bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent living units: Managing and renewing an ageing stock
Authors: McNelis Sean 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  To report on a key challenge (and its implications) that Australian not‐for‐profit organisations face as they manage and renew an ageing stock of independent living units (ILUs) for older people. Methods:  A national survey of ILU organisations complemented by 28 interviews with ILU managers, peak aged care organisations and government officers, and five workshops with ILU managers. Results:  ILUs are a policy response to the housing needs of older people with low income and limited assets. However, ILU organisations face significant challenges as the overall condition of ILUs deteriorates, as they seek to meet higher expectations and as they move into a phase of renewal. Conclusions:  The future of ILU organisations is at a watershed, with many reconsidering their role as providers of ILUs. Any extensive reduction in ILUs will have implications for older people, for public housing providers and for delivery of community care to older renters.
A quinolizidine alkaloid O‐tigloyltransferase gene in wild and domesticated white lupin (Lupinus albus)
Authors: Chen Y. , Lee L.S. , Luckett D.J. , Henry R. , Hill H. , Edwards M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWild white lupins have high levels of alkaloids, which cause a bitter taste, whereas domesticated white lupin varieties have a very low content of alkaloids in seeds. Genes for bitterness from wild white lupins are a contamination threat to domesticated white lupin via cross‐pollination. The gene(s) for alkaloid synthesis have not been clearly identified, and the associated molecular background among wild white lupin, domesticated and contaminated domesticated plant materials is unknown. So far, only tigloyl‐CoA:(−)‐13alpha‐hydroxymultiflorine/(+)‐13alpha‐hydroxylupanine O‐tigloyltransferase (HMT/HLTase) cDNA has been cloned based on protein analysis, which was suggested as encoding a quinolizidine alkaloid transferase regulating quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis. This gene has not yet been well characterised in important white lupin genotypes. In this study, we found that the majority of the intron sequence of the HMT/HLTase gene differed between wild white lupin accessions P25758 and P27593, and between the commercial varieties. The expression pattern as well as the expression level of the HMT/HLTase gene showed no difference between the P25758 and the low‐alkaloid variety Kiev mutant, suggesting the expression of the HMT/HLTase gene has no correlation with bitterness. However, the intron sequence is useful as a DNA marker in the identification of the contamination source of bitter seeds in commercial lupin seed lots.
Contribution of Dead Wood to Biomass and Carbon Stocks in the Caribbean: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Authors: Oswalt Sonja N. , Brandeis Thomas J. , Woodall Christopher W. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTDead wood is a substantial carbon stock in terrestrial forest ecosystems and hence a critical component of global carbon cycles. Given the limited amounts of dead wood biomass and carbon stock information for Caribbean forests, our objectives were to: (1) describe the relative contribution of down woody materials (DWM) to carbon stocks on the island of St. John; (2) compare these contributions among differing stand characteristics in subtropical moist and dry forests; and (3) compare down woody material carbon stocks on St. John to those observed in other tropical and temperate forests. Our results indicate that dead wood and litter comprise an average of 20 percent of total carbon stocks on St. John in both moist and dry forest life zones. Island‐wide, dead wood biomass on the ground ranged from 4.55 to 28.11 Mg/ha. Coarse woody material biomass and carbon content were higher in moist forests than in dry forests. No other down woody material components differed between life zones or among vegetation categories (P > 0.05). Live tree density was positively correlated with fine woody material and litter in the moist forest life zone (R= 0.57 and 0.84, respectively) and snag basal area was positively correlated with total down woody material amounts (R= 0.50) in dry forest. Our study indicates that DWM are important contributors to the total biomass and, therefore, carbon budgets in subtropical systems, and that contributions of DWM on St. John appear to be comparable to values given for similar dry forest systems.
Germination and Establishment of Tillandsia eizii (Bromeliaceae) in the Canopy of an Oak Forest in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Toledo‐Aceves Tarin , Wolf Jan H. D. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTWe assessed the effectiveness of repopulating the inner canopy and middle canopy of oak trees with seeds and seedlings of the epiphytic bromeliad Tillandsia eizii. Canopy germination was 4.7 percent, considerably lower than in vitro (92%). Of the tree‐germinated seedlings, only 1.5 percent survived 6 mo. In contrast, 9.3 percent of transplanted laboratory seedlings survived 15 mo. To repopulate trees, we recommend transplanting laboratory‐grown seedlings, as large as practically possible, to branches in the middle canopy.
