bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate of spread of fires in Calluna vulgaris‐dominated moorlands
Authors: Davies Gwilym M. , Legg Colin J. , Smith Alexander A. , MacDonald Angus J.
Published: July 2009

1.
 Calluna‐dominated heaths occur throughout Europe but are in decline across their range. There is growing interest in using prescribed burning for their management, but environmental and social change will impact future fire regimes. Understanding fire behaviour is vital for the sustainable use of fire, but no robust models exist to inform management.

2.  Shrub fuels display complex fire behaviour. This is particularly true in UK moorlands which are unusual in their fuel structure and moisture regime, being dominated by live fuel and an oceanic climate.

3.  We burnt 27 experimental fires in the Scottish uplands during the legal burning season using a replicated experimental design. Plots were assigned to one of three commonly identified growth phases. We estimated a range of prefire fuel characteristics, including heterogeneity in fuel structure. We recorded wind speed and direction and estimated rate of spread (RoS).

4.  Redundancy analysis was used to investigate the relationship between fire behaviour parameters as a whole and control variables. Fuel structure and heterogeneity, wind speed and canopy fuel moisture content were strongly related to variation in fire behaviour.

5.  Best subsets regression was used to generate models of fire spread based on wind speed, vegetation height, canopy fuel moisture and an index of fuel heterogeneity. RoS was determined largely by wind speed, but this interacted strongly with vegetation structure. Changes in fuel horizontal continuity and vertical structure reduced rates of spread in low wind speeds.

6.
 Synthesis and applications. Live fuel moisture and fuel heterogeneity play an important role in dampening fire behaviour, aspects of shrub fuels that have previously not been examined in detail. Careful use of fire for moorland management increases habitat diversity and creates fire‐safe landscapes. Escaped prescribed fires burn large areas, homogenize landscapes and have severe impacts on ecosystem services. The complex relationship between fuel structure and wind speed implies that changes in behaviour can be rapid and unexpected. Models can be used to assess fire hazard prior to prescribed burning and to choose fuels that can be burnt safely under prevailing or forecast conditions.
Fishing impacts on the marine inorganic carbon cycle
Authors: Jennings Simon , Wilson Rod W.
Published: July 2009

1. Teleost fish excrete precipitated carbonate and make significant contributions to the marine inorganic carbon cycle at regional and global scales. As total carbonate production is linked to fish size and abundance, fishing is predicted to affect carbonate production by modifying fish abundance and size‐structure.

2. We draw on concepts from physiology, metabolic ecology, life history theory, population dynamics and community ecology to develop, validate and apply analytical tools to assess fishing impacts on carbonate production. Outputs suggest that population and community carbonate production fall rapidly at lower rates of fishing than those used as management targets for sustainable yield.

3. Theoretical predictions are corroborated by estimated trends in carbonate production by a herring population and a coral reef fish community subject to fishing. Our analytical results build on widely applicable relationships between life history parameters and metabolic rates, and can be generalized to most fished ecosystems.

4. Synthesis and applications. If the maintenance of chemical processes as well as biological process were adopted as a management objective for fisheries then the methods we have developed can be applied to assess the effects of fishing on carbonate production and to advise on acceptable rates of fishing. Maintenance of this ecosystem service would require lower rates of fishing mortality than those recommended to achieve sustainable yield.
The effects of cognitive training on community‐dwelling elderly Koreans
Authors: PARK M. H. , KWON D. Y. , SEO W. K. , LIM K. S. , SONG M. S.
Published: July 2009

Accessible summary

The cognitive training programme conducted by visiting nursing services was more effective in community‐dwelling, elderly Koreans with cognitive dysfunction.

The elderly who received cognitive training later could be improved and caught up their cognitive function.

The objective of this study was to apply and test the effects of cognitive training on community‐dwelling, elderly Koreans. The cognitive training was applied for 24 weeks to 129 elderly participants. The participants were divided into two groups to receive either cognitive training followed by observational period, or observational period followed by cognitive training. The primary outcome measures were the geriatric depression scale (Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form‐Korean, GDS‐SF‐K) and mini‐mental status examination (Mini‐Mental State Examination in the Korean version, MMSE‐KC) scores. There were no differences between the average GDS‐SF‐K and MMSE‐KC scores of the two groups. However, the participants with cognitive dysfunction (defined as baseline MMSE below the 16th percentile according to age, sex and educational level) who received cognitive training initially had significantly improved MMSE‐KC score on weeks 8 and 16, compared with the participants with cognitive dysfunction who were observed first. However, the participants who received cognitive training later did in fact catch up with the other group in terms of MMSE‐KC score. Cognitive training by visiting nursing services was more effective in the elderly with cognitive dysfunction.
Molecular evidence of hybridization in Florida’s sheoak (Casuarina spp.) invasion
Authors: GASKIN JOHN F. , WHEELER GREGORY S. , PURCELL MATTHEW F. , TAYLOR GARY S.
Published: July 2009

