bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low testosterone and anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Panagiotopolous Sianna , Sharpe Ken , MacIsaac Richard J. , Clarke Sophie , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Jerums George , Thomas Merlin C. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  Anaemia is frequently found in patients with diabetes, in whom it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Low testosterone levels are also common in men with type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that low testosterone levels are also associated with anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes, over the effects of chronic kidney disease.Design  Cross‐sectional cohort study, performed in 2005 in a tertiary diabetes clinic.Patients  464 men with type 2 diabetes.Main outcome measure  Anaemia (haemoglobin (Hb) < 13·7 g/dl in men aged < 60, or < 13·2 g/dl in men aged 60 and older).Results  About 24% of study participants had anaemia, which was associated with the presence and severity of chronic kidney disease, systemic inflammation, increased age, and reduced iron availability. In addition, testosterone levels were independently associated with reduced Hb levels, determining between 6 and 8% of the total variability in raw Hb levels in this population after adjusting for these other factors. Individuals with total testosterone level < 10 nmol/l (43% of the cohort) were more likely to have anaemia (adjusted odds ratio 1·7; 95% CI 1·1–2·8). Similarly, anaemia was twice as common in individuals with a calculated free testosterone of < 0·23 nmol/l (adjusted odds ratio 2·0, 95% CI 1·2–3·1).Conclusions  These findings suggest that testosterone deficiency may contribute to the increased frequency of anaemia in men with type 2 diabetes. However, the appropriate clinical response to testosterone deficiency in anaemic patients remains to be established by prospective clinical trials.
Life‐history strategies in freshwater macroinvertebrates
Authors: VERBERK WILCO C. E. P. , SIEPEL HENK , ESSELINK HANS 
Published: August 2008

Summary

Explaining spatial and temporal differences in species assemblages is a central aim of ecology. It requires a sound understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship of species with their environment. A species trait is widely acknowledged to be the key that links pattern and process, although the enormous variety of traits hampers generalization about which combination of traits are adaptive in a particular environment.
In three steps, we used species traits to match species and environment, and chose lentic freshwater ecosystems to illustrate our approach. We first identified key environmental factors and selected the species traits that enable the organism to deal with them. Secondly, we investigated how investments in these traits are related (e.g. through trade‐offs). Thirdly, we outlined 13 life‐history strategies, based on biological species traits, their interrelations known from life‐history theory and their functional implications.
Species traits and environmental conditions are connected through life‐history strategies, with different strategies representing different solutions to particular ecological problems. In addition, strategies may present an integrated response to the environment as they are based on many different traits and their interrelationships. The presence and abundance of (species exhibiting) different life‐history strategies in a location may therefore give direct information about how a particular environment is experienced by the species present.
Life‐history strategies can be used to (i) explain differences in species assemblages either between locations or in different periods; (ii) compare waterbodies separated by large geographical distances, which may comprise different regional species pools or span species distribution areas and (iii) reduce often very complex, biodiverse assemblages into a few meaningful, easily interpretable relationships.
Macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams: a review
Authors: CLARKE AMBER , MAC NALLY RALPH , BOND NICK , LAKE P. S. 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. Headwater streams are ubiquitous in the landscape and are important sources of water, sediments and biota for downstream reaches. They are critical sites for organic matter processing and nutrient cycling, and may be vital for maintaining the ‘health’ of whole river networks.2. Macroinvertebrates are an important component of biodiversity in stream ecosystems and studies of macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams have mostly viewed stream systems as linear reaches rather than as networks, although the latter may be more appropriate to the study of diversity patterns in headwater systems.3. Studies of macroinvertebrate diversity in headwater streams from around the world illustrated that taxonomic richness is highly variable among continents and regions, and studies addressing longitudinal changes in taxonomic richness of macroinvertebrates generally found highest richness in mid‐order streams.4. When stream systems are viewed as networks at the landscape‐scale, α‐diversity may be low in individual headwater streams but high β‐diversity among headwater streams within catchments and among catchments may generate high γ‐diversity.5. Differing ability and opportunity for dispersal of macroinvertebrates, great physical habitat heterogeneity in headwater streams, and a wide range in local environmental conditions may all contribute to high β‐diversity among headwater streams both within and among catchments.6. Moving beyond linear conceptual models of stream ecosystems to consider the role that spatial structure of river networks might play in determining diversity patterns at the landscape scale is a promising avenue for future research.
Existential aspects of living with addiction – Part I: meeting challenges
Authors: Wiklund Lena 
Published: August 2008

