bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual and seasonal reproductive trends in the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor
Authors: WIKTANDER ULF , OLSSON OLA , NILSSON SVEN G.
Published: April 2008

Annual and seasonal variation in reproductive timing and performance were studied in a population of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor over 10 years in southern Sweden. The median laying date of the first egg varied by up to 17 days between years, being generally larger than the variation of laying dates within years. Neither clutch size, brood size in successful nests, fledging success in successful nests nor mean nestling weight differed significantly between years. There was no trend for mean clutch size to vary between early and late years. In spite of a more than threefold variation in population size, no reproductive variable demonstrated an apparent density‐dependence. Within the season, clutch size declined steeply with increasing clutch initiation date, whereas fledging success and nesting success did not, leading to a trend in brood size almost identical to the trend in clutch size. The survival prospects of fledged young declined with increasing clutch initiation date, and it is argued that the clutch size laid is a strategic adjustment to laying date. Out of 124 breeding attempts, 34% did not produce fledged young. In 9% of the breeding attempts, pairs laid no eggs. At least 20% of the breeding attempts failed after egg‐laying. The most common cause of breeding failure was loss of the breeding partner followed by nest abandonment (40% of the failures). Only 16–28% of the failures were due to predation on the nest. Most complete failures, and also partial losses from nests, occurred at the early breeding stages. It is argued that the early nestling phase may be a critical stage, which the woodpeckers adjust to coincide with the seasonal food peak, explaining the strikingly late breeding season compared with other non‐migrant species.
Seasonal declines in incubation periods of Brünnich's Guillemots Una lomvia:testing proximate causes
Authors: HIPFNER J. MARK , GASTON ANTHONY J. , MARTIN DEBBIE L. , JONES IAN L.
Published: April 2008

In many species of bird, eggs laid late in the laying period hatch after a shorter incubation period than do eggs laid early. These seasonal declines in incubation period are generally thought to confer evolutionary advantages, but the proximate mechanisms that underlie them are poorly understood. Seasonal declines in incubation period are usually attributed to: (1) seasonal increases in ambient air temperatures; (2) seasonal changes in the behaviour of incubating birds; and/or (3) seasonal declines in egg size. In a previous study, Common Guillemot Una aalge incubation periods declined with laying date at a low‐Arctic colony. As there was no support for hypotheses 1 or 2, it was suggested that this occurred because egg size declined with laying date, but eggs were not measured in that study. We recorded similar seasonal declines in the incubation periods of the single eggs laid by Brünnich's Guillemots Una lomvia at two low‐Arctic colonies in four years. Neither seasonal variation in ambient air temperatures, nor in the behaviour of incubating adults, appeared to cause the declines. As predicted for Common Guillemots, incubation period increased with egg size among Briinnich's Guillemots, in one of two years. However, incubation period declined with laying date in the absence of corresponding declines in egg size. We conclude that none of the three commonly proposed proximate mechanisms adequately explains the seasonal variation in guillemot incubation periods. Several testable, alternative mechanisms are explored.
Sex, diet and feeding method‐related differences in body condition in the Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Authors: DURELL SARAH E.A. LE V. DIT , GOSS‐CUSTARD JOHN D. , CALDOW RICHARD W.G. , MALCOLM HEATH M. , OSBORN DANIEL
Published: April 2008

Measurements were made of Oystercatcher corpses to find the most reliable measure of body condition in live birds. Total body weight was as accurate as muscle thickness in assessing the weight of the pectoral muscles, a major store of protein reserves. Total body weight was also a good indicator of fat reserves. Wing‐length was the most reliable measure of body size. Body condition in live birds was measured as an individual's residual weight derived from a general linear model of (loge) body weight against age, month, (loge) wing‐length and time since capture. On the Exe estuary in autumn, there was no significant difference in body condition between same‐age Oystercatchers of different diets and feeding methods. In the winter months, however, body condition differed significantly between mussel feeders using different feeding methods, and between mussel feeders and birds that fed on worms and clams. Differences between diet/feeding methods were not the same for each age group. Birds with the highest mean body condition index in adults were mussel hammerers, in immatures mussel stabbers and in juveniles, worm/clam feeders. No significant difference in body condition was found between the sexes in any age group in autumn. In winter, when birds with the same diet/feeding method were considered, females were significantly heavier than males. However, when birds of all diets and feeding methods were combined, weight differences between the sexes were not apparent. We examine reasons why birds with certain diets and feeding methods may be heavier than others in winter, and why females are sometimes heavier than males. We conclude that, in most cases, it is due to differences between birds in their ability to achieve a common target weight. However, we conclude that adult females try to achieve a higher target weight than males, probably as a premigratory and prebreeding strategy. In the light of this, we consider the consequences for adult females, in terms of reproductive success and survival, of specializing in diets and feeding methods associated with lower body weights in winter.
The utilization of heather moorland by territorial Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus
Authors: PALMER S.C.F. , BACON P.J.
Published: April 2008

