bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are specialists at risk under environmental change? Neoecological, paleoecological and phylogenetic approaches
Authors: Colles Audrey , Liow Lee Hsiang , Prinzing Andreas
Published: July 2009

The question ‘what renders a species extinction prone’ is crucial to biologists. Ecological specialization has been suggested as a major constraint impeding the response of species to environmental changes. Most neoecological studies indicate that specialists suffer declines under recent environmental changes. This was confirmed by many paleoecological studies investigating longer‐term survival. However, phylogeneticists, studying the entire histories of lineages, showed that specialists are not trapped in evolutionary dead ends and could even give rise to generalists. Conclusions from these approaches diverge possibly because (i) of approach‐specific biases, such as lack of standardization for sampling efforts (neoecology), lack of direct observations of specialization (paleoecology), or binary coding and prevalence of specialists (phylogenetics); (ii) neoecologists focus on habitat specialization; (iii) neoecologists focus on extinction of populations, phylogeneticists on persistence of entire clades through periods of varying extinction and speciation rates; (iv) many phylogeneticists study species in which specialization may result from alackof constraints. We recommend integrating the three approaches by studying common datasets, and accounting for range‐size variation among species, and we suggest novel hypotheses on why certain specialists may not be particularly at risk and consequently why certain generalists deserve no less attention from conservationists than specialists.
Integrating physiological, ecological and evolutionary change: a Price equation approach
Authors: Collins Sinéad , Gardner Andy
Published: July 2009

We use a general quantitative framework – the Price equation – to partition phenotypic responses to environmental change into separate physiological, evolutionary and ecological components. We demonstrate how these responses, which potentially occur over different timescales and are usually studied in isolation, can be combined in an additive way; and we discuss the main advantages of doing this. We illustrate our approach using two worked examples, concerning the emergence of toxin resistance within microbial communities, and the estimation of carbon uptake by marine phytoplankton in high‐CO2environments. We find that this approach allows us to exclude particular mechanistic hypotheses with regard to community‐level transformations, and to identify specific instances where appropriate data are lacking. Thus Price’s equation provides not only a powerful conceptual aid, but also a means for testing hypotheses and for directing empirical research programmes.
Earlier diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic bowel cancer: can it be achieved and how much will it improve survival?
Authors: Thompson M. R. , Heath I. , Swarbrick E. T. , Faulds Wood L. , Ellis B. G.
Published: July 2009

Aim  To determine current delays in diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer, when and why they occur, and what effect they have on survival.

Method  A detailed review of the literature based on the development of the GP referral guidelines in 2000.

Results  There is no evidence of a reduction in the delay to diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer over the last 60 years. There is no strong theoretical basis for a benefit from earlier diagnosis of symptomatic bowel cancer and this is consistent with observational studies.

Conclusion  Campaigns to earlier diagnose bowel cancer will not be successful unless new strategies are developed. There is substantial evidence that earlier diagnosis of symptomatic bowel cancer will not improve survival in the majority of patients. However as excessive delays still occur in some patients it is reasonable to continue to aim to diagnose and treat all bowel cancer within 6 months of the onset of symptoms with an overall median of 3–4 months.
The assessment of lymph nodes missed in mesenteric tissue after standard dissection of colorectal cancer specimens
Authors: Hernanz F. , García‐Somacarrera E. , Fernández F.
Published: July 2009

Objective  We studied fresh mesenteric and mesorectal tissue after standard dissection of colorectal cancer specimens using a clearing method to evaluate lymph nodes (LN) that could have been missed.

Method  After traditional dissection, 50 consecutive unfixed residual mesenteric and mesorectal tissues were entirely managed by a new clearing solution, which incorporates hydrochloric acid obtaining a really good degree of fat dissolution, facilitating the identification of missed LNs.

Results  By fat clearance, 498 (mean per specimen, 10) additional LNs were found, most of them (83%) varying in size from 1 to 5 mm. and 22 (4.41%) LNs revealed tumour metastases. In two rectal carcinoma specimens that had been treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, no LNs were found by traditional dissection; after checking by the clearing method, additional LNs were harvested in both. Three patients were reclassified and upstaged.

Conclusion  According to our findings, after standard dissection in the remaining mesentery of colorectal specimen there are missed positive LNs, which should be evaluated to avoid pathological understaging.
Randomized controlled trial of patient‐controlled sedation for colonoscopy: Entonox vs modified patient‐maintained target‐controlled propofol
Authors: Maslekar S. , Balaji P. , Gardiner A. , Culbert B. , Monson J. R. T. , Duthie G. S.
Published: July 2009

Aim  Propofol sedation is often associated with deep sedation and decreased manoeuvrability. Patient‐maintained sedation has been used in such patients with minimal side‐effects. We aimed to compare novel modified patient‐maintained target‐controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol with patient‐controlled Entonox inhalation for colonoscopy in terms of analgesic efficacy (primary outcome), depth of sedation, manoeuvrability and patient and endoscopist satisfaction (secondary outcomes).

