bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human activity facilitates altitudinal expansion of exotic plants along a road in montane grassland, South Africa
Authors: Kalwij Jesse M. , Robertson Mark P. , van Rensburg Berndt J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractQuestion: Do anthropogenic activities facilitate the distribution of exotic plants along steep altitudinal gradients?Location: Sani Pass road, Grassland biome, South Africa.Methods: On both sides of this road, presence and abundance of exotic plants was recorded in four 25‐m long road‐verge plots and in parallel 25 m x 2 m adjacent land plots, nested at five altitudinal levels: 1500, 1800, 2100, 2400 and 2700 m a.s.l. Exotic community structure was analyzed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis while a two‐level nested Generalized Linear Model was fitted for richness and cover of exotics. We tested the upper altitudinal limits for all exotics along this road for spatial clustering around four potential propagule sources using a t‐test.Results: Community structure, richness and abundance of exotics were negatively correlated with altitude. Greatest invasion by exotics was recorded for adjacent land at the 1500 m level. Of the 45 exotics, 16 were found at higher altitudes than expected and observations were spatially clustered around potential propagule sources.Conclusions: Spatial clustering of upper altitudinal limits around human inhabited areas suggests that exotics originate from these areas, while exceeding expected altitudinal limits suggests that distribution ranges of exotics are presently underestimated. Exotics are generally characterised by a high propagule pressure and/or persistent seedbanks, thus future tarring of the Sani Pass may result in an increase of exotic species richness and abundance. This would initially result from construction‐related soil disturbance and subsequently from increased traffic, water run‐off, and altered fire frequency. We suggest examples of management actions to prevent this.
Oogenesis: Prospects and challenges for the future
Authors: Rodrigues P. , Limback D. , McGinnis L.K. , Plancha C.E. , Albertini D.F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOogenesis serves a singular role in the reproductive success of plants and animals. Of their remarkable differentiation pathway what stands out is the ability of oocytes to transform from a single cell into the totipotent lineages that seed the early embryo. As our understanding that commonalities between diverse organisms at the genetic, cellular and molecular levels are conserved to achieve successful reproduction, the notion that embryogenesis presupposes oogenesis has entered the day‐to‐day parlance of regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. With emphasis on the mammalian oocyte, this review will cover (1) current concepts regarding the birth, survival and growth of oocytes that depends on complex patterns of cell communication between germ line and soma, (2) the notion of “maternal inheritance” from a genetic and epigenetic perspective, and (3) the relative value of model systems with reference to current clinical and biotechnology applications. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 355–365, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New sources of γ‐linolenic acid
Authors: Wolf R. B. , Kleiman R. , England R. E. 
Published: May 2008

Abstractγ‐Linolenic acid (18:3Δ6,9,12) occurs in significant amounts in various species of plants surveyed. Of the species analyzed in this study, Nonnea macrospernia, with 5.1% 7‐linolenic acid in the seed, is the richest source of this fatty acid. Other species in the same family (Boraginaceae) are also good sources: Adelocaryum coelestinum, Alkanna froedinii, Alkanna orientalis and Brunnera orientalis. Scrophularia marilandica (family Scrophulariaceae) seeds contain 37.9% oil, of which 9.6% is γ‐linolenic acid. All species mentioned above are better sources, when the total amount of γ‐linolenic acid in the seed is considered, than that used traditionally, Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis, family Onagraceae). None of the other Onagraceae nor any of the Ribes (family Saxifragaceae) species analyzed are as rich in γ‐linolenic acid as Evening Primrose. Octadecatetraenoic acid (18:4Δ,6,9,12,15) was found in significant amounts in most of the Boraginaceae and Ribes surveyed. The Onagraceae and Scrophulariaceae lack detectable amounts of this fatty acid.
Chemical composition of acacia seeds
Authors: Chowdhury A. R. , Banerji R. , Misra G. , Nigam S. K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSeveral plants of Acacieae (family Leguminosae) have been recommended under aforestation programs. The seeds of some such plants have been examined for their fatty acid composition with special reference to epoxy acids. Epoxy 18:1 in Acacia auriculiformis, A. catechu, A. coriacea and A. mellifera was 4.9, 0.1, 2.1, and 0.6%,respectively.
