bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When it Works and Where it Fails: Spatial, Temporal, and Budgetary Constraints to Civic Environmentalism*
Authors: Morris Mary Hallock 
Published: September 2008

Objectives.With its focus on civic engagement, market‐based tools, and public‐private partnerships, the model of civic environmentalism has been successful in dealing with small, localized problems. Yet, a serious investigation of its use to deal with large‐scale, complex problems has not been undertaken. This article expands on the original model and applies it to the problem of the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.Methods.An exploratory case‐study framework is used to analyze the usefulness of this second‐generation model of environmental policy. Archival data sources, in the form of media reports, congressional hearings, case histories, and organizational websites, were used to develop the case study.Results.The case study demonstrated that polycentric governance, local‐level participation, civic leadership, and voluntary, incentive‐based programs were integral components of the model of civic environmentalism. However, in the case of the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone, the model's success is limited by spatial, budgetary, and temporal factors, as well as a lack of issue salience and minimal negative impacts on fishery resources.Conclusions.In the end analysis, civic environmentalism faces significant barriers when applied to large‐scale, complex environmental problems such as the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. In this case, the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Task Force will continue to have difficulties in generating a more successful implementation plan unless it broadens its base of support, develops the social capacity of its stakeholders, and resolves the debate over the science behind its action plan.
The concentration of TNF‐α correlate with number of inflammatory cells and degree of vascularization in radicular cysts
Authors: Jurisic V , Terzic T , Colic S , Jurisic M 
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To correlate values of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) depending on the count of inflammatory cells with degree of vascularization in cystic fluid of radicular cysts.Material and methods:  We investigated TNF‐α concentration in 43 radicular cysts obtained from patients undergoing surgery, under local anaesthesia, and after aspiration of cystic fluid from non‐ruptured cysts by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay assay in respect of different clinical parameters as well as by histomorphometric analyses.Results:  Significantly higher concentration of TNF‐α is associated with smaller radicular cysts, higher protein concentration in cystic fluid as well as with higher presence of inflammatory cells, and increased degree of vascularization in pericystic tissues and cyst wall thickness.Conclusions:  We believe that determination of TNF‐α in cystic fluid simultaneously with other parameters can be an additional parameter for clinical diagnosis of inflammed cysts.
Prolonged exposure to inhaled nitric oxide transiently modifies tubular function in healthy piglets and promotes tubular apoptosis
Authors: Goździk W. , Albert J. , Harbut P. , Zieliński S. , Ryniak S. , Lindwall R. , Dziegiel P. , Podhorska‐Okolow M. , Kübler A. , Frostell C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim:  Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator. We hypothesized that those piglets exposed to prolonged iNO react with a modified renal function.Methods:  Randomized, placebo‐controlled exposure to 40 p.p.m. iNO (30 h) in piglets (n = 20). Plasma and urine were sampled during three periods (first and second 12 h periods, and finally a 6 h period). We measured urine volumes, plasma and urine electrolytes (UNa, UK, UCl), plasma creatinine and urea. We calculated creatinine clearance (Ccr), and fractional excretions of sodium and potassium (FENa, FEK) and urinary excretions of electrolytes (UENa, UEK, UECl). Haemodynamic data were recorded and renal tubular apoptosis detected.Results:  For the first 12 h, certain parameters significantly increased in the iNO group (mean ± SD): UNa (mmol L−1), 87.7 (±35.0) vs. 39.3 (±22.9), UCl (mmol L−1) 80.4 (±32.8) vs. 48.0 (±26.7), FENa (%) 2.1 (±0.8) vs. 0.7 (±0.5), FEK (%) 31.7 (±7.0) vs. 20.7 (±12.3), as well as UENa (mmol) 61.0 (±21.1) vs. 27.6 (±17.9) and UECl (mmol) 57.3 (24.5) vs. 37.6 (29.0). These changes were absent in the second and third periods of the study. Significant differences in percentage of apoptotic cell nuclei in the renal cortex and medulla were found after iNO exposure: 39% vs. 15%.Conclusion:  Exposure to 40 p.p.m. iNO in healthy anaesthetized piglets has a transient natriuretic effect that disappears after 12 h. We also found evidence of renal tubular apoptosis promotion after 30 h of iNO.
