bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the vulnerability of riparian vegetation to invasion by Mimulus guttatus: relative importance of biotic and abiotic variables in determining species occurrence and abundance
Authors: Truscott A.‐M. , Palmer S. C. F. , Soulsby C. , Hulme P. E. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTRiparian habitats are particularly susceptible to invasion by non‐native plants. At present, attempts to build consensus as to what the primary drivers of plant invasion in riparian ecosystems might be is hindered by the absence of common standards for data collected on plant species (e.g. occurrence, or relative abundance). Mimulus guttatus L., a non‐native riparian plant species, was used as a model to determine how environmental drivers influence two aspects of invasibility: species occurrence and abundance (assessed in relation to three variables number of patches, patch area and number of stems per patch). Mimulus occurrence and abundance, together with 20 environmental variables, were surveyed in almost 700 contiguous 50‐m‐long riverbank segments within a catchment in north‐east Scotland. More than half of the segments had been colonized by Mimulus. Occurrence and number of patches responded to similar environmental gradients, particularly bare sediment, boulders, high soil moisture, short‐statured ruderal communities, and open canopies, and tended to be highest downstream where the river was widest. In contrast to occurrence and patch number, patch area and stem number per patch were higher in the upper reaches of the catchment and were positively associated with low tree canopy and vegetation dominated by light‐demanding species and smaller‐statured species. Patch area and stem number per patch were also positively related to grazing. This study has highlighted the importance of assessing more than one measure of invasion success (occurrence or patch number and either patch area or stem number per patch), as they are each determined by a different suite of environmental variables. Abiotic factors, such as sediment availability and presence of boulders, appeared to be the major determinants of occurrence and patch number, whereas biotic factors, such as interspecific competition and grazing, were more important ecological determinants underlying area and stem number per patch.
Predicting the distribution of the invasive alienHeracleum mantegazzianumat two different spatial scales
Authors: Nielsen Charlotte , Hartvig Per , Kollmann Johannes 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTModelling the distribution of invasive alien species is widely used for predicting future dispersal, response to climate change, and effects of management, but little information is available on the scale dependence of spatial models. This study is focused onHeracleum mantegazzianum, a problematic invasive plant in central and north‐western Europe. The main objective was to model the current distribution of this species at national (43,000 km2) and regional scale (4900 km2) using autologistic regression with a Danish data set. Presence–absence data were used in a grid system with 5 × 5 km2or 2 × 2 km2as basic units. To avoid misleading presence–absence models and unreliable probability values due to unbalanced data, the prevalence was used as cut‐off value, and a favourability function was applied to the model predictions. The national model showed a widespread distribution ofH. mantegazzianumwith highest habitat suitability in the eastern and northern parts of the country where human population density is high, winters more severe and/or loamy soils more common. At a regional scale the distribution ofH. mantegazzianumis associated with alluvial sand cover, high human population density, spring precipitation, and presence of the species in neighbour grid units. The observed widespread national distribution is likely the result of anthropogenic spread of this ornamental plant, while the locally clumped distribution suggests thatH. mantegazzianumnaturally spreads mainly over short distances. The current distribution in Denmark resembles an intermediate invasion stage where long‐distance dispersal is less important, while spread from suitable neighbour habitats is significant. The study demonstrates that the favourability function leads to improved mapping standards for invasive species.
Growth form and distribution of introduced plants in their native and non‐native ranges in Eastern Asia and North America
Authors: Ricklefs Robert E. , Guo Qinfeng , Qian Hong 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThere is a growing interest in understanding the influence of plant traits on their ability to spread in non‐native regions. Many studies addressing this issue have been based on relatively small areas or restricted taxonomic groups. Here, we analyse a large data base involving 1567 plant species introduced between Eastern Asia and North America or from elsewhere to both regions. We related the extent of species distributions in each region to growth form and the distinction between upland and wetland habitats. We identified significant relationships between geographical distribution and plant traits in both native and exotic ranges as well as regional differences in the relationships. Range size was larger for herbaceous graminoids and forbs, especially annuals compared to perennials, than for woody species, and range size also was larger for plants of wetland compared to upland habitats. Distributions were more extensive in North America than in Eastern Asia, although native plants from both regions had broader distributions than non‐natives, with exotics from elsewhere intermediate. Growth form and environment explained more of the variance in distribution of plants in North America than in Eastern Asia. The influence of growth form and habitat on distribution suggests that these traits might be related to tolerance of ecological conditions. In addition, the smaller extents of species in non‐native compared to native areas suggest roles for dispersal limitation and adaptation to region‐specific ecological conditions in determining distribution.
