bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What should be given a priority – costly medications for relatively few people or inexpensive ones for many? The Health Parliament public consultation initiative in Israel
Authors: Guttman Nurit , Shalev Carmel , Kaplan Giora , Abulafia Ahuva , Bin‐Nun Gabi , Goffer Ronen , Ben‐Moshe Roei , Tal Orna , Shani Mordechai , Lev Boaz 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground In the past two decades, government and civic organizations have been implementing a wide range of deliberative public consultations on health care‐related policy. Drawing on these experiences, a public consultation initiative in Israel called the Health Parliament was established.Goals To implement a public consultation initiative that will engage members of the public in the discussion of four healthcare policy questions associated with equity in health services and on priorities for determining which medications and treatments should be included in the basket of national health services.Method One hundred thirty‐two participants from the general population recruited through a random sample were provided with background materials and met over several months in six regional sites. Dilemma activities were used and consultants were available for questions and clarifications. Participants presented their recommendations in a national assembly to the Minister of Health.Outcomes Across the regional groups the recommendations were mostly compatible, in particular regarding considering the healthcare system’s monetary state, even at the expense of equity, but for each policy question minority views were also expressed. A strong emphasis in the recommendations was pragmatism.Conclusion Participants felt the experience was worthwhile; though the actual impact of their recommendations on policy making was indirect, they were willing to participate in future consultations. However, despite enthusiasm the initiative was not continued. Issues raised are whether consultation initiatives must have a direct impact on healthcare policy decisions or can be mainly a venue to involve citizens in the deliberation of healthcare policy issues.
Diversity of microbes associated with the marine sponge, Haliclona simulans, isolated from Irish waters and identification of polyketide synthase genes from the sponge metagenome
Authors: Kennedy Jonathan , Codling Caroline E. , Jones Brian V. , Dobson Alan D. W. , Marchesi Julian R. 
Published: April 2008

SummarySamples of the sponge Haliclona simulans were collected from Irish waters and subjected to a culture‐independent analysis to determine the microbial, polyketide synthase (PKS) and non‐ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) diversity. 16S rRNA gene libraries were prepared from total sponge, bacterial enriched sponge and seawater samples. Eight phyla from the Bacteria were detected in the sponge by phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene libraries. The most abundant phylum in the total sponge library was the Proteobacteria (86%), with the majority of these clones being from the γ‐Proteobacteria (77%); two groups of clones were dominant and together made up 69% of the total. Both of these groups were related to other sponge‐derived microbes and comprised novel genera. Within the other bacterial phyla groups of clones representing novel candidate genera within the phyla Verrucomicrobia and Lentisphaerae were also found. Selective enrichment of the bacterial component of the sponge prior to 16S rRNA gene analysis resulted in a 16S rRNA gene library dominated by a novel genus of δ‐Proteobacteria, most closely related to the Bdellovibrio. The potential for the sponge microbiota to produce secondary metabolites was also analysed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of PKS and NRPS genes. While no NRPS sequences were isolated seven ketosynthase (KS) sequences were obtained from the sponge metagenome. Analyses of these clones revealed a diverse collection of PKS sequences which were most closely affiliated with PKS from members of the Cyanobacteria, Myxobacteria and Dinoflagellata.
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER(?): NASSAU SENIOR AND UTILITY THEORY
Authors: WHITE MICHAEL V. 
Published: April 2008

“In the development of the mental sciences exegesis has frequently played an important part. A change of doctrine has been justified, or supported, or commended for general acceptance, by the interpretation of an authoritative text.”W. J. Ashley (1895, p. 474).“We must … try to avoid an outlook narrowly constrained by the marginalist principles of 1871.”Samuel Hollander (1973, p. 138).