Novel Genetic Determinants of Low-Level Aminoglycoside Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Schurek Kristen N. , Marr Alexandra K. , Taylor Patrick K. , Wiegand Irith , Semenec Lucie , Khaira Bhavjinder K. , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains isolated from patients with persistent lung infections and cystic fibrosis have been found to gradually develop aminoglycoside resistance over time. The aim of this study was to identify potential contributors to low-level aminoglycoside resistance, which may cause such graduated increases in resistance. The Harvard
P. aeruginosa
PA14 nonredundant library, consisting of approximately 5,800 mutants, was screened for twofold or greater increases in tobramycin resistance. Mutants carrying mutations in a total of 135 unique genes were identified and confirmed to have reduced susceptibility to tobramycin. Many of these genes were involved predominantly in energy metabolism; however, most of these mutants did not exhibit growth defects under the conditions tested, although some exhibited the small-colony phenotype and/or defects in growth under anaerobic conditions. Lipopolysaccharide mutants were also identified, and it was found that tobramycin had a reduced ability to permeabilize the outer membranes of these mutants. The results of this study emphasize the complexity of the interactions that tobramycin may have within the bacterial cell and introduce a large number of novel genes which may play a role in tobramycin resistance.
Impact of recent legislative bills regarding clinical research on Italian ethics committee activity
Authors: Porcu L , Poli D , Torri V , Rulli E , Di Tullio M C , Cinquini M , Bajetta E , Labianca R , Di Costanzo F , Nitti D , Floriani I 
Published: September 2008

Aims and background:The present work assessed the impact of two decrees on ethics committees in Italy, aimed at bringing the national laws on the conduct of clinical trials into line with the rest of the EC, and regulating and facilitating not-for-profit research.Material and methods:Prospectively collected data from an Italian multicentre study were examined with respect to the ethics review process. Administrative and time elements of the review process were audited. Main outcome measures were time between the application submission and the ethics committee definitive opinion, type and number of application submission forms, number of ethics committees that refused fee exemption, and time between the ethics committee approval and the administrative authorisation.Results:A total of 134 local research ethics committees (LRECs) were approached. Application submission procedures and application forms varied greatly; paper submission was mandatory. The median time from submission to approval was 72 days. Only two LRECs refused the fee exemption. The median time from LREC approval to administrative agreement was 50 days and only 9.6% of local authorities came to a verbal agreement with the sponsor.Conclusions:Italian LRECs are still not sufficiently efficient in complying with the Directive 2001/20/EC requirement (60 days). Better coordination of LRECs work is needed although the optimal level of coordination between them is still not known. In the meantime, national guidelines are needed concerning the application of Directive 2001/20/EC. The behaviour of Italian LRECs towards not-for-profit research was excellent although only the fee exemption was requested.
Preadaptation and spatial effects on retention-tree survival in cut areas in Estonia
Authors: Rosenvald Raul , Lõhmus Asko , Kiviste Andres 
Published: September 2008

Survival of live retention trees is a key issue for stand-scale applications of natural-disturbance-based silviculture. We explored the survival of 3255 trees in 102 cut areas (mean size 2.3 ha) in Estonia for 6 years, focusing on spatial variation and preadaptation of the trees. Altogether, 35% of the trees died during the study period, contributing 4.4 m3 of downed dead trunks and 1 m3 of standing dead trees per hectare. The annual mortality rates declined over time. The main survival determinants were tree species (higher for hardwood deciduous trees), diameter (species dependent), position relative to forest edge (higher for trees near current or former forest edges), retention density (positive), and exposure (negative). The results suggest that (1) green-tree retention can effectively increase the abundance of large shade-tolerant trees, but it is equally important for producing deadwood; (2) larger individuals, former interior-forest trees near current forest edges, and preadapted trees in open conditions should be preferably retained; (3) there is no obvious necessity to modify tree-retention techniques for tree survival according to geographical region or forest site type.