Although the breeding density of Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus is related to the density of burned patches of heather Calluna vulgaris, territories appear to offer surplus food, and other factors, especially the risk of predation, may be important. In order to determine how Red Grouse make use of heather moorland, an individually marked population was studied on a moor in northeast Scotland from 1992 to 1994. Territorial birds preferred stands of tall heather during the daytime in autumn and winter, but in spring they increased their use of heterogeneous heather/grass mixtures. Furthermore, in spring, females showed a very strong affinity for edges between heather stands of different ages, where they had easy access to nutritious young heather and good cover. When near the vegetation edge, territorial birds spent most time on the side of the edge providing greater cover. Broods occupied ranges in areas with rather more old heather and with more edge than was available over the entire study site. Within their ranges though, broods clearly preferred heterogeneous areas during the first month after hatching, and showed a further preference for vegetation edge. Their behaviour changed during the second month after hatching, when they utilized tall heather to a greater extent, but edge remained important.
Cryptic species in the genus Phylloscopus (Old World leaf warblers)
Authors: IRWIN DARREN E. , ALSTRÖM PER , OLSSON URBAN , BENOWITZ‐FREDERICKS Z.M.
Published: April 2008

In almost all ecological and evolutionary research, it is important to assess the number of species under study. Cryptic species, which are morphologically similar, present a special problem because they need to be identified through studies of behavioural or genetic variation. Here we review the important factors in the recent discovery of three species and elevation of nine previously known taxa to species status within the genus Phylloscopus (Old World leaf‐warblers) and we examine the case of three morphologically similar taxa (inornatus, humei and mandellii) that until recently were considered to be members of the single species Phylloscopus inornatus. We have identified several locations at which humei and inornatus coexist at high density, and the results of playback experiments, observations of interactions, and spectrogram analysis of vocalizations at these sites all indicate that there are significant behavioural differences and a lack of recognition between humei and inornatus. Estimated relationships within the species complex based on mitochondrial control region DNA sequences show that there is little variation within the geographic ranges of either humei or inornatus compared with the deep split between the two taxa. These observations support the division of humei and inornatus into separate species. The third taxon, mandellii, which is geographically separated from both humei and inornatus, is behaviourally and genetically more similar to humei. Under the biological species concept, it is difficult to determine the species status of allopatric taxa. Alternative species concepts, such as the phylogenetic and recognition concepts, are more easily applied to allopatric taxa but lead to differing conclusions over whether mandellii and humei are separate species. This confusion arises from the fact that the two taxa are in an early stage of allopatric divergence. The review of other recently designated species reveals that song divergence is of primary importance in their designation and that song variation, playback experiments and genetic analysis lead to similar conclusions regarding species status.
Aggressive behaviours and correlates of dominance in Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima at a communal winter roost
Authors: BURTON NIALL H.K. , EVANS PETER R.
Published: April 2008

Aggression and the competitive ability of individual Purple Sandpipers were studied at a communal winter roost in northeast England. Aggression was most intense in high winds and more frequent in moderate breezes than when wind speeds were high or low. Higher wind speeds resulted in a drop in aggression rate, as birds had to face into the wind to maintain their balance. The ability of an individual to secure a sheltered roost position was related to its size and sex, larger individuals being dominant over those smaller than themselves. Purple Sandpipers exhibit reversed sexual size dimorphism and females were thus dominant over males. There was also weak evidence that adults were dominant over first‐winter birds. The importance of size and sex in determining dominance at the roost is discussed in relation to the evolution of reversed sexual size dimorphism in Purple Sandpipers and similar shorebirds.
Ecogeographic correlates of morphometric variation in the Red‐billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and the Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus
Authors: LAIOLO PAOLA , ROLANDO ANTONIO
Published: April 2008

We estimated the magnitude of intraspecific geographic variation in the Red‐billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and the Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus from the analysis of external measurements of museum specimens collected throughout the Palearctic ranges of the species. By means of univariate and multivariate techniques we tested the importance of climatic and geographic factors as potential agents that might have shaped Red‐billed and Alpine Chough morphology, discussing the dynamics of the interplay between natural selection, gene flow and phylogenetic constraints. Both species exhibited concordance in character differentiation. Bergmann's rule offered a valid explanation of Red‐billed and Alpine Chough body size variation with the largest birds being found at higher elevation, or in colder and more arid regions. Shape was also important. The extremities of the body (bill and tarsus) were longer in warmer areas, in line with Allen's rule. In the Alpine Chough, temperature seemed to be the most important cause of body trait variation, whilst in the Red‐billed Chough geographic distance among populations (a measure of geographic isolation) and altitude were also significant. In this paper we critically evaluate the validity of subspecific categories quoted in the literature, given that most variation appeared to be clinal.
A new species of piha (Cotingidae: Lipaugus) from the Cordillera Central of Colombia
Authors: CUERVO ANDRÉS M. , SALAMAN PAUL G. W. , DONEGAN THOMAS M. , OCHOA JOSÉ M.
Published: April 2008

The Chestnut‐capped Piha Lipaugus weberi sp. nov., is described from sub‐Andean forest on the northern slope of the Central Cordillera of the Colombia Andes. The new species appears most closely related to Lipaugus fuscocinereus of the Northern Andes including the Central Cordillera, but is much smaller, with a distinctive chestnut‐brown crown, yellow orbital ring, two modified primaries in the male, an overall darker grey coloration and unique vocalizations. It appears to be restricted to a narrow belt of premontane very humid forests (1500–1820 m asl) where it is fairly common. The restricted range and specific ecological requirements of Lipaugus weberi make the species of great conservation concern as the Central Cordillera has been severely deforested and remaining forests are highly fragmented. We present notes on the behaviour, ecology and conservation of this new species.