Method  One hundred patients undergoing elective colonoscopy were randomized to receive either TCI propofol or Entonox. Patients in the propofol group were administered propofol initially to achieve a target concentration of 1.2 μg/ml and then allowed to self‐administer a bolus of propofol (200 μg/kg/ml) using a patient‐controlled analgesia pump with a handset. Entonox group patients inhaled the gas through a mouthpiece until caecum was reached and then as required. Sedation was initially given by an anaesthetist to achieve a score of 4 (Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation Scale), and colonoscopy was then started. Patients completed an anxiety score (Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire), a baseline letter cancellation test and a pain score on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale before and after the procedure. All patients completed a satisfaction survey at discharge and 24 h postprocedure.

Results  The median dose of propofol was 174 mg, and the median number of propofol boluses was four. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of pain recorded (95% confidence interval of the difference −0.809, 5.02) and patient/endoscopist satisfaction. There was no difference between the two groups in either depth of sedation or manoeuvrability.

Conclusion  Both Entonox and the modified TCI propofol provide equally effective sedation and pain relief, simultaneously allowing patients to be easily manoeuvred during the procedures.
Patient satisfaction with lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: doctors, nurse and nonmedical endoscopists
Authors: Maslekar S. , Hughes M. , Gardiner A. , Monson J. R. T. , Duthie G. S.
Published: July 2009

Aim  Assessment of patient satisfaction with lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGE) comprising colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy is gaining increasing importance. We have now trained non healthcare professionals such as nonmedical endoscopists (NMEs) to perform LGE to overcome shortage of trained endoscopists. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine patient satisfaction, factors affecting satisfaction with LGE and to compare with nurses, NME and medical endoscopists, in terms of patient satisfaction.

Method  Consecutive patients undergoing LGE answered specially developed patient satisfaction questionnaire at discharge and 24 h thereafter. This questionnaire was a modification of m‐Group Health Association of America questionnaire. Construct and face validity of questionnaire were tested by an expert group. Demographic and clinical data was prospectively collected. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine factors influencing patient satisfaction.

Results  Some 503 patients were surveyed after LGE. Examinations were performed by nurse (n = 105), doctor (n = 191), or NMEs (n = 155). There were no differences between three groups in terms of completion rates/complications. No differences were detected between endoscopists in patient rating for overall satisfaction (P = 0.6), technical skills (P = 0.58), communication skills (P = 0.61) or interpersonal skills (0.59). Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher preprocedure anxiety, history of pelvic operations/hysterectomy and higher pain scores were associated with adverse patient satisfaction and preprocedure anxiety, history of hysterectomy and female gender were associated with higher pain scores.

Conclusion  This study has shown that there are no differences in patient satisfaction with LGE performed by nurse, doctor or NME. The most important factor affecting patient satisfaction is degree of discomfort/pain experienced by patient.
Laparoscopic excision of rectovaginal endometriosis: report of a prospective study and review of the literature
Authors: Maytham G. D. , Dowson H. M. , Levy B. , Kent A. , Rockall T. A.
Published: July 2009

Aim  The surgical management of rectovaginal endometriosis is challenging. We present our experience of the laparoscopic management of these difficult cases, together with a review of the current literature.

Method  A prospective database was established for all patients undergoing surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE) with rectovaginal and/or ureteric and bladder nodules. Outcomes analysed include operation performed, conversion and complication rates, and length of stay. These outcomes were compared with other laparoscopic rectal resections for alternative diagnoses recorded in the database and with outcomes seen in a literature review of studies on the surgical management of endometriosis.

Results  Between April 2004 and November 2007, 54 patients underwent laparoscopic excision of rectovaginal endometriosis by a combined colorectal and gynaecological surgical team. Out of the 54 patients, 37% of patients underwent a rectal wall shave, 13% had a disc excision of the rectal wall, and 50% underwent segmental resection. There was a conversion rate of 4%, median duration of stay was 3 days, with 2% requiring transfusion. Major complications occurred in 7% of patients, with 4% requiring reoperation. Patients undergoing segmental resection for endometriosis had a higher complication rate than those having surgery for other diagnoses. There was an increased incidence of anastomotic stenosis, with histopathological results suggesting that the disease process might have contributed to this occurrence.