Aim.  This paper aims to explore the existential aspects of living with addiction.Background.  This study arises from data from a previous research project carried out by the author and takes as its point of departure the patient’s perspective. Addiction is described as being related to traumatic experience and to loss of control, shame, guilt and low self‐esteem, but also to spirituality. This causes profound suffering and drugs are used as a means of handling this suffering.Design.  Hermeneutic inquiry was used to explore peoples experiences of living with addiction.Method.  The first study was based on interviews with people with rich, personal experience of addiction. This study constitutes a secondary analysis of the same data and was conducted using a hermeneutic approach.Results.  On an existential level the experiences of living with addiction can be understood as a striving to meet and resolve challenges associated with spirituality caused by a person’s suffering and, paradoxically, also by his/her efforts to relieve that suffering through the use of drugs. These challenges are presented as themes focusing on the conflict that must be met; meaning – meaninglessness, connectedness – loneliness, life – death, freedom – adjustment, responsibility – guilt, control – chaos.Conclusion.  Living with addiction appears as being in the midst of a struggle with existential challenges. Furthermore, the use of drugs is paradoxical as it momentarily relieves suffering but at the same time increases it.Relevance to clinical practice.  Addressing the challenges will facilitate nurses interaction with addicted persons. When facing challenges, including the motivational aspects, instead of focusing on problems, health can be promoted and suffering relieved.
Day surgery: patients’ felt abandoned during the preoperative wait
Authors: Gilmartin Jo , Wright Kerrie 
Published: August 2008

Background. The rapid expansion in day surgery has facilitated a shift in surgical nursing intervention. The evolving evidence base has a major part to play in influencing nurse‐led preassessment, information provision, pain management and postoperative intervention. However, the literature is characterised by a number of deficits: poor attention to patient experience from admission to discharge, anxieties evoked and the potential needs of patients are not well articulated.Aim. The purpose of this paper is to describe and interpret patients’ experiences of contemporary day surgery.Method. This hermeneutic phenomenological approach focused on the experience of 20 adult patients. Data was collected by using unstructured interviews. The transcripts were interpreted through the identification of four prevalent themes using the phenomenological method.Findings. The themes that emerged from the data are emphasised, ranging from the feeling of empowerment during preparation, through apprehensions encountered and the feeling of abandonment in the preoperative waiting area, to recovery dynamics.Conclusion. The study demonstrates that the majority of the patients felt abandoned in the preoperative stage and nurses did not recognise the importance of ongoing psychological support. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the provision of emotional support and person‐centred care in a day surgery context. There is also a need to be aware that environmental factors can impact on patient anxiety, promoting the use of music preoperatively can reduce anxiety and increase well‐being.Relevance for clinical practice. Crucially health professionals need to facilitate person‐centred and continuity of care throughout the day surgery experience. Using dynamic interpersonal skills, such as active listening ‘holding’‘containment’ and attunement to reduce anxiety and feelings of abandonment in the preoperative period. Moreover, being alert to verbal utterances, para‐language and non‐verbal cues demonstrated by the patient. Specific information about delays regarding the timing of procedures needs to be carefully explained.
Smoking characteristics and saliva cotinine levels in Taiwanese smokers: gender differences
Authors: Huang Chih‐Ling , Lin Hsi‐Hui , Yang Yi‐Hsin 
Published: August 2008

Aims. The present study examined the smoking characteristics and a biomarker of a community‐based sample of Taiwanese individuals, seeking to determine the correlates of nicotine dependence for each gender.Background. Nicotine dependence is a key barrier to smoking cessation. Additionally, nicotine metabolism may influence smoking behaviour and dependence. Correlates of nicotine dependence and biochemical markers of smoking for the Taiwanese population have not yet been studied.Methods. Participants were 402 men and 110 women smokers, who had recently smoked at least one cigarette every day over a recent year. All participants completed a questionnaire which included demographic data, smoking background, self‐reported quantity of cigarettes per day and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. The participants also provided saliva samples.Results. Female smokers were younger, more likely to be unmarried and were on average higher educated than males. A higher percentage of females reported that family members smoked and tended to be younger at initiation and were also more likely to have attempted to quit on previous occasions. Males reported smoking significantly more cigarettes than females, however, there was no significant difference in the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores between the two groups. The average saliva cotinine level was significantly higher for males than females (228·8 ng/ml vs. 94·6 ng/ml,p < 0·0001). Family and friends smoking were risk factors of nicotine dependence among both men and women smokers, but there was a stronger association of both factors on dependence levels for women. Being married is a risk factor for dependence for women but not for men.Conclusion. These findings support the evidence that smoking characteristics and a biochemical marker differ between the males and females.Relevance to clinical practice. The results of the study are useful for health policymakers, assisting them in planning tobacco control activities in light of gender differences.
Genetic consequences of glacial survival and postglacial colonization in Norway spruce: combined analysis of mitochondrial DNA and fossil pollen
Authors: TOLLEFSRUD MARI METTE , KISSLING ROY , GUGERLI FELIX , JOHNSEN ØYSTEIN , SKRØPPA TORE , CHEDDADI RACHID , VAN DER KNAAP W. O. , LATAŁOWA MAŁGORZATA , TERHÜRNE‐BERSON RUTH , LITT THOMAS , GEBUREK THOMAS , BROCHMANN CHRISTIAN , SPERISEN CHRISTOPH 
Published: August 2008