Se describe Lipaugus weberi sp. nov, de bosque subandino de la vertiente norte de la Cordillera Central de los Andes de Colombia. La nueva especie parece estar bastante relacionada con Lipaugus fuscocinereus de los Andes septentrionales incluyendo la Cordillera Central, pero es mucho más pequeña, presenta una distintiva gorra castaño opaco, anillo ocular amarillo, dos remeras primarias modificadas, la coloración gris más oscura y vocalizaciones ünicas. Esta especie se restringe a una franja angosta de bosque muy hümedo premontano (1500–1820 msnm), donde es relativamente comün. El rango restringido y los requerimientos ecológicos especificos de Lipaugus weberi hacen que esta especie sea de gran relevancia para la conservación, más aün debido al estado de deforestación severa de la Cordillera Central, en la cual los bosques remanentes son muy fragmentados. Presentamos anotaciones sobre la ecologia, el comportamiento y la conservación de esta nueva especie.
Estimation and limitation of numbers of floaters in a Eurasian Sparrowhawk population
Authors: NEWTON IAN , ROTHERY PETER
Published: April 2008

Over a 20‐year period, the numbers of Eurasian SparrowhawkAccipiter nisusnests found in a 200 km2area in south Scotland remained relatively stable (mean 33.3 pairs, CV = 10.6%). Nest numbers fluctuated from year to year in a manner expected of a population subject to density‐dependent regulation. The numbers of non‐breeders (floaters) could not be counted directly, but the number of female floaters was estimated, using known mortality rates, from the numbers of females recruited to the breeding population each year at different ages. Female floater numbers were estimated by two methods: Method A assumed that birds bred for the first time in their first, second or third year, in the same ratio as they were found breeding for the first time in the study area; and Method B assumed that all third‐year birds found breeding for the first time in the study area had bred previously, unknown to us, outside the area. Under Method A, floaters consisted of some 1‐year and some 2‐year birds; while under Method B, floaters consisted only of some 1‐year birds. Under both methods, the estimated number of female floaters fluctuated greatly from year to year, but under Method A they averaged 0.90 per female breeder, and under Method B they averaged 0.28 per female breeder. The Method B estimate was most consistent with other data and with the finding that some birds found breeding in the study area were likely to have bred previously outside the area (because of territory changes). Moreover, the mean and variance in female floater numbers estimated by Method B were similar in magnitude to the values obtained in a simulation model. In this model, breeding density was given a fixed ceiling, while breeding success was allowed to vary from year to year within the limits observed in the study area. It was concluded that (a) recruitment of floaters to the breeding sector was density dependent with respect to breeder numbers, i.e. broadly speaking, floaters filled gaps in the territorial system left by the deaths and movements of established breeders; and (b) floater numbers themselves were probably not regulated in a density dependent manner, but depended on whatever was the balance between annual additions (from reproduction and immigration) and subtractions (from mortality, emigration and entry to the breeding sector).
Detection of a new important staging and wintering area of the White Stork Ciconia ciconia by satellite tracking
Authors: BERTHOLD PETER , BOSSCHE WILLEM VAN DEN , FIEDLER WOLFGANG , KAATZ CHRISTOPH , KAATZ MICHAEL , LESHEM YOSSI , NOWAK EUGENIUSZ , QUERNER ULRICH
Published: April 2008

Since 1991, a large‐scale satellite tracking study of White Stork Ciconia ciconia has followed 75 individuals along the eastern migration route, which passes across Israel into eastern Africa. Twenty‐six of these birds travelled at least as far as the Sudan. Fifteen (58%) did not migrate to the eastern Sudan — the primary winter quarters in Africa suggested by ring recoveries — but flew to western Sudan and Chad and in one case even through Cameroon and into Nigeria. The significance of this new, important staging region for White Storks should be investigated urgently to establish the areas that are ecologically valuable for the conservation of this species.
Habitat requirements of the Socorro Mockingbird Mimodes graysoni
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐GÓMEZ JUAN E. , FLORES‐PALACIOS ALEJANDRO , CURRY ROBERT L.
Published: April 2008