Breakdown and invertebrate colonization of dead wood in wetland, upland, and river habitats
Authors: Braccia A. , Batzer D. P. 
Published: September 2008

Breakdown of woody debris in river and upland habitats as well as the interactions between wood and invertebrates have been well described. Studies of wood in wetlands are rare, and far less is known about breakdown and invertebrate use of wood in these transitional habitats. This study experimentally assessed breakdown and invertebrate colonization of wood in a floodplain wetland and directly related patterns in the wetland to adjacent river and upland habitats. Over a 2.7 year period, we monitored breakdown and invertebrate presence in 10 cm diameter × 150 cm long sweetgum ( Liquidambar styraciflua L.) logs in a floodplain wetland (n = 8), river (n = 5), and upland (n = 4) habitat. Mass loss, decay condition change, and C/N ratios of wetland wood more closely resembled upland than river wood. The overall invertebrate assemblage associated with wetland wood was also more similar to that associated with upland than river wood. Breakdown and invertebrate colonization of wood in the floodplain wetland shared more characteristics with upland than river wood, perhaps because of the seasonal nature of flooding in the wetland. However, the ecology of wood in wetlands also had unique characteristics compared with either the uplands or the river.
The Temporal Response of the Length of a Partially Stratified Estuary to Changes in River Flow and Tidal Amplitude
Authors: Lerczak James A. , Geyer W. Rockwell , Ralston David K. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The temporal response of the length of a partially mixed estuary to changes in freshwater discharge Qf and tidal amplitude UT is studied using a 108-day time series collected along the length of the Hudson River estuary in the spring and summer of 2004 and a long-term (13.4 yr) record of Qf , UT, and near-surface salinity. When Qf was moderately high, the tidally averaged length of the estuary L5, here defined as the distance from the mouth to the up-estuary location where the vertically averaged salinity is 5 psu, fluctuated by more than 47 km over the spring–neap cycle, ranging from 28 to &gt;75 km. During low flow periods, L5 varied very little over the spring–neap cycle and approached a steady length. The response is quantified and compared to predictions of a linearized model derived from the global estuarine salt balance. The model is forced by fluctuations in Qf and UT relative to average discharge Qo and tidal amplitude UTo and predicts the linear response time scale τ and the steady-state length Lo for average forcing. Two vertical mixing schemes are considered, in which 1) mixing is proportional to UT and 2) dependence of mixing on stratification is also parameterized. Based on least squares fits between L5 and estuary length predicted by the model, estimated τ varied by an order of magnitude from a period of high average discharge (Qo = 750 m3 s−1, τ = 4.2 days) to a period of low discharge (Qo = 170 m3 s−1, τ = 40.4 days). Over the range of observed discharge, Lo ∝ Qo−0.30±0.03, consistent with the theoretical scaling for an estuary whose landward salt flux is driven by vertical estuarine exchange circulation. Estimated τ was proportional to the discharge advection time scale (LoA/Qo, where A is the cross-sectional area of the estuary). However, τ was 3–4 times larger than the theoretical prediction. The model with stratification-dependent mixing predicted variations in L5 with higher skill than the model with mixing proportional to UT. This model provides insight into the time-dependent response of a partially stratified estuary to changes in forcing and explains the strong dependence of the amplitude of the spring–neap response on freshwater discharge. However, the utility of the linear model is limited because it assumes a uniform channel, and because the underlying dynamics are nonlinear, and the forcing Qf and UT can undergo large amplitude variations. River discharge, in particular, can vary by over an order of magnitude over time scales comparable to or shorter than the response time scale of the estuary.
Is It Really Clear?