AbstractNorway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) is a broadly distributed European conifer tree whose history has been intensively studied by means of fossil records to infer the location of full‐glacial refugia and the main routes of postglacial colonization. Here we use recently compiled fossil pollen data as a template to examine how past demographic events have influenced the species’ modern genetic diversity. Variation was assessed in the mitochondrial nad1 gene containing two minisatellite regions. Among the 369 populations (4876 trees) assayed, 28 mitochondrial variants were identified. The patterns of population subdivision superimposed on interpolated fossil pollen distributions indicate that survival in separate refugia and postglacial colonization has led to significant structuring of genetic variation in the southern range of the species. The populations in the northern range, on the other hand, showed a shallow genetic structure consistent with the fossil pollen data, suggesting that the vast northern range was colonized from a single refugium. Although the genetic diversity decreased away from the putative refugia, there were large differences between different colonization routes. In the Alps, the diversity decreased over short distances, probably as a result of population bottlenecks caused by the presence of competing tree species. In northern Europe, the diversity was maintained across large areas, corroborating fossil pollen data in suggesting that colonization took place at high population densities. The genetic diversity increased north of the Carpathians, probably as a result of admixture of expanding populations from two separate refugia.
CLO/GFA1 and ATO are novel regulators of gametic cell fate in plants
Authors: Moll Cordula , Von Lyncker Ludwig , Zimmermann Steffi , Kägi Christina , Baumann Nadine , Twell David , Grossniklaus Ueli , Groß‐Hardt Rita 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe formation of gametes is a key step in the life cycle of any sexually reproducing organism. In flowering plants, gametes develop in haploid structures termed gametophytes that comprise a few cells. The female gametophyte forms gametic cells and flanking accessory cells. During a screen for regulators of egg‐cell fate, we isolated three mutants, lachesis (lis), clotho (clo) and atropos (ato), that show deregulated expression of an egg‐cell marker. We have previously shown that, in lis mutants, which are defective for the splicing factor PRP4, accessory cells can differentiate gametic cell fate. Here, we show that CLOTHO/GAMETOPHYTIC FACTOR 1 (CLO/GFA1) is necessary for the restricted expression of egg‐ and central‐cell fate and hence reproductive success. Surprisingly, infertile gametophytes can be expelled from the maternal ovule tissue, thereby preventing the needless allocation of maternal resources to sterile tissue. CLO/GFA1 encodes the Arabidopsis homologue of Snu114, a protein that is considered to be an essential component of the spliceosome. In agreement with their proposed role in pre‐mRNA splicing, CLO/GFA1 and LIS co‐localize to nuclear speckles. Our data also suggest that CLO/GFA1 is necessary for the tissue‐specific expression of LIS. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ATO encodes the Arabidopsis homologue of SF3a60, a protein that has been implicated in pre‐spliceosome formation. Our results thus establish that the restriction of gametic cell fate is specifically coupled to the function of various core spliceosomal components.
AtMap1: a DNA microarray for genomic deletion mapping in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nagano Atsushi J. , Fukazawa Mitsue , Hayashi Makoto , Ikeuchi Momoko , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Nishimura Mikio , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko 
Published: August 2008