The population size of the Socorro Mockingbird Mimodes graysoni, which represents a monotypic genus endemic to Socorro Island, México, has declined dramatically within the last 40 years. Postulated causal factors include competitive exclusion by Northern Mockingbirds Mimus polyglottos, predation by feral cats and overgrazing by feral sheep. Habitat degradation looms as the primary candidate because surviving Socorro Mockingbirds live mainly in areas of the island with little apparent habitat damage, and because Northern Mockingbirds and cats both arrived on Socorro after much of the decline had occurred. Isolating key factors is difficult, however, because the present distributions of cats and Northern Mockingbirds coincide broadly with patterns of habitat degradation. To investigate habitat requirements of the endemic mockingbird in detail, we measured vegetation characteristics at localities with and without Socorro Mockingbirds, and observed their foraging behaviour. Socorro Mockingbirds occupied sites in montane regions covered with Ilex socorroensis, Guettarda insularis, Triumfetta socorrensis and Eupatorium pacificum; they were also abundant in pristine lowland forests. Socorro Mockingbirds were scarce in disturbed forests where Dodonaea viscosa has replaced the original understorey, and they were absent from low‐elevation Croton masonii scrub, even in areas with no signs of degradation. Restoration of degraded habitat could help the population of Socorro Mockingbirds grow and reoccupy more of its former range.
Islands in a desert: breeding ecology of the African Reed WarblerAcrocephalus baeticatusin Namibia
Authors: EISING CORINE M. , KOMDEUR JAN , BUYS JAN , REEMER MENNO , RICHARDSON DAVID S.
Published: April 2008

The continental African Reed WarblerAcrocephalus baeticatus,like its relative the Seychelles WarblerAcrocephalus sechellensis,breeds in isolated patches. We studied the mating system of the African Reed Warbler to see whether this species, like the Seychelles Warbler, shows co‐operative breeding. The African Reed Warbler is not polygynous. The majority breed monogamously (88%,n= 65), however in 12% of the territories three adult unrelated birds (mostly males) were observed participating in the brooding and feeding of nestlings, suggesting a polyandrous breeding system. Multilocus DNA fingerprinting revealed that the helping bird was unrelated to the pair birds. The percentage of nests with helpers was low compared to rates found in the Seychelles Warbler or Henderson Reed WarblerAcrocephalus vaughani taiti.This could be due to the scarcity of potential helpers or to the fact that, although limited, birds still had the opportunity to disperse within a meta‐population structure in search of vacant territories. The presence of helpers was associated with increased hatching success due to lower predation rates, but not with increased fledging success. Another possible benefit of helping behaviour in this species could be improved predator detection and mobbing. Nest predation was high and warblers tended to build their nests in the highest, most dense reed patches available in their territory. There was no relation between habitat quality, measured as insect food availability, and the occurrence of helpers.
Integrin scintimammography using a dedicated breast imaging, solid‐state γ‐camera and 99mTc‐labelled NC100692
Authors: Bach‐Gansmo Tore , Bogsrud Trond V. , Skretting Arne
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Integrin scintimammography with NC100692 and a dedicated γ‐camera, LumaGEM, based on semi‐conductor technology, was performed to investigate the detection ability of this combination in breast cancer.

Methods:  Eight patients with a high suspicion of breast cancer were administered 600–750 MBq 99mTc‐labelled NC100629. Two acquisitions using a cranio‐caudal and a lateral view were used, with moderate compression of the breast.

Results:  LumaGEM scintigraphy revealed 9 of 11 malignancies, sized 6–20 mm. Two lesions in patients with multicentric disease were not diagnosed, one of which measured only 2·5 mm. In one patient, the procedure was inconclusive, due to major breast hypertrophy.

Conclusion:  The combined use of NC100629 and a dedicated γ‐camera for breast imaging was highly effective in diagnosing breast cancer.
Clinical Effects of Torasemide Prolonged Release in Mild‐to‐Moderate Hypertension: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial Versus Torasemide Immediate Release
Authors: Roca‐Cusachs Alex , Aracil‐Vilar Joaquín , Calvo‐Gómez Carlos , Vaquer‐Pérez José‐Vicente , Laporta‐Crespo Félix , Rojas‐Serrano María‐José , Guglietta Antonio , Gropper Savion ,   the Torasemide‐PR in Hypertension Clinical Trial Investigators Group
Published: April 2008

The efficacy of a new torasemide prolonged release (PR) formulation to torasemide immediate release (IR) was compared in a randomized noninferiority double‐blind trial. Patients with newly diagnosed mild‐to‐moderate hypertension or unresponsive or poor tolerability to previous antihypertensive monotherapy received 5 mg/day of torasemide‐PR (n = 219) or torasemide‐IR (n = 223) for 12 weeks (uptitration to 10 mg/day if no response at 4 or 8 weeks). Mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduction in the torasemide‐PR group (11.6 ± 7.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.6–12.5) versus torasemide‐IR (11.3 ± 7.5 mmHg, 95% CI 10.2–12.3) met the noninferiority criterion of a nonsided 97.5% CI lower than the preestablished margin of 2 mmHg. A significantly higher percentage of patients in the torasemide‐PR group achieved adequate BP control after 8 and 12 weeks. Ambulatory 24‐h BP monitoring (ABPM) measurements in a subset of 100 patients showed greater daytime SBP reductions in the torasemide‐PR group (128.4 ± 9.9 mmHg vs. 133.5 ± 10.4 mmHg, P < 0.05). Safety and tolerability of both formulations were similar.
Systematic Clinical Evaluation and Correction Procedures for Support of Removable Partial Dentures
Authors: Sato Yuji , Shimodaira Osamu , Kitagawa Noboru
Published: April 2008

