bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overweight and obesity in infants and pre‐school children in the European Union: a review of existing data
Authors: Cattaneo A. , Monasta L. , Stamatakis E. , Lioret S. , Castetbon K. , Frenken F. , Manios Y. , Moschonis G. , Savva S. , Zaborskis A. , Rito A. I. , Nanu M. , Vignerová J. , Caroli M. , Ludvigsson J. , Koch F. S. , Serra‐Majem L. , Szponar L. , Van Lenthe F. , Brug J.
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to synthesize available information on prevalence and time trends of overweight and obesity in pre‐school children in the European Union. Retrieval and analysis or re‐analysis of existing data were carried out. Data sources include WHO databases, Medline and Google, contact with authors of published and unpublished documents. Data were analysed using the International Obesity Task Force reference and cut‐offs, and the WHO standard. Data were available from 18/27 countries. Comparisons were problematic because of different definitions and methods of data collection and analysis. The reported prevalence of overweight plus obesity at 4 years ranges from 11.8% in Romania (2004) to 32.3% in Spain (1998–2000). Countries in the Mediterranean region and the British islands report higher rates than those in middle, northern and eastern Europe. Rates are generally higher in girls than in boys. With the possible exception of England, there was no obvious trend towards increasing prevalence in the past 20–30 years in the five countries with data. The use of the WHO standard with cut‐offs at 1, 2 and 3 standard deviations yields lower rates and removes gender differences. Data on overweight and obesity in pre‐school children are scarce; their interpretation is difficult. Standard methods of surveillance, and research and policies on prevention and treatment, are urgently needed.
Exploring Career Plateau as a Multi‐faceted Phenomenon: Understanding the Types of Career Plateaux Experienced by Accounting Professionals
Authors: Smith‐Ruig Theresa
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the types of career plateaux experienced by a sample of 52 men and women employed in the accounting profession in Australia. The aim is to explore whether current definitions of a plateau, which tend to focus only on a lack of progression, are broad enough. The results are based on semi‐structured interviews with 52 participants employed in a range of positions and organizational types in the accounting profession. The qualitative design enabled participants to provide a highly personalized and richly detailed description of their career experiences. There were both positive and negative views of a plateau. With regard to the former, some participants used the plateau as an opportunity to redirect their career paths, whilst for the latter, some participants reported feeling disillusioned, dissatisfied and unsure of their future career direction. The research demonstrates that career plateau is a multi‐faceted phenomenon, i.e. it is strongly influenced by how an individual defines career and success. For example, it can relate to objective definitions of success (i.e. a lack of hierarchical progression) or an individual's desire for ongoing skills development and mentally stimulating work (subjective career success). The message for organizations is that, just because an individual may have reached a senior position in their organization, it does not mean that they are no longer interested in further challenges or development. In fact, the participants in the research were interested in prolonging their careers and wanted their organizations to provide greater support in the area of continuous learning and career development.
Bellamy on Dirty Hands and Lesser Evils: A Response
Authors: De Wijze Stephen A. , Goodwin Tom L.
Published: July 2009

This article offers a response to Alex Bellamy's article ‘Dirty Hands and Lesser Evils in the War on Terror’. It outlines deep errors in his claims about ‘dirty hands’ and ‘lesser evils’. Essentially, these errors result from his failure to grapple with the complexity of dirty hands theory, coupled with his uncritical acceptance that dirty hands scenarios are essentially defined as a clash between a public and private morality. Furthermore, we argue that Bellamy's distinction between ‘dirty hands’ and ‘lesser evils’ is a spurious one since all dirty hands cases require a choice between lesser evils. In addition, we reject his claim that dirty hands makes no political sense. For illustrative purposes, we then briefly examine one problematic philosophical issue which needs attention if the notion of dirty hands is to be taken seriously. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of the concept of dirty hands by applying it to the issue of torture in the so-called ‘war on terror’.
Good Inflation, Bad Inflation: The Housing Boom, Economic Growth and the Disaggregation of Inflationary Preferences in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Hay Colin
Published: July 2009

This article presents a comparative analysis of the determinants, sustenance and broader macroeconomic consequences of the ultimately unsustainable housing boom in Ireland and the UK in recent years. It examines, in particular, the role played by ostensibly depoliticised monetary policy in both contexts in the development of a house price bubble that has served to fuel consumer-led growth. It assesses the viability, sustainability and reproducibility of the private debt-financed consumer boom that house price inflation has generated. In the process it draws attention to the increasingly differentiated character of both government inflationary preferences and counter-inflationary performance—with the shift to official measures of inflation that exclude mortgage interest repayments and, in the UK at least, to the covert re-politicisation of monetary policy. It concludes by suggesting that governments may well not have time-inconsistent inflationary preferences so much as sectorally specific inflationary preferences. This might be summarised in terms of the aphorism: ‘retail price inflation bad, house price inflation good’.
Distant Memories
Authors: Kenny Lucy M. , Bryant Richard A. , Silove Derrick , Creamer Mark , O'Donnell Meaghan , McFarlane Alexander C.
Published: July 2009