The presence of hybrids in plant invasions can indicate a potential for rapid adaptation and an added level of complexity in management of the invasion. Three Casuarina tree species, Casuarina glauca, Casuarina cunninghamiana and Casuarina equisetifolia, native to Australia, are naturalized in Florida, USA. Many Florida Casuarina trees are considered unidentifiable, presumably due to interspecific hybridization. We collected tissue from over 500 trees from Australia and Florida and genotyped these using amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Our goal was to determine the exact identity of the Florida species, including any putative hybrid combinations. In Australia, we found high assignment values to the three parental species, and no evidence of hybridization. In Florida, we found many trees with strong assignment to any one of the three species, as well as 49 trees with assignment values intermediate to C. glauca and C. equisetifolia, suggesting hybridization between these species. One population of 10 trees had assignment values intermediate to C. cunninghamiana and C. glauca, suggesting additional hybridization. For 69 of these putative hybrid and parental types, we sequenced a low‐copy intron of nuclear G3pdh, and these sequences indicated that some Florida trees contain heterozygotic combinations of C. glauca and C. equisetifolia haplotypes. The presence of novel hybrids in the Florida invasion may enhance evolution of invasive traits in these species. Novel Casuarina hybrids in Florida have no coevolutionary history with any insects or diseases, which may be problematic for biological control efforts.
Intestinal motor activity, endoluminal motion and transit
Authors: De Iorio F. , Malagelada C. , Azpiroz F. , Maluenda M. , Violanti C. , Igual L. , Vitrià J. , Malagelada J.‐r.
Published: July 2009

Abstract  A programme for evaluation of intestinal motility has been recently developed based on endoluminal image analysis using computer vision methodology and machine learning techniques. Our aim was to determine the effect of intestinal muscle inhibition on wall motion, dynamics of luminal content and transit in the small bowel. Fourteen healthy subjects ingested the endoscopic capsule (Pillcam, Given Imaging) in fasting conditions. Seven of them received glucagon (4.8 μg kg−1 bolus followed by a 9.6 μg kg−1 h−1 infusion during 1 h) and in the other seven, fasting activity was recorded, as controls. This dose of glucagon has previously shown to inhibit both tonic and phasic intestinal motor activity. Endoluminal image and displacement was analyzed by means of a computer vision programme specifically developed for the evaluation of muscular activity (contractile and non‐contractile patterns), intestinal contents, endoluminal motion and transit. Thirty‐minute periods before, during and after glucagon infusion were analyzed and compared with equivalent periods in controls. No differences were found in the parameters measured during the baseline (pretest) periods when comparing glucagon and control experiments. During glucagon infusion, there was a significant reduction in contractile activity (0.2 ± 0.1 vs 4.2 ± 0.9 luminal closures per min, P < 0.05; 0.4 ± 0.1 vs 3.4 ± 1.2% of images with radial wrinkles, P < 0.05) and a significant reduction of endoluminal motion (82 ± 9 vs 21 ± 10% of static images, P < 0.05). Endoluminal image analysis, by means of computer vision and machine learning techniques, can reliably detect reduced intestinal muscle activity and motion.
Severity of dementia as a risk factor for repeat falls among the institutionalized elderly in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Nami , Kusuma Wati Dwi Nurviyandari , Yamamoto Mariko , Sugiyama Tomoko , Sugai Yuuichi
Published: July 2009

The study examined the impact of dementia severity on repeat fallers among the institutionalized elderly. A secondary analysis of a dataset containing information on 466 residents (86 of whom were fallers) of nine care facilities around Tokyo was carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the baseline characteristics. Then, logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the risk factors between the non‐fallers and fallers and between the single and repeat fallers. Finally, the relative risks that had an impact on the repeat fallers were calculated. Sixty‐one persons (13.1%) were identified as single fallers and 25 (5.4%) were identified as repeat fallers. An unstable gait was a dominant risk factor. In addition, the person's sex and the facility type were identified as risk factors for the fallers, while severe dementia was identified as a risk factor for the repeat fallers. Nurses should recognize the combination of severe dementia and unstable gait as a warning sign for potential repeat fallers.
Failing to achieve a nadir prostate‐specific antigen after combined androgen blockade: Predictive factors
Authors: Park Seung Chol , Rim Joung Sik , Choi Han Yong , Kim Choung Soo , Hong Sung Joon , Kim Wun Jae , Lee Sang Eun , Song Jae Mann , Yoon Jin Han
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  To determine the optimal cut‐off of a nadir prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) for prediction of progression within 24 months after combined androgen blockade (CAB) and to analyze predictive factors of failing to achieve the nadir PSA.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 343 patients with prostate cancer treated with CAB from 2000 to 2005. We determined the nadir PSA level that predicts progression to hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) at 24 months after CAB. Predictive factors for failing to achieve a determined nadir PSA were analyzed.