Conclusions  Laparoscopic resection of rectovaginal endometriosis may be associated with a higher incidence of complications than resections performed for other diagnoses.
Morphological and molecular analysis of ‘Melania’ jacquetiDautzenberg and Fischer, 1906: from anonymous orphan to critical basal offshoot of the Semisulcospiridae (Gastropoda: Cerithioidea)
Authors: Strong Ellen E. , Köhler Frank
Published: July 2009

Morphological and molecular studies have been inconclusive in assessing monophyly of the Pleuroceridae s.land the affinity of western North AmericanJugato Asian members of the family currently grouped in the Semisulcospirinae. In part, this has been hampered by the rarity of anatomical accounts for Asian pleurocerids (s.l.). The present study provides a comprehensive anatomical description of‘Melania’jacqueti— a Vietnamese species of uncertain generic placement forgotten in the scientific literature for over 100 years. This investigation confirmed that‘Melania’jacquetiandJugapossess a number of features that differentiate them from eastern North American species, including features of the kidney, prostate and pallial oviduct. However, comparative data remain inadequate to allow phylogenetic analysis based on morphological data alone. Consequently, a data set of partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences for 51 pleurocerids (s.l.) and five outgroups (Melanopsidae, Thiaridae), was assembled. Parsimony, Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses are largely congruent and support monophyly of the Pleuroceridae s.l., and of two large clades: (i) a clade of eastern North American species, and (ii) an Asian–American clade with‘Melania’jacquetias the critical basal offshoot, decisively anchoringJugawithin the Semisulcospirinae as sister to all remaining Asian forms. Given the morphological disparity between these two clades, this result is consistent with restriction of the concept of Pleuroceridaes.s.to eastern North American species, and elevation of the Asian–American clade to the rank of family — the Semisulcospiridae. Examination of available genus‐group names for Oriental semisulcospirids supports placement of ‘Melania’jacquetiin the genusHua. Molecular calibration of the basal split between Semisulcospiridae and Pleuroceridae suggests they diverged in the Cretaceous (approximately 90 million years ago). The origin and diversification of these clades are roughly coincident with the subdivision of Laurasia by epicontinental seas and the opening of the Atlantic basin, consistent with a primarily vicariant explanation for their modern biogeographical distributions modified by dispersal inJuga.
Therapeutic factors in a systemic multi‐family group treatment for major depression: patients' and partners' perspectives
Authors: Lemmens Gilbert M. D. , Eisler Ivan , Dierick Paul , Lietaer Germain , Demyttenaere Koen
Published: July 2009

This study investigated helpful and disturbing factors in multi‐family groups with hospitalized, depressed patients and their family members. Both patients and their partners reported the occurrence of different therapeutic factors such as the cohesion of the group, different observational processes, and guidance from the therapist. The frequency of the therapeutic factors seemed to increase for both the patients and their partners as the group sessions progressed and several differences in reported therapeutic factors were found between the patients and their partners. A number of therapeutic factors such as modelling and guidance from the therapist were found to be related with improvement of depressive symptoms of the patient. The results help to provide some insight into which processes are important in multi‐family group therapy for depression.
The development of skin conductance fear conditioning in children from ages 3 to 8 years
Authors: Gao Yu , Raine Adrian , Venables Peter H. , Dawson Michael E. , Mednick Sarnoff A.
Published: July 2009

Although fear conditioning is an important psychological construct implicated in behavioral and emotional problems, little is known about how it develops in early childhood. Using a differential, partial reinforcement conditioning paradigm, this longitudinal study assessed skin conductance conditioned responses in 200 children at ages 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 years. Results demonstrated that in both boys and girls: (1) fear conditioning increased across age, particularly from ages 5 to 6 years, (2) the three components of skin conductance fear conditioning that reflect different degrees of automatic and controlled cognitive processes exhibited different developmental profiles, and (3) individual differences in arousal, orienting, and the unconditioned response were associated with individual differences in conditioning, with the influence of orienting increasing at later ages. This first longitudinal study of the development of skin conductance fear conditioning in children both demonstrates that children as young as age 3 years evidence fear conditioning in a difficult acquisition paradigm, and that different sub‐components of skin conductance conditioning have different developmental trajectories.
Dealing with conflicting information: young children’s reliance on what they see versus what they are told
Authors: Ma Lili , Ganea Patricia A.
Published: July 2009

Children often learn about the world through direct observation. However, much of children’s knowledge is acquired through the testimony of others. This research investigates how preschoolers weigh these two sources of information when they are in conflict. Children watched as an adult hid a toy in one location. Then the adult told children that the toy was in a different location (i.e. false testimony). When retrieving the toy, 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds relied on what they had seen and disregarded the adult’s false testimony. However, most 3‐year‐olds deferred to the false testimony, despite what they had directly observed. Importantly, with a positive searching experience based on what they saw, or with a single prior experience with an adult as unreliable, 3‐year‐olds subsequently relied on their first‐hand observation and disregarded the adult’s false testimony. Thus, young children may initially be credulous toward others’ false testimony that contradicts their direct observation, but skepticism can develop quickly through experience.
Teaching for Religious Literacy
Authors: Gallagher Eugene V.
Published: July 2009