A Clinical Framework for Improving the Advance Care Planning Process: Start with Patients' Self‐Identified Barriers
Authors: Schickedanz Adam D. , Schillinger Dean , Landefeld C. Seth , Knight Sara J. , Williams Brie A. , Sudore Rebecca L. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To explore barriers to multiple advance care planning (ACP) steps and identify common barrier themes that impede older adults from engaging in the process as a whole.DESIGN: Descriptive study.SETTING: General medicine clinic. San Francisco County.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty‐three English and Spanish speakers aged 50 and older (mean 61) enrolled in an advance directive preference study.MEASUREMENT: Six months after reviewing two advance directives, self‐reported ACP engagement and barriers to each ACP step were measured with open‐ and closed‐ended questions using quantitative and qualitative (thematic content) analyses.RESULTS: Forty percent of participants did not contemplate ACP, 46% did not discuss with family or friends, 80% did not discuss with their doctor, and 90% did not document ACP wishes. Six barrier themes emerged: perceiving ACP as irrelevant (84%), personal barriers (53%), relationship concerns (46%), information needs (36%), health encounter time constraints (29%), and problems with advance directives (29%). Some barriers were endorsed at all steps (e.g., perceiving ACP as irrelevant). Others were endorsed at individual steps (e.g., relationship concerns for family or friend discussions, time constraints for doctor discussion, and problems with advance directives for documentation).DISCUSSION: Perceiving ACP to be irrelevant was the barrier theme most often endorsed at every ACP step. Other barriers were endorsed at specific steps. Understanding ACP barriers may help clinicians prioritize and address them and may also provide a framework for tailoring interventions to improve ACP engagement.
Evaluation of the Short Form of the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument in Geriatric Inpatients—Validity, Responsiveness, and Sensitivity to Change
Authors: Denkinger Michael D. , Igl Wilmar , Coll‐Planas Laura , Bleicher Julia , Nikolaus Thorsten , Jamour Michael 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the function component of the Short Form of the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument (SF‐LLFDI, German version) in geriatric inpatients and compare it with established performance‐based and self‐rated assessment tools.SETTING: Geriatric inpatient rehabilitation unit.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty‐six geriatric rehabilitation inpatients (44 men, 112 women) with a mean age of 81.7 who were capable of walking at baseline.MEASUREMENTS: Weekly assessments were performed from admission until discharge (3 weeks later) using the function component of the SF‐LLFDI, the Barthel Index (BI), the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES‐I), gait characteristics, the Timed Up and Go Test, and the Short Physical Performance Battery. Baseline characteristics were measured at admission. Construct validity was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients, internal consistency was measured using Cronbach alpha, and sensitivity to change was estimated using standardized response means.RESULTS: The SF‐LLFDI did not show significant floor or ceiling effects. Internal consistency was good, with alpha (function component sub‐scores) equal to 0.80 to 0.86. Convergent validity measures concerning performance‐based scores were moderate to good, and correlations increased over time (correlation coefficient (r)=0.35–0.64). There was a high correlation with the FES‐I (admission: r=0.61, discharge: r=0.76). Sensitivity to change was significant for all examined scores, with the BI outperforming all other instruments, although the SF‐LLFDI showed better responsiveness than the BI regarding change characteristics over time.CONCLUSION: The SF‐LLFDI is a reliable and valid self‐report instrument to measure functional status in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. It improves the assessment of clinically relevant responsiveness. Further research is warranted to improve its sensitivity to change.
Nursing Time Devoted to Medication Administration in Long‐Term Care: Clinical, Safety, and Resource Implications
Authors: Thomson Mary S. , Gruneir Andrea , Lee Monica , Baril Joann , Field Terry S. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Rochon Paula A. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the time required for nurses to complete the medication administration process in long‐term care (LTC).DESIGN: Time‐motion methods were used to time all steps in the medication administration process.SETTING: LTC units that differed according to case mix (physical support, behavioral care, dementia care, and continuing care) in a single facility in Ontario, Canada.PARTICIPANTS: Regular and temporary nurses who agreed to be observed.MEASUREMENTS: Seven predefined steps, interruptions, and total time required for the medication administration process were timed using a personal digital assistant.RESULTS: One hundred forty‐one medication rounds were observed. Total time estimates were standardized to 20 beds to facilitate comparisons. For a single medication administration process, the average total time was 62.0±4.9 minutes per 20 residents on physical support units, 84.0±4.5 minutes per 20 residents on behavioral care units, and 70.0±4.9 minutes per 20 residents on dementia care units. Regular nurses took an average of 68.0±4.9 minutes per 20 residents to complete the medication administration process, and temporary nurses took an average of 90.0±5.4 minutes per 20 residents. On continuing care units, which are organized differently because of the greater severity of residents' needs, the medication administration process took 9.6±3.2 minutes per resident. Interruptions occurred in 79% of observations and accounted for 11.5% of the medication administration process.CONCLUSION: Time requirements for the medication administration process are substantial in LTC and are compounded when nurses are unfamiliar with residents. Interruptions are a major problem, potentially affecting the efficiency, quality, and safety of this process.