Collagenous microstructure of the glenoid labrum and biceps anchor
Authors: Hill A. M. , Hoerning E. J. , Brook K. , Smith C. D. , Moss J. , Ryder T. , Wallace A. L. , Bull A. M. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe glenoid labrum is a significant passive stabilizer of the shoulder joint. However, its microstructural form remains largely unappreciated, particularly in the context of its variety of functions. The focus of labral microscopy has often been histology and, as such, there is very little appreciation of collagen composition and arrangement of the labrum, and hence the micromechanics of the structure. On transmission electron microscopy, significant differences in diameter, area and perimeter were noted in the two gross histological groups of collagen fibril visualized; this suggests a heterogeneous collagenous composition with potentially distinct mechanical function. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated three distinct zones of interest: a superficial mesh, a dense circumferential braided core potentially able to accommodate hoop stresses, and a loosely packed peri‐core zone. Confocal microscopy revealed an articular surface fine fibrillar mesh potentially able to reduce surface friction, bundles of circumferential encapsulated fibres in the bulk of the tissue, and bone anchoring fibres at the osseous interface. Varying microstructure throughout the depth of the labrum suggests a role in accommodating different types of loading. An understanding of the labral microstructure can lead to development of hypotheses based upon an appreciation of this component of material property. This may aid an educated approach to surgical timing and repair.
Foraging behaviour and habitat partitioning of two sympatric cormorants in Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: FRERE ESTEBAN , QUINTANA FLAVIO , GANDINI PATRICIA , WILSON RORY P. 
Published: April 2008

Radiotelemetry was used to assess the distribution and diving behaviour of Rock Shags Phalacrocorax magellanicus and Red‐legged Cormorants Phalacrocorax gaimardi breeding in sympatry, and Rock Shags breeding in isolation. When breeding in sympatry there was little overlap in the foraging locations of the two species, with the highest densities of each species separated by 10 km. Red‐legged Cormorants fed significantly closer to the breeding colony than did Rock Shags and undertook shorter foraging trips, making almost twice as many foraging trips per day as Rock Shags. Rock Shags breeding in isolation had a shorter foraging range than the birds breeding in sympatry with Red‐legged Cormorants and foraging trip duration was significantly shorter. However, the number of feeding trips per day was similar between areas of sympatry and allopatry. Differences in the foraging ecology of Rock Shags in areas of sympatry and allopatry may be due to interspecific competition, which forces niche differentiation. The distance between foraging sites, the speed of movement of the prey, a species tendency to move into prey‐depleted areas and the length of the breeding season (during which the birds are constrained to be in the same area) may play critical roles in determining the extent to which differential area use by competitors is a strategy that benefits both parties.
Male reproductive health after childhood cancer
Authors: Lähteenmäki PM , Arola M , Suominen J , Salmi TT , Andersson AM , Toppari J 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: Twenty‐five male patients were investigated to elucidate the correlation of semen parameters and other related parameters in the assessment of spermatogeneis after childhood cancer treatment.Methods: Evaluation of given cancer treatment, anthropometric and testicular size measurements, semen analysis, and measurement of gonadotrophins, testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and inhibin B were performed according to a protocol.Results: Median (range) sperm concentration (SC) was 35.5 (0–273) ×106/mL, and percentage of motile sperm 56 (0–86)%. Testicular size (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and the level of inhibin B (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) correlated strongly to SC. SC correlated negatively to FSH (r = 0.46, p = 0.03). Only testicular size predicted SC significantly (p = 0.03). Inhibin B showed highest area under ROC curve (0.83, 95%CI 0.67–0.99) in showing SC < 20 ×106/mL. Body mass index (BMI) did not correlate with SC, but negative correlation between BMI and SHBG was found (r =−0.41, p = 0.04).Conclusion: Although semen analysis is a useful instrument for fertility assessment in men, it is often difficult to get these samples from childhood cancer survivors. Thus, indirect methods are needed in prediction of possible sperm count impairment in postpubertal adolescents after cancer treatment. When combined with the data on testicular size and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) level, inhibin B gives valuable addition to the estimations of spermatogenesis.