Support, retention, and bracing are the three main functions of a direct retainer in removable partial dentures (RPDs). RPDs must have sufficient supporting ability for proper occlusal rehabilitation. Support ability depends on the fit, size, shape, and location of the occlusal rest. Support cannot be adjusted chairside in most cases. The purpose of this article is to present systematic evaluation criteria for support in an RPD and to describe methods for adjusting cast clasps with improper support. Appropriate design of RPDs and preparation of abutments are also described.
Comparison of Different Tube Materials and Use of Chinese Finger Trap or Four Friction Suture Technique for Securing Gastrostomy, Jejunostomy, and Thoracostomy Tubes in Dogs
Authors: SONG EDDIE KUGJU , MANN F.A. (TONY) , WAGNER‐MANN COLETTE C.
Published: April 2008

Objective—To compare Chinese finger trap (CFT) and 4 friction suture (FFS) techniques to secure gastrostomy (GT), jejunostomy (JT), and thoracostomy (TT) tubes of different materials.

Study Design—Prospective experimental study.

Animals—Canine cadavers (n=20).

Methods—Randomly, GT (n=20), JT (20), and TT (20) were inserted using 2 different suture techniques (10 for each tube type) and either silicone or another material (10 for each type). Axial distraction was applied to each tube until failure. Force and displacement to failure and failure mode were recorded and compared between techniques and materials for GT, JT, and TT.

Results—CFT failed most commonly by suture breakage whereas FFS failed mainly by tube slippage (P=.003). For GT, failure occurred more commonly by tube slippage (n=15;P<.001) whereas tube breakage was more common for JT (n=10;P<.001) and suture breakage for TT (n=14;P=.022). Silicone had higher force to failure than latex with GT, lower force to failure than red rubber with JT, and lower displacement to failure than polyvinylchloride with TT.

Conclusions—Different failure modes occurred for CFT (suture breakage) and FFS (tube slippage) and among different tube types (tube slippage with GT, tube breakage with JT, and suture breakage with TT). Based on study results, CFT is preferred to FFS for anchoring silicone GT and TT. Silicone GT, red rubber JT, and polyvinylchloride TT were more secure than latex GT, silicone JT, and silicone TT, respectively.

Clinical Relevance—CFT should be preferred over FFS based on force and displacement to failure, but tube type and tissue reaction could influence anchoring strength.
Trephination of the Equine Rostral Maxillary Sinus: Efficacy and Safety of Two Trephine Sites
Authors: BARAKZAI SAFIA Z. , KANE‐SMYTH JUSTINE , LOWLES JOANNA , TOWNSEND NEIL
Published: April 2008

Objective— To examine 2 rostral maxillary sinus (RMS) trephine sites for safety and efficacy using skulls of horses of varying age.

Study Design— Descriptive study.

Animals— Cadaveric equine skulls (n=40).

Methods— Two RMS trephination sites (rostral, caudal) were made in each skull. Radiographic projections using markers at each site were used to determine if sites were within the RMS and directly overlying a cheek tooth. Sinusotomy in 14 skulls was used to determine correlation between radiographic and anatomic location of trephine sites, and of the rostrolateral aspect of the maxillary septum. Age‐related risk of trephine site being directly over a cheek tooth was determined using logistic regression.

Results— Trephine site was within the RMS in 98% of skulls using the rostral portal and 68% using the caudal portal. The rostral site was over a cheek tooth in 18% of skulls compared with 10% using the caudal site. There was a significant negative relationship between the trephine site overlying a tooth and horse age for rostral (P=.02) and caudal (P=.03) sites. The radiographic appearance of the maxillary septum correlated to the rostrolateral portion of the septum in 12 of 14 skulls that had sinusotomy.

Clinical Relevance— The rostral RMS trephine portal is more reliable than the caudal site for entering the RMS. Horses ≤5 years are at high risk for the trephine site overlying a cheek tooth and we advise that RMS trephination in this age group be performed with radiographic guidance.
An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of a 5.5 mm Limited‐Contact Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation with a 4.5 mm Limited‐Contact Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation of Osteotomized Equine Third Metacarpal Bones
Authors: SOD GARY A. , MITCHELL COLIN F. , HUBERT JEREMY D. , MARTIN GEORGE S. , GILL MARJORIE S.
Published: April 2008

Objectives—To compare monotonic biomechanical properties and fatigue life of a 5.5 mm broad limited‐contact dynamic compression plate (5.5‐LC‐DCP) fixation with a 4.5 mm broad LC‐DCP (4.5‐LC‐DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones.

Study Design—In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid‐diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation.

Sample Population—Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n=18 pair).