SummaryWe have designed a novel tiling array, AtMap1, for genomic deletion mapping. AtMap1 is a 60‐mer oligonucleotide microarray consisting of 42 497 data probes designed from the genomic sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana Col‐0. The average probe interval is 2.8 kb. The performance of the AtMap1 array was assessed using the deletion mutants mag2‐2, rot3‐1 and zig‐2. Eight of the probes showed threefold lower signals in mag2‐2 than Col‐0. Seven of these probes were located in one region on chromosome 3. We considered these adjacent probes to represent one deletion. This deletion was consistent with a reported deleted region. The other probe was located near the end of chromosome 4. A newly identified deletion around the probe was confirmed by PCR. We also detected the responsible deletions for rot3‐1 and zig‐2. Thus we concluded that the AtMap1 array was sufficiently sensitive to identify a deletion without any a priori knowledge of the deletion. An analysis of the result of hybridization of Ler and previously reported polymorphism data revealed that the signal decrease tended to depend on the overlap size of sequence polymorphisms. Mutation mapping is time‐consuming, laborious and costly. The AtMap1 array removes these limitations.
The plant innate immunity response in stomatal guard cells invokes G‐protein‐dependent ion channel regulation
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Sheng Yang , Assmann Sarah M. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryStomata in the epidermis of terrestrial plants are important for CO2 absorption and transpirational water loss, and are also potential points of entry for pathogens. Stomatal opening and closure are controlled by distinct mechanisms. Arabidopsis stomata have been shown to close in response to bacteria and pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) as part of PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI). Here we show that flg22, a PAMP derived from bacterial flagellin, also inhibits light‐induced stomatal opening. Consistent with our observations on stomatal opening, flg22 inhibits the inward K+ channels (K+in currents) of guard cells that mediate K+ uptake during stomatal opening. Similar to previously documented K+ current changes triggered by exogenous elevation of H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO), with prolonged duration of flg22 exposure the outward K+ channels (K+out currents) of guard cells are also inhibited. In null mutants of the flg22 receptor, FLS2, flg22 regulation of stomatal opening, K+in currents, and K+out currents is eliminated. flg22 also fails to elicit these responses in null mutants of the sole canonical G‐protein α subunit, GPA1. The bacterial toxin, coronatine, produced by several pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae, reverses the inhibitory effects of flg22 on both K+in currents and stomatal opening, indicating interplay between plant and pathogen in the regulation of plant ion channels. Thus, the PAMP‐triggered stomatal response involves K+ channel regulation, and this regulation is dependent on signaling via cognate PAMP receptors and a heterotrimeric G‐protein. These new findings provide insights into the largely elusive signaling process underlying PTI‐associated guard cell responses.
Audit Fees, Non‐Audit Fees and Auditor Going‐Concern Reporting Decisions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Basioudis Ilias G. , Papakonstantinou Evangelos , Geiger Marshall A. 
Published: August 2008

The accounting profession has come under increased scrutiny over recent years about the growing number of non‐audit fees received from audit clients and the possible negative impact of such fees on auditor independence. The argument advanced is that providing substantial amounts of non‐audit services to clients may make it more likely that auditors concede to the wishes of the client management when difficult judgments are made. Such concerns are particularly salient in the case of reporting decisions related to going‐concern uncertainties for financially stressed clients. This study empirically examines audit reports provided to financially stressed companies in the United Kingdom and the magnitude of audit and non‐audit service fees paid to the company's auditors. We find that the magnitude of both audit fees and non‐audit fees are significantly associated with the issuance of a going‐concern modified audit opinion. In particular, financially stressed companies with high audit fees aremorelikely to receive a going‐concern modified audit opinion, whereas companies with high non‐audit fees arelesslikely to receive a going‐concern modified audit opinion. Additional analyses indicate that the results are generally robust across alternative model and variable specifications. Overall, evidence supports the contention that high non‐audit fees have a detrimental effect on going‐concern reporting judgments for financially stressed U.K. companies.
Is there information content from insider trading activities preceding earnings and dividend announcements in Hong Kong?
Authors: Cheng Louis T. W. , Leung T. Y. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study examines whether insiders (directors) exploit information advantage of their firms by trading stocks before the simultaneous earnings and dividend announcements in Hong Kong. Our findings show that there are significant net‐insider‐buying activities before the announcements of good news (‘Earnings‐Dividend Increase’) and significant net‐insider‐selling activities before bad news (‘Earnings‐Dividend Decrease’ and ‘Earnings Decrease‐Dividend Zero’). In addition, our regression results provide some support for the hypothesis that there is a predictive relation between pre‐event insider trading activity and the abnormal return of the announcements.
Simulated financial dealing room: learning discovery and student accountability
Authors: Lambert Rod , Tant Kevin , Watson John 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper identifies the effectiveness of a simulated treasury dealing room for teaching and learning. It uses a presurvey and a postsurvey to establish student perceptions of learning effectiveness. It concludes that students believe that the dealing room: (i) improves their opportunities to apply theory; (ii) provides better learning than lectures; (iii) is more effective than individual learning; (iv) improves student monitoring of learning effectiveness; and (v) improves student abilities to recognize ethical issues, develop alternative solutions to ethical problems, and evaluate solutions to ethical problems from a moral point of view. Student motivation is enhanced by: (i) the high value they place on dealing room learning; (ii) their preparedness to participate; (iii) rapidly reduced levels of anxiety about trading; and (iv) the learning resources provided.