Method Review: Estimation of Colony Densities of the Army Ant Eciton burchellii in Costa Rica
Authors: Vidal‐Riggs John M. , Chaves‐Campos Johel 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the performance of a method developed to estimate colony densities of the army ant Eciton burchellii, a keystone species, based on raid crossings on trails, in Costa Rica. The method was compared with a census obtained by tracking ant‐following birds, and the effect of walking distance and rainfall was evaluated. We found that the method performs well when at least 60 km of trail have been walked (replicated walks are permissible), and when rainfall is avoided.
The WTO: What Next? L'OMC: et après? Die WTO: Was nun?
Authors: Josling Tim 
Published: August 2007

summaryThe WTO: What Next?The impasse in the WTO trade negotiations gives the opportunity to take a broader look at the range of trade talks that are underway and their relationship to domestic farm policy reform in the US and the EU. The articles in this Special Issue attempt to expand on such linkages. The willingness of the US to follow the path toward less trade distorting domestic programs is one of the keys to reductions in agricultural protection in other countries. The continuation of the process of CAP reform gives the EU the scope to accept tighter controls on domestic subsidies and relax the often high levels of border protection. But success in the WTO talks also makes regional and bilateral trade pacts easier by resolving conflicts over subsidy levels and by lowering tariff levels. And the success of litigants, particularly Brazil, in WTO challenges to US and EU domestic policies has emphasized the extent to which trade agreements have become drivers of domestic reform. However, the pace of such reform is still controlled by national (and EU) legislatures and governments, and this therefore limits the speed of trade negotiations and the acceptability of dispute settlement outcomes.
The Next Steps in CAP Reform Les prochaines étapes de la réforme de la PAC Die nächsten Schritte in der Reform der GAP
Authors: Buckwell Allan 
Published: August 2007

summaryThe Next Steps in CAP ReformBoth Pillars of Europe's Common Agricultural Policy have been thoroughly overhauled in the period 2003 to 2007. By far the most important aspect of these reforms is the decoupling of the main support instrument of the CAP ‐ the Single Payment. This removes the bulk of EU farm support into the non‐production and trade distorting Green Box of the WTO. Despite these far‐reaching changes, discussions are already underway for further CAP reforms both before 2013 in what is being called the CAP Health Check, and certainly thereafter as all EU policies and resources are to be reviewed in 2009. This article discusses the possible contents of such reforms and focuses on three main areas. Firstly, the downscaling of commodity supports, particularly the use of intervention purchases to raise domestic prices and their replacement with the Single Payment System. Secondly, replacement of the existing variety of Single Payment Schemes with a more harmonised scheme. Thirdly, the prospects for changing the balance between Pillars I and II of the CAP Finally, there is consideration of the prospects for reform of the CAP beyond 2013 towards what nowadays might be called Europe's Food and Environmental Security Policy, to deal with all the missing, imperfect and failing market issues affecting land use.
Multinationals and institutional competitiveness
Authors: Kristensen Peer Hull , Morgan Glenn 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis article discusses how institutional competitiveness and multinationals are mutually enriching concepts. Multinationals transfer capital, technology, and knowledge into new settings. They allow subsidiaries access to new markets, new resources, and new processes. Potentially, therefore, institutional competitiveness can be increased by the presence of multinational corporations (MNCs) and their subsidiaries. However, this depends on the type of multinational and the type of institutional context. By differentiating two types of MNC in terms of short‐term and long‐term orientations to investment, and two types of host institutional setting in terms of strength of institutional complementarities and interconnectedness, we develop a typology of four types of interaction between MNCs and institutional settings. We then analyze how each type influences institutional competitiveness. We conclude that these outcomes, while structurally shaped, are still dependent on how actors (individuals, firms, collective organizations, and governments) strategize to develop institutional frameworks in the context of highly competitive global markets.
