 vs 7.0 days). Multivariable regression revealed that exposure to very early and intensive mobilization was independently associated with good functional outcome on the Barthel Index at 3 months (
P
=0.008) and on the Rivermead Motor Assessment at 3 (
P
=0.050) and 12 (
P
=0.024) months.

Conclusions—
Earlier and more intensive mobilization after stroke may fast-track return to unassisted walking and improve functional recovery.

Clinical Trial Registration—
This trial was not registered because enrollment began before July 2005.