Authors: Levinger Miriam , Ronen Tammie 
Published: September 2008

• Summary: The methodological challenge of adapting research tools to the needs of the study population takes on paramount importance when participants have cultural, social, cognitive, or other needs rendering commonly used questionnaires problematic. This article describes research tools' exploratory adaptation to a sample of Israeli deaf adults, during a comparative study of 101 deaf adults aged 28 to 51 years and 57 hearing adults aged 24 to 52. Levinger (2003) conducted a large study on this sample, investigating the links between adults' personal, familial, and societal variables and their ability to separate from parents and establish spousal intimacy. • Findings: The present article is a sub-study focusing on the adaptation of the larger study's design of specific tools to examine the deaf population. It describes the tools' preparation, administration, and analysis, including examination of the various versions' compatibility and the versions' cultural and linguistic adaptation to the participants' needs. The study included five research tools containing 125 questions altogether. To minimize the biasing risks due to deaf adults' reading comprehension difficulties or misinterpretations of questions' intent, we prepared three versions for each of the tools except for the 30-item demographic questionnaire: a) the original written version in regular Hebrew, matched to participants for gender, b) a revised written version in easy language (adapted to the deaf population and gender-matched), and c) a videotaped sign language version. Taking part in preparing the various versions were deaf representatives of the deaf community and hearing translators into Israeli Sign Language. • Applications : This article discusses methodological repercussions of these adaptations; compares the choices made by participants regarding the various adaptations offered them; and highlights the importance of familiarity with participants' characteristics and unique needs.
A multi-center, randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial of estrogens to prevent Alzheimer's disease and loss of memory in women: design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Sano Mary , Jacobs Diane , Andrews Howard , Bell Karen , Graff-Radford Neill , Lucas John , Rabins Peter , Bolla Karen , Tsai Wei-Yan , Cross Peter , Andrews Karen , Costa Rosann , Xiaodong Luo  
Published: September 2008

Background Observational studies and small clinical trials suggested that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) decreases risk of cognitive loss and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in postmenopausal women and may have value in primary prevention. Purpose A clinical trial was designed to determine if HRT delays AD or memory loss. This report describes the rationale and original design of the trial and details extensive modifications that were required to respond to unanticipated findings that emerged from other studies during the course of the trial. Methods The trial was designed as a multi-center, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial for women 65 years of age or older with a family history of dementia. Recruitment from local sites was supplemented by centralized efforts to use names of Medicare beneficiaries. Inclusion criteria included good general health and intact memory functioning. Participants were randomized to HRT or placebo in a 1:1 ratio. Assignment was stratified by hysterectomy status and site. The primary outcomes were incident AD and memory decline on neuropsychological testing. Results Enrollment began in March 1998. In response to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) May 2002 report of increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and breast cancer among women randomized to HRT, participants were re-consented with a revised consent form. Procedural modifications, including discontinuation of study medication and a modification of the planned primary outcome based on a final enrollment below the target enrollment (N = 477), were enacted in response to the subsequent WHI Memory Study report of increased risk of dementia and poorer cognitive function with HRT. The mean length of treatment exposure prior to discontinuation was 2.14 years. Participants' mean age at baseline was 72.8; mean education was 14.2 years. Minority participation was 19% and 34% had a hysterectomy. The study continues to follow these participants for a total of 5 years blind to the original medication assignment. Limitations Results reported from the WHI during the course of this study mandated extensive procedural modifications, including discontinuing recruitment before completion and halting study medication. Alternative strategies for study redesign that were considered are discussed. Clinical Trials 2008; 5: 523—533. http://ctj.sagepub.com
A key role for G-CSF–induced neutrophil production and trafficking during inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Eyles Jo L. , Hickey Michael J. , Norman M. Ursula , Croker Ben A. , Roberts Andrew W. , Drake Sarah F. , James Will G. , Metcalf Donald , Campbell Ian K. , Wicks Ian P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe have previously shown that G-CSF–deficient (G-CSF−/−) mice are markedly protected from collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), which is the major murine model of rheumatoid arthritis, and now investigate the mechanisms by which G-CSF can promote inflammatory disease. Serum G-CSF levels were significantly elevated during CIA. Reciprocal bone marrow chimeras using G-CSF−/−, G-CSFR−/−, and wild-type (WT) mice identified nonhematopoietic cells as the major producers of G-CSF and hematopoietic cells as the major responders to G-CSF during CIA. Protection against CIA was associated with relative neutropenia. Depletion of neutrophils or blockade of the neutrophil adhesion molecule, Mac-1, dramatically attenuated the progression of established CIA in WT mice. Intravital microscopy of the microcirculation showed that both local and systemic administration of G-CSF significantly increased leukocyte trafficking into tissues in vivo. G-CSF–induced trafficking was Mac-1 dependent, and G-CSF up-regulated CD11b expression on neutrophils. Multiphoton microscopy of synovial vessels in the knee joint during CIA revealed significantly fewer adherent Gr-1+ neutrophils in G-CSF−/− mice compared with WT mice. These data confirm a central proinflammatory role for G-CSF in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis, which may be due to the promotion of neutrophil trafficking into inflamed joints, in addition to G-CSF–induced neutrophil production.