Adopting an observer perspective to recall trauma memories may function as a form of avoidance that maintains posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a prospective study to analyze the relationship between memory vantage point and PTSD symptoms. Participants (N = 947) identified the vantage point of their trauma memory and reported PTSD symptoms within 4 weeks of the trauma; 730 participants repeated this process 12 months later. Initially recalling the trauma from an observer vantage point was related to more severe PTSD symptoms at that time and 12 months later. Shifting from a field to an observer perspective a year after trauma was associated with greater PTSD severity at 12 months. These results suggest that remembering trauma from an observer vantage point is related to both immediate and ongoing PTSD symptoms.
Choking on the Money
Authors: Mobbs Dean , Hassabis Demis , Seymour Ben , Marchant Jennifer L. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Dolan Raymond J. , Frith Christopher D.
Published: July 2009

A pernicious paradox in human motivation is the occasional reduced performance associated with tasks and situations that involve larger-than-average rewards. Three broad explanations that might account for such performance decrements are attentional competition (distraction theories), inhibition by conscious processes (explicit-monitoring theories), and excessive drive and arousal (overmotivation theories). Here, we report incentive-dependent performance decrements in humans in a reward-pursuit task; subjects were less successful in capturing a more valuable reward in a computerized maze. Concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed that increased activity in ventral midbrain, a brain area associated with incentive motivation and basic reward responding, correlated with both reduced number of captures and increased number of near-misses associated with imminent high rewards. These data cast light on the neurobiological basis of choking under pressure and are consistent with overmotivation accounts.
Neural Correlates of Reward Processing in Adolescents With a History of Inhibited Temperament
Authors: Bar-Haim Yair , Fox Nathan A. , Benson Brenda , Guyer Amanda E. , Williams Amber , Nelson Eric E. , Perez-Edgar Koraly , Pine Daniel S. , Ernst Monique
Published: July 2009

Functional imaging data were acquired during performance of a reward-contingency task in a unique cohort of adolescents (ages 14-18 years) who were characterized since infancy on measures of temperamental behavioral inhibition. Neural activation was examined in striatal structures (nucleus accumbens, putamen, caudate) with a known role in facilitating response to salient reward-related cues. Adolescents with a history of behavioral inhibition, relative to noninhibited adolescents, showed increased activation in the nucleus accumbens when they believed their selection of an action would affect reward outcome. Neural responses did not differ between the two groups when participants made a prespecified response that they knew would result in reward or when they produced random motor responses that they knew would not be rewarded. These results link inhibited temperament and perturbed neural responses to reward-contingency cues.
The Other Side of Injustice
Authors: Barry Heather , Tyler Tom R.
Published: July 2009

Greater group identification and higher levels of procedural justice typically work together to encourage group members to engage in group-serving cooperative behavior. However, when people who already identify with a group receive information indicating that the group is procedurally unjust, their motivation to engage in group-serving behavior may increase. This article reports two studies in which college students' identification with their university was measured and information about the procedural justice of the university was manipulated. Study 1 used an explicit measure of group identification and a deliberative measure of group-serving behavior. Study 2 used an implicit measure of group identification and both deliberative and spontaneous measures of group-serving behavior. The findings of both studies support the hypothesis that among people who are highly identified with a group, learning about the group's injustice leads to short-term increases in group-serving behavior.
Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) Taps a Mechanism That Places Constraints on the Development of Early Reading Fluency
Authors: Lervåg Arne , Hulme Charles
Published: July 2009

Previous studies have shown that rapid automatized naming (RAN) is a correlate of early reading skills; however, the interpretation of this finding remains controversial. We present the results from a 3-year longitudinal study. RAN, measured with nonalphabetic stimuli before reading instruction has begun, is a predictor of later growth in reading fluency. After reading instruction has started, RAN continues to exert an influence on the development of reading fluency over the next 2 years. However, there is no evidence of a reciprocal influence of reading fluency on the growth of RAN skill. We suggest that RAN taps the integrity of left-hemisphere object-recognition and naming circuits that are recruited to function as a critical component of the child's developing visual word-recognition system.
Performance Concern, Contingent Self‐worth, and Responses to Repeated Achievement Failure in Second Graders
Authors: Smiley Patricia A. , Coulson Sheri L. , Greene Joelle K. , Bono Katherine L.
Published: July 2009

Individual differences in emotion, cognitions, and task choice following achievement failure are found among four‐ to seven‐year‐olds. However, neither performance deterioration during failure nor generalization after failure—aspects of the helpless pattern in 10‐year‐olds—have been reliably demonstrated in this age group. In the present study, 78 second graders worked on a series of unsolvable and solvable puzzles and then on a figure‐matching task. We assessed levels of performance concern and performance‐contingent self‐worth, and their relations to performance during and after failure. As predicted, performance concern and performance‐contingent self‐worth were independent self‐regulatory processes. Performance concern was related to strategy use during and after failure and performance‐contingent self‐worth was related to postfailure performance. These results provide empirical support for Burhans and Dweck's model of the origins of individual differences in motivation. Similarities in behaviors and mechanisms of effect for children's and adults' responses to failure are discussed.
Who rules rare disease associations? A framework to understand their action
Authors: Huyard Caroline
Published: July 2009