Analysis and evaluation of color perception
Authors: Chen Yan , Chen Zhi‐ge 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe research documented in this paper aims to identify the components and characters of color perception and to establish the basis for color perception description and evaluation.Design/methodology/approachTen pairs of antonyms obtained on the basis of investigation were suggested to evaluate the perception of color. About 15 color samples were prepared for subjective evaluation. The factorial analysis method and artificial neural network were applied to analyze the evaluation results given by professionals and to establish the objective basis for color perception evaluation.FindingsThe color perceptions could be distinguished by word pairs. These word pairs were grouped according to the perception characteristics. The relation between color parameters and color perception could be established by artificial neural network technique.Research limitations/implicationsThe results showed in this paper were obtained on the limited number of samples.Originality/valueThe principle of color perception was investigated on the subjective evaluation of color samples. The relation between color parameters and color perception was established and could be applied for reference of clothing color design.
Evaluation of a synchronous twin‐pulse technique for shock wave lithotripsy: a prospective randomized study of effectiveness and safety in comparison to standard single‐pulse technique
Authors: Sheir Khaled Z. , Elhalwagy Samer M. , Abo‐Elghar Mohamed E. , Ismail Amani M. , Elsawy Essam , El‐Diasty Tarek A. , Dawaba Mohamed E. , Eraky Ibrahim A. , El‐Kenawy Mahmoud R. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo asses the efficacy and safety of bidirectional synchronous twin‐pulse extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) compared with standard ESWL.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 2003 and December 2006, 240 patients with a radio‐opaque single renal stone of ≤25 mm were randomized to treatment either by the Twinheads (TH) lithotripter (FMD, Lorton, Virginia, USA) or the Dornier Lithotripter S (DLS, Dornier MedTech Europe GmbH, Germering, Germany). Before and after ESWL, urinary N‐acetyl‐B‐glucosaminidase (NAG) levels were assessed and patients were evaluated with dynamic MRI. The efficacy and complications were compared, with success defined as no residual fragments.RESULTSFor stones of >10 mm the rate for the failure of disintegration was 13.3% for the DLS vs 1.4% for the TH (P = 0.009). For stones of ≤10 mm the stone‐free rate was 74.4% for the TH vs 67.7% for the DLS (P = 0.6), while for stones of >10 mm it was 78.1% and 66.7%, respectively (P = 0.14). The median (range) number of sessions in both groups was 2 (1–5). After ESWL urinary NAG levels were increased significantly in both groups; in the TH group it declined below the level before ESWL after 2 days, while in the DLS group it remained high after 7 days. In the DLS group four patients developed subcapsular or parenchymal haematoma after ESWL, vs none in the TH group. There was loss of corticomedullary differentiation after ESWL in three patients in the DLS group and only one in the TH group. In the DLS group there was a statistically significantly decrease in bilateral renal perfusion after ESWL, but no changes in the TH group.CONCLUSIONSSynchronous twin‐pulse ESWL has clinical advantages over standard ESWL in terms of safety and efficacy.
Chronic suprapubic catheterization in the management of patients with spinal cord injuries: analysis of upper and lower urinary tract complications
Authors: Sugimura Takayuki , Arnold Edwin , English Sharon , Moore James 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess whether chronic suprapubic catheterization (SPC) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a higher incidence of significant urinary tract complications than in patients whose urinary tracts are managed by other methods.PATIENTS AND METHODSOur experience suggested that the incidence of complications in patients with SCI and SPC was acceptable and relatively low. Between 1988 and 2001, 1018 patients were admitted to our unit after SCI; 149 were managed by SPC and we retrospectively reviewed them, with a mean follow‐up of 6 years. There were no complications in 49% of patients. Most complications were minor (urinary tract infection 27%, bladder stones 22%) and were easily managed. Only 20 patients had upper tract complications. Nine patients had renal scarring and 14, all quadriplegic, had upper tract calculi. One patient developed well‐differentiated superficial transitional cell bladder cancer.CONCLUSIONSPatients with SCI often prefer SPC than other methods offered to them, because of quality‐of‐life issues. The incidence of significant complications might not be as high as previously reported, and with a commitment to careful follow‐up, SPC can be a safe option for carefully selected patients if adequate surveillance can be ensured.