Stephen Prothero's Religious Literacy makes a strong case that minimal religious literacy is an essential requirement for contemporary U. S. citizens. He argues further that high schools and colleges should offer required courses in the study of religion in order to help students reach that baseline literacy. Beyond the general recommendation that such courses focus on biblical literacy and the history of Christianity, however, Prothero does not sketch out his proposal for teaching religious literacy. This essay argues that in addition to providing factual knowledge, teaching for religious literacy needs to involve sustained attention to how religious people use that factual information to orient themselves in the world, express their individual and group self‐understanding, and give their lives direction and meaning. Such attention to the dynamics of religious life can also help students understand why human beings have persisted in this mode of behavior.
Crossing Pedagogical Borders in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Willhauck Susan
Published: July 2009

A challenging intercultural teaching experience provided an opportunity for engaging embodied pedagogies that facilitated border crossings of language, age, gender, and experience. Influenced by the work of Augusto Boal, the author describes how improvisation, role‐play, music, and drawing led seminary students in Mexico into sacred time and space toward relevant learning. Drawing upon the critical pedagogy of several educators yields implications for teaching theology and religion. The essay also invites readers into dialogue about how such border crossings can benefit their own teaching.
Documentary Visions, Theological Insights
Authors: Alderman Isaac M. , Beyers Donald J.
Published: July 2009

In an attempt to engage students' higher‐order thinking skills, we developed a documentary filmmaking project for our introduction to theology course. By documenting certain aspects of the theology of John Wesley and John Henry Newman (God, creation, revelation, Jesus, the church), students were able to delve deeply into these themes, better understanding them and their interrelationships. The project helped the students to actively practice historical theology, rather than passively learn about it through lectures. In addition, the project emphasized research skills, quality of writing and creative production, and a professional presentation at a screening.
Teaching the History of Christianity: Critical Themes and Challenges
Authors: Killen Patricia O'Connell , Duntley Madeline , Furey Constance , Gilpin W. Clark , Six‐Means Horace E.
Published: July 2009

At the November 2008 meeting of the American Academy of Religion, the History of Christianity section sponsored a panel around the question: “What are the key challenges, opportunities, and goals in the History of Christianity classroom today and how best should teachers respond to them?” Beginning with brief sketches of institutional context and identification of one or more pivotal choices each makes in the course they teach, the panelists explored critical themes and issues that arise in teaching the history of Christianity, first with each other and then through interchange with the audience.
Misleading Rankings of Research in Business
Authors: Albers Sönke
Published: July 2009

The attempts by Schulze and colleagues and Ritzberger to develop a joint ranking of journals for economics and business research are critically evaluated. Their lists suggest that the quality of top business journals is substantially lower than that of many economics journals. If, however, the authors of these lists do not want to claim a general superiority of one discipline (economics) over another one (business), they should give a clear indication that these lists are only applicable for economists. This warning appears to be necessary because Fabel and colleagues derive a ranking of universities and departments with respect to research productivity in business from the business research discriminating list RbR_IMP by Schulze and colleagues. While Diamantopoulos and Wagner already show a lack of face validity of these results, this article explains that the reason for this lies not only in the downgrading and also biased weighting of the business journals across subfields, but even more importantly, in a remarkable incompleteness of the database.
Forms of Network Resource: Knowledge Access and the Role of Inter‐Firm Networks
Authors: Huggins Robert
Published: July 2009

The leveraging of inter‐firm networks is increasingly considered to be a strategic resource that can potentially be shaped by managerial action. In recent years, scholars have turned to the concept of social capital to understand how the transfer of knowledge occurs within and across firms. However, this has resulted in an overstretching of the social capital concept. The aim of this paper is to refine and add specificity to the current broad application of the social capital concept. It is argued that although the social capital concept explains investments in networks based on a network logic relating to sociability and socialization, it does not explain investments in networks based on a logic relating to economic expectations. These expectations result in network participation that is more calculative than networks containing social capital. The paper introduces the notion of ‘network capital’ to explain the resources contained within inter‐firm networks that do not necessarily equate with the type of trust and obligations associated with social capital. Network capital is defined as an investment in calculative relations through which firms gain access to knowledge to enhance expected economic returns. It is argued that while network capital can be strategically managed, particularly to influence knowledge flow, the nature of social capital is such that it is very difficult to manage. It is concluded that the network capital–social capital framework opens a number of avenues in terms of future research, especially in relation to the extended resource‐based view of the firm and theories of open innovation.
Factors Influencing the Success of Organizational Learning Implementation: A Policy Facet Perspective
Authors: Taylor G. Stephen , Templeton Gary F. , Baker LaKami T.
Published: July 2009