The inner structure of so‐called ‘patients’ organisations’ has been accorded relatively little attention with respect to their increasing role in the medical world. This comparative study in France of eight such organisations, matching six rare disorders, explores the issue of power and decision making through the description of the entities that make up the organisation (and especially which stakeholders are represented), their mutual relationships, the temporal scope of collective action, and the concrete achievements of the organisation. Two main types of organisation are distinguished: ‘pluralistic’ organisations (that bring together a broad array of different stakeholders who are willing to work together) and ‘monistic’ organisations (where a single category of stakeholders firmly takes the lead). Their operations are very different and result from the association’s composition. A key finding is that both the usual opposition between lay and expert and the reference to the diseases’ characteristics prove to be irrelevant to understanding these organisations. Rather, the composition of the leading group is crucial.
Semiparametric Estimation and Inference for Distributional and General Treatment Effects
Authors: Cheng Jing , Qin Jing , Zhang Biao
Published: July 2009

There is a large literature on methods of analysis for randomized trials with noncompliance which focuses on the effect of treatment on the average outcome. The paper considers evaluating the effect of treatment on the entire distribution and general functions of this effect. For distributional treatment effects, fully non-parametric and fully parametric approaches have been proposed. The fully non-parametric approach could be inefficient but the fully parametric approach is not robust to the violation of distribution assumptions. We develop a semiparametric instrumental variable method based on the empirical likelihood approach. Our method can be applied to general outcomes and general functions of outcome distributions and allows us to predict a subject’s latent compliance class on the basis of an observed outcome value in observed assignment and treatment received groups. Asymptotic results for the estimators and likelihood ratio statistic are derived. A simulation study shows that our estimators of various treatment effects are substantially more efficient than the currently used fully non-parametric estimators. The method is illustrated by an analysis of data from a randomized trial of an encouragement intervention to improve adherence to prescribed depression treatments among depressed elderly patients in primary care practices.
Indian railroading: floating railway companies in the late nineteenth century
Authors: SWEENEY STUART
Published: July 2009

This article provides a case study of four late nineteenth‐century share flotations of Indian railway companies. It highlights an important gap in the historiography of Indian railway finance, which has focused on the period up to 1875. The role of N. M. Rothschild as lead underwriter and its relationship with the India Office, managing agents, and investors is analysed. This gives an evolving picture of mutual dependence between the City and Whitehall in the financing of the British Empire's largest investment programme. Gentlemanly capitalists are shown to combine the self‐reinforcing roles of arranger, investor, and informal government advisor.
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in HIV‐positive patients: lack of association with human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Moyano S , Ordi J , Caballero M , Garcia F , Diaz A , De Sanjose S , Cardesa A , Alos L
Published: July 2009

Objectives
Neoplasms associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection occur at increased frequency in patients with HIV infection/AIDS. Although laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs) in HIV‐positive patients are uncommon, a higher incidence of this malignancy in HIV‐positive patients than in the general population has been reported. As a proportion of LSCCs are associated with HPV in the general population, the clinicopathological features of a series of LSCCs developing in HIV‐positive patients were evaluated to investigate the possible relationship with HPV infection, and infection with other oncogenic viruses.

Methods
All HIV‐positive patients with LSCC diagnosed at a single institution from 1998 to 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The clinicopathological features were analysed and tissues were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using the short PCR fragment 10 (SPF10) primer, a highly sensitive method for HPV DNA detection. Immunohistochemical studies for HIV p24, p16INK4a and p53 were performed. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV‐8) were also investigated.

Results
Six out of 4987 HIV‐infected patients seen in this period in the Infectious Diseases Department developed LSCC (median age 41.5 years; male to female ratio 1:1). All patients were heavy smokers and the tumours presented at an advanced clinical stage. HPV was not detected in any tumour, not even in two patients with coexisting HPV‐associated gynaecological neoplasm. Staining for HIV p24 and p16INK4a was negative, whereas p53 was positive in half the cases. EBV and HHV‐8 were also negative.

Conclusion
LSCC developing in HIV‐positive patients is an infrequent neoplasm, not usually associated with HPV infection. It develops in young, heavy smokers and presents at an advanced clinical stage.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improve tinnitus in normal hearing patients: a double‐blind controlled, clinical and neuroimaging outcome study
Authors: Marcondes R. A. , Sanchez T. G. , Kii M. A. , Ono C. R. , Buchpiguel C. A. , Langguth B. , Marcolin M. A.
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Tinnitus is a frequent disorder which is very difficult to treat and there is compelling evidence that tinnitus is associated with functional alterations in the central nervous system. Targeted modulation of tinnitus‐related cortical activity has been proposed as a promising new treatment approach. We aimed to investigate both immediate and long‐term effects of low frequency (1 Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with tinnitus and normal hearing.