Oxidant/antioxidant status and vitamin A levels in children infected with varicella
Authors: Avci Zekai , Avci Aslihan , Alioglu Bulent , Malbora Baris , Bayraktar Nilüfer , Derbent Murat , Ozbek Namik 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: Varicella is a childhood disease, with its highest incidence being found in children aged 1 to 9 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma oxidant and antioxidant status in Turkish children with varicella infection.Methods: The study population consisted of 29 children infected with varicella recruited from the Department of Pediatrics at Baskent University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The control group consisted of 20 age‐matched children from the same region who were apparently otherwise healthy. After overnight fasting, venous blood samples were obtained and transferred to heparinized tubes. Plasma malondialdehyde and vitamin A levels were measured in both groups.Results: The plasma malondialdehyde levels were higher in children in the infected group than they were in children in the control group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in plasma vitamin A levels between the groups.Conclusion: This study suggests that oxidant stress causes significant peroxidation, and the antioxidant defence system is affected in varicella infection. Antioxidant supplementation may yield beneficial results in these patients. Further studies are needed to determine the positive effects of vitamin A supplementation in patients with varicella infections.
Children in Foster Care: A Vulnerable Population at Risk
Authors: Bruskas Delilah 
Published: April 2008

TOPIC: Nationally, 542,000 children are in foster care. Many of these children have prior histories of maltreatment such as abuse and neglect, with neglect being the most common form of maltreatment and the reason for many children requiring foster care services. Painful experiences associated with maltreatment and the trauma of being removed from one's parents (foster care) may affect the developmental and mental health of children.PURPOSE: This paper synthesizes the experiences associated with foster care and reveals foster care outcomes obtained through a literature search of published research. Specifically, the notions of oppression and domination defined by Young (1990) experienced by children in foster are explored.SOURCES: Review of the literature and clinical practice.CONCULSIONS: Most children in foster care, if not all, experience feelings of confusion, fear, apprehension of the unknown, loss, sadness, anxiety, and stress. Such feelings and experiences must be addressed and treated early to prevent or decrease poor developmental and mental health outcomes that ultimately affect a child's educational experience and the quality of adulthood. Systemic orientation for all children entering foster care is proposed as a preventative intervention that addresses associated experiences of children in foster care.
Exploring Parent Participation in a Parent Training Program for Children's Aggression: Understanding and Illuminating Mechanisms of Change
Authors: Levac Anne Marie , McCay Elizabeth , Merka Patricia , Reddon‐D’Arcy Mary Lynn 
Published: April 2008

PROBLEM:  Controlled trials have demonstrated that parents of children experiencing high levels of aggression benefit greatly from parent training programs. Several programs have shown a decrease in parental stress, an increase in parental confidence, and higher levels of prosocial behavior in children as shown by outcomes based on quantitative measures. However, less attention has been paid to the views and experiences of parents themselves about the impact of such programs on themselves, their children, and their parent–child relationships. METHODS:  The purpose of this qualitative study was to elicit and explore parents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the Incredible Years Parent Training Program. Following their participation in the Incredible Years Program, 37 parents completed a semistructured interview and completed demographic questionnaires. Data were analyzed employing a content analysis of the transcripts and descriptive statistics of the demographic data. FINDINGS:  Parents strongly valued the support offered within the group therapy process, reporting a decrease in their stress levels, an increase in their confidence, as well as observing positive changes in their children and in the parent–child relationship. CONCLUSIONS:  The findings of this research illuminate possible underlying mechanisms for these observed changes. Specifically, when parents feel accepted, supported, and not blamed by healthcare professionals, they seem to be able to engage in self‐reflection specifically related to their parenting styles. In turn, their ability to reflect in the group and make sense of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors seems to have a positive influence on the process of change in themselves, their children, and in their relationships with their children and other family members.