Methods—MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (6 pairs each) for: (1) 4‐point bending single cycle to failure testing; (2) 4‐point bending cyclic fatigue testing; and (3) torsional single cycle to failure testing. The 8‐hole, 5.5 mm broad LC‐DCP (5.5‐LC‐DCP) was applied to the dorsal surface of 1 randomly selected bone from each pair. One 8‐hole, 4.5 mm broad LC‐DCP (4.5‐LC‐DCP) was applied dorsally to the contralateral bone from each pair. Plates and screws were applied using standard ASIF techniques. All MC3 bones had mid‐diaphyseal osteotomies. Mean test variable values for each method were compared using a paired t–test within each group. Significance was set atP<.05.

Results—Mean yield load, yield bending moment, composite rigidity, failure load and failure bending moment under 4‐point bending, single cycle to failure, of the 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation were significantly greater (P<.024) than those of the 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation. Mean cycles to failure for 4‐point bending was significantly (P<.05) greater for the 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation compared with the 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation. Mean yield load, mean composite rigidity, and mean failure load in torsion for the 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation was not significantly different (P>.05) than those with the 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation.

Conclusion—5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation was superior to 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation in resisting the static overload forces under palmarodorsal 4‐point bending. There was no significant difference between 5.5‐LC‐DCP fixation and 4.5‐LC‐DCP fixation in resisting static overload forces under torsion; however, the 5.5‐LC‐DCP offers significantly less stability (80% of that of the 4.5‐LC‐DCP) in cyclic fatigue testing.

Clinical Relevance—The results of this in vitro study may provide information to aid in the selection of a biological plate for long bone fracture repair in horses.
Radiographic Measurement of Canine Tibial Angles in the Sagittal Plane
Authors: DISMUKES DAVID I. , TOMLINSON JAMES L. , FOX DEREK B. , COOK JAMES L. , WITSBERGER TIGE H.
Published: April 2008

Objective—To describe a method for radiographic measurement of the mechanical joint angles of the tibia in the sagittal plane and report reference ranges for a population of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease, and specifically for Labrador Retrievers.

Study Design—Retrospective evaluation of radiographs.

Animals—Canine tibia (n=150) of dogs evaluated for cranial cruciate ligament disease; 104 tibiae were from Labrador Retrievers, 46 tibiae were from other medium‐ to large‐breed dogs.

Methods—Medial‐lateral radiographs were used to establish anatomic landmarks and measure the mechanical cranial distal tibial angle (mCrDTA) and mechanical caudal proximal tibial angle (mCaPTA).

Results—For all tibiae mean mCrDTA was 81.6° and mCaPTA, 63.6°. For Labrador Retriever tibiae mean mCrDTA was 81.7° and mCaPTA, 63.8°. For non‐Labradors, means mCrDTA was 81.5° and mCaPTA, 63°. Labrador Retrievers were significantly younger than non‐Labradors in our study population. No significant differences were noted between Labrador Retrievers and non‐Labradors for mCrDTA or mCaPTA and correlations between mCrDTA and mCaPTA were neither strong nor significant.

Conclusion—A method was established for radiographic measurement of mechanical joint angles of the canine tibia in the sagittal plane. Reference ranges are reported for a population of Labrador Retrievers and a population of non‐Labradors with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Clinical Relevance—Measurement method and reference ranges provided for mechanical tibial angles may be used to aid in diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative critique for hindlimb angular deformities.
Consistency of the CFAE Phenomena Using Custom Software for Automated Detection of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms (CFAEs) in the Left Atrium During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MONIR GEORGE , POLLAK SCOTT J.
Published: April 2008

Introduction:
Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) have been described as a potential target for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study is to assess the consistency of the CFAE phenomena using custom software for automated detection of CFAEs in the left atrium during AF.

Methods and Results:
This prospective study included 10 patients referred for catheter ablation of symptomatic drug‐refractory AF. Ten consecutive points at a single location (cluster) were acquired as electroanatomical points every 3 seconds. Atrial signals were automatically classified as CFAEs by the software algorithm. The number of intervals between 50 ms and 110 ms and in the voltage range 0.05–0.15 mV during the 2.5‐second recordings was determined and referred to as the interval confidence level (ICL). A total of 2,226 points were acquired during mapping of AF. A dominant group of ICL using one of two different configurations of ICL fractionation was identified. A dominant group was defined as the ICL categorization occurring with greatest frequency in a given cluster of points. The results show the consistency ranged from 73%± 21 for the three‐group configuration (ICL ≤ 4; 4 < ICL ≤ 7; ICL > 7) to 84%± 16 for the two‐group configuration (ICL ≤ 5; ICL > 5).