Methods:  Using a parallel design, 20 patients were randomized to receive either active or placebo stimulation over the left temporoparietal cortex for five consecutive days. Treatment results were assessed by using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Ethyl cysteinate dimmer‐single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging was performed before and 14 days after rTMS.

Results:  After active rTMS there was significant improvement of the tinnitus score as compared to sham rTMS for up to 6 months after stimulation. SPECT measurements demonstrated a reduction of metabolic activity in the inferior left temporal lobe after active rTMS.

Conclusion:  These results support the potential of rTMS as a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of chronic tinnitus, by demonstrating a significant reduction of tinnitus complaints over a period of at least 6 months and significant reduction of neural activity in the inferior temporal cortex, despite the stimulation applied on the superior temporal cortex.
WAGE SIGNALING: A DYNAMIC MODEL OF INTRAFIRM BARGAINING AND ASYMMETRIC LEARNING*
Authors: Golan Limor
Published: July 2009

The article analyzes the effect of employer–worker bargaining on wage dynamics in the presence of asymmetric information between current and potential employers. A failure to reach an agreement leads to output loss. Because the disagreement points depend upon the worker's productivity, productive workers separate themselves from less productive workers and signal their ability through wages. In existing models of asymmetric learning, wages are attached to publicly observable characteristics and wage growth occurs only when there is a change in observable characteristics. This model, in contrast, generates an increase in earnings dispersion in cohorts of workers with similar observable characteristics.
SAVING DOLPHINS: BOYCOTTS, TRADE SANCTIONS, AND UNOBSERVABLE TECHNOLOGY*
Authors: Miyagiwa Kaz
Published: July 2009

Consumers boycott some goods because they do not approve the ways they are manufactured. I examine the efficacy of boycotts and the role of trade policy in influencing the foreign exporter's technology choice. Even when its technology choice is unobservable, boycott threats can prompt the foreign firm to adopt the technology consumers prefer. Import policy can augment this effect, but when boycotts can have a substantial impact on demand, a use of ad valorem tariffs yields the unintended result. Specific tariffs and quotas are free of this defect, but specific tariffs are more effective than quotas in addressing consumers' concern.
EXPECTATIONS AND CONTAGION IN SELF‐FULFILLING CURRENCY ATTACKS*
Authors: Keister Todd
Published: July 2009

Self‐fulfilling expectations are commonly believed to play an important role in the transmission of currency crises across countries. Formal models of contagion based on multiple equilibria, however, have been criticized for failing to explain basic patterns observed in the data; these criticisms have been taken as evidence against the self‐fulfilling view. This article argues that the importance of self‐fulfilling beliefs is not so easily dismissed. A slightly richer model, based on the incomplete‐information framework of Morris and Shin (American Economic Review 88 (1998), 587–97), can generate contagion due to self‐fulfilling beliefs while placing restrictions on observable variables that are broadly consistent with the empirical evidence.
Abnormal brain processing of pain in migraine without aura: A high-density EEG brain mapping study
Authors: Buchgreitz L , Egsgaard LL , Jensen R , Arendt-Nielsen L , Bendtsen L
Published: July 2009

In the present study we used high-density EEG brain mapping to investigate spatio-temporal aspects of brain activity in response to experimentally induced muscle pain in 17 patients with migraine without aura and 15 healthy controls. Painful electrical stimuli were applied to the trapezius muscle and somatosensory-evoked potentials were recorded with 128-channel EEG with and without concurrent induced tonic neck/shoulder muscle pain. At baseline, the calculated P300 dipole for single stimuli was localized in the cingulate cortex. In patients, but not in controls, the dipole changed position from baseline to the tonic muscle pain condition (z = 29 mm vs. z = −13 mm, P < 0.001) and from baseline to the post-tonic muscle pain condition (z = 29 mm vs. z = −9 mm, P < 0.001). This may be the first evidence that the supraspinal processing of muscle pain is abnormal in patients with migraine without aura.
Law, Strategy and Democracy: A Response to Duff
Authors: TADROS VICTOR
Published: July 2009

abstract  In this response to Antony Duff's paper, I raise doubts about the method of moving from internal to external critique, suggesting that external critique, focusing on more basic principles in moral and political philosophy, has primacy, and that internal critique, if it is done well, will very quickly turn external. I then suggest a different distinction: that between pure and strategic philosophical work, suggesting that more strategic work might be done in legal philosophy to improve the impact of philosophical work on those more concerned with policy. Finally, I suggest that more philosophically focused work on law and democracy has become increasingly important in the light of developments in criminal justice, something missing from Duff's account.
Philosophy and Public Policy: A Role for Social Moral Epistemology
Authors: BUCHANAN ALLEN
Published: July 2009