Results:  Mean age was 74.0 years. Mean follow up was 42.1 month. Seventy‐seven patients experienced progression to HRPC. A nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL predicts progression to HRPC at 24 months. Predictive factors for failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less include pretreatment PSA, percentage positive biopsy core, Gleason score, serum hemoglobin, stage, and extent of bone metastasis in univariate analysis. Pretreatment PSA (>50 ng/mL) and serum hemoglobin (<12 g/dL) were significant factors to predict failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:  A nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL can predict progression to HRPC after CAB. Pretreatment PSA and serum hemoglobin are significant predictors of failing to achieve a nadir PSA of 1.0 ng/mL or less.
Plant functional trait variation in relation to riparian geomorphology: The importance of disturbance
Authors: KYLE GARRETH , LEISHMAN MICHELLE R.
Published: July 2009

This study examined the patterns of plant functional trait variation in relation to geomorphology, disturbance and a suite of other environmental factors in the riparian margin of the Upper Hunter River, New South Wales, Australia. Vegetation was surveyed on three geomorphic surfaces (point bar, bench and bank) along a 5.5‐km stretch of the Upper Hunter River. Functional traits relating to plant growth and reproduction were collected for the identified species. anova and principal components analysis were used to compare the trait assemblages of species associated with each geomorphic unit. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to investigate trait variation with respect to environmental variables. There were clear differences in the plant functional trait assemblages associated with the three geomorphic units. Generally the point bar was associated with species that were herbaceous, with small seed mass, a short stature and a high specific leaf area (SLA). Conversely, the bench was associated with grasses that had unassisted seed dispersal and intermediate seed mass and SLA, while species on the bank had tall stature, large seed mass, a high SLA and a perennial life cycle. Variation along the primary gradient of plant functional trait composition was most strongly related to disturbance frequency and to a lesser extent soil nutrients and the proportion of clay and silt, while variation along the secondary gradient was associated with variation in substrate texture as well as soil nutrients.
Experimental herbivory of native Australian macrophytes by the introduced Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: DOUPÉ ROBERT G. , KNOTT MATTHEW J. , SCHAFFER JASON , BURROWS DAMIEN W. , LYMBERY ALAN J.
Published: July 2009

This study describes experimental herbivory and detritivory of three common native aquatic macrophyte species by the introduced Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) (Pisces: Cichlidae), and its physiological response to their consumption. There was a highly significant effect of fish herbivory on plant weight for each of the macrophyte species, but this effect was not influenced by any preference for periphyton. Despite the herbivory, there was a highly significant loss of fish body weight across all plant species and weight could only be maintained by supplementary feeding of a high protein fish flake. These results suggest that despite eating these plants, an alternative food resource may be needed for survival and may trigger trophic plasticity in O. mossambicus.
Exhaled carbon monoxide screening for environmental tobacco smoke exposure in preanesthetic children
Authors: DUKELLIS DANIELLE , ZUK JEANNIE , PAN ZHAOXING , MORRISON JOHN E. , FRIESEN ROBERT H.
Published: July 2009

Objective:  Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with an increased risk of perioperative adverse events in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) as a preoperative ETS screening tool in children.

Methods:  Five hundred and one children aged 6–15 years were enrolled. The child’s guardian completed a questionnaire that surveyed environmental exposures to CO and ETS. A preoperative urine sample was obtained from children who assented and were able to void, and urine cotinine values were measured. Exhaled CO was measured using the EC50‐Micro Smokerlyzer® (Bedfont Scientific Ltd, UK).

Results:  Four hundred and fifty‐one subjects completed the study, and urine samples were obtained from 83. 25% of subjects were classified as exposed to ETS based on questionnaire results. Exhaled CO values did not correlate with either the qualitative (questionnaire) or quantitative (urine cotinine) measurements of ETS exposure. Exhaled CO predicted a urine cotinine/creatinine ratio >10 with a sensitivity of 10% and a specificity of 85%.

Conclusion:  Exhaled CO measured by this device is not a useful preoperative screening tool for ETS exposure in children. Because exhaled CO has been used successfully to monitor ETS exposure in adolescents, we believe that its failure in our population is as a result of the limited ability of small children to perform vital capacity maneuvers in order to provide an adequate endtidal sample.
Midazolam as a sole sedative for computed tomography imaging in pediatric patients
Authors: SINGH RANJU , KUMAR NISHANT , VAJIFDAR HOMAY
Published: July 2009

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of i.v. midazolam as a sole agent for sedation in children for computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Materials and Methods:  Prospective clinical trial in which 516 children under ASA classification II–IV (273 boys and 243 girls) in the age group of 6 months to 6 years for elective CT scan were enrolled over a 17‐month period. Patients were administered i.v. midazolam 0.2 mg·kg−1 and further boluses of 0.1 mg·kg−1 (total 0.5 mg·kg−1) if required. Measurements included induction time, efficacy, side effects, complications, and degree of sedation. Sedation was graded on the basis of Ramsay sedation score (RSS) as over sedated (RSS 5–6), adequately sedated (AS, RSS 3–4), under sedated (RSS 1–2), or failed if the procedure could not be completed or another agent had to be administered.