Conclusion:
This novel software offers an objective method for CFAE analysis during atrial fibrillation. CFAE consistency ranged from 73% to 84% with wide standard deviation. Automated detection of CFAEs may remove the pitfalls associated with subjective visual detection, thus removing one variable in comparative studies of using CFAEs as AF ablation targets.
Self‐Enhancement and Self‐Effacement in Reaction to Praise and Criticism: The Case of Multiethnic Youth
Authors: Suzuki Lalita K. , Davis Helen M. , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe conducted research on the independent and interdependent self which points to cultural differences in self‐enhancing versus self‐effacing perspectives. We investigated members of multiethnic, high school, girls' sports teams and their tendencies to interpret praise or criticism in a self‐effacing or self‐enhancing manner. Our analysis is in the spirit of Bruner's conceptualization of narrative as cultural interpretation. This investigation differs from other studies on the independent and interdependent self in several respects: (1) it is naturalistic; (2) it focuses on ethnic differences within a multicultural society, rather than on cross‐national comparison; (3) primary data sources are qualitative (ethnography, journals); (4) we analyzed cultural perspectives of researchers and participants; and (5) its focus is on adolescence. Euro‐American and African American participants shared a more self‐enhancing perspective, while Asian American and Latina participants shared a more self‐effacing perspective. Differing cultural perspectives produced conflict when participants were faced with contrasting interpretations of praise and criticism. [individualism, independence, collectivism, interdependence, sport, adolescence]
Transformative Education: Chronicling a Pedagogy for Social Change
Authors: Guajardo Miguel , Guajardo Francisco , Del Carmen Casaperalta Edyael
Published: April 2008

This article chronicles the work of the Llano Grande Center for Research and Development, an educational nonprofit organization in South Texas, by following the narrative of one of its students and two of the authors, who are also founders of Llano Grande. Through the use of ethnography, visuals, and storytelling, they present an emerging theory of practice and a hybrid methodology that has contributed to the development of the work, the school, and the community. An activist agenda informed by practice and supported with theory is woven through the text in biographical form. The text also documents the cornerstones of the work: building strong relationships; work originating from self, place, and community; and engaging in meaningful work. When integrated into a seamless practice, this combination of guiding principles yields a certain power that youth and adults alike begin to negotiate within and between their peers, teachers, and community for change. This sense of self, efficacy, and power then informs much of their work as adults. [Latino epistemology and education, activist ethnography, Llano Grande Center, storytelling, community as text, pedagogy of hope]
Engaging the Sociological Imagination: My Journey into Design Research and Public Sociology
Authors: Mehan Hugh
Published: April 2008

I chronicle the changes in my research, especially those that have moved me closer to C. Wright Mills's call for a “sociological imagination” and Dell Hymes's reinvented anthropology. As I spend more time attempting to create and describe equitable educational environments and less time documenting educational inequality, I have adopted a version of “design research.” I describe the possibilities and limitations of trying to conduct research while participating in the phenomenon under investigation. [sociological imagination, critical ethnography, public sociology, design research]
Respiratory exacerbations in childhood associated with compound heterozygosity Phe508del/Arg117His‐7T of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene
Authors: Lee TWR , Conway SP , Peckham D , Brownlee KG
Published: April 2008

Debate continues regarding the clinical implications for compound heterozygotes identified with Phe508del and Arg117His‐7T mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. We report respiratory exacerbations and airway culture of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a child with this genotype.

Conclusion: The compound heterozygote cystic fibrosis (CF) mutation Phe508del with Arg117His‐7T should not necessarily be considered benign in childhood.
Bladder wall telangiectasis causing life‐threatening haematuria in ataxia‐telangiectasia: a new observation
Authors: Cohen Jonathan M , Cuckow Peter , Davies E Graham
Published: April 2008

We report two cases of life‐threatening haemorrhage from bladder telangiectasia in children with ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) who had been treated for lymphoma earlier in life. Whilst oculocutaneous telangiectasiae are an almost universal finding in this syndrome, bladder wall telangiectasis has not been reported previously. Both teenagers presented with recurrent severe haematuria due to extensive bladder telangiectasis. Recurrent haemorrhage was controlled with cystoscopic diathermy treatment. As A‐T is a DNA repair disorder, it is possible that chemotherapy‐mediated damage to the bladder mucosa prompted the development of clinically significant telangiectasis in these patients.

Conclusion: We advocate early cystoscopy for A‐T patients who develop haematuria to investigate the cause, and cystodiathermy to pre‐emptively treat developing lesions prior to haemodynamically significant haemorrhage.
Preterm infants of educated mothers have better outcome
Authors: Wang Lan‐Wan , Wang Shan‐Tair , Huang Chao‐Ching
Published: April 2008

Aim: To determine the developmental trajectories of very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants during the first 2 years of life, and investigate the most contributory predictors of diverse trajectories.

Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 887 VLBW infants from January 1999 to December 2002 with regular follow‐up at corrected age of 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected, and the outcome measures consisted of neurological assessment and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐II.

Results: Five trajectories of cognitive development based on the mental developmental indices from the age of 6 to 24 months were determined, including average‐stable (group A, 20.1%), average‐decline to borderline delay (group B, 34%), borderline delay‐catch‐up to average (group C, 20.2%), borderline delay‐decline to significant delay (group D, 17.2%) and significant delay‐stable (group E, 8.5%). Using group A as the reference category, we determined 6‐month neurological status and maternal education as the most significant predictors for various trajectories (p < 0.01). Infants with transient or definite neurological abnormality and/or low maternal education had higher odds of displaying the disadvantageous trajectories (group B, D and E; odds ratios, 1.79–46.4).