Exploring the Case for Monetary Integration between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong
Authors: Cavoli Tony , Rajan Ramkishen S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper presents an empirical investigation on an important policy issue, namely, whether there is any evidence supporting monetary integration between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. We follow two lines of inquiry. First, we present a series of simple tests to find the extent to which trade and/or financial linkages exist between the two regions. Second, we use simple inflation and output differentials and structural VAR techniques to test for the degree of business cycle synchronization between the two regions. The results indicate that there is evidence supporting the existence of trade linkages and that there is also support for the possible synchronization of business cycles. We discuss the implications of this for monetary integration between Hong Kong and the mainland.
Contagion or Real Linkages? Some Evidence from China's Emerging Parallel Markets
Authors: Kutan Ali M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper empirically tests the existence of contagion using data on China's five parallel markets with different entry barriers for foreign capital. Taking the 1997 stock market crash as our experiment and using data on A, B and H shares, red chips and American depository receipts, the present paper tests whether these China‐backed market returns respond differently to foreign shocks during the pre‐1997 and post‐1997 crash period. Evidence suggests that the contagion effects are stronger in markets with fewer entry barriers. An important implication of our findings is that countries vulnerable to contagion could be justified to impose some limits on capital flows.
Distortions of Sino‐US and Sino‐EU Safeguard Agreements: Effects on World Textile Markets
Authors: Pan Suwen , Welch Mark , Mohanty Samarendu , He Xiurong 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects of Sino‐US and Sino‐EU safeguard agreements on US, Chinese and world cotton and textile sectors are investigated using a partial equilibrium model. The effects are compared to a free trade scenario under the provisions of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. The two safeguard agreements capping Chinese textile exports would decrease China's textile and apparel exports, production, and domestic consumption by an average 1.57, 0.63 and 0.32 percent, respectively. The safeguard agreements cause an increase in the US cotton textile price index and a slight decrease in US net textile imports and textile consumption. The agreements cause a decrease in the world cotton price and the quantity of cotton traded, but these trends reverse at safeguard expiration. The results generally support the view that the safeguard agreements forestall the effects of free trade in textiles and apparel rather than creating long lasting shifts in the textile trade.
Creationism
Authors: McCalla Arthur 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCreationist opposition to modern evolutionary and geological sciences derives from the attempt of American Protestant fundamentalists to protect the inerrancy of the Bible from the challenges of any and all historical sciences. Creation science is not an independent investigation of the natural world, but rather biblical testimony. Intelligent design, the latest variant of creationism, is better understood as a legal strategy rather than as genuine science. The creation–evolution controversy is at bottom a conflict over the status and authority of the Bible in the modern world. The Creationism with which this article is concerned is the antihistorical ideology associated with American Protestant fundamentalism. This article is divided into four sections: creationism in early fundamentalism, young‐earth creationism, creation science, and intelligent design.
Characterization of Fluorescence of ANS–Tear Lipocalin Complex: Evidence for Multiple‐Binding Modes
Authors: Gasymov Oktay K. , Abduragimov Adil R. , Glasgow Ben J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractANS is widely used as a probe for locating binding sites of proteins and studying structural changes under various external conditions. However, the nature of ANS‐binding sites in proteins and the accompanying changes in fluorescence properties are controversial. We examined the steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence of the ANS–protein complexes for tear lipocalin (TL) and its mutants in order to discern the origin of lifetime components via analysis that included the multiexponential decay and the model‐free maximum entropy methods. Fluorescence lifetimes of ANS–TL complexes can be grouped into two species, 14.01–17.42 ns and 2.72–4.37 ns. The log‐normal analyses of fluorescence spectral shapes reveal the heterogeneous nature of both long‐ and short‐lifetime species. The constructed time‐resolved emission, amplitude (TRES) and area normalized (TRANES), and decay‐associated spectra are consistent with a model that includes heterogeneous modes of ANS binding with two separate lifetime components. The two lifetime components are not derived from solvent relaxation, but rather may represent different binding modes.