Results:  Of the 516 procedures, 483 brains, 16 chests, and 17 abdomens were scanned with a mean duration of 4.75 ± 1.75 min with a mean dose of 0.212 mg·kg−1 of i.v. midazolam. Four hundred and sixty‐five (90.12%) patients were AS in 5.9 ± 0.7 min while 40 (7.75%) patients required additional boluses. Of these 40 patients, 24 (4.65%) required a single bolus, 12 (2.32%) required two boluses, whereas the remaining four (0.78%) required three boluses. In 11 (2.13%; P < 0.0001) patients, the scan could not be completed satisfactorily. Side effects were seen in 46 (9.11%) patients in the form of desaturation, hiccups (seven patients, 1.38%), and agitation (four patients, 0.79%). Desaturation (SpO2 90–95%) was seen in 35 (6.93%) patients, which was corrected by topical application of oxygen. None of the patients exhibited any complications such as pulmonary aspiration or need to maintain airway. The patients were kept under observation for 1 h after the procedure.

Conclusion:  The level of sedation achieved in children with midazolam 0.2 mg·kg−1 is adequate for imaging with minimal side effects, no airway complications, and fast recovery. It can be recommended as the sole agent for sedation in pediatric patients for CT imaging.
Protein kinase C beta inhibitor prevents diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but not histopathological abnormalities of retina in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rat
Authors: Sasase T. , Morinaga H. , Abe T. , Miyajima K. , Ohta T. , Shinohara M. , Matsushita M. , Kakehashi A.
Published: July 2009

Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat shows severe ocular complications such as tractional retinal detachment. In the present study, effect of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) inhibitor JTT‐010 was evaluated to clarify the involvement of PKCβ in complications of SDT rat. SDT rats were administered JTT‐010 (10 or 50 mg/kg/day) for 48 weeks. SDT rats showed delayed oscillatory potentials in electroretinogram. Delayed motor nerve conduction velocity, decreased coefficients of variation of R–R intervals in electrocardiogram and thermal hypoalgesia were also observed. These functional disorders were prevented by administration of JTT‐010. Abnormal retinal vascular was formed and the optic disc was protruded in SDT rat; however, JTT‐010 did not prevent these hyperglycaemia‐induced retinal abnormalities. These findings indicate that PKCβ is intimately involved in diabetic complications; however, it seems that other factor(s) are primary contributors to histopathological abnormalities in retina. Therefore, PKCβ inhibitors require concurrent administration of antihyperglycaemic drugs to achieve maximum effect on diabetic complications.
Baseline differences in A1C explain apparent differences in efficacy of sitagliptin, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone
Authors: Chapell R. , Gould A. L. , Alexander C. M.
Published: July 2009

Aim: Published studies of patients treated with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone have reported greater reductions in HbA1c (A1C) than studies of patients treated with sitagliptin. However, studies of thiazolidinediones tended to enroll patients with higher baseline A1C levels. This meta‐analysis investigates the relationship between baseline A1C and perceived efficacy of treatment.

Methods: This report describes a Bayesian random effects analysis of 23 published studies. We constructed a random effects model including a factor adjusting for between‐study differences in baseline A1C levels.

Results: The random effects model correctly predicts post‐treatment A1C levels from baseline A1C within a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each of the 23 studies included in the meta‐analysis. After applying the model to adjust for differences in baseline A1C, we found that the difference in efficacy between rosiglitazone and sitagliptin was not significantly different from zero (0.12; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.34). Similarly, no significant differences are observed between the effects of pioglitazone and sitagliptin (0.01; 95% CI −0.21 to 0.22) or between rosiglitazone and pioglitazone (0.11; 95% CI −0.37 to 0.146). When baseline values are omitted from the Bayesian model, the findings suggest that rosiglitazone is superior to pioglitazone or sitagliptin.

Conclusions: These results illustrate the necessity for careful application of appropriate methodology when comparing results of different studies. When between‐study differences in treatment effects are adjusted for baseline differences, then the findings suggest that none of the treatments has an effect that is superior to any of the other treatments.
Effects of insulin glulisine as mono‐ or add‐on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kawamori R. , Iwamoto Y. , Kadowaki T. , Iwasaki M. , Kim S.‐W. , Woo J.‐T. , Baik S.‐H. , Yoon K.‐H.
Published: July 2009

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of insulin glulisine (glulisine) with and without oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD; sulphonylurea or sulphonylurea + biguanide) relative to that of OAD alone in Japanese and Korean patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: In an open, randomized, parallel‐group, comparative, controlled trial, 387 patients were randomized and treated with glulisine + OAD (n = 130), glulisine monotherapy (n = 127) or OAD only (n = 130) for 16 weeks. Glulisine was self‐injected subcutaneously three times daily (0–15 minutes before meals) at a starting dose of ≥0.2 U/kg/day. Patients titrated the glulisine dose to achieve a 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (2h‐PPG) level of 7.1–9.5 mmol/l (128–172 mg/dl) by administering at least one additional unit at each appropriate meal time if the 2h‐PPG level was > 9.5 and < 11.1 mmol/l (> 172 and < 200 mg/dl) and by administering at least two additional units if the 2h‐PPG level was ≥ 11.1 mmol/l (≥ 200 mg/dl). Therapy with OAD was continued at the stable baseline regimen. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to endpoint in the intention‐to‐treat population.