abstract  Part 1 of this essay argues that one of the most important contributions of philosophers to sound public policy may be to combat the influence of bad Philosophy (which includes, but is not limited to, bad Philosophy produced by accredited academic philosophers). Part 2 argues that the conventional conception of Practical Ethics (CPE) that philosophers bring to issues of public policy is defective because it fails to take seriously the phenomenon of the subversion of morality, the role of false factual beliefs in this subversion, and the vulnerability to the exploitation of our moral powers that our social‐epistemic dependency entails. Given the serious risks of the subversion of morality through the propagation of false factual beliefs, CPE's near exclusive emphasis on identifying sound moral principles greatly constrains its potential contribution to the Negative Task of Practical Ethics, the endeavour to reduce the incidence of the most grievously wrong behaviour. Practical ethicists should focus more on the ethics of believing, and develop a more sophisticated conception of the moral and epistemic virtues of individuals and of institutions, one that includes protective meta‐virtues, whose function it is to guard us against the more frequent and predictable subversions of morality, including those subversions that are facilitated by the processes of belief‐formation that our social institutions and practices foster.
PedStr Software for Cutting Large Pedigrees for Haplotyping, IBD Computation and Multipoint Linkage Analysis
Authors: Kirichenko Anatoly V. , Belonogova Nadezhda M. , Aulchenko Yurii S. , Axenovich Tatiana I.
Published: July 2009

We propose an automatic heuristic algorithm for splitting large pedigrees into fragments of no more than a user‐specified bit size. The algorithm specifically aims to split large pedigrees where many close relatives are genotyped and to produce a set of sub‐pedigrees for haplotype reconstruction, IBD computation or multipoint linkage analysis with the help of the Lander‐Green‐Kruglyak algorithm. We demonstrate that a set of overlapping pedigree fragments constructed with the help of our algorithm allows fast and effective haplotype reconstruction and detection of an allele's parental origin. Moreover, we compared pedigree fragments constructed with the help of our algorithm and existing programs PedCut and Jenti for multipoint linkage analysis. Our algorithm demonstrated significantly higher linkage power than the algorithm of Jenti and significantly shorter running time than the algorithm of PedCut. The software package PedStr implementing our algorithms is available at http://mga.bionet.nsc.ru/soft/index.html.
Equal investment in male and female offspring in southern elephant seals
Authors: Campagna C. , Le Boeuf B. J. , Lewis M. , Bisioli C.
Published: July 2009

Sex ratio theory predictions concerning differential parental investment in offspring by sex were tested on southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, breeding at Península Valdés, Argentina. Females invested equally in sons and daughters, as reflected by the similar mass at birth (mean ± 1 S.D.) of 14 males (44.1 ± 6.5 kg) and 14 females (43.4 ± 3.8 kg), and similar mass at weaning of 52 males (131.5 ± 22.4 kg) and 38 females (131.4 ± 18.3 kg). There were also no sex differences in the rate of mass gain during nursing (males = 4.0 ± 0.9 kg/day; females = 3.9 ± 0.8 kg/day), rate of mass loss during the first month of post‐weaning fast (males = 0.85 ± 0.19 kg/day; females = 0.92 ± 0.15 kg/day), mean age at weaning (males = 22.3 ± 1.6 days; females = 22.7 ± 1.7 days), and female nursing behaviour. Mother's size accounted for most of the variation in mass of pups at weaning. Mothers ranked as small, medium and large, weaned pups with a mean mass of 102, 130 and 145 kg, respectively. The sex ratio of weanlings did not differ from unity. These data are consistent with Fisher's (1930) sex ratio theory.
The scent of rutting male ringed seals (Phoca hispida)
Authors: Ryg M. , Solberg Y. , Lydersen C. , Smith T. G.
Published: July 2009

Odorous substances of rutting male ringed seals (Phoca hispida) were studied by extracting facial skin, which contains hypertrophied sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands, with methanol/hexane, and analysing the extracts with gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The extract contained high concentrations of a tertiary amine, three aminoalcohols, several organosulphur compounds, and two hydrocarbons. We suggest that the ringed seal males use scent to mark the breathing holes and subnivean lairs within their territories. Some of the lipids in the extract were not found in extracts from sexually immature males, and these lipids may be important as vehicles for scent deposition.
A pheromonal function for the crural glands of the onychophoran Cephalofovea tomahmontis (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae)
Authors: Eliott S. , Tait N. N. , Briscof D. A.
Published: July 2009

A characteristic feature of onychophorans is the presence of crural glands in males. These exocrine glands open on the ventral surface at the base of the legs. Their restriction to males suggests a sexual function. Histochemical staining of the glands indicates that their secretion has both a lipid and a protein component. Behavioural bioassays show that the secretion acts as a pheromone attractive to conspecific females. The production of a sex pheromone in onychophorans is discussed in relation to their ecology and phylogeny.
Taxonomy, status and distribution of the Azorean bat (Nyctalus azoreum)
Authors: Speakman J. R. , Webb P. I.
Published: July 2009