Comparison of Functional Outcomes Associated with Hospital at Home Care and Traditional Acute Hospital Care
Authors: Leff Bruce , Burton Lynda , Mader Scott L. , Naughton Bruce , Burl Jeffrey , Greenough William B. , Guido Susan , Steinwachs Donald 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare differences in the functional outcomes experienced by patients cared for in Hospital at Home (HaH) and traditional acute hospital care.DESIGN: Survey questionnaire of participants in a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial.SETTING: Three Medicare managed care health systems and a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred fourteen community‐dwelling elderly patients who required acute hospital admission for community‐acquired pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cellulitis, 84 of whom were treated in HaH and 130 in an acute care hospital.INTERVENTION: Treatment in a HaH care model that substitutes for care provided in the traditional acute care hospital.MEASUREMENTS: Change in activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) scores from 1 month before admission to 2 weeks post admission to HaH or acute hospital and the proportion of groups that experienced improvement, no change, or decline in ADL and IADL scores.RESULTS: Patients treated in HaH experienced modest improvements in performance scores, whereas those treated in the acute care hospital declined (ADL, 0.39 vs −0.60, P=.10, range −12.0 to 7.0; IADL 0.74 vs −0.70, P=.007, range −5.0 to 10.0); a greater proportion of HaH patients improved in function and smaller proportions declined or had no change in ADLs (44% vs 25%, P=.10) or IADLs (46% vs 17%, P=.04).CONCLUSION: HaH care is associated with modestly better improvements in IADL status and trends toward more improvement in ADL status than traditional acute hospital care.
Failure of recombinant factor VIIa to correct the coagulopathy in a case of severe postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Lewis Nicole R. , Brunker Patricia , Lemire Susan J. , Kaufman Richard M. 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Several published reports suggest that recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is effective in controlling bleeding in PPH. This study reports a case of severe PPH complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in which early rFVIIa (44 µg/kg) administration not only failed to control the bleeding in vivo but also, surprisingly, failed to correct the patient's international normalized ratio (INR) in vitro. It was hypothesized that the failure of rFVIIa to correct the INR indicated a deficiency in a downstream coagulation factor(s). To investigate this, coagulation factor levels were measured in blood samples that had been drawn periodically during resuscitation in the operating room.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the medical record. Plasma samples that had been obtained during resuscitation were frozen, and activity levels of the following factors were subsequently measured: fibrinogen, FII, FV, FVII, F IX, and FX.RESULTS: After rFVIIa administration, the patient's INR remained elevated at 1.9, and bleeding continued. It was determined that at the time rFVIIa was administered, the patient's fibrinogen level was very low (60 mg/dL). INR normalization and control of bleeding was achieved only after the patient's fibrinogen level was restored to normal. FII, F IX, and FX remained at hemostatic levels throughout resuscitation.CONCLUSIONS: In this case of severe PPH complicated by DIC, fibrinogen appears to have been limiting at the time rFVIIa was administered. It is suggested that fibrinogen levels should be corrected during PPH resuscitation before rFVIIa use is considered.
The Role of Culture as Driver of Quality Management and Performance: Infrastructure Versus Core Quality Practices*
Authors: Naor Michael , Goldstein Susan M. , Linderman Kevin W. , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIncreasingly, scholars and practitioners recognize the importance of understanding organizational culture when implementing operations management practices. This study investigates the relationships among organizational culture, infrastructure and core quality management practices, and manufacturing performance using two alternative models. Understanding these relationships is important because culture can provide insight into the context dependence of quality management practices and shed light on the mixed results of past studies concerning the link between quality management and performance. Analysis of manufacturing plants from six countries indicates that organizational culture has a stronger influence on infrastructure quality management practices than on core quality management practices, regardless of whether the plants are located in Eastern or Western countries. In addition, infrastructure quality management practices have a significant effect on manufacturing performance. These results contribute to the quality management literature by emphasizing the importance of accounting for culture when making decisions to implement quality management practices to achieve a performance advantage. Finally, we also contribute to the literature on the culture–performance linkage by finding support for a direct link between culture and manufacturing performance.