Results: At baseline, therapy with OAD was a sulphonylurea only and a sulphonylurea + a biguanide in approximately 24 and 76% of patients respectively. Both glulisine groups had larger reductions in adjusted mean HbA1c than the OAD‐only group (glulisine + OAD, −2.07%; glulisine monotherapy, −1.25%; OAD only, −0.61%). Superiority of glulisine + OAD and glulisine monotherapy vs. OAD only was shown by differences in adjusted mean HbA1c change from baseline values of −1.46% (p < 0.0001) and −0.64% (p < 0.0001) respectively. Both glulisine groups had better 2h‐PPG control than the OAD‐only group. Mean daily glulisine doses increased from baseline to endpoint (glulisine + OAD, 13.3–22.5 U; glulisine monotherapy, 14.2–38.0 U). The rate of all symptomatic hypoglycaemia events per patient‐year in the entire treatment phase was 11.9 in the glulisine + OAD group, 8.8 in the glulisine monotherapy group and 1.7 in the OAD‐only group. There was only one event of severe hypoglycaemia, which occurred in the glulisine + OAD group. Efficacy and safety were similar in Japanese and Korean subpopulations.

Conclusions: Both glulisine + OAD and glulisine monotherapy were well tolerated and effective for Japanese and Korean patients with T2DM mellitus inadequately controlled by OAD therapy alone.
Sensory structures involved in prey detection on the labial palp of the ant‐hunting beetle Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Giglio Anita , Ferrero Enrico Antonio , Perrotta Enrico , Talarico Federica Fabia , Zetto Brandmayr Tullia
Published: July 2009

Giglio, A., Ferrero E.A., Perrotta, E., Talarico, F.F. and Zetto Brandmayr, T. 2010. Sensory structures involved in prey detection on the labial palp of the ant‐hunting beetle Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 328–334

The ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the labial palps of a myrmecophagous carabid beetle, Siagona europaea, were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Five types of sensilla were identified: three types of sensilla basiconica on the apical sensory area and two types, one sensillum trichodeum and one coeloconicum, on the external palp surface. On morphological grounds, the s. basiconica type 1 were considered as olfactory, the type 2 as gustatory, the type 3 and the s. trichodeum as mechanoreceptive, and the s. coeloconicum as a thermo/hygroreceptor. Their function is discussed in relation to prey detection and habitat adaptations.
A novel real‐time polymerase chain reaction method for high throughput quantification of small regulatory RNAs
Authors: Yang Heping , Schmuke Jon J. , Flagg Lisa M. , Roberts James K. , Allen Ed M. , Ivashuta Sergey , Gilbertson Larry A. , Armstrong Toni A. , Christian Allen T.
Published: July 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are important players of both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional gene silencing networks. In order to investigate the functions of these small regulatory RNAs, a system with high sensitivity and specificity is desperately needed to quantitatively detect their expression levels in cells and tissues. However, their short length of 19–24 nucleotides and strong similarity between related species render most conventional expression analysis methods ineffective. Here we describe a novel primer for small RNA‐specific reverse transcription and a new TaqMan technology‐based real‐time method for quantification of small RNAs. This method is capable of quantifying miRNA and siRNA in the femtomolar range, which is equivalent to ten copies per cell or fewer. The assay has a high dynamic range and provides linear readout of miRNA concentrations that span seven orders of magnitude and allows us to discriminate small RNAs that differ by as little as one nucleotide. Using the new method, we investigated the expression pattern of gma‐miRMON1, a novel miRNA identified from soybean leaves. The results were consistent with our results obtained from Northern blot analysis of gma‐miRMON1 and Affymetrix microarray analysis of the gma‐miRMON1 precursor, suggesting that the new method can be used in transcription profiling.
Tariff Equivalent and Forgone Trade Effects of Prohibitive Technical Barriers to Trade
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Beghin John C.
Published: July 2009

We derive a method to econometrically estimate the tariff equivalent and forgone trade effects of a prohibitive technical barrier to trade (TBT) based on Wales and Woodland's Kuhn–Tucker approach to corner solutions in consumer choice. The method overcomes the lack of observed data on bilateral trade flows and accounts for differentiated goods by place of origin. We apply the derived random utility model to international trade in apples to identify the tariff equivalent of prohibitive phytosanitary barriers imposed by Australia on potential imports of New Zealand apples. We estimate the forgone apple trade between the two countries, the implied trade injury imposed by Australia on New Zealand, and the welfare loss to Australia. The removal of the Australian policy would induce net welfare gains around US$50 million annually for Australia.
The Indirect Land Use Impacts of United States Biofuel Policies: The Importance of Acreage, Yield, and Bilateral Trade Responses
Authors: Keeney Roman , Hertel Thomas W.
Published: July 2009