The taxonomic status of the Azorean bat (Nyctalus azoreum Thomas 1901) was assessed, by a principal components analysis of measurements of the external morphology of the bat, together with specimens of the closest related Nyctalus species from mainland Europe (Nyctalus leisleri). This analysis confirms the recent suggestion, based on a similar analysis of skull morphology, that the Azorean bat represents a good species, distinguished from N. leisleri by its smaller size—forearm lengths for N. azoreum in range 35·7–42·0 mm (n= 14). compared with 42·0−45·8 mm (n = 8) for N. leisleri. The status and distribution of the Azorean bat was assessed by a survey conducted in the islands in September and October 1988. We assessed the presence or absence of bats, in 62(1′ latitude × 1′ longitude) plots at the west end of the island of Sao Miguel. The study area covered 6% of the total land area of the archipelago and contained representative areas of all the major island habitat types. A less intensive survey throughout four other islands, literature review and information from other sources revealed that the bat is probably distributed throughout the entire archipelago, with the possible exception of Flores and Corvo. Bats were active both in the day and at night. At night, bats were mostly active in coastal villages where they were closely associated with street lighting. During the day, most hats were active in the inland areas near to Caldeira lakes. The maximum number of bats observed simultaneously active in the day was six whilst at dusk swarms of up to 55 (± 5) bats were observed together. At night, bats were also active over approximately 1·5 × the area they occupied in the day. By assuming the bat is found throughout the archipelago, and that our study area was representative, we estimated the maximum population to be between 1750 (from daylight activity) and 23,650 (from nocturnal activity). This latter estimate implies a population density throughout the archipelago of around 0·1 bats per hectare.
Pseudosexual and dominance behaviour: their relationship to fecundity in the unisexual gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris
Authors: Brown Susan G. , O'Brien J.
Published: July 2009

We examined the hypothesis that pseudosexual behaviour facilitates reproduction in the unisexual gecko, Lepidodactylus luguhris. Thirty‐eight hatchlings were housed in isolated or social conditions. Age at initial egg development, days between egg development and laying for the geckos’first three clutches of eggs, inter‐clutch intervals and dominance behaviours were recorded. Lepidodactylus lugubris developed their first clutch of eggs at about 9·5 months of age after their endolymphatic sacs became externally visible. The geckos laid their eggs about 28–30 days later with smaller geckos requiring more time between egg development and laying than larger geckos. Grouped geckos formed dominance hierarchies. In the triad and quadrad groups, the subordinate geckos’growth rates were slowed and their fecundity was suppressed. Pseudosexual behaviour was not observed in the geckos and was unrelated to fecundity because isolated geckos developed and laid three clutches of eggs at the same rate as grouped geckos. Dominance behaviour, not pseudosexual behaviour, was related to fecundity in L. lugubris. Dominance behaviour may facilitate dispersal in this colonizing species because subordinate geckos could increase their fecundity by moving to less populated areas.
Morphometric variation and divergence in the West Mediterranean Discoglossus (Amphibia: Discoglossidae)
Authors: And M. Capula , Carti M.
Published: July 2009

Morphometrics of the four species of the genus Discoglossus occurring in the West Mediterranean area D. galganoi, D. montalentii, D. pictus and D. sardus) was investigated. Univariate and multivariate statistics showed that the species are morphologically diverse and that populations of the same species form distinct and recognizable groups. Our results conflict in part with those derived from allozyme analysis of the same taxa. The major conflict involves the comparisons between D. montalentii and D. sardus, and between D. g. galganoi and D. g. jeanneae.. Whereas D. montalentii is genetically very distinct from D. sardus, their morphometric diversity is relatively low. On the other hand, morphometric divergence between D. g. galganoi and D. g. jeanneae (the latter described as a species by Busack, i.e. D. jeanneae, is high, but they are very similar genetically. Both adaptation to the different climatic regimes characterizing the West Mediterranean area and the phylogenetic history are suggested to account for the observed changes in the morphology.
Plasma testosterone concentration, body weight, social dominance and scent‐marking in male marsupial sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps; Marsupialia: Petauridae)
Authors: Stoddart D. M. , Bradley A. J. , Mallick J.
Published: July 2009

Observations were made of a wild population of sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) by live‐trapping and on four captive colonies to establish the relationship between blood concentration of testosterone, body weight, social dominance and the timing of births. In both the wild and in captivity one male exhibits a testosterone concentration far higher than his fellows, during the breeding season. This male is also the heaviest. In captivity this male is observed to be socially the most dominant and undertakes almost all of the scent‐marking. At least three‐quarters of each breeding season's births occur during the first month of the three‐ to four‐month season (July‐September/October), a passage of time during which the body weight of the most dominant male falls more than that of the subordinates. It is suggested that this species is highly polygynous, with the ecological and evolutionary benefits of high social status being immense.
Aerodynamic corrections for the flight of birds and bats in wind tunnels
Authors: M. V. Rayner Jeremy
Published: July 2009