Conclusion: VLBW infants with neurological abnormalities and/or low maternal education had high risk of developmental decline and might benefit from early intervention.
Maternal employment and breastfeeding: results from the longitudinal study of Australian children
Authors: Cooklin Amanda R , Donath Susan M , Amir Lisa H
Published: April 2008

Aim: To investigate the effect of maternal postnatal employment on breastfeeding duration in Australia in the first 6 months after birth.

Method: Secondary data analysis of the infant data (2004) from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Complete maternal and breastfeeding data were available for 3697 infants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of timing of resumption of maternal employment and maternal employment status on breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum after adjustment for maternal education, maternal age, maternal smoking during pregnancy and socioeconomic status of the child's area of residence.

Results: Fewer women employed full‐time were breastfeeding their infants at 6 months (39%) than nonemployed women (56%). Participation in full‐time employment before 6 months had a strong, negative effect on the likelihood of continuing breastfeeding for 6 months, adjusted OR = 0.35 (95%CI: 0.22–0.55). Compared to nonemployed women, fewer women in part‐time employment were breastfeeding at 6 months (44%), adjusted OR = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.37–0.64).

Conclusions: Results from this large representative cohort of Australian infants confirm that maternal employment in the first 6 months of life contributes to premature cessation of breastfeeding even when known risk factors for breastfeeding cessation are controlled for.
Cognitive and psychosocial development of children with Pierre Robin sequence
Authors: Drescher FD , Jotzo M , Goelz R , Meyer TD , Bacher M , Poets Christian F
Published: April 2008

Aim: It is unclear whether cognitive impairment in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) results from a primary disturbance affecting both the brain and the mandible or from recurrent upper airway obstruction (UAO). If the latter were true, cognitive impairment should be preventable by early treatment of UAO. We wanted to determine the cognitive and psychosocial outcome of children with PRS treated with a new device aimed at relieving UAO in infancy (pre‐epiglottic baton plate).

Methods: Thirty‐four children with PRS and 34 healthy controls aged 4–11 years completed the Kaufman‐Assessment Battery for Children (K‐ABC) and a self‐concept inventory. Parents rated their children's emotional and behavioural problems. Multi‐ and univariate analyses of covariance were performed, controlling for gender, age, parental education, family income and parental depression.

Results: The cognitive development of the PR children was within the reference range. Compared to healthy children, however, the children with PRS performed significantly poorer. There were no significant differences concerning self‐concept, emotional or behavioural problems.

Conclusion: These children with non‐syndromic PRS who had received treatment of UAO in infancy performed worse in the K‐ABC. However, this did not reflect a major cognitive impairment.
Changes in physical activity in adolescent girls: a latent growth modelling approach
Authors: Raudsepp Lennart , Viira Roomet
Published: April 2008

Aim: To examine: (1) the developmental trajectory of physical activity as well the influence of body mass index (BMI) and friend support on initial physical activity and change of physical activity; and (2) the stability of physical activity in adolescent girls.

Methods: Participants were 193 urban adolescent girls and their best friends. Physical activity was measured using the 3‐day physical activity recall. Best friend social support was assessed using a questionnaire. BMI was calculated based on height and body mass of the participants. Data were collected on four occasions over a 1.75‐year period.

Results: The stability coefficients for moderate, vigorous and total physical activity were statistically significant and ranged from 0.25 to 0.62. There was a curvilinear decrease in physical activity and a curvilinear increase in BMI and friend social support across four measurement occasions. Latent growth modelling (LGM) revealed that initially higher level of friend social support was associated with higher physical activity, and higher level of BMI was associated with lower levels of physical activity. With the physical activity change factor, there were statistically significant and positive direct effect from friend social support change factor, and statistically significant and negative direct effect from BMI change factor.

Conclusion: Change in friend social support was positively and change in BMI was inversely associated with a change in adolescent girls' physical activity.
Baby swimming and respiratory health
Authors: Nystad Wenche , Håberg Siri E , London Stephanie J , Nafstad Per , Magnus Per
Published: April 2008

Aim: To estimate the effect of baby swimming in the first 6 months of life on respiratory diseases from 6 to 18 months.

Methods: We used data from The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in children born between 1999 and 2005 followed from birth to the age of 18 months (n = 30 870). Health outcomes: lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), wheeze and otitis media between 6 and 18 months of age. Exposure: baby swimming at the age of 6 months. The effect of baby swimming was estimated by logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: About 25% of the children participated in baby swimming. The prevalence of LRTI was 13.3%, wheeze 40.0% and otitis media 30.4%. Children who were baby swimming were not more likely to have LRTI, to wheeze or to have otitis media. However, children with atopic mothers who attended baby swimming had an increased risk of wheeze, adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 1.24 (95% CI 1.11, 1.39), but not LRTI or otitis media. This was also the case for children without respiratory diseases before 6 months aOR 1.08 (95%CI 1.02–1.15).

Conclusion: Baby swimming may be related to later wheeze. However, these findings warrant further investigation.