Recent analysis has highlighted agricultural land conversion as a significant debit in the greenhouse gas accounting of ethanol as an alternative fuel. A controversial element of this debate is the role of crop yield growth as a means of avoiding cropland conversion in the face of biofuels growth. We find that standard assumptions of yield response are unduly restrictive. Furthermore, we identify both the acreage response and bilateral trade specifications as critical considerations for predicting global land use change. Sensitivity analysis reveals that each of these contributes importantly to parametric uncertainty.
A Cautionary Note on Designing Discrete Choice Experiments: A Comment on Lusk and Norwood's “Effect of Experiment Design on Choice‐Based Conjoint Valuation Estimates”
Authors: Carson Richard T. , Louviere Jordan J. , Wasi Nada
Published: July 2009

Recent Monte Carlo work on choosing experimental designs for discrete choice experiments seemed to greatly simplify this choice for applied researchers. It suggested that (a) commonly used designs can generate unbiased estimates for indirect utility function specifications with main effects only and main effects plus higher order terms, and (b) random designs are more efficient than main effects designs. We show that these results are very specific to the particular indirect utility specifications studied and do not generalize well. We further show that conclusions drawn concerning random designs are problematic and potentially dangerous for applied researchers.
Credit Market Imperfections and the Distribution of Policy Rents
Authors: Ciaian Pavel , Swinnen Johan F.M.
Published: July 2009

This article shows that credit market imperfections have important implications for the distribution of policy rents. In a model with land as fixed factor and credit market imperfections, when an area payment is given, land rents go up by more than the subsidy. On aggregate farms may lose from the subsidy. The results depend on the extent to which subsidies have direct and indirect effects on the credit constraints, on whether farms rent or own land, and on farm heterogeneity.
On the Collapse of Historical Civilizations
Authors: Good David H. , Reuveny Rafael
Published: July 2009

To explain the collapse of historical civilizations, scholars typically point to suboptimal behaviors including misunderstanding the natural environment, shortsightedness, or a lack of institutions. We examine the collapse of four historical societies with a model of endogenous population growth and renewable resources employing components of optimal resource management, economic growth theory, and the moral philosophy of social welfare function choice. We find that these collapses may have been socially optimal. Further, we show that the transient behavior of the system is more sensitive to assumptions than the equilibrium behavior and that focusing solely on equilibria may miss key insights.
Riparian Buffers and Hedonic Prices: A Quasi‐Experimental Analysis of Residential Property Values in the Neuse River Basin
Authors: Bin Okmyung , Landry Craig E. , Meyer Gregory F.
Published: July 2009

Riparian buffers, the strips of vegetation along banks of rivers and streams, have been proposed as a key instrument to protect water quality in the United States. Riparian buffers impose a restriction on the use of private property limiting harvest and development, but buffers can also provide for aesthetic and recreational benefits that may accrue to property owners. With data from the Neuse River Basin in North Carolina, this study attempts to provide empirical evidence on the effect of a mandatory buffer rule on the value of riparian properties. Spatial autoregressive hedonic models are estimated within a quasi‐experimental framework using the imposition of the buffer rule as the treatment and nonriparian properties as a control group. Results indicate that a riparian property generally commands a high premium. We find no evidence, however, that the mandatory buffer rule has had a significant impact on riparian property values when compared with the control group.
Does Production Labeling Stigmatize Conventional Milk?
Authors: Kanter Christopher , Messer Kent D. , Kaiser Harry M.
Published: July 2009

Production labeling is a common approach for differentiating otherwise similar products in the marketplace. While these labels may convey positive messages to consumers about the new product, they may simultaneously stigmatize the conventionally produced product by highlighting perceived problems. The net economic result for producers can be negative since consumers may decrease their willingness to pay for the conventional product that dominates the market, while the new product has a relatively small market share. This experimental research identifies this stigma effect in the case of milk, where the introduction of rBST‐free and organic milk reduces consumers’ willingness to purchase conventional milk.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Asian Citrus Canker Risks: Implications for Insurance and Indemnification Fund Models
Authors: Goodwin Barry K. , Piggott Nicholas E.
Published: July 2009

Asiatic citrus canker is a disease that poses a significant hazard to commercial citrus production. This article examines spatiotemporal models of the risks of citrus canker transmission. Models evaluate risks and are used to price annual contracts, which would pay producers a prespecified indemnity in the event that their grove is found to be infected with canker. Implications for risk management policy are discussed.
Evaluating the teaching and learning experience for the child with dyslexia in special and mainstream settings in Ireland
Authors: McPHILLIPS THÉRÈSE , SHEVLIN MICHAEL
Published: July 2009

This study examines and evaluates special provision for pupils with dyslexia in three different settings: reading schools, reading units and mainstream support. The research focused on the teaching and learning context for pupils with dyslexia, the support teacher, the mainstream teacher and the experience of the student. The main participants were teachers and tutors supporting pupils with dyslexia, and the parents of these children. Survey methods included questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews and quantitative data on pupils' reading attainment. In addition, a total of six schools, two representing each model of support, were selected as case studies. This article reports part of a larger survey, which evaluated the effectiveness of three models of special provision for children with dyslexia in primary school. The study shows that there are academic and social benefits for the child with dyslexia who is enrolled in a special setting. However, placement in a reading school or reading unit per se does not guarantee that a child will ‘catch up’ with his or her peers. The findings reported a similarity in the methods and practices teachers use in both mainstream and special settings. The discussion suggests that if teachers are to ‘catch them before they fall’ there are serious questions that must be asked about how we are teaching basic literacy skills. The findings suggest an urgent need for a more balanced approach to teaching reading and writing.
Exploring support for dyslexic adults in the English workforce: lessons learnt from the story of an adult dyslexia group
Authors: BELL SHEENA
Published: July 2009