Suppression of an Established Immune Response by UVA— A Critical Role for Mast Cells
Authors: Ullrich Stephen E. , Nghiem Dat X. , Khaskina Polina 
Published: August 2007

AbstractExposing experimental animals or human volunteers to UVA II (320–340 nm) radiation after immunization suppresses immunologic memory and the elicitation of delayed‐in‐time hypersensitivity reactions. Previous studies indicated that the mechanisms underlying UVA‐induced immune suppression are similar to those described for UVB‐induced immune suppression, i.e. transferred by T regulatory cells, overcome by repairing DNA damage, neutralizing interleukin (IL)‐10 activity, or injecting recombinant IL‐12. Here we continued our examination of the mechanisms involved in UVA II‐induced suppression. Antibodies to cis‐urocanic acid blocked UVA‐induced immune suppression. Treating UVA‐irradiated mice with histamine receptor antagonists, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists or platelet activating factor receptor antagonists blocked immune suppression in UVA‐irradiated mice. In light of the fact that cis‐urocanic acid and CGRP target mast cells, which can then release platelet activating factor and histamine, we measured UVA‐induced immune suppression in mast cell‐deficient mice. No immune suppression was noted in UVA‐irradiated mast cell‐deficient mice. These findings indicate that exposure to UVA II activates many of the same immune regulatory factors activated by UVB to induce immune suppression. Moreover, they indicate that mast cells play a critical role in UVA‐induced suppression of secondary immune reactions.
Assessment of the UVR Protection Provided by Different Tree Species
Authors: Gies Peter , Elix Robin , Lawry David , Gardner Jennifer , Hancock Trevor , Cockerell Sarah , Roy Colin , Javorniczky John , Henderson Stuart 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn recent years, SunSmart campaigns have emphasized the importance of the use of shade as a strategy in the reduction of human exposure to solar UV radiation (UVR), particularly in early life with the provision of shade in schools. Trees can play an important role in shade provision, either as the main shade provider or to augment shade structures and increase UVR protection provided to the general population. A study to measure the protection provided by a range of trees common in Australian urban environments was undertaken during the summers of 2004/2005 and 2005/2006. Solar UVR beneath the trees was measured using UVR sensitive polysulphone badges positioned horizontally within the shaded area and were compared with those in full sunshine to give an indication of the protection provided. Measurements made on sunny days during the months of October to April indicated that the shade cover provided by the trees depended upon the tree species and changed with season as a result of changing foliage and sun angles. Measured protection factors ranged from 5 to 10 and were generally a maximum in the height of summer when the sun was highest in the sky and the foliage was densest.
Comparison of an immuno‐turbidometric method (STalia®d‐DI) with an established enzyme linked fluorescent assay (VIDAS®) d‐dimer for the exclusion of venous thromboembolism
Authors: SUKHU K. , BEAVIS J. , BAKER P. M. , KEELING D. M. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe use of d‐dimer tests for the exclusion of venous thromboembolism is an important advance in clinical practice and also has economic benefits. The Stalia®d‐Di (Diagnostica Stago, Asnieres, France) is a semi automated system for the quantification of d‐dimer using an immuno‐turbidometric method incorporating a suspension of latex microparticles coated with two different monoclonal antibodies specifically targeted against human d‐dimer fragments. Results are available rapidly in <10 min compared with 35 min for the established VIDAS®d‐dimer automated enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, BioMerieux, Basingstoke, UK). During November and December 2005, 100 consecutive patients attending the outpatient deep venous thrombosis (DVT) clinic were tested using the VIDAS®d‐dimer as part of the routine DVT investigation. Using the same samples, d‐dimer estimation was also performed on the STalia®d‐Di for comparison. Across a wide range of data (Vidas 83–5656) and (STalia® <200–>4000), there was good agreement between the two methods. Using cutoff's of 500 μg/l fibrinogen equivalent units (Keeling et al., 1999), 42% (42/100) patients were negative (<500) and 46% (46/100) were positive (>500) on both systems. Six per cent (6/100) were positive on the Vidas but negative on the STalia® and another 6% (6/100) were positive on the STalia® but negative on the Vidas. In conclusion, 88% (88/100) of patients showed agreement and in the other 12% (12/100), one had a DVT as identified by Compression ultrasonography (CUS). In this study, there were seven patients with a DVT as identified by CUS and they all scored as ‘likely’ on a pretest clinical probability score and so negative d‐dimer would not be used clinically to rule out the disease. The Vidas is a well established instrument for d‐dimer measurement in outpatient DVT clinics, and in this small study the STalia® compares very well and therefore would fit into an outpatient setting for d‐dimer measurement. But ideally a larger study would be required before implementing new methodology in a clinical setting.