Intraoperative placing of drains decreases the incidence of lymphocele and deep vein thrombosis after renal transplantation
Authors: Derweesh Ithaar H. , Ismail Hazem R. , Goldfarb David A. , Araki Motoo , Zhou Lingmei , Modlin Charles , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh , Flechner Stuart M. , Novick Andrew C. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of placing a prophylactic drain during renal transplantation on the incidence of lymphocele, wound complication and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in renal transplant recipients induced with sirolimus vs calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), as sirolimus‐based immunosuppression is a risk factor for the formation of fluid collections after transplantation.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe analysed 165 consecutive adult renal transplant patients at our institution between January 2004 and February 2005. Group 1 (84) did not receive an intraoperative drain and group 2 (81) did. Recipients were analysed within each group based on immunosuppression (sirolimus or CNI) and whether they had wound complication, fluid collection, lymphocele treatment, or DVT.RESULTSIn group 1 and 2, respectively, the wound complication rate was 22.6% vs 13.6% (P = 0.134), the fluid collection rate 45.2% vs 16.% (P < 0.001), the lymphocele treatment rate 19.0% vs 2.5% (P = 0.001) the DVT rate 14.3% vs 4.9% (P = 0.043) the fluid collection rate (for CNI) 26.5% vs 16.0% (P = 0.246), the lymphocele treatment rate (for CNI) 5.9% vs 0% (P = 0.084), the fluid collection rate (sirolimus) 58.0% vs 16.1% (P < 0.001) and lymphocele treatment rate (sirolimus) 28% vs 6.5% (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for fluid collection showed significance for no drain (odds ratio 3.30, P = 0.002), associated wound complication (2.41, P = 0.041) and sirolimus (2.48, P = 0.015).CONCLUSIONSPlacing a drain during transplantation decreased the incidence of fluid collection, lymphocele treatment and DVT. The reduction of fluid collection and lymphocele were significant for patients treated with sirolimus. We recommend placing a drain in patients undergoing induction with sirolimus‐based immunosuppression.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer does not alter cancer‐specific survival after cystectomy in a matched case‐control study
Authors: Walz Jochen , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Suardi Nazareno , Perrotte Paul , Lotan Yair , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Gupta Amit , Bastian Patrick J. , Rogers Craig G. , Vazina Amnon , Amiel Gilad E. , Sagalowsky Arthur I. , Schoenberg Mark , Lerner Seth P. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACHT; methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin, MVAC, or gemcitabine/cisplatin, GC) on the rate of cancer‐specific survival and overall survival, as the benefit of ACHT after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer is controversial.PATIENTS AND METHODSWithin a study group of 958 patients treated with RC between 1984 and 2003, we identified 274 (29.0%) with a high risk of progression due to pT3 or pT4 and/or pN1‐3 stages. Of these, 129 (46.6%) received ACHT (MVAC in 103, GC in 26). These patients were then matched with the remaining patients who were unexposed to ACHT. Exact matches were made for pT stage, tumour grade, pN stage and lymphovascular invasion. Age (±5 years) and year of surgery (±5 years) were calliper‐matched. Matching resulted in 62 patients treated with RC/ACHT and 65 treated with RC alone. Kaplan‐Meier, life‐table and Cox regression analyses were used to assess cancer‐specific and overall survival.RESULTSThere was no statistically significant difference in cancer‐specific survival probabilities at 5 years after RC between the two groups (relative risk 1.2; P = 0.5). There was also no difference in overall survival at 5 years (1.1; P = 0.7). In multivariable analyses the delivery of adjuvant chemotherapy was not an independent predictor for survival endpoints (P = 0.3 for cancer‐specific and 0.3 for overall survival).CONCLUSIONSThis matched case‐control analysis showed that either MVAC or GC chemotherapy had no effect on cancer‐specific or overall survival after RC in high‐risk patients. Further randomized long‐term studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Long‐term outcome of multiple ipsilateral renal tumours found at the time of planned nephron‐sparing surgery