Optimal Quantity Discount Design with Limited Information Sharing*
Authors: Karabati Selçuk , Kouvelis Panos 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn this article we address the optimal quantity discount design problem of a supplier in a two‐stage supply chain where the supplier and the buyer share annual demand information only. The supply chain faces a constant deterministic demand that is not price sensitive and operates with fixed setup costs in both stages. We show that the supplier can actually moderate a cost‐minimizing buyer to order in quantities different than the buyer's optimal order quantity in the traditional setting and develop a multi‐breakpoint quantity discount scheme that maximizes supplier's expected net savings. The proposed multi‐breakpoint discount scheme can be easily computed from the available information and, while also maximizing the supplier's net savings, is very effective in achieving high levels of supply chain coordination efficiency in the presence of limited information.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Murine Monoclonal Antibody 26 Raised Against Tetanus Toxoid Cross‐Reacts with β2‐Glycoprotein I: Its Characteristics and Role in Molecular Mimicry
Authors: Inic‐Kanada Aleksandra , Stojanovic Marijana , Zivkovic Irena , Kosec Dusko , Micic Mileva , Petrusic Vladimir , Zivancevic‐Simonovic Snezana , Dimitrijevic Ljiljana 
Published: December 2008

Problem  Studies on experimental antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) models proved that molecular mimicry between plasma protein β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and structure within micro‐organisms or their products, might be a cause for experimental APS. Considering the heterogeneity of polyclonal antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), it is important to define the precise characteristics of pathogenic aPLs. To avoid the influence of polyclonality and to further analyse the connection between molecular mimicry and APS, we produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against tetanus toxoid (TTd) and tested their reactivity against β2GPI.Method of study  In this report, we analysed the characteristics of MAb26 raised against TTd and cross‐reactive with β2GPI: its binding properties in various in vitro immunoassays, its specific interactions with surface epitopes expressed on apoptotic cells and its role in vivo.Results  We have demonstrated that MAb26: (i) binds β2GPI being immobilized on an appropriate surface: irradiated polystyrene plates, non‐irradiated plates pre‐coated with anionic phospholipids and polyvinylidene fluoride membrane; (ii) binds specifically to apoptotic but not to viable cells and the binding is β2GPI‐dependent; and (iii) induces a pathologic pregnancy outcome when passively injected into BALB/c mice.Conclusion  This study concluded that certain subpopulations of antibodies raised against TTd and cross‐reactive with β2GPI, because of the molecular mimicry mechanism, could have pathologic potential.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Does Not Predict Further Miscarriage in Japanese Couples Experiencing Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Sato Takeshi , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Kitaori Tamao , Kumagai Kyoko , Ozaki Yasuhiko 
Published: December 2008

Problem  It has been a matter of controversy whether the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is actually a causal factor of miscarriages because of the absence of internationally established criteria. We, therefore, in this study investigated whether PCOS and a polycystic ovary (PCO) morphology have predictive value for subsequent miscarriages using new International and Japanese criteria.Method of study  A total of 195 patients with a history of two consecutive first trimester miscarriages and without abnormal chromosomes in either partner, antiphospholipid antibodies or uterine anomalies, were examined. The prospective pregnancy outcome was compared between patients with and without PCOS, PCO morphology, elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), hyperandrogenism and obesity.Results  Of a total of 195 patients, 56 (28.7%) miscarried subsequently. Three (1.5%) and 12 (6.2%) were diagnosed as suffering from PCOS by Japanese and International criteria respectively. There was no relation between a diagnosis of PCOS, PCO morphology, elevated LH, free testosterone or obesity and the subsequent miscarriage rate.Conclusion  A routine test for diagnosis of PCOS is not necessary in patients experiencing recurrent miscarriages because none of the related parameters examined in this study predicted subsequent miscarriage.
The impact of the IL‐11:IL‐17 ratio on the chronic periodontitis pathogenesis: a preliminary report
Authors: Yetkin Ay Z , Sütçü R , Uskun E , Bozkurt FY , Berker E 
Published: December 2008

Objective:  An imbalance in the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines may be responsible for periodontal breakdown through immune responses. This study aimed to determine the total amount, concentration and ratio of interleukin (IL)‐11 and IL‐17 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis (CP) patients.Materials and methods:  Forty CP patients and 20 healthy controls (C) were included. The CP group was divided into two subgroups in line with the probing depth (PD) in GCF‐sampling sites (CPa: PD ≥ 5 mm, CPb: PD ≤ 4 mm). For each patient, gingival index, plaque index, gingival bleeding time index, PD, and clinical attachment level values were recorded. IL‐11 and IL‐17 in GCF were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.Results:  The total amount and concentration of IL‐11 and IL‐17 were significantly lower in the CPa group (P < 0.05). The C group has the highest IL‐11:IL‐17 ratio, followed by CPb and CPa groups respectively. The ratio was significantly lower in CPa group than the CPb and C groups (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Our data confirm that the decreased ratio of IL‐11:IL‐17 may be a factor, which has shown this imbalance between the cytokines’ activities in deeper pockets in our study.