Dyslexia support is likely to be in place for students within educational establishments in England. However, there are a significant number of adults with dyslexia in the English workplace who are no longer involved in education and for whom ongoing support is necessary to enable them to reach their potential in a world of increasing literacy demands. Legislation has led to significant moves towards inclusion in the English workplace, but there has been a lack of public recognition of the concerns and needs articulated by adults with this invisible disability. The formation of local voluntary groups provides one model of support for adults with dyslexia. This article examines the setting up of one such group and highlights issues involved in this process. The nature of the group structure and the support offered is discussed, including its impact on the individuals concerned. Finally, the author makes recommendations for stakeholders in the inclusion of adults with dyslexia.
What pedagogical approaches can effectively include children with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms? A systematic literature review
Authors: RIX JONATHAN , HALL KATHY , NIND MELANIE , SHEEHY KIERON , WEARMOUTH JANICE
Published: July 2009

This article reports on a three‐year systematic literature review funded by the UK Training and Development Agency for Schools. In order to begin to answer the question posed by the title of this article, the researchers systematically reviewed the literature with reported outcomes for the academic and social inclusion of pupils with special educational needs. This review process led to a focus upon peer‐group interactions, the nature of teacher and pupil interactions and whole‐class, subject‐based pedagogies. This series of reviews highlights that within the complexities of a diverse mainstream classroom teachers' effectiveness is strongly influenced by their recognition of their responsibility for all learners and the centrality of social interaction to learning, as well as having a shared understanding of characteristics, skills and knowledge associated with a subject. It is also strongly influenced by a facility to plan for and to encourage participation in a communal learning experience through flexible groupings and roles, offering diverse opportunities to engage with concepts and practices using activities the learner finds meaningful. Effective practices are not about the teacher alone, but are rooted in the community of learners – including other practitioners – with whom they work.
The longer‐term effects of reading interventions delivered by experienced teaching assistants
Authors: SAVAGE ROBERT , CARLESS SUE , ERTEN OZLEM
Published: July 2009

This study explored the responsiveness of children at risk of reading problems in Year 1 to a phonics intervention delivered by teaching assistants (TAs). Based on their non‐word decoding skills in the immediate post‐tests, 74 children were clustered together at the high end as ‘treatment responders’ (n = 49) and at the low end as ‘treatment non‐responders’ (n = 25) and were followed up at the end of Key Stage 1, 16 months after the intervention finished. The treatment‐responder group was superior in all areas of rated attainment and, unlike the non‐responders, achieved national averages in most teacher ratings of attainment. These results suggest that experienced TAs can help two out of three children at risk of reading difficulties.
To the student whom it may concern
Authors: KLEIN STEPHANIE
Published: July 2009

In this short piece Stephanie Klein, a final‐year teacher trainee at a college in the USA, talks about dyslexia as seen through the context of her family experience. She provides a highly personal and uplifting account, which accentuates that there is a range of straightforward strategies which students can invoke to address their learning difficulties.
Sluder's neuralgia: A trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia?
Authors: Oomen KPQ , van Wijck AJM , Hordijk GJ , de Ru JA
Published: July 2009

The objective was to formulate distinctive criteria to substantiate our opinion that Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache are two different clinical entities. A systematic review was carried out of all available, original literature on Sluder's neuralgia. Pain characteristics, periodicity and associated signs and symptoms were studied and listed according to frequency of appearance. Eleven articles on Sluder's neuralgia were evaluated. Several differences between Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache became evident. Based on described symptoms, new criteria for Sluder's neuralgia could be formulated. Sluder's neuralgia and cluster headache could possibly be regarded as two different headache syndromes, and Sluder's neuralgia could be a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia.
Differences in Chinese diagnoses for migraine and tension-type headache: An analysis of the German acupuncture trials (GERAC) for headache
Authors: Böwing G , Zhou J , Endres HG , Coeytaux RR , Diener HC , Molsberger AF
Published: July 2009

A growing number of clinical trials are testing Chinese acupuncture in the management of headache disorders. Little is known, however, about the relationship between International Headache Society diagnostic criteria and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis in primary headache disorders. We conducted a secondary analysis of the data of the prospective, controlled, blinded German acupuncture trials for migraine and tension-type headache. Data were collected from 1042 headache patients, of whom 633 were diagnosed with migraine and 409 with tension-type headache. We found that the diagnoses of migraine and tension-type headache were mirrored by different patterns of TCM diagnoses, with the patterns Liver Yang Rising, Liver Fire Rising, and Phlegm appearing to be best suited to differentiating between migraine and tension-type headache. Although not unexpected, given that the diagnosis of primary headache disorders in both diagnostic systems is based largely on the nature and quality of patient-reported symptoms, this finding suggests that migraine and tension-type headache are associated with different patterns of TCM diagnosis.
Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with rhomboid flap
Authors: Topgül K
Published: July 2009