Despite a cumulative tradition of over 50 years, the organizational learning (OL) literature contains very little research on its implementation into practice. Because OL is a multidisciplinary topic and consequently has a myriad of diverse definitions, research on getting organizational members to adopt its tenets has been scarce. Using the policy facet of the theoretical multi‐faceted model (MFM) of OL, this paper presents 10 propositions intended to spur OL implementation research. Each of these propositions is aimed at advancing one of three expressed policies: (1)commitment to learning, which involves the symbolic behavior of managers which influences member learning; (2)tolerance for failure, which involves policies that do not punish (but even reward) errors; and (3)commitment to the workforce, which is policy guiding behavior that will lead to increased member commitment to the organization. Pertinent literature was reviewed to provide greater specificity and explanation of the antecedents of ‘productive learning’ in the MFM framework. Implications are that managers can influence OL implementation success through the design of these three organizational policies. The paper discusses: how these propositions contribute to MFM; a causal model developed from the propositions; prescriptive implications for practice and research; and measurement and testing issues. It is concluded that this research can contribute to the demystification of OL, especially as it pertains to MFM and its policy facet.
“Allochthones” in the Netherlands and Belgium
Authors: Jacobs Dirk , Rea Andrea
Published: July 2009

Schematically one can distinguish two traditions related to ethnic statistics in Europe. In France, Germany and most southern European countries, the dominant statistical categorisations merely distinguish individuals on the basis of their nationality. In contrast, most northern European countries have been producing data on the ethnic and/or foreign origin of their populations. Belgium is caught somewhere in between these two traditions. The French speaking part of Belgium tends to follow the French tradition of refusing ethnic categorisation, while the Flemish try to copy the Dutch model in distinguishing “allochthones” and “autochthones.” This contribution offers an analysis of the construction of ethnic categories as it has been undertaken in the Dutch context and (partially) imported in Belgium.
Could Refugees Have a Significant Impact on the Future Demographic Change of Serbia?
Authors: Nikitović Vladimir , Lukić Vesna
Published: July 2009

Serbia still hosts the largest number of forced migrants in Europe. The paper examines the impact of the refugee influx from newly formed states on the territory of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) into Serbia on the future demographic trends of the country. Examination of the past population projections of Serbia confirmed that the process of predicting migration flows is related to the greatest source of uncertainty compared to all other components of demographic change. The results of our projection of Serbia’s population through 2050 show that the large influx of refugees during the last decade of the 20th century should not have a significant impact on the future demographic change of Serbia. Even in the case of substantial improvement of total fertility rate (2.35 in final projection year, comparing to current 1.55), no positive demographic effect should be experienced.

Continuation of the decline in Serbia’s total population size cannot be offset by recent refugee influx for several reasons. The most important of them are: too small number of migrants comparing to the total population size of Serbia; similarity in fertility behaviour between refugee and indigenous population; the large‐scaled emigration during the same period; much older refugee population compared to emigrant population; and the processes of refugee repatriation and resettlement. A purely hypothetical projection variant assuming the migration required to maintain the size of current total population size of Serbia until 2050 points out the need for almost three times the amount of average annual migration surplus caused by the refugee influx.
Long‐pulsed dye laser vs. intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial telangiectasias: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nymann P , Hedelund L , Hædersdal M
Published: July 2009

Objective  This study aims to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of long‐pulsed dye laser (LPDL) and intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of facial telangiectasias.

Methods  We used intra‐individual, randomized, controlled trial with split‐face treatments and single‐blind outcome evaluations in this study. Forty patients with symmetrically located facial telangiectasias received a series of three LPDL (V‐beam, 595 nm, Candela Laser Corp.) and three IPL treatments (Ellipse Flex, PR and VL2 applicators, Danish Dermatologic Development) at 6‐week intervals. Patients were evaluated 3 months after the final treatment. Outcome measures were clinical efficacy (five‐point ordinal scale), pain (10‐point numerical scale), adverse effects, patient satisfaction (10‐point numerical scale) and preferred treatment.

Results  Thirty‐nine of 40 patients completed the study. All but 2 patients obtained a reduction in facial telangiectasias from both IPL and LPDL treatments. Both treatments were effective with good or excellent response in 30 of 39 patients. The LPDL was superior in the overall reduction of telangiectasias by blinded photographic evaluations: Excellent clearance (75% to 100% vessel clearance) was found in 18 patients treated with LPDL (46%) and in 11 patients treated with IPL (28%) (P = 0.01). Patients experienced less pain from LPDL [4 (2–6)] than IPL treatments [7 (3–9)] (P < 0.001). No adverse effects (hypo‐/hyperpigmentation or scarring) were seen from any of the treatments. Patients were satisfied with both LPDL [8 (2–10)] and IPL treatments [7 (2–10)] (P = 0.05). Twenty‐five patients preferred the LPDL (64%), 8 patients preferred IPL (21%) and 6 patients had no preference (15%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  This study was based on two specific types of laser and IPL equipment, which effectively clear telangiectasias; however, the most beneficial outcome was from the LPDL.
Topical corticosteroids in psoriasis: strategies for improving safety
Authors: Horn EJ , Domm S , Katz HI , Lebwohl M , Mrowietz U , Kragballe K ,   for the International Psoriasis Council
Published: July 2009