Iron Deficiency‐induced Increase of Root Branching Contributes to the Enhanced Root Ferric Chelate Reductase Activity
Authors: Jin Chong‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Wei , Meng Zhi‐Bin , Zheng Shao‐Jian 
Published: April 2008

Abstract In various plant species, Fe deficiency increases lateral root branching. However, whether this morphological alteration contributes to the Fe deficiency‐induced physiological responses still remains to be demonstrated. In the present research, we demonstrated that the lateral root development of red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) was significantly enhanced by Fe deficient treatment, and the total lateral root number correlated well with the Fe deficiency‐induced ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity. By analyzing the results from Dasgan et al. (2002), we also found that although the two tomato genotypes line227/1 (P1) and Roza (P2) and their reciprocal F1 hybrid lines (“P1 × P2” and “P2 × P1”) were cultured under two different lower Fe conditions (10−6 and 10−7 M FeEDDHA), their FCR activities are significantly correlated with the lateral root number. More interestingly, the ‐Fe chlorosis tolerant ability of these four tomato lines displays similar trends with the lateral root density. Taking these results together, it was proposed that the Fe deficiency‐induced increases of the lateral root should play an important role in resistance to Fe deficiency, which may act as harnesses of a useful trait for the selection and breeding of more Fe‐efficient crops among the genotypes that have evolved a Fe deficiency‐induced Fe uptake system.
A FUTURE POLICY IN THE GENERAL INTEREST
Authors: Tarditi Secondo 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA future policy in the general interestAccording to the Aristotelian Classification of policies, based on whether they promote the common good or that of particular interests, the present agricultural market policy is “degenerate”. Reform of the CAP in the general interest should strengthen structural and rural development policy while limiting market policy to price stabilisation. Existing commodity support (price + aids) should be “degressive and temporary” with a precise deadline. This would avoid abrupt shocks in farm incomes while favouring structural adjustment and reducing production costs. Problems related to price and investment distortions, production quotas, land set‐aside, modulation by farm size, extension of the CAP to new EU Members, would largely disappear.A l'avenir, une politique de l'intérêt généralDans la classification des politiques établie par Aristote, scion qu'elles recherchent le bien commun ou la satisfaction d'intérêts particuliers, la politique agricole actuelle figurerait dans la rubrique des politiques “dégénérées”. Si elle avait l'intérêt général en vue, la réforme de la PAC essaierait de renforcer les structures et le développement rural, tout en limitant ses interventions sur les marchés à la stabilisation des prix. Les soutiens existants aux produits (aides directes et soutiens aux prix) devraient être dégressifs et temporaires (avec des dates d'expiration bien déterminées). Cela éviterait des chocs brutaux sur les revenus agricoles, tout en favorisant les restructurations et en abaissant les coûts. Alors disparaîtraient la plus grande partie des problèmes de prix, d'investissement, de distorsions, de quotas de production, de gel des terres, de modulation par tailles, et d'extension de la PAC aux nouveaux membres de l'Union Européenne.Eine zukünftige Politik im Sinne des GemeinwohlsIn Anlehnung an die aristotelische Einteilung von Ponukmaßnahmen, die nach der Orientierung am Gemeinwohl oder an Einzelinteressen erfolgt, handelt es sich bei der derzeitigen landwirtschaftlichen Marktpolitik um eine “entartete” Politik. Die Reform der GAP im Sinne des Gemeinwohls sollte die Strukturpolitik und die Politik zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums stärken und die Rolle der Marktpolitik auf die Preisstabilisierung beschränken. Die gegenwärtige Produktstützung (Preis und Beihilfen) sollte mit einer exakten Fristsetzung “degressiv und zeitlich begrenzt” sein. Dadurch würden starke Einkommenseinbußen bei den landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben vermieden und zusätzliche Anreize für strukturelle Anpassung und Senkung der Produktionskosten ausgeübt werden. Somit würden die Probleme größtenteils gelöst, die sich aufgrund von Verzerrungen der Preise und Investitionen, Produktionsquoten, Flächenstilllegung, Modulation nach Betriebsgröße und Erweiterung der GAP auf neue EU‐Mitgliedsstaaten ergeben.
Is agricultural policy aiming at the wrong target?