Few wind tunnel studies of animal flight have controlled or corrected for distortions to behaviour, physiology or flight aerodynamics representing the difference between flight in the tunnel and flight in free air. Aerodynamic correction factors are derived based on lifting‐line theory and the method of images for an animal flying freely within closed‐ and open‐section wind tunnels; the method is very similar to that used to model flight in ground effect, and as in ground effect the corrections to induced drag may be substantial. These correction factors are used to estimate bound wing circulation, drag and mechanical power for comparison with free flight, and to derive testable predictions of optimum flight strategies for an animal in a tunnel. In an open‐section tunnel, mechanical power is increased compared to free flight, and the animal should fly at the tunnel centre. In a closed tunnel mechanical power is usually reduced, and substantial savings are available, particularly at low speeds, if the animal flies close to the tunnel roof. Anecdotal observations confirm that birds and bats adopt this strategy. The mechanical power‐speed curve in a closed tunnel is flatter than the curve for free flight, and this may explain the flat metabolic power‐speed curves for birds and bats obtained in some measurements.
Distribution and abundance of small mammals along a subtropical elevational gradient in central Taiwan
Authors: Yu Hon‐Tsen
Published: July 2009

The elevational distribution of small mammals was surveyed by three transects during 1989–90 at Yushan National Park in subtropical central Taiwan. As a result of this survey, a sample of 1205 animals was obtained. Based on the sample, the sampling regime and elevational distribution of these species is reported with consideration of the spatial and temporal components. To detect the presence of all species and to estimate their relative abundances at any elevational site, one must trap consecutively for a minimum of five days.‘Trap competition’is common in trap lines, resulting in a few traps being responsible for all the captures. Besides, common and rare species at each elevation have different trap responses. The elevational distribution of small mammals shows substantial seasonal and spatial variation. Furthermore, the plant succession is demonstrated to influence the species composition and relative abundances of the small mammal community at the same elevation. Despite the variation, some general patterns of elevational distribution emerge. Tamiops muritimus occurs above 2000 m and is common at 2000–3000 m. Apodemus semotus is widely distributed from 1400 to 3700 m, but becomes rare below 1500 m and above 3600 m. The congeneric A. ugrurius is known only from lowlands in Taiwan and reaches no higher than 1000 m. Niviventer culturutus occurs at about 2000–3000 m, whereas N. coxingi occurs no higher than 2000 m and is common below 1300 m. Two species of microtine also show replacement in elevational distribution. Eothenomys melunoguster occurs from 1400 to 3000 m and Microtus kikuchii becomes abundant only above 3000 m. Two shrews, Anourosorex squumipes and Soriculus fumidus, are widely distributed at different elevations, but their distribution seems to be little related to elevation.
Global developmental delay and its relationship to cognitive skills
Authors: RIOU EMILIE M , GHOSH SHUVO , FRANCOEUR EMMETT , SHEVELL MICHAEL I
Published: July 2009

Global developmental delay (GDD) is defined as evidence of significant delays in two or more developmental domains. Our study determined the cognitive skills of a cohort of young children with GDD. A retrospective chart review of all children diagnosed with GDD within a single developmental clinic was carried out. Scores on fine motor (Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 2), expressive language (Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test) and receptive language (Reynell Developmental Language Scales or Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Preschool 2) testing, and cognitive performance (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition) were obtained. A multiple regression analysis was performed and correlations obtained. Results from a total of 93 patients (86 males, seven females) were retained for analysis. Mean age was 3 years 8 months (SD 10mo, range 2.5–4.75y). Cognitive scores were widely distributed, with 73% of participants displaying a global IQ score of 70 or more, despite concurrent global delay. Significant correlation was present for fine motor and expressive language scores, when isolated and compared with cognitive performance (p values of 0.04 and 0.05 respectively). The conclusion was made that an initial diagnosis of GDD is not necessarily associated with objective cognitive impairment.
Land Reform in South Africa
Authors: COUSINS BEN
Published: July 2009

An insightful study of the complexities of land reform in South Africa is reviewed, and its key arguments assessed. The study astutely combines ethnographic and historical detail from in‐depth case studies in Mpumalanga Province with critical analysis of land reform policies, and locates these within larger theoretical debates on property rights, citizenship and identity. The author argues that a profound and unresolved tension exists within South Africa's land reform programme between broad and inclusive conceptions of ‘rights’ that are linked to notions of restored citizenship and sovereignty, and a conception of ‘property’ as individualized ownership of land, implying a much narrower conception of citizenship. The study also focuses on the roles of a variety of mediators and ‘brokers’ in land reform. Despite its many strengths, the study is not entirely convincing, partly because some key policy debates are mischaracterized. Its treatment of questions of agricultural production, rural livelihoods and the political economy of agrarian change is somewhat disappointing.
NCAM and polysialyltransferase profiles match dopaminergic marker gene expression but polysialic acid is dispensable for development of the midbrain dopamine system
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Weinhold Birgit , Grothe Claudia , Hildebrandt Herbert
Published: July 2009

The modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) with polysialic acid plays a pivotal role in the developing nervous system. Here we studied the expression and function of polysialic acid during development of the mesencephalic dopaminergic system of mice. Using immunohistochemistry, polysialic acid was detected on nestin‐positive radial glia processes and on cell somata in the pial zone of the midbrain at embryonic day E11.5 and E14.5. As studied by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, mRNA profiles of NCAM and the polysialyltransferases, ST8SiaII and ST8SiaIV, matched the course of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine transporter, nur‐related factor 1, and paired‐like homeodomain transcription factor 3 expression, which were used as marker genes of dopaminergic development. Asking for a possible role of polysialylation during formation of the dopaminergic system, mice lacking polysialic acid because of ablation of both St8siaII and St8siaIV were analyzed at selected time points by tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry and by real‐time RT‐PCR of dopaminergic markers. Surprisingly, no differences between wild‐type and mutant mice could be detected. Likewise, enzymatic removal of polysialic acid from cultured neurons of the ventral embryonic midbrain had no effect on the expression of dopaminergic marker genes. We conclude that despite its abundance polysialic acid is dispensable for the formation of the mesencephalic dopaminergic system.
Identification of two Lynx proteins in Nilaparvata lugens and the modulation on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Liu Zewen , Cao Guangchun , Li Jian , Bao Haibo , Zhang Yongjun
Published: July 2009

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast cholinergic synaptic transmission in the insect brain and are targets for neonicotinoid insecticides. Some proteins, other than nAChRs themselves, might play important roles in insect nAChRs function in vivo and in vitro, such as the chaperone, regulator and modulator. Here we report the identification of two nAChR modulators (Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2) in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Analysis of amino acid sequences of Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 reveals that they are two members of the Ly‐6/neurotoxin superfamily, with a cysteine‐rich consensus signature motif. Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 only increased agonist‐evoked macroscopic currents of hybrid receptors Nlα1/β2 expressed in Xenopus oocytes, but not change the agonist sensitivity and desensitization properties. For example, Nl‐lynx1 increased Imax of acetylcholine and imidacloprid to 3.56‐fold and 1.72‐fold of that of Nlα1/β2 alone, and these folds for Nl‐lynx2 were 3.25 and 1.51. When the previously identified Nlα1Y151S mutation was included (Nlα1Y151S/β2), the effects of Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 on imidacloprid responses, but not acetylcholine response, were different from that in Nlα1/β2. The increased folds in imidacloprid responses by Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 were much higher in Nlα1Y151S/β2 (3.25‐fold and 2.86‐fold) than in Nlα1/β2 (1.72‐fold and 1.51‐fold), which indicated Nl‐lynx1 and Nl‐lynx2 might also serve as an influencing factor in target‐site insensitivity in N. lugens. These findings indicate that nAChRs chaperone, regulator and modulator may be of importance in assessing the likely impact of the target‐site mutations such as Y151S upon neonicotinoid insecticide resistance.
Collecting Routine Outcome Data in a Psychotherapy Community Clinic for Young People: Findings from an Ongoing Study
Authors: Baruch Geoffrey , Vrouva Ioanna
Published: July 2009

Background:  The paper reports on the collection of routine outcome data from an ongoing audit at a voluntary sector psychotherapy service for young people aged 12 to 21 years in London offering once‐weekly psychotherapy.

Method:  The study uses intake and follow‐up data from an ongoing audit of the psychotherapy service that started in 1993; 1608 young people were included in the study. Measures and areas of interest include the Youth Self Report Form, a significant other (SO) version of the Teacher’s Report Form, the Young Adult Self Report Form, and the Young Adult Behaviour Check List.

Results:  Percentage returns at intake were 94% (self), 66% (SO) and 80% (therapist), but became 35%, 21% and 38% at 3‐month follow‐up, and decreased further at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. At all time points, significant other report rates were lower than self or therapist report rates. Young people who did not provide data at intake were more likely to have dropped out of treatment. Over the 15‐year period of the audit, intake self‐report data rates remained stable (about 94%) whereas SO and especially therapist report rates increased. However, there was a reduction in self, significant other and therapist report rates at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions:  Collecting routine outcome data was compromised by a variety of factors, and systematic efforts, including introducing initiatives for participation are needed to increase follow‐up data rates and improve their quality.
Youth Therapist Strategies to Enhance Client Homework Completion
Authors: Houlding Carolyn , Schmidt Fred , Walker Diane
Published: July 2009

Background:  This study examined strategies youth therapists use to attempt to enhance their clients’ therapeutic homework completion.

Method:  Thirty‐two youth mental health therapists participated. All participants completed a ‘Follow‐Through Strategy’ survey and 13 also participated in a semi‐structured interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed.

Results:  On the survey, therapists reported using a broad range of strategies to attempt to enhance therapeutic homework completion. Interview results indicated participants emphasized strategies related to therapeutic engagement to attempt to enhance homework completion.

Conclusions:  Future studies should employ prospective design and examine the differential and collective impact of strategies therapists described using.