Corticosteroids are a mainstay of topical therapy for psoriasis. While efficacious and relatively safe when used carefully, the potential for side effects, notably skin atrophy and adrenal suppression, have been associated with excesses in potency, prolonged or widespread use. The International Psoriasis Council Working Group on Topical Therapy has reviewed the efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroids and recommends strategies for safe, long‐term use of these agents.
Birds as tourism flagship species: a case study of tropical islands
Authors: Veríssimo D. , Fraser I. , Groombridge J. , Bristol R. , MacMillan D. C.
Published: July 2009

Species selected as flagships to promote conservation activities around the world are typically well known and charismatic mega‐fauna. Unfortunately this limits the scope for applying the concept as some critical areas for biodiversity conservation, such as tropical islands, lack such species. In this study, we explore the potential to apply the concept of ‘tourism flagship species’ to tropical island birds of the Seychelles, an archipelago of considerable importance for conservation that is highly dependent on international tourism. In particular we wish to identify which species attributes are most influential with regard to their potential for fundraising among international tourists. Using a choice experiment approach and using state‐of‐the‐art econometric methods, we found that conservation attributes and physical appearance of the bird species are both important in terms of raising funds for conservation. Nevertheless, conservation attributes ranked higher in the respondents preferences. Our results suggest that there is considerable potential for a variety of species to effectively act as flagships in developing nations that are dependent on international tourism and rich in biodiversity but lack charismatic fauna.
Retracted: Ingestion of multiple veterinary drugs and associated impact on vulture health: implications of livestock carcass elimination practices
Authors: Blanco G. , Lemus J. Á. , Martínez F. , Arroyo B. , García‐Montijano M. , Grande J.
Published: July 2009

Veterinary drugs present in livestock carcasses may be ingested by scavengers and may cause important declines in their populations, as reported for diclofenac in Asia. Drug content of carcasses may depend on the prevailing livestock operations and legal regulations for carcass elimination. In Spain, the main stronghold of vultures in Europe, legal measures to mitigate the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have caused the lack or scarcity of unstabled livestock carcasses available for avian scavengers, and the parallel increase in use of dumps of livestock carcasses supplied by farms, especially of intensively medicated pigs and poultry. We evaluated temporal trends in the presence and concentration of antibiotics and other veterinary drugs, and their associated health impacts on three vulture species, due to the ban of abandoning unstabled livestock carcasses in the countryside since the BSE crisis. An increasing presence and concentration of antibiotics since the BSE crisis, and residues of three non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatories (NSAIDs) and four anti‐parasitics were found in the vultures. Quinolones were associated with infection by opportunistic pathogens in the three species and with generalized damage to internal organs in the cinereous vulture, but no clear health impacts of NSAIDs and anti‐parasitics were found. Given that there is no evidence of BSE transmission risk due to the abandonment of unstabled livestock carcasses in the countryside, this traditional practice in the Mediterranean region should be legalized in order to increase the availability, dispersion and quality of food for threatened scavengers. Once legalized, this practice should be prioritized over the spatially concentrated disposal of large amounts of carcasses from medicated stabled livestock to reduce the risk and effects of drug ingestion and acquisition and transmission of pathogens by vultures.
Conservation diagnosis of reintroducing Mediterranean pond turtles: what is wrong?
Authors: Bertolero A. , Oro D.
Published: July 2009

The presence of the Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa in the Ebre Delta (Catalonia, north‐east Spain) is well documented after the late 1970s, when the first reptile distribution lists were published. Owing to the fact that the species was considered scarce, a reintroduction programme based on the release of individuals at sites with potential habitat suitability was launched. From 1999 to 2001, 234 turtles of different ages were released and subsequently monitored until 2007, in order to make a conservation diagnosis using five assessment criteria. These criteria were body condition, individual growth, reproduction, survival and population growth rate. Despite the relatively large number of turtles released, no viable population resulted from the programme. Assessment criteria suggested that: (1) released individuals showed good physical condition and satisfactory growth (the only positive results); (2) reproduction was almost absent; (3) local survival was reduced compared with that of Spanish wild populations of the species; (4) temporary emigration was high; (5) the growth rate of the population was negative. In conclusion, the results suggested that the habitat at the Ebre Delta marshes may not be favourable to the species, and that the scarce historical data record may indicate a relatively low‐quality habitat; the few records may correspond to individuals dispersing from the river, a more suitable habitat. Thus, we conclude that historically scarce records may be the result of natural patchiness and heterogeneous distributions, and they are not necessarily a good indicator of relict, decimated populations. Good assessment criteria, as those proposed and used here, are necessary tools to assess results in reintroduction projects to recover endangered chelonian populations.
Secretory cells of the supraoptic nucleus have central as well as neurohypophysial projections
Authors: Inyushkin A. N. , Orlans H. O. , Dyball R. E. J.
Published: July 2009