Authors: Krambeck Amy , Iwaszko Markian , Leibovich Bradley , Cheville John , Frank Igor , Blute Michael 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate patients with multiple ipsilateral renal tumours and to determine outcomes of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) and radical nephrectomy (RN), as the treatment of unrecognized sporadic multifocal tumours at NSS presents a surgical dilemma.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 104 patients had surgery between 1970 and 2003 for sporadic multiple ipsilateral renal tumours, at least one of which was renal cell carcinoma (RCC); 114 were treated with RN and 26 with NSS. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method.RESULTSMore patients treated with NSS had a solitary kidney than those undergoing RN (six, 23%, vs none, P < 0.001). Seventeen of the 114 having RN died from RCC at a median (range) of 3.4 (0.25–10.3) years after RN. The estimated 5‐year CSS was 90.5%. There was metachronous recurrence in nine patients at a median of 5.6 (1–14 ) years after. Two of the 26 patients having NSS died from RCC at 1 and 6 years after NSS; the 5‐year CSS was 95.8%. There was local or metachronous recurrence in three patients at 7 months to 6 years after surgery; all three were alive at the last follow‐up. In 26 (23%) of the 114 patients treated with RN, only one tumour was RCC.CONCLUSIONPatients undergoing either RN or NSS for multiple ipsilateral renal tumours have a favourable CSS. A planned NSS is safe if small satellite lesions are resectable.
The impact of overactive bladder, incontinence and other lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life, work productivity, sexuality and emotional well‐being in men and women: results from the EPIC study
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Sexton Chris C. , Irwin Debra E. , Kopp Zoe S. , Kelleher Con J. , Milsom Ian 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVESTo examine the effect overactive bladder (OAB) and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population sample, as OAB often occurs in conjunction with many other LUTS.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA nested case‐control analysis was performed on men and women with (cases) and without (controls) OAB, from the EPIC study. OAB was assessed using 2002 International Continence Society definitions. Based on their responses to questions about LUTS, cases were classified into five groups; continent OAB, OAB with incontinence, OAB + postmicturition, OAB + voiding, and OAB + postmicturition + voiding. Both cases and controls were asked questions about symptom bother (OAB‐q), generic QoL (EQ‐5D), work productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, WPAI), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), sexual satisfaction, and erectile dysfunction (men only) using the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Cases answered additional condition‐specific questions HRQoL (OAB‐q short form), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition and work productivity related to a specific health problem (WPAI‐SHP). General linear models were used to evaluate group differences.RESULTSOf the EPIC participants, 1434 identified OAB cases were matched by age, gender and country, with 1434 participants designated as controls. Cases and controls were primarily Caucasian (96.2% and 96.7%, respectively), and most (65%) were female; the mean age was 53.8 and 53.7 years, respectively. Comorbid conditions differed significantly by case/control status, with cases reporting significantly greater rates of chronic constipation, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, bladder or prostate cancer, neurological conditions and depression. There were significant differences between the cases and controls in all reported LUTS. The OAB + postmicturition + voiding group reported significantly greater symptom bother, worse HRQoL, higher rates of depression and decreased enjoyment of sexual activity, than the other subgroups.CONCLUSIONOAB has a substantial, multidimensional impact on patients; OAB with additional LUTS has a greater impact. The diagnosis and treatment of OAB should be considered in conjunction with other LUTS, to maximize treatment options and optimize patient outcomes.
Oestrogen receptors and their relation to neural receptive tissue of the labia minora
Authors: Martin‐Alguacil Nieves , Pfaff Donald W. , Kow Lee‐Ming , Schober Justine M. 