In this review, we summarized the general characteristics of pilonidal sinus disease and details of rhomboid flap (RF) technique used in its treatment, and discussed the results of RF methods and its comparison with other techniques, principally with flap technique available in the literature. When performed studies are examined, RF technique has come into prominence nowadays with low recurrence and infection rates, and with a comfortable surgical technique. Recently, it has been anticipated that with the modification of this technique, the recurrence rate would be lower.
Effects of mechanical massage, manual lymphatic drainage and connective tissue manipulation techniques on fat mass in women with cellulite
Authors: Bayrakci Tunay V. , Akbayrak T. , Bakar Y. , Kayihan H. , Ergun N.
Published: July 2009

Objective  To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three different noninvasive treatment techniques onfat mass and regional fat thickness of the patients with cellulites.

Methods  Sixty subjects were randomized into three groups. Group 1 (n= 20) treated with mechanical massage (MM), group 2 (n= 20) treated with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and group 3 (n= 20) treated with connective tissue manipulation (CTM) techniques. Subjects were evaluated by using standardized photographs, body composition analyzer (TBF 300) (body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat %, fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), total body water (TBW)), circumference measurement from thigh, waist‐hip ratio (WHR), fat thickness measurements from abdomen, suprailium and thigh regions with skin fold caliper.

Results  All groups had an improvement in thinning of the subcutaneous fat after the treatment (P < 0.05). Thigh circumference decreased by an average of 0.5 cm in all groups and thigh fat thickness decreased 1.66 mm in Group 1, 2.21 mm in Group 2 and 3.03 mm in Group 3. Abdomen and suprailium fat thicknesses decreased 2.4 and 2.58 mm in Group 1, 1.78 and 2 mm in Group 2 and 1.23 and 0.64 mm in Group 3, respectively. The mean difference in waist‐hip ratio was 0.1 cm in all groups.

Conclusion  All the treatment techniques are effective in decreasing the regional fat values of the patients with cellulites.
Evaluation of sun awareness with an emphasis on ultraviolet protection by clothing: A survey of adults in Western Germany
Authors: Gambichler T , Dissel M , Altmeyer P , Rotterdam S
Published: July 2009

Background  Little is known about the sun habits of the population in Germany.

Objective  We aimed to assess the sun awareness and notion on ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection by fabrics in adult subjects from North Rhine‐Westphalia in Germany.

Methods  During regular skin cancer screening campaigns, 1206 subjects completed and returned a structured questionnaire on constitutional parameters and the respondents’ sun habits.

Results  Staying in the shade and the use of high‐factor sunscreens are the most commonly performed sun‐protective measures reported by the respondents. Males and lower‐educated people use clothing in conjunction with sunscreens more infrequently. Most respondents, particularly females, know that sun protection provided by clothing is variable. However, the elderly more frequently consider sun protection by clothing as excellent. Notably, more than two‐thirds of the respondents would prefer clothing with a labelled ultraviolet protection factor. The respondents of this survey mainly considered baby wear, children wear, and leisure wear for sun‐protective clothing, whereby light‐weighted, breathable, natural fabrics preferably made of cotton and linen were the most frequently reported protective textiles.

Conclusions  Given the lack of epidemiological observations on people's sun habits and protection in Germany, the present relatively large survey provides useful information and implications for counselling in sun protection and marketing of UV‐protective clothing.
The changes in the dominance hierarchy over time of a complete field‐captured colony of Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus
Authors: Rosenthal C. M. , Bennett N. C. , Jarvis J. U. M.
Published: July 2009

The common mole‐rat, Cryptomys h. hottentotus, is a social subterranean rodent occurring in colonies in which one female and one to three males are involved in reproduction and the remaining colony members are non‐reproductive. Within each sex the reproductive animals are usually the largest and most dominant animals.

The dominance hierarchy amongst a field‐captured colony was linear (h = 0.95, calculated from Landau's linearity index) soon after capture. The non‐reproductive females were ranked low in the dominance hierarchy; many were subordinate to non‐reproductive males. The order of capture of mole‐rats was not related to the position in the dominance hierarchy. The hierarchy became non‐linear (h = 0.56) after six months in captivity during which two juvenile animals became adult. The breakdown in the hierarchy may result from the lack of opportunity in captivity for animals to disperse and establish satellite colonies, or from colony members becoming co‐dominant in the hierarchy as a result of a rise in rank by young animals.

Dominant mole‐rats are involved in a greater proportion of interactive behaviours than subordinates. Popularity studies show that females tend to be more popular animals than males. The largest reproductive male was the least popular animal in the first study, whereas a beta male was the least popular animal in the second study period. The reproductive female was the most popular in both periods.