Conventional neuroanatomical methods may fail to demonstrate the presence of axons that are finer than 1 µm in diameter because such processes are near or below the limit of resolution of the light microscope. The presence of such axons can, however, be readily demonstrated by recording. The most easily interpreted type of recording for this purpose is the demonstration of antidromic activation of the cell body following stimulation of the region through which the axon passes. We have exploited this technique in the hypothalamus and have demonstrated the presence of double axonal projections or axons branching very near the cell bodies of the secretory cells of the neurohypophysial system in the rat supraoptic nucleus. We found that a small proportion of supraoptic magnocellular cells could be antidromically activated both from the neural stalk and from elsewhere in the hypothalamus, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (8 cells of a total of 182) and the antero‐ventral third ventricular region (AV3V; 4 of 182 cells) near the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). Collision of antidromic and orthodromic spikes showed that the cells were clearly antidromically (rather than synaptically, or orthodromically) activated from both sites. A stimulus applied to one of the axons prevented propagation of a spike evoked by a pulse delivered to the other axon until sufficient time had elapsed after the first stimulus for the resultant spike to have propagated from the first stimulus site along one cell process (towards the cell body or branch point), and from this point along the other axonal branch to the second stimulus site (there was also a short additional delay period during which the axon at the site of the second stimulus recovered from its absolute refractory period). If the interval between the stimuli was progressively reduced, there came a point where the second spike failed. Such a clear demonstration of dual projections in a system where the cells were previously thought to have only a single axon raises the possibility that many nerve cells in the CNS have previously unsuspected projections.
Hip displacement and scoliosis in Rett syndrome – screening is required
Authors: TAY GUAN , GRAHAM HEATHER , GRAHAM H KERR , LEONARD HELEN , REDDIHOUGH DINAH , BAIKIE GORDON
Published: July 2009

Aim  This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hip displacement and spinal deformity in a clinic population of females with Rett syndrome to define implications for screening and management.

Method  Age, MECP2 gene status, gross motor function, prevalence of hip displacement, as measured by migration percentage, and spinal deformity, determined by measurement of Cobb angle, were recorded.

Results  Thirty‐one females with a mean age of 15 years 6 months (SD 5y 4mo) fulfilled a clinical diagnosis of Rett syndrome. Fifteen (48%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 30–67) of the cohort had a hip migration percentage of 30% of more. Eight of the 31 patients (95% CI 12–45) had undergone surgery for the prevention or treatment of hip displacement or dislocation. Twenty‐seven of the 31 patients (95% CI 70–96) had a scoliosis, with a Cobb angle of less than 10°; 20 patients (95% CI 45–81) had a Cobb angle greater than 30°. Eleven (95% CI 19–55) patients have required spinal fusion surgery.

Interpretation  The prevalence of hip displacement and spinal deformity in a clinic cohort of females with Rett syndrome in Victoria, Australia, was very high. Early, repeated, and consistent clinical and radiological surveillance for hip displacement and spinal deformities is recommended in all young patients with Rett syndrome.
Longitudinal development of hand function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: HOLMEFUR MARIE , KRUMLINDE‐SUNDHOLM LENA , BERGSTRÖM JAKOB , ELIASSON ANN‐CHRISTIN
Published: July 2009

Aim  The aim of this study was to describe how the usefulness of the hemiplegic hand develops in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) aged between 18 months and 8 years.

Method  A prospective longitudinal study of 43 children (22 males, 21 females) with unilateral CP was conducted. Inclusion age was 18 months to 5 years 4 months (mean 2y 8mo [SD 1y 1mo]). Children were assessed with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) 3 to 11 times per child over a mean period of 4 years 6 months. Two models were used for grouping children: by AHA score at 18 months and by Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels. Estimated average motor development curves were fitted with a nonlinear mixed‐effects model.

Results  Children with a high AHA score (high ability level) at 18 months reached a significantly higher ability level and at a higher progression rate than children with a low 18‐month AHA score. Limits of development differed between the three MACS levels.