Authors: Boussard Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2008

Summary Is agricultural policy aiming at the wrong target? Modern political decision makers stress the benefits to be derived from a more market oriented agriculture. For this purpose, they are ready to grant guaranteed decoupled farmer income almost without precedent. They may have lost sight of the true historical reason for which the links between the market and agriculture had been severed during the 1930s, namely the market's inability, in the specific case of agriculture, to transmit relevant information between producer and consumer. In this context, ‘traditional’ agricultural policies may have provided more benefits for consumers than is usually acknowledged, and ‘new’ policies may result in more detrimental effects than expected. La politique agricole se trompe‐t‐elle de cible? A ľ heure actuelle, les décideurs politique mettent ľ accent sur les bénéfices à attendre de mesure visant a faire orienter ľ agriculture par le marché, et sont prêts, pour cela, à accorder aux agriculteurs une garantie de revenu presque sans contre‐partie. Ce faisant, ils semblent avoir perdu de vue la raison pour laquelle ľ agriculture avait été déconnectée du marché dans les années 30, à savoir ľ inaptitude du marché, dans le cas précis de ľ agriculture, à transmettre des informations pertinentes entre les producteurs et les consommateurs. Dans ce contexte, il se peut que les bénéfices des politiques ‘traditionnelles’ aient été beaucoup grands qu'on ne ľ admet généralement, tandis que les politiques ‘nouvelles’ seraient susceptibles engendrer plus ?‘effets négatifs qu’on ne s'y attend. Verfolgt die Agrarpolitik ein falsches Ziel? Die politischen Entscheidung sträger von heute heben die Vorteile hervor, die sich aus einer mehr marktorientierten Landwirtschaft ableiten lassen. Daher sind sie bereit, garantierte entkoppelte Einkommenszahlungen an Landwirte zu gewähren, obwohl es dafür noch nahezu keine Erfahrungen gibt. Möglicherweise haben sie den wahren historischen Grund übersehen, der zu einer Abkehr marktwirtschaftlicher Reglungen für die Landwirtschaft in den 1930ern geführt hat. Es war ein Marktversagen bei der Informationsweitergabe im landwirtschaftlichen Bereich zwischen Produzenten und Verbraucher festzustellen. Wird dieser Effekt berücksichtigt, so haben die ‘traditionellen’ landwirtschaftlichen Politikmaßnahmen möglicherweise mehr Vorteile für den Verbraucher gebracht als im allgemeinen angenommen, und ‘neue’ Politikmaßnahmen haben möglicherweise mehr Nachteile als angenommen.
Development of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the spined loach, Cobitis taenia, and cross‐species amplification in the related species C. elongatoides, C. taurica and C. tanaitica
Authors: DE GELAS K. , JANKO K. , VOLCKAERT F. A. M. , DE CHARLEROY D. , VAN HOUDT J. K. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNine polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for the spined loach, Cobitis taenia (Teleostei: Cobitidae). The loci were validated using 50 individuals from a population in Belgium. Moderate to high levels of polymorphism were detected (two to 11 alleles). In addition, most markers amplified successfully in three closely related taxa that are known to hybridize with C. taenia: C. elongatoides, C. taurica and C. tanaitica. Some of the loci are most likely diagnostic among species. These markers will be valuable for the study of the historical and contemporary interactions within C. taenia and the Cobitis species complex.
Lantern effects on pressuremeter shear modulus in sand
Authors: Cunha R P 
Published: April 2008

Self-boring pressuremeter tests are presently used to assess in situ deformation characteristics of sand. To reach the desire testing depth with minimum disturbance, a consistent self-boring procedure is commonly adopted. High lateral stresses developed during insertion of the pressuremeter has led, in the past, to the adoption of a lantern to cover and protect the expandable rubber membrane section of the probe. This note summarizes an investigation of the influence of different lantern designs on the predicted shear modulus of the sand. Distinct steel strip lanterns were used and compared with the standard lantern used in the Camkometer. It is demonstrated that the interstrip friction of the steel lantern can affect the shear modulus from unloadreload loops of the test. The importance of this investigation is viewed as more practical than technical, since steel lanterns are less expensive, quicker, and simpler to construct than the standard Camkometer lantern. Key words: self-boring procedure, lanterns effect, unloadreload, interstrip friction, shear modulus, sand.