Platelet size has diagnostic predictive value for bone marrow metastasis in patients with solid tumors
Authors: AKSOY S. , KILICKAP S. , HAYRAN M. , HARPUTLUOGLU H. , KOCA E. , DEDE D. S. , ERMAN M. , TURKER A. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThough not very common, solid tumor involvement of the bone marrow (BM) may have serious consequences. Recent studies have shown that mean platelet volume (MPV) is a good indicator for BM disease in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. We investigated the significance of MPV in the diagnosis of BM metastasis in patients with solid tumors. Patients with histologically‐verified solid tumors for whom BM biopsy specimens were available (n = 121) and healthy controls (n = 62) were included in this retrospective study. A total of 183 individuals were analyzed. Of the patients, 61 had a diagnosis of BM metastasis (Group A), 60 did not have BM metastasis (Group B). Group B and C (healthy controls) constituted the control group without BM metastasis (n = 122). The mean MPV was 7.0 ± 0.8 fl in patients with BM metastasis and 8.4 fl in the control group (P < 0.001). A cut‐off point of <7.4 fl was found to have significant predictive value according to receiver‐operating characteristics curve analysis. This cut‐off point had 85% positive predictive value and 90% negative predictive value in the diagnosis of BM metastasis (odds ratio: 53; 95% confidence interval: 20–135), and a sensitivity of 82.7% and specificity of 89.6%. MPV can be used as a reliable marker to guide the clinician as to the likely presence or absence of BM metastasis in patients with solid tumors.
Sickle cell disease: the Lebanese experience
Authors: INATI A. , JRADI O. , TARABAY H. , MOALLEM H. , RACHKIDI Y. , EL ACCAOUI R. , ISMA’EEL H. , WEHBE R. , MFARREJ B. G. , DABBOUS I. , TAHER A. 
Published: August 2007

SummarySickle cell disease (SCD), the commonest single gene disorder worldwide, is an inherited disease that has different clinical and hematological manifestations in different populations. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of the Lebanese SCD population. This was a retrospective study that included information on 387 patients with either sickle cell anemia (SS) or sickle beta‐thalassemia (ST). The mean (±SD) age was 17.9 years (±12.5), and the mean (±SD) follow‐up was 9.3 ± 6.9 years. Fifty percent of the patients were males and SS/ST distribution was 3 : 1. The disease was clustered in two geographic areas in North and South Lebanon. Nearly, all patients were Muslims and 56% were the offspring of consanguineous parents. The prevalence of splenomegaly beyond 6 years of age among SS patients was 28.9%. The prevalence rates of stroke, leg ulcers and priapism were 4.1%, 1.4%, and 0.8%, respectively. Comparing the SS and the ST patients, there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of all clinical manifestations except for splenomegaly (SS: 28.9%, ST: 54.9%, P‐value < 0.001) and splenectomy (SS: 16.1%, ST: 35.7%, P‐value < 0.001). In contrast to Northern American populations and similar to some Mediterranean populations, Lebanese SCD patients have a higher prevalence of persistent splenomegaly. The relatively low incidence of thrombotic complications deserves further investigation. The study’s limitations include those of any other retrospective study and the fact that not all Lebanese centers caring for inherited hemoglobin disorders were included. However, the results of this first large scale national survey indicate that preventive efforts should target the Northern and Southern regions of Lebanon to decrease the number of new off springs afflicted with this disease similar to what has been successfully achieved with Thalassemia, another hemoglobinopathy that is highly prevalent in the country.