Interpretation  Results indicate that the AHA score at 18 months can be used to discuss future development of affected hand use in bimanual tasks in children with unilateral CP.
Foreign Debt and Literary Credit: Pablo Neruda and Walt Whitman
Authors: AUSTIN KELLY
Published: July 2009

The article draws in relief how translators carry with them cultural and ideological horizons that necessarily imbue their literary production with distinctly situated historical, political, and personal dimensions. It does so first by examining how The New York Times's translation of Pablo Neruda's 1972 address to the PEN Club reframes (or distorts) his views on political and literary issues ranging from the negotiation of the Chilean national debt to his literary indebtedness to Walt Whitman, and then by examining how Neruda's 1955 translation of Whitman's ‘Salut Au Monde!’, refashions and relocates Whitman's work, imbuing it with a communist ethos consistent with Neruda's own.
Condition‐adapted stress and longevity gene regulation by Caenorhabditis elegans SKN‐1/Nrf
Authors: Oliveira Riva P. , Abate Jess Porter , Dilks Kieran , Landis Jessica , Ashraf Jasmine , Murphy Coleen T. , Blackwell T. Keith
Published: July 2009

Studies in model organisms have identified regulatory processes that profoundly influence aging, many of which modulate resistance against environmental or metabolic stresses. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the transcription regulator SKN‐1 is important for oxidative stress resistance and acts in multiple longevity pathways. SKN‐1 is the ortholog of mammalian Nrf proteins, which induce Phase 2 detoxification genes in response to stress. Phase 2 enzymes defend against oxygen radicals and conjugate electrophiles that are produced by Phase 1 detoxification enzymes, which metabolize lipophilic compounds. Here, we have used expression profiling to identify genes and processes that are regulated by SKN‐1 under normal and stress–response conditions. Under nonstressed conditions SKN‐1 upregulates numerous genes involved in detoxification, cellular repair, and other functions, and downregulates a set of genes that reduce stress resistance and lifespan. Many of these genes appear to be direct SKN‐1 targets, based upon presence of predicted SKN‐binding sites in their promoters. The metalloid sodium arsenite induces skn‐1‐dependent activation of certain detoxification gene groups, including some that were not SKN‐1‐upregulated under normal conditions. An organic peroxide also triggers induction of a discrete Phase 2 gene set, but additionally stimulates a broad SKN‐1‐independent response. We conclude that under normal conditions SKN‐1 has a wide range of functions in detoxification and other processes, including modulating mechanisms that reduce lifespan. In response to stress, SKN‐1 and other regulators tailor transcription programs to meet the challenge at hand. Our findings reveal striking complexity in SKN‐1 functions and the regulation of systemic detoxification defenses.
Measuring Investors' Opinion Divergence
Authors: GARFINKEL JON A.
Published: July 2009

Numerous proxies for divergence of investors' opinions have been suggested in the empirical accounting and finance literatures. I offer a new proxy constructed from proprietary limit order and market order data. This allows me to capture additional information on investors' private valuations. Proxies from the extant literature, based on publicly available data, do not contain such information. Given my new measure, I ask which of the extant proxies correlates best with it. In my regression analysis, unexplained volume is the best proxy for opinion divergence. Conditioning on various firm‐specific and order‐specific characteristics generally does not change this conclusion. The main exception is the sample of firms without IBES forecast dispersion data, for which bid‐ask spread is the best proxy for opinion divergence. Factor analysis also suggests that unexplained volume is the preferred proxy for opinion divergence.
Patterns and consequences of vertebrateEmxgene duplications
Authors: Tank Elizabeth M. , Dekker Robert G. , Beauchamp Kathleen , Wilson Kyle A. , Boehmke Ashley E. , Langeland James A.
Published: July 2009

SUMMARYWe have cloned and analyzed twoEmxgenes from the lampreyPetromyzon marinusand our findings provide insight into the patterns and developmental consequences of gene duplications during early vertebrate evolution. TheEmxgene family presents an excellent case for addressing these issues as gnathostome vertebrates possess two or threeEmxparalogs that are highly pleiotropic, functioning in or being expressed during the development of several vertebrate synapomorphies. Lampreys are the most primitive extant vertebrates and characterization of their development and genomic organization is critical for understanding vertebrate origins. We identified twoEmxgenes fromP. marinusand analyzed their phylogeny and their embryological expression relative to other chordateEmxgenes. Our phylogenetic analysis shows that the two lampreyEmxgenes group independently from the gnathostomeEmx1, Emx2, andEmx3paralogy groups. Our expression analysis shows that the two lampreyEmxgenes are expressed in distinct spatial and temporal patterns that together broadly encompass the combined sites of expression of all gnathostomeEmxgenes. Our data support a model wherein large‐scale regulatory evolution of a singleEmxgene occurred after the protochordate/vertebrate divergence, but before the vertebrate radiation. Both the lamprey and gnathostome lineages then underwent independent gene duplications followed by extensive paralog subfunctionalization.Emxsubfunctionalization in the telencephalon is remarkably convergent and refines our understanding of lamprey forebrain patterning. We also identify lamprey‐specific sites of expression that indicate either neofunctionalization in lampreys or sites‐specific nonfunctionalization of all gnathostomeEmxgenes. Overall, we see only very limited correlation betweenEmxgene duplications and the acquisition of novel expression domains.