Intermittent hypoxia and sleep-disordered breathing: current concepts and perspectives
Authors: Lévy P. , Pépin J-L. , Arnaud C. , Tamisier R. , Borel J-C. , Dematteis M. , Godin-Ribuot D. , Ribuot C. 
Published: September 2008

There are three major types of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) with respect to prevalence and health consequences,i.e.obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), Cheyne–Stokes respiration and central sleep apnoea (CSR-CSA) in chronic heart failure, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). In all three conditions, hypoxia appears to affect body functioning in different ways. Most of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that occur in response to SDB-related hypoxia remain unknown.In OSAS, an inflammatory cascade mainly dependent upon intermittent hypoxia has been described. There is a strong interaction between haemodynamic and inflammatory changes in promoting vascular remodelling. Moreover, during OSAS, most organ, tissue or functional impairment is related to the severity of nocturnal hypoxia. CSR-CSA occurring during heart failure is primarily a consequence of cardiac impairment. CSR-CSA has deleterious consequences for cardiac prognosis and mortality since it favours sympathetic activation, ventricular ectopy and atrial fibrillation. Although correction of CSR-CSA seems to be critical, there is a need to establish therapy guidelines in large randomised controlled trials.Finally, OHS is a growing health concern, owing to the worldwide obesity epidemic and OHS morbidities. The pathophysiology of OHS remains largely unknown. However, resistance to leptin, obesity and severe nocturnal hypoxia lead to insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, several adipokines may be triggered by hypoxia and explain, at least in part, OHS morbidity and mortality.Overall, chronic intermittent hypoxia appears to have specific genomic effects that differ notably from continuous hypoxia. Further research is required to fully elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms.
Lung hyperinflation: foe or friend?
Authors: Eichinger M. , Walterspacher S. , Scholz T. , Tetzlaff K. , Röcker K. , Muth C-M. , Puderbach M. , Kauczor H-U. , Sorichter S. 
Published: September 2008

Breath-hold divers employ glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) in order to prevent the lungs from compressing at great depth and to increase intrapulmonary oxygen stores, thus increasing breath-hold time.The presented case study shows the physiological data and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) findings of acute hyperinflation, deliberately induced by GI, in a breath-hold diver and discusses the current state of knowledge regarding the associated hazards of this unique competitive sport.Static and dynamic lung volumes and expiratory flows were within the normal range, with vital capacity and peak expiratory flow being higher than the predicted values. Airway resistance and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide were normal. Static compliance was normal and increased five-fold with hyperinflation. dMRI revealed a preserved shape of the thorax and diaphragm with hyperinflation. A herniation of the lung beneath the sternum and enlargement of the costodiaphragmatic angle were additional findings during the GI manoeuvre. After expiration, complete resolution to baseline was demonstrated.Hyperinflation can be physiological and even protective under abnormal physical conditions in the sense of acute adaptation to deep breath-hold diving. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging is adequate for visualisation of the sequence of the glossopharyngeal insufflation manoeuvre and the complete reversibility of deliberate hyperinflation.