Published: May 2008

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo assess the cellular distributions of oestrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the labia minora, as knowledge about ER type and function may clarify the role of oestrogens in vaginal scar formation and improve outcomes in female genital surgery.SUBJECTS AND METHODSLabial samples were taken from 10 girls (aged 2–9 years) who underwent surgery for labial fusion. The waste tissue strips obtained were used for immunohistochemical identification of ERα and ERβ, and nNOS in the labia minora.RESULTSThere was ERα nuclear staining in the stroma of the labia minora close to the clitoris, and basal and suprabasal in the epidermal cells membrane restricted to superficial sections of the labia minora. ERβ was found in the stroma of the labia minora closer to the clitoris and in superficial sections, in the basal epidermal cells membrane and apocrine glandular epithelial cells membrane. There was also ERβ cell membrane staining in the basal and suprabasal epithelial cells and fibroblasts in the lamina propria.CONCLUSIONSEstablished ER presence allows the consideration of the introitus of the vagina as a target for oestrogen therapy in various clinical and surgical situations. Continuing elucidation of the immunohistochemistry of this external genital tissue might assist in the development of molecular tools to treat genital abnormalities. Details of this immunohistochemistry may also advance the understanding of the effects of sexual differentiation on the brain and other organ systems.
Are Progressive Income Taxes Stabilizing?
Authors: DROMEL NICOLAS L. , PINTUS PATRICK A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe assess the stabilizing effect of progressive income taxes in a monetary economy with constant returns to scale. It is shown that tax progressivity reduces, in parameter space, the likelihood of local indeterminacy, sunspots and cycles. However, considering plausibly low levels of tax progressivity does not ensure saddle‐point stability and preserves as robust the occurrence of sunspot equilibria and endogenous cycles. It turns out that increasing progressivity, through its impact on after‐tax income, makes labor supply more inelastic. However, even when large, tax progressivity does not neutralize the effects of expected inflation on current labor supply which may lead to expectation‐driven business fluctuations.
Unequal Contributions from Symmetric Agents in a Local Interaction Model
Authors: CORAZZINI LUCA , GIANAZZA UGO 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe main findings of the theory on the private provision of public goods under the assumptions of symmetric agents and normality are that (1) there exists a unique Nash equilibrium in which everybody contributes the same; and (2) this pattern is stable. We show that these findings no longer hold in a context characterized by local interaction. In this context, it is always possible to find preferences satisfying the assumption of normality such that the symmetric Nash equilibrium is unstable, and there exist asymmetric Nash equilibria which are locally stable.
Detection Avoidance and Deterrence: Some Paradoxical Arithmetic
Authors: LANGLAIS ERIC 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper extends Malik's analysis to the case where criminals' avoidance efforts and public expenditures in the detection of criminals are strategic complements in the aggregate technology of control of illegal behaviors. In this set up, we show that whenever criminals' avoidance efforts are more sensitive to the frequency than to the severity of sanctions, it is always socially efficient to set the fine at the maximal possible level. However, several paradoxical consequences occur: there may exist overdeterrence at optimum; more repressive policies lead to fewer arrests of offenders while more crimes may be committed; at the same time, the society may be closer to the first best number of crimes.
Useful Government Spending and Macroeconomic (In)stability under Balanced‐Budget Rules
Authors: GUO JANG‐TING , HARRISON SHARON G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt has been shown that an otherwise standard one‐sector real business cycle model may exhibit indeterminacy and sunspots under a balanced‐budget rule that consists of fixed and “wasteful” government spending and proportional income taxation. However, the economy always displays saddle‐path stability and equilibrium uniqueness if the government finances endogenous public expenditures with a constant income tax rate. In this paper, we allow for productive or utility‐generating government purchases in either of these specifications. It turns out that the previous indeterminacy results remain unchanged by the inclusion of useful government spending. By contrast, the earlier determinacy results are overturned when public expenditures generate sufficiently strong production or consumption externalities. Our analysis thus illustrates that a balanced‐budget policy recommendation which limits the government's ability to change tax rates does not necessarily stabilize the economy against belief‐driven